Bloomin' lovely garden at Cork ARC

A garden designed by award-winning gardener Benny Magennis is to serve as a reminder that through education and proactive measures, we can work towards a future with less fear surrounding cancer.

The ‘Early Bird Catches the Worm' show garden will move to a permanent home at Cork ARC House where it will serve as a community stronghold. Cork ARC House provides support services to those with a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones.

The 'Early Bird Catches the Worm' garden was launched at Bord Bia Bloom 2025 and represents a collaboration between the Marie Keating Foundation, AstraZeneca Ireland and Gilead Sciences Ireland, who are united in their mission to combat cancer through widespread awareness. Inspired by the idiom ‘the early bird catches the worm’, the garden features a large wooden birdhouse, created to emphasise the critical importance of early cancer detection and raise awareness of cancer prevention.

Benny explains why this garden is particularly meaningful: “The Marie Keating Foundation provides such vital support supports to those on a cancer journey, and this was at the forefront of my mind when designing and developing the garden. I wanted it to reflect the key messages around education and awareness, while also creating a space that fosters a sense of community.

“Like so many families in Ireland, my own has been deeply affected by cancer. I’ve witnessed firsthand how it impacts not only the individual but also their loved ones. That personal experience inspired me to design a space that highlights the importance of caring for one another, offering support, and finding strength and peace during difficult times.

“These themes are woven throughout the garden – from the birdhouse symbolising the importance of early detection, to the planting scheme that represents Ireland’s five most common cancers: breast, skin, lung, bowel, and prostate.”

Every element of the garden works together to highlight the importance of healthy lifestyle choices that reduce cancer risk. The sheltered area beneath the birdhouse promotes sun safety awareness, while the vegetable patch represents the significance of nutrition. The paths encourage people to engage in outdoor activities as part of a healthy lifestyle and the seating area symbolises the community support provided by the Marie Keating Foundation for those on a cancer journey.

Jim Sheehan from Fermoy, who was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2010, has shared his story to support the Marie Keating Foundation.

“I had just turned 40 and getting cancer was something that had never even crossed my mind. My family had noticed changes on my skin, but I brushed them off for a while, before eventually going to the doctor when I noticed moles on my arms on back. That decision saved my life.”

He continued: “I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and had to have multiple surgeries over a three-month period. 25 years later, I’m extremely grateful to be able to tell my story - but I know it could have been a very different outcome had I not gotten checked. I can’t over emphasise the importance of early detection and I encourage people to please go to their doctor if they have any suspicion of changes on their skin. It’s also so important to be aware of how you can best protect yourself and your skin.”