Notes from Bellefield

We were all saddened to hear of the passing our neighbour, friend and great supporter Mrs Mabel Wallace at the weekend. A remarkable woman who has known Bellefield and seen it change over the past 102 years. We will miss her Wednesday visits. May she rest in peace.

Spring is making its presence known in the garden every passing day and this good spell of weather is helping us get lots of tasks completed. New planting around the folly and on the Iris beds have all happened this week with thanks to our volunteers and students.

Our soil day was a great success with over 40 participants learning about the valuable resource that is soil. Thanks must also go to those who contributed their knowledge and time to make the event a success -Conall, Áine-Máire, Siobhan, Candida and Philip all deserve special mention. Thanks also to Dr. Karen O’Hanlon of Probio Carbon who gave us a fascinating talk.

Our trade stalls – Better Plants, Soil Renew, Lumag and Fruithill farm also added greatly to the day.

Yesterday we welcomed 48 students from Shinrone Primary school to the garden. They learned how to plant snowdrops, sow seed and saw veg being grown in glorious sunshine. We love to encourage a young generation of gardeners and it was great to see so many keen helpers. Our volunteers as ever did a fantastic job of helping and keeping everything running smoothly.

We can’t wait to welcome some of on Sunday 23rd to our plant fair. It promises to be a great event and the first plant fair of the season!