Green Flag success for Julianstown community garden
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Pat Kierans watering the flowers in Julianstown.Image 3 of 4
Pat Kierans, Aisling Monahan, Niamh Ui Loinsigh, Thomas Hughes, Ann Hanley, Jackie O’Shea, Kevin Mullen, David Monahan, Leo Monahan and Eileen McCullough celebrate the Green Flag for the Julianstown Community Garden.Image 4 of 4
A voluntary group in Julianstown has been awarded a Green Flag for their community garden.
It is the second year in a row that Julianstown and District Community Association has been successful in getting Green Flag Status for the garden that was part funded by Meath County Council under the Agenda 21 scheme along with the Julianstown community group.
Chairperson Niamh Bn. Uí Loinsigh says it was a joint effort. She said:
“We would like to thank all our volunteers who have made this possible, coming along every week weeding, trimming, planting and then of course the social side of having a cuppa afterwards.
“I would also like to thank Kevin and Andrew who are on the local East Coast Community Development Employment scheme, together with Victor who is on a Tús Scheme who keep the grass mowed and hedges in check.
“It has been very difficult this year with the Covid-19 pandemic, but would have to say that the garden is looking very well and has been a wonderful space for parents and children.
“We had a beautiful new bespoke entrance installed which was made by Jim Rothwell and beds planted on either side with pollinators to attract wildlife and then when you walk down through the woodland area you come to a contorted willow in the centre of the path, go past this and "wow" the whole secret garden opens up with six massive circles, large flower beds and then on to "The Orchard".
"There is seating all along so you can take your time, have a picnic and chill out. I also like to take this opportunity to thank An Taisce, Meath Co Council, our councillors, and sponsors for their continued support and hope that you visit our lovely 3 acre garden." Julianstown Tidy Towns was set up about seven years ago and has gone from strength to strength according to Niamh.
“We started off by picking up the litter, together with cutting back all the overgrown briar's' and trees. “We then we entered the Pride of Place Competition, which is run by Meath County Council and we won two prizes that year.
“We set about identifying areas in Julianstown which needed attention and planted up flower beds around the village. “Our biggest project is the community garden which covers three acres and was designed by Clare McEnaney.
“ It takes a lot of work but its worth it to see the village looking so well.”