Connacht Gold and Bord Bia Aim to get Ireland Growing for Gold
With food prices on the rise, 66% of Irish people have said that they would consider starting their own vegetable garden. However, 30% admitted that they just wouldn’t know where to begin. The results came out of a survey undertaken by Connacht Gold who, with Bord Bia, are hoping to remedy that statistic with their second annual ‘It’s Garden Time!’ event on Sunday, 17th April.
The theme of this year’s free event in Ballina is ‘Growing for Gold’ and a host of experts, including RTE’s Dermot O’Neill, will be on hand to give people expert gardening advice from growing their own veg to bringing their gardens back to life after the long winter. Ciaran Burke of The Garden School in Ballaghaderreen will also be giving talks, while Connacht Gold’s top horticulturalists will be on hand throughout the afternoon to answer questions.
“I have people coming to me all the time looking to see how they should go about starting their own vegetable patch,” said Ciaran Burke of The Garden School. “What really surprises them is how easy, cost effective and how enjoyable the process is. You can start to see the results of your work within ten weeks and you can be harvesting and eating your own vegetables in just two to three months. It’s not too late to get started and with the soil warming up now we have perfect sowing conditions.”
The event is open to seasoned and beginner gardeners alike and with Connacht Gold’s survey also showing that 63% of people would take up gardening if they knew how to get started, it could be the perfect time for the less intrepid gardeners of Ireland to find their green fingers!
“We’re delighted to be bringing our ‘It’s Garden Time’ event to Mayo,” said Anita McNicolas, garden centre manager at Connacht Gold’s Ballina store. “We held the first one with Bord Bia in Sligo last year and it was hugely popular so we’re bracing ourselves for a big turnout in Ballina next week.
“88% of people in our survey admitted to neglecting their garden over the winter and 76% agreed Easter is a good time to get gardening so there’s no excuse! People will have access to some really top class gardening experts so hopefully we can inspire people and help them with any questions they have.”
‘It’s Garden Time-Growing for Gold’ is taking place on Sunday, 17th April in the Hotel Ballina, Co. Mayo and runs from 1.00pm-6.00pm. It is free of charge and refreshments will be served.
