NEXT MEETING: Tues 20 Sept @ 7pm in the New Ross Library: Change of Topic

The topic of the next meeting was to be  on Soft Fruit by Tom English, but Tom has had to postpone his talk until October, so instead we are going to hold a discussion on 

“The Highs and Lows of GIYing in Summer 2016”. 

What went right in your garden this year, in the way of fruit, vegetables, techniques? 

And what went wrong! seed-sowing, pests, diseases, the weather? 

What crops are you proudest of?

And what new veg did you try out this year? 

Answer these questions in your own mind and come along with a list of  YOUR highs and lows, and we will share our stories, pictures, ideas and tips. If anyone wants to send me a picture to show on the screen, email it to me before the meeting. 

Well we had a great day for our Harvest Party, the sun shone and so did our prizewinners! 

During the party, we had two competitions, a GIY SPUD-OFF and a HARVEST BASKET CONTEST.  I will send pictures when I have them, but look out for a photo in the New Ross Standard next Tuesday. 

Eamonn Moloughney from Willow Park, New Ross, won the Spud-Off because his British Queen potatoes were judged to be the best in taste, texture, smell and overall look! 

May Cadogan from Campile won the Harvest Basket contest which was  judged to be the best in variety, quality and display. 

Our judges were Sally Sweeney from GIY Tramore, Norman Wisdom from Fethard, and Charles Whelan from Dublin. Thanks to them all for helping out on the day.

The Edible Quayside beds are still looking great, and I was glad to get the chance to thank everyone who helped to make them happen by volunteering to sow, plant and care for the vegetables and edible flowers during the summer, especially our GIY group members,  Kavanaghs Shop, Roche’s Pub and the New Ross District Council. And not forgetting http://www.greenvegetableseeds.com and  quickcrop.ie online shops who gave us discounts on seeds and some gardening equipment prizes.

On Tuesday 17 May at 6pm we are visiting the Colclough Walled Garden at Tintern Abbey. The walled garden was built by the Colclough Family in the early Nineteenth Century. In 2010 Hook Rural Tourism signed a licence with Coillte Teoranta to restore the Colclough Walled Garden at Tintern Abbey to its former glory. Restoration work began in July 2010 and the original layout of the garden has been reinstated as it was in 1838. The main features of this 2.5 acre stone/brick lined walled garden include curved corners, two garden sheds or bothies in the dividing brick wall which splits the garden, east and west, and a stream that runs through the garden, north to south.    DIRECTIONS  Leave the R733 (Ballyhack to Wellingtonbridge road) at the turn off for Saltmills, L4041. The entrance (Stone walls with Beech trees) to Tintern Abbey and Colclough Walled Garden is 1km from this junction on the right hand side.The Walled Garden is located 520 meters to the south west of the Abbey car park (a 7 minute Walk). Signposts are on all approaching roads.   SEEDLINGS SWOP  I am sure you all have lots of seeds germinating now and if you have spare seedlings bring them along for a swop session. Bring some empty boxes or seed trays so you can collect some free stuff from other members. I will definitely have seedlings of tomatoes, leeks, broccoli and a few other bits and pieces.  Please tell me if you think you are coming! And if anyone needs a lift, just let me know.