NEW PROJECT
Ballincollig Tidy Towns is excited to have started a substantial Sustainability and Biodiversity project.
This is a joint initiative with a local Ballincollig business. We plan to work together on an area in Ballincollig that is an oasis for Biodiversity and Sustainability. Bird boxes, bat boxes and some small bug areas will be added. The boxes will be crafted by the Ballincollig Men’s Shed.
We met with a consultant from Wild Work this week and they were very impressed with the area’s potential. They will be working closely with us surveying the area and monitoring the birds and the flora and fauna.
GOLD MEDAL
The 2021 SuperValu National Tidy Towns gold medal arrived last weekend. It was great to be able to share it with everyone, especially with our Volunteers, without whom this achievement would not have been possible.
LITTER PICK
Last Sunday we had a fantastic turnout for the weekly litter pick with 27 Volunteers and 5 Transition Year students. Because of this high number we managed to cover an unusually large area.
Our dedicated Volunteers carried out several litter picks during the week.
When all the litter gathered over the seven days was segregated on Monday at the Allotment, it yielded 2 bags of glass, 4 bags of cans and 4 bags of plastic.
It is so good to see our Volunteers gathering for teas/coffees and a chat once again.
pics: Gold Medal
WORK THIS WEEK
This week we were down a man but the workers we had out still managed to get through an amount of work.
Adrian worked in the allotment on Monday morning sorting through the litter from the week before and segregating it into various piles for recycling. When this was done, he picked litter as he went into town to empty all the Cig/Gum bins.
On Tuesday, Adrian carried out a tidy up at the “Tidy Towns” Sign at Greenfields. He removed 4 bags of dead leaves and cuttings. These were taken to the Allotment and put in the compost bay. This area was cleared in preparation for planting in the coming weeks.
The Water Tanker trailer was then cleaned in preparation for repairs and painting.
Further work clearing the Fairy Trail was done. This time a further 6 bags of old fairy doors were removed.
Preparing the planters for the coming summer also continued. The planter box supports were checked and those needing fixing were sorted
9 bags of plastic bottles were collected from Ballincollig Community School.
Cork City Council staff were busy weeding around the trees on Main Street and it has made quite a difference,
The street sweeper was also very busy this week.
PREPARING THE GARDEN FOR SPRING
Spring is here. An exciting time of year. When we start fresh with ideas and plans especially in the garden.
As with everything, we need to make a plan to prepare our gardens for the year ahead.
1. CLEAR DEAD LEAVES AND WEEDS
Make the ground ready for new flowers and plants. Cut back dead growth from perennial plants. Dig up the first two or three inches of soil and dispose of it. When new flowers and plants are added they will welcome some fresh compost.
2. PLAN AHEAD FOR SUMMER FLOWERING PLANTS
It’s important to start planting in early spring in order to obtain beautiful colourful displays of plants and flowers.
3. GREENHOUSES NEED TO BE SCRUBBED DOWN
For those who grow plants in a greenhouse it is essential to wash it down before spring. Sweep the floors and benches and use a mild disinfectant to clean down the glass to rid it of any harmful pests that could harm the plants. Don’t forget all those hard to get at places! Ventilate the greenhouse for at least a couple of days before planting.
4. CLEAN ALL GARDENIG TOOLS
Gardening tools can also carry diseases or bugs that could harm plants so make sure they get a good scrub before using them.
5. REMOVE UNWANTED PESTS
Hibernating pests like slugs and snails need to be removed before they get a chance to attack new plants. The white vine weevil larvae live in compost and will feed on plant roots so it is essential they aren’t given the opportunity.
6. PLANT A VARIETY OF SEEDS
Check out seeds you’ve never planted, ask neighbours for old seedlings or get cuttings from friends. Read up on the plants that are right for your garden and make sure what you plant doesn’t take up the entire plot on other plants. Be aware of what is planted where.
7. BE PATIENT
Don’t rush your plants give them the time they need. Take seedlings outside and continue to water them for a week or two. When they are used to being outside they can be planted.
pics: work at Greenfields