A blossoming of gardening knowledge and friendships
A combination of knowledge sharing and friendship has seen Ballinagh Gardening Group stand the test of time. Typically meeting on the first Monday of each month, they gather to listen to guest speakers, and share seeds, plants, and ideas.
With 35 years of monthly meetings, group outings, and competitions under their belts, the popular group shows no sign of wilting.
Some of the group, such as gardening stalwart Tommy Sheridan and treasurer Audrey Foster have been there since its formation in Ballinagh Community Centre. Long-standing chairperson Heather Pickens has been a big part of its success, as has assistant treasurer Isabel Lord who has been involved for maybe 20 of those years.
“I enjoy listening to people talking about gardening,” says Isabel of what keeps her coming back. “Every speaker has a little gem of information.”
“The social element is a big thing too - we have tea and biscuits at the end.”
A high point of each monthly meeting is the raffle organised by Mary Swailes where those attending could go away with a gardening themed prize.
Accessibility issues at their traditional base saw them transplanted a few miles to Ballintemple Parochial Hall in recent years, but with strong roots they have continued to thrive in their new home. Their pulling power extends far beyond Ballinagh and Ballintemple, as they draw members from Cavan Town, Killeshandra, Kilnaleck, Milltown.
Due to holidays and gardening pressures the group take July and August off from meeting, but they resume with the highlight of the year - the annual show.
“We are aware that by the beginning of September we will be required to appear with at least a bunch of roses or something. The competition is a big thing in encouraging us all to try a bit harder,” says Isabel. Given the calibre of gardeners within the group, to claim any prize truly is a great achievement.
“When you come back there’s a great sense of pride when you see a little rosette stuck to your vegetables or flowers,” says Isabel.
They advocate a natural approach to gardening.
“There would be an encouragement to keep your gardening as organic as you can - most of the speakers would encourage organic fertilisers and we would have talks about using nettles and comfrey to make your own fertilisers for the garden.”
Will the club be here in another 35 year’s time?
“I would be hopeful that we will,” Isabel says adding, “We’re always looking for new committee members and younger people.”
With special thanks to our partners and sponsors in these awards - Mannok, Kingspan, Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods, Cavan Crystal Hotel, Dovida, Kyte Powertech, CICS Silo Clean and Joe Rowley Windows