A series of events which will be of great interest to gardeners offering a unique blend of history, gardening, sustainability, and climate awareness will take place throughout County Louth during National Heritage Week, led by the Louth Urban Food Sanctuary team.
Funded by Creative Ireland’s Creative Climate Action Fund II, the events will run from August 17th to August 24th, and will explore the links between heritage and climate. The series of talks and interactive sessions include:
Saturday, 17th August at The Still, Dundalk Library 11am – 12pm: The Art of Gardening with Dr. Pamela Whitaker and Eileen Carter
Join the Louth Urban Food Sanctuary team for The Art of Gardening, a captivating talk led by Eileen Carter of Blackrock Community Garden and organic gardener, Dr. Pamela Whitaker. Dive deep into the rich history of gardening in Ireland, with a special focus on botanic gardening, community gardens and the invaluable contributions of local botanist Thomas Coulter and his groundbreaking discoveries.
Explore the roots of heritage gardening and learn about sustainable, organic practices and edible landscapes. This event promises to be a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration.
Tuesday, 20th August at The Still, Dundalk Library 11am-12pm: Modern Potato Growing with Maria Flynn of Ballymakenny Farm
Louth Urban Food Sanctuary’s Team look forward to hosting an insightful talk with Maria Flynn of Ballymakenny Farm, as she explores the intricacies of growing potatoes in today’s predominantly monoculture-driven farming landscape. Discover Ballymakenny Farm’s innovative responses to the challenges faced by the potato farming sector and gain a fresh perspective on the question: Is bigger always better? Whether you’re a seasoned farmer, an aspiring grower, or simply interested in the future of agriculture, this talk promises to provide valuable insights.
Wednesday, 21st August at the Old Schoolhouse and Tallanstown Community Garden, Tallanstown 12pm-2pm: Harvest Cultural Traditions led by Dr. Pamela Whitaker and members of Tallanstown Community Garden
Join the Louth Urban Food Sanctuary Team for a vibrant, harvest-themed event led by organic gardener Dr. Pamela Whitaker, alongside representatives from the diverse community of Tallanstown, Co. Louth. Held in the historic Old Schoolhouse, this celebration will delve into the Celtic tradition of Lúghnasa and feature enchanting traditional harvest stories and practices shared by members of the Indian, Ukrainian, and Afghan communities residing in Tallanstown.
Experience a rich tapestry of cultural heritage as you enjoy a tour of the stunning community garden adjacent to the Old Schoolhouse. The event will also offer a delightful array of traditional foods and to sample, providing a true taste of the diverse traditions that make Tallanstown such a wonderful place to visit.
Thursday, 22nd August at Drogheda Library 11am-12pm: Seed Saving with Roisín Cotter
Delve into the age-old practice of seed saving with expert organic gardener Roisín Cotter. In this informative session, hosted by Louth Urban Food Sanctuary’s Team, Roisín will guide you through the fascinating history of seed saving and its vital role in achieving seed security and sovereignty. Learn about the types of seeds that can be saved and the simple techniques to do so, ensuring the continuation of diverse and resilient plant varieties.
Roisín will also spotlight two pioneering seed-saving organisations in Ireland: Irish Seed Savers and Brown Envelope Seeds. Discover how these companies are preserving genetic diversity and heritage crops in addition to supporting sustainable agriculture.
Friday, 23rd August at Ardee Library 11am-12pm: Climate Change and Invasive Species and Pests Ireland with Dr. Rory Sheehan
Join Louth Urban Food Sanctuary’s Team and Dr. Rory Sheehan of Louth County Council for an enlightening talk and Q&A session on the pressing issue of invasive species in Ireland and across the EU. As climate change accelerates their spread, these pests are increasingly impacting our agricultural output and gardens.
Dr. Sheehan will delve into the specific invasive species threatening our ecosystems, discussing their effects and the challenges they pose. Learn about the strategies being employed to combat these pests and how we can adapt our practices to mitigate their impact.
Saturday, 24th August at Townley Hall Walled Gardens, Drogheda 1pm – 2pm: A history and tour of the gardens with Hilda Crampton and Exploring Louth’s Changing Climate with Dr. Rory Sheehan
Louth Urban Food Sanctuary’s Team is to host an event at the enchanting walled gardens of Townley Hall, Drogheda. The event will combine history, horticulture, and climate science, beginning with a talk from Dr. Rory Sheehan of Louth County Council, who will present a compelling overview of Louth’s changing climate. This brief yet informative presentation will examine how County Louth’s weather has evolved and what the future holds, drawing on the latest climate change predictions for Louth and their implications for our growing seasons and rainfall patterns. The event will also feature a guided tour of the walled gardens led by Hilda Crampton, who will share the fascinating history of these gardens and their significance to the local community.
To book a place or for any information regarding these events, please email creativeireland@louthcoco.ie or visit www.louthurbanfoodsanctuary.com
