Thirty years of Drumeela Garden Club
Drumeela Garden Club celebrated its 30-year anniversary with a gathering in the Cornmill Theatre with award-winning gardeners.
The night “went off very well” according to committee member Vera Kiernan, who added that “people were very happy”. The night was curated with gardeners in mind, with a wonderful line-up of speakers and raffle prizes. Award winning garden designer Leonie Cornelius, who was also a gold medal winner at this year's Bloom festival, shared her expertise with those gathered in Carrigallen's theatre. For those who entered the raffle, one lucky prize winner received an online consultation with Leonie. The consultation is worth €500; however, this prize is invaluable to the lucky winner who can admire their garden for a lifetime. Luxury flower arrangements and other great prizes were also received on the night.
Attendees were also treated to an expert flower demonstration by Timothy Elliott of Manor Gardens in Lisnaskea, a talk greatly received at this time of year when floral arrangements are very popular.
Drumeela Garden Club has around 50 members who come and go to their monthly meets as they please. There is no pressure within the group, which is why it has proven to be so popular. Committee members organise a range of talks, events and activities annually, such as wreath making, basket weaving and Christmas arrangement demonstrations. They also welcome several guest speakers who share advice on growing flowers and vegetables. Members also share ideas, tips and tricks among themselves each night they meet, and they also have a flower exchange where members “try to grow” the very best to pass on to a fellow member.
Why is the club so popular? Vera says the “company” and the opportunity to “meet and greet” with people in the community who you may not see regularly is why so many people turn out each month. The love of gardening also brings people out in numbers. At this time of year in particular, past members of the group who have passed away are fondly remembered, whom Vera knows would be “very proud” to see the club reach its 30-year anniversary.
The group meets at Teach Duchais in Drumeela on the second Wednesday of every month, where new members are always welcome.