Some further information below as a summer update to follow up to the Green Club’s Climate XChange event in February.
CLONTARF GIY - Grow it Yourself
Our first GIY event was a great learning experience and exchange of ideas evening with free Jerusalem artichoke roots. We discussed topics including how to start growing, the importance of ivy and dandelions for bees, growing beetroot, how to create a raised bed and using a 4-bed rotation system, using ice cube containers to store herbs, to mow or not to mow, our perception of what is a beautiful garden, seed sharing and how to eliminate slugs successfully. We had a mix of people who wanted to start growing and some experienced gardeners.
In May, Anne Marie gave us a demonstration on pricking out plants and shared some self-pollinating cabbage. In June we learned why some onions bolt just after the summer solstice (the 21st June). Advice is to leave planting new onions until early July. We learned that F1 seeds (eg. most supermarket tomatoes) will grow different from the original plant and therefore are not suitable for seed saving.
We continue to welcome drop-ins, watch videos, share stories on gardening/biodiversity issues, share plants, and give and receive tips and advice. Our meetings continue to inspire us to create community. See below some of our plants.
Our next meeting is on Monday 12th August at 8.15pm at the Clubhouse. Future dates are 9th September and 7th October 2024. All are welcome (you don't need to be a member of Clontarf GAA) you can drop into any of these evenings but do let us know if you are coming at GIYclontarf@gmail.com.
Thank you John and Anne Marie, in particular for sharing your knowledge with us!
BULL ISLAND FLORA AND FAUNA WALK WITH PRIONSIAS MAC BHEATHA
Another big thank you to Proinsias Mac Bheatha for hosting this walk on Saturday 25th May. A beautiful day albeit windy. We saw several orchids including the pyramid. Some flowers go to extraordinary lengths to attract pollinators. Bee orchids (are rare) mimic the shape and scent of bees to lure them into ‘pseudocopulation’, where the male insect attempts to mate with the flower.
BIODIVERSITY WALK in ST. ANNE'S with MARY TUBRIDY, Environmental Consultant
A big thank you to Mary who kindly hosted a biodiversity walk in St. Anne’s on Sunday 19th May. We had a beautiful sunny day . We discussed many aspects of biodiversity including how to increase biodiversity in the Park and in our gardens, grasslands, wetlands, the importance of ponds and various aspects of Brent Geese.
Any questions or suggestions, please contact the Green Club Committee at greenclub@clontarfgaa.com.