Events at The Secret Garden
Throughout the year we hold talks, demonstrations, courses and events such as our Christmas and Spring Markets.
Our new building the T Room, will serve as a classroom offering a comfortable and inspiring space for talks and classes with speakers from in house as well as from external agencies.. The development of the kitchen garden including an additional poly-tunnel and raised beds means that a range of practical hands-on courses can be offered to gardeners of all abilities. We can offer tailor made classes to groups such as schools or community groups, allowing them to take advantage of the therapeutic effect of gardening.
This project was part funded through Leader funding with support from IRD Duhallow.
Growing Your Own- Vegetables Workshop Saturday 20th March 2010 10-2.00pm
Do you want to grow your own but don't know how to get started? Come on this workshop and learn how to sow, grow and harvest your own fruit and veg with minimal input. With both theory and practical aspects catered for you'll have the growing bug in no time! This workshop is being presented by Sinead from Dromcollogher Organic College. The workshop will include a practical element so please wear suitable clothing. €30 which includes course material, refreshments and a light lunch (please specify if you have any dietary requirements)
Organic Vegetable Growing- Question and answer session Saturday 20th March 2010 3.00-4.00pm
An opportunity to ask Sinead from Dromcollogher Organic College any questions about growing vegetables organically. (free admission)Why is it important to rotate my vegetable crops each season?What kind of soil is best for growing vegetables in? What is meant by N P K and `trace elements` when talking about fertilisers?
There is no charge for this event.
Easter Flower Arranging Wednesday 31st March 2010 8-10pm
For Easter why not come and join us and make your own Easter Flower arrangement to take home. The workshop is priced at €30 and includes all your materials, and refreshments. It promises to be a relaxed evening with good music and company.
‘A Complete Introduction to Gardening’
A comprehensive course comprising of fourteen sessions, which can be taken individually or as a complete course. Individual classes are charged at €10 each or the complete course of 14 costs €125.
1. Basic Gardening Skills.This will cover basic knowledge including terminology, basic plant biology, tools, soil, compost, feeds etc. (Thursday 1st October 7.30pm.)
2. Growing from seed and cuttings. How to add to your garden without spending a fortune.( Thursday 8th October 7.30pm)
3. Using bulbs – how to choose and plants bulbs, both in the garden and in pots. (Thursday 15th October 7.30pm)
4. Trees & Shrubs. How to choose the structural plants for your garden, planting, plus an introduction to choice plants. (Thursday 12th November 7.30pm)
5. Growing Fruit. Covering fruit trees, bushes, rhubarb, strawberries etc. (Thursday 26th November)
6. The Gardener’s year – how to manage your garden season by season. This would cover essential jobs for each season, such as pruning, planting, garden maintenance. ( Thursday 3rd December 7.30pm)
7. Planning your garden. Where to start! Whether it’s designing a bed or a an entire garden, the same basic design rules apply. (Thursday 4th February 2010 7.30pm)
8. Gardening & the environment. How to garden with wildlife and the environment, and to create your own little back garden sanctuary. Covers encouraging birds, bees & butterflies, and avoiding using herbicides and pesticides. Will include topics such as recycling and composting. (Thursday 11th February 2010 7.30pm)
9. Pruning. How, why and when! Plus the tools you need and basic safety. (Thursday 18th February 7.30pm)
10. Pest ,Disease & Weeds. How to prevent and spot potential problems, and deal with them as organically as possible. How to identify weeds & keep them under control. (Thursday 4th March 7.30pm)
11. Salads & Herbs. How to provide yourself with a year round supply of salads& herbs. Will cover raised beds and growing under cover.(Thursday 18th March 7.30pm)
12. Growing Veg. A basic introduction to growing vegetables year round. (Thursday 25th March 7.30pm & Saturday 27th March 10.30-12.30pm)
13. Container Gardening – how to grow anything in a container – from bedding to a tree. Choosing the right pot and soil for the plant and then looking after it. (Thursday 15th April 7.30pm)
14. Colour in the garden – using perennials, annuals & bulbs. (Thursday 22nd April 7.30pm)
Each class lasts for two hours, and the price includes refreshments & handouts. Classes will only go ahead once minimum numbers confirmed.
