Garden Diary: Events for your calendar

Talks, demonstrations and open days across Ireland

A Herb Garden Workshop takes place in Douglas on Sunday, August 18 from 2pm to 4pm. Join botanist and herbalist Jo Goodyear to learn about the herbs in the Tidy Towns Community Herb Garden in Douglas Community Park, followed by tasting of herb preparations. The event is part of National Heritage Week.

The National Botanic Gardens hosts drop-by events (no booking required) every Tuesday and Sunday in the Erasmus Children’s Garden. The 20-minute sessions start at 11am,11.30am, 3.30pm and 4pm. The children’s activities include learning how to sow your own vegetable and flower seeds, playing nature-themed games, and learning how to reuse everyday items to create your own piece of eco-art. The activities are suitable for children aged four years and up.

Bord Bia has announced details of the National Organic Awards, which will take place in Dublin on Thursday, October 17. The National Organic Awards, held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, celebrate the achievements of the increasing number of organic growers, producers, and manufacturers in the country. Organic producers are invited to submit entries into one of seven categories before the closing date this Monday, August 12.

The RHSI is hosting a tour of Bellefield House in Shinrone, Co Offaly (R42 NW82). It takes place on August 21 from 2pm to 4pm as part of National Heritage Week. Entry is €10. Email [e-mail] to book a space.

The Irish Georgian Society is partnering with Kerry County Council and Cairde Choláiste Íde Teo in Dingle to deliver a one-day seminar, which forms part of Kerry Architecture Festival 2024. The seminar takes place in Coláiste Íde (formerly Burnham House and home to the Lords Ventry and now Ireland’s only Irish-speaking secondary boarding school for girls) and will explore the designed landscapes and gardens of Kerry, their history and conservation. Speakers include Des Byrne, Dr Vandra Costello, Tom Dillon, Victoria McCarthy, Professor Finola O’Kane, Dr David Fleming and Terence Reeves-Smyth. It takes place on Friday, September 27, from 10am to 5pm. The seminar is free; however a charge of €20 applies for lunch (soup and sandwiches with tea/coffee and cake). See www.eventbrite.ie for details.

Do you have a news item or garden club event for Garden Notes? Email [e-mail]