Making a start on gravel!
The National Learning Network Horticulture crew, working towards their Level 5 in Horticulture are helping renowned organic gardener Paddy McCartney re-open his acclaimed garden to the public.
Paddy is a well respected figure in organic horticulture in Inishowen, being involved in organic farming and gardening for a lifetime. Paddys garden was for many years an inspirational venue for school and community groups to learn about biodiversity, food production and nature, but due to illness in Paddys family the garden had taken a back-seat. So the NLN crew, offered Paddy some help to get his garden back open to the public. This offer came about after a fantastic visit the students had to the garden, where Paddy gave the group so many ideas on fruit and vegetable growing that the guys felt they needed to repay Paddy!
This week we tackled the wildlife pond, relaid a gravel path, and planted some gravel loving plants around the house!
Gareth Austin is a Community focused Horticulturist based in Derry-Londonderry and voice of Gardening on the Mark Patterson Show on BBC Radio Foyle. Gareth specialises in Community horticulture, offering a wide range of events, programmes and acitivity on engaging people in the exciting world of Horticulture. Gareth lectures in Horticulture in the North West Regional College and offers school horticulture programs through the Western Education + Library Board. Gareth is passionate about changing land-use to a more positive use, urban food production and showcasing the flora of county Derry through the City of Horti-Culture programme of events.
