Horticultural Tutor, Des Farrell, at Coláiste Dúlaigh’s potting shed, Kilbarrack, North Dublin, beside the heated seedbed bringing on pepper and tomato seeds.
Took a train to Howth Junction the other day at the invitation of theTook a train to Howth Junction the other day at the invitation of the Fetac 4 and Fetac 5 horticultural students in Coláiste Dúlaigh in nearby Kilbarrack. Was shown around the growing areas outside and inside. A recycled polytunnel has the plastic buried in the soil at each side. The rainwater keeps the borders immediately outside the borders well watered. The students have planted rhubarb crowns along the edges of the polytunnel outside to take advantage of the rain running off the sides of the polytunnel.
The focus of the course is two-fold. First, learning to grow plants well, especially food. Secondly, growing to make a few bob, and maybe even a job in due course. Last autumn, students were encouraged to buy bulbs and plant them in attractive containers. These are now growing in to attractive displays, adding value to a product, which can hopefully be sold as colourful and aromatic presents for the customers.
A number of the students have bought the book ‘Trevor’s Kitchen Garden’ in bookshops or from www.orpenpress.com. I look forward to keeping in touch.
Trevor is co-founder and was, until his appointment to Government, a board member of Sonairte, the Irish National Ecology Centre, near Julianstown, County Meath which is an Agricultural Training and Visitor centre with a 2.2 acre walled organic garden. He is also a member of Amnesty International, the Dublin Food Co-op, the Irish Organic Farmers’ and Growers’ Association, Organic Trust and a former member of Macra na Feirme. A former teacher and fluent Irish speaker, he relaxes by reading, walking and playing music. His favourite form of relaxation is tending to his prolific organic garden at home in Balbriggan, North County Dublin, an area known by many as Fingal.
Source: Trevor’s Kitchen Garden – Visit to Colaiste Dulaigh, Kilbarrack, Dublin, Gives Hope for the Future
