Spraoi agus Spórt has launched a thriving series of Summer Growing Workshops at the newly renovated Carndonagh Nursery & Garden Centre, drawing 31 attendees from Inishowen and surrounding areas.
The three-part workshop series, expertly guided by horticulturist Dr. Kate O’Callaghan, empowered adults with practical skills for cultivating their own food and plants. Topics covered ranged from seed sowing and seedling nurturing to plant cutting techniques.
Funding from Community Foundation Ireland, as part of their support for Community Awareness Activities under the Biodiversity Action Plan, made these workshops possible.
Participants from Carndonagh, Buncrana, Muff, Culdaff, Derry, and Belfast gathered in the vibrant atmosphere of the garden centre to learn, share knowledge, and cultivate their gardening skills.
The sessions also provided attendees with the opportunity to take home propagated plants and open-pollinated herbs and vegetables, contributing to increased biodiversity in local gardens.
Participant Kate McCaul enthusiastically stated, “Kate’s delivery of the workshop was top class – so informative and useful tips, also a social meet-up.” Another participant commented, “Very hands-on learning, well explained – I loved being able to reproduce plants.”
The workshops also generated considerable interest in future sessions focusing on topics like soil health, composting, seed saving, fruit tree care, and disease management. A community garden visit is currently being organized for August to maintain momentum and capitalize on the local eagerness for growing.
Carlene Lyttle, Operations Manager with Spraoi agus Spórt, commented on the workshops, “When we took over the Nursery and Garden Centre at the end of last year, our goal was to educate more people on growing their own plants and food. These workshops provided us with the perfect opportunity to achieve that and welcome the community to the Nursery and Garden Centre.”
She further added, “We extend our gratitude to Dr. Kate O’Callaghan, Community Foundation Ireland, and all participants for contributing to the resounding success of the series. For further details about upcoming events, please contact Spraoi agus Spórt on 0749373303 or email garden@spraoiagussport.ie.”
Summer growing workshops bloom in Carndonagh was last modified: July 18th, 2025 by
Tags:
