40 year celebration for Ballynahinch gardeners

40 year celebration for Ballynahinch gardeners

24 April 2013

THE green-fingered gardeners of Ballynahinch Gardening Club have been celebrating the 40th anniversary of the club.

The club was founded in 1973 by six local horticultural enthusiasts and sprouted within the first year to over 100 members. Today some of the founder members are still actively engaged in the club.

At present the objectives remain to encourage an interest in all aspects of gardening and to promote good gardening practices among the members.

Members meet on the third Tuesday of every month, from September to April in Edengrove Church Hall, for talks, informal discussions and demonstrations.

In the past talks have included topics such as garden design, the garden as a sanctuary, pests and diseases, herb gardening, pruning and beekeeping.

The 2013 programme plans to include bonsai

care and maintenance, interesting and unusual perennials, the use of chemicals in the garden and extending the vegetable growing season.

During the summer months of May and June, club members enjoy evening garden visits to inspiring local gardens, and in July hold an annual outing when they go further afield to visit other gardens of interest throughout Ireland.

The club is open to all and would be delighted to welcome new members with an interest in gardening — both those new to gardening and those with seasons of experience. Anyone interested in coming along to the summer programme should contact Julie on 07909 023401.