Do you enjoy meeting people and learning new gardening skills, or just want to get out of the house and try something new? There are many ways you can get involved in volunteering with the RHSI.
Restoring the walled garden in Russborough
The RHSI garden is being restored and maintained entirely by volunteer. There is always lots to be done for all levels of fitness and knowledge:
- Gardening - everything from heavy digging to transplanting seedlings
- Recording and labeling
- Showing visitors around
No qualifications are required. If you have horticultural experience and would like to pass on your knowledge or practical advice to others, there will be lots of fellow volunteers anxious to learn from you. If you are just starting to garden then this is a place to learn. If you have a particular interest in some aspect of the garden e.g. fruit, vegetables, greenhouse plants, dahlias, shrubs, pruning, etc. we will do our best to suit you. All you need is enthusiasm and energy.
Just come along to the "log cabin" in the walled garden. There is no obligation to stay all day - just whatever suits you. We start with a cup of tea/coffee and review what has to be done. Please bring your own small tools if you have them, gloves, suitable footwear and a packed lunch.
For more information contact our Russborough volunteer coordinator, Gillian Davidson on 087 6689381 or at volunteering@rhsi.ie. There is also information on the national volunteering website at www.volunteer.ie
Restoring the woodland garden at Laurelmere Cottage
Laurelmere Cottage lies hidden half way from the main car park in Marlay Park Rathfarnham, and the car park next the 'Big Playground' the opposite side of the park. From the Main car park, follow the path, bearing around right past the main house, continue inland 500 steps to a little bridge on your right and there lies Laurelmere Cottage.The RHSI offices are based in this beautifully restored cottage which comes with a half acre garden.
Following many years of neglect we are still on year 1 of developing the garden and woodland. Different opportunities are available from the Russborough Walled Garden and we plan to focus on bulbs, annuals, shrubs and small trees as well as shade and woodland planting. Volunteers are most welcome Monday mornings 10.30 to 1pm. Large tools are provided, bring your own small tools, gloves and heavy shoes.
There is an updated and freshly cataloged Horticultural library available to members for borrowing and the public for reading also open on Mondays. On the 'First Monday' of each month, lunchtime talks are given on a range of garden subjects with a light lunch following. Contact Cherry Sleeman 087 6793169 or cherrysleeman@gmail.com.
