President Michael D Higgins has opened the five-day Bloom gardening and food festival in Dublin.
Mr Higgins described the festival as "a celebration of contemporary Irish creativity, ingenuity and innovation."
Up to 90,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is now in its sixth year.
Organised by Bord Bia, it is held on a 70-acre site on the grounds of the visitor centre at the Phoenix Park.
The Bloom festival is one of the most successful innovations of recent years.
This year there are 27 show gardens, 100 Irish food and drink displays, 40 nurseries and 25 cookery demonstrations. Walking space has been expanded and more seating space has been provided.
Organisers say the pavilion (at 1.5 acres in size) is the largest marquee ever built in the park.
The award for the best overall large garden went to Co Meath designer Jane McCorkell, from Kilsallaghan. It is her second time to win the prize.
