Local pupils get green fingers

INSPIRING youth participation in community gardens isn’t always the most glamorous of jobs says Global Action Plan’s (GAP) horticulturist, Sharon Harvey, but if this year’s strawberry crop is anything to go by, all the early, and often rainy starts, will have been worth it!

Sharon and the GAP team have been working with local schools over the last 10 weeks, giving them the practical skills to begin to grow their own produce

And they’ve heaped praise on the pupils and teachers of Virgin Mary Boys NS, Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna, Ballymun, and St Fergals Boys NS, Finglas, for all of their hard work this semester.

The groups will return to the community gardens for the most important part of the programme in September – Harvest! They have planted and nurtured potato plants, onions, courgettes, beans, beetroots, lettuces and strawberries.

Sharon’s strong focus on biodiversity not only highlights where our food comes from, but how we can care for the wildlife that supports our agriculture and environment. The pupils also created a weather station and made bird feeders.

“The young people bring lots of fun and energy to the gardens,” explains Sharon. “The Virgin Mary pupils planted a rose bush for one of their teachers who had passed away. It was touching to watch them care for the plant over the weeks.”

GAP’s Youth Gardening Programme has been funded by Dublin City Council. Sharon is always willing to help local community groups to get involved in GAP’s community gardens.

She is also leading a family biodiversity workshop on August 25 from 1-3pm in the Virgin Mary Community Garden, Shangan Road, Ballymun.  To book a free place call Sharon or the GAP team on 01-883 2185.