From Sonairte
HEDGE LAYING – Beginners Training Course
With the Hedge Laying Association of Ireland
Tutor: Andy Booth
- Basic introduction to hedge laying, including health and safety
- Preparation, laying, coppicing/interplanting, hedge and tool maintenance (tools supplied)
- Opportunity to purchase saws and billhooks
Bring sturdy footwear, hardwearing rain gear, thick sleeve top, thorn proof gloves, safety glasses
.
Date: Saturday, February 13th
Time: 10am - 4pm
Cost: €80 (morning coffee/lunch)
ORGANIC GARDEN YEAR - DAY 1:
What is Organic Gardening?
Tutor: Kathy Marsh
An overview of the whole topic of organic gardening.
How to plan your organic garden, design and layout, what tools are best for the organic gardener,
structures and permanent planting, choosing varieties, seed sowing and spring propagation.
Date: Saturday, February 27th
Time:10am - 4pm
Cost: €80 (Morning coffee/lunch)
TREE IDENTIFICATION AND STORIES
With Emma Reeves
Walk in the grounds of Sonairte and learn to identify trees in Winter.
Date: Sunday, March 7th
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Cost: €15
GROW YOUR OWN (NEW)
Tutor: Geraldine O’Toole
Learn about:
- Soil management, nutrient budgeting
- Crop planning rotations
- Propogation (seed sowing and cuttings)
- Indoor and outdoor crop production methods
- Harvesting and storage
- Preventing pests/disease and weed management
- Garden biodiversity
Practical sessions will be included.
Duration: Weekly 8 module course
Date: Saturday Mornings - March 13th - June 12th
Time:10am - 1pm
Cost: €280 for full course if paid in advance or €40 per morning
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE (NEW)
Tutors: Sarah Ryan/Kathy Marsh
Spring is the time to attract wildlife to your garden,
simple ways to make your garden wildlife friendly.
Date: Saturday, March 20th
Time:10am - 4pm
Cost: €80 (morning coffee/lunch)
CHILDREN’S WILDLIFE AND GARDENING CLUB
With John Darby
For children between the ages of 8 and 12. The children’s club will explore nature and
the garden and engage in many different activities expertly guided by John. It’s all about
having a fun time outdoors while learning more about nature and developing new
practical skills.
Date: Saturday, March 20th and Saturday April 24th and monthly thereafter
Times:10.30am - 12.30pm or 2pm - 4pm
Cost: €15 per Saturday
LIVING WILLOW STRUCTURES (NEW)
Tutor: Paul Finch
You will learn how to make and maintain a variety of growing willow structures including a
support for climbing plants, a willow dome and a “Fedge”(fence/hedge).
This is a practical hands on course.
Date: Saturday and Sunday, March 20th, 21st
Time:10am - 4pm
Cost: €150 (Morning coffee/lunch)
SPRING EQUINOX - BALANCING BODY AND SOUL
With Emer Dolphin
The Spring and Autumn Equinox, when light and darkness are in balance on the Earth, is a time for all
of us to reflect on the importance of balance in our own lives. These workshops will provide a space for
us to honour what needs balance in our lives and in our communities, a space for us to renew and
nourish the Soul Self – that deepest part of us that is the source of our wisdom, our creativity and our
inspiration.
Date: Sunday, March 21st
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Cost: €20 or €40 per family
ORGANIC GARDENING COURSES FOR BEGINNERS (EVENING COURSE)
Tutor: Kathy Marsh, Geraldine O’Toole
This 8 week course will cover:
- Designing your garden
- Flowers, fruit and vegetables
- Shrubs and trees
- Containers, conservatories and greenhouses
- Learn how to create a wildlife garden
- Compost
- Seeds and cuttings
- Tools and how to use them
Date: Wednesday evening March 24th and weekly thereafter
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Cost: €175 for full course if paid in advance or €25 per evening
SAVE MONEY - LEARN HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES (MORNINGS)
Tutors: Geraldine O’Toole/Mike Soro
An organic gardening course for beginners.
This course will cover:
- Planning your garden, ground preparation
- Soils and how to make compost
- Rotation and choosing what to grow
- Seeds, sowing and propagation
- Vegetables
- Salad growing in small spaces
- Fruit in the garden
- Weeds, pests and diseases
Practical sessions will be used as much as possible in teaching the above course.
Duration: Weekly 8 module course
Date: Thursday mornings weekly - 25th March - 13th May
Time:10am - 1pm
Cost: €280 for full course if paid in advance or €40 per morning
ORGANIC GARDENING YEAR - DAY 2: Soil and Composting
Tutor: Kathy Marsh
Organic gardening is based around healthy soil. What is soil? - an introduction to soil
science and the microherd - all the microscopic creatures that live in the soil, including
its friendly bacteria and fungi, preparing the soil for growing. Learn how to build a
compost heap and turn garden and kitchen waste into fertile soil.
Date: Saturday, March 27th
Time:10am - 4pm
Cost: €80 (Morning coffee/lunch)
