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It’s time to take care of your lawn

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By Debby Looney, gardening expert

Living in Kerry is a real treat at this time of year when Magnolias shine.

There are so many beautiful specimens in gardens, and it is now they are spectacular. In February they are instantly recognisable by their large soft flower buds reaching up to the sky, but in March we are treated to an unsurpassed show!

Magnolia soulangeana will grow to quite a tree, but Magnolia stellata is suitable for smaller gardens. For a shady spot in your garden, possibly under a magnolia, I recommend Bergenias. These are evergreen, hardy, low-growing perennials, which are now flowering in many shades of pink. Pink Dragonfly, Bressingham white and Silberlicht are just a few of the many varieties available.

Lawn care really begins in March. If your lawn is looking thin, or has a lot of moss, you may need to remove old thatch and moss in order to re-seed. There are a lot of types of grass seed, that which is suitable for a shady garden, or “tough grass”, and even “smart seed”, which incorporates a water retaining gel. However, aeration and nutrients are the key to a healthy lawn. If reseeding, and especially when sowing a new lawn, consider mixing in an amount of white clover. Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, eliminating the need for chemical fertilisers, as well as providing bees with a great source of nectar. White clover stays low, and will not ruin the look of your lawn. It is, in my opinion, definitely the way to go.

There are many types of fertilisers for sale, and I thought I would quickly go through a few of them today. Sequestered Iron, or Sulphate of Iron, is one which many people ask about. It helps ericaceous plants which are struggling to grow stronger and produce flowers. Apply in early spring.

Sulphate of Ammonia is a fast-acting nitrogen supplement, suitable for greening up plants.
Sulphate of Potash is high in potassium promoting flowers and fruit, as well as helping the plant to resist pests and diseases.

Superphosphate helps to ripen fruit, and can be applied throughout the summer.
Epsom salts are high in magnesium, which is needed for healthy foliage and is also very good for tomatoes.
Fish blood and bone is a general fertiliser, but is “natural” as opposed to chemical.
Bonemeal is also a natural product, and is excellent for root growth.

Garden lime is also an important additive, especially if you have very acidic soil. Slightly alkaline conditions are especially good for cabbage varieties, as it prevents clubroot.
As always, read the labels, and when you can use organic products.

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Funding Imminent for Fitzgerald Stadium Development

The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill. […]

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The long-awaited development of Fitzgerald Stadium is set to take a major step forward, with an announcement on further funding expected imminently, according to Kerry Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill.

Deputy Cahill said the project must not be allowed to stall, urging that momentum be maintained as it moves into its next phase.
“The proposed development of Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney needs to be moved on now and not allowed to fall behind in its planned progression,” he stated, adding that he is confident of a positive funding decision soon.
Cahill has raised the Fitzgerald Stadium Development Plan in Dáil Éireann with several senior government figures, including An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
“They are well versed in the detail of it, and I feel that we are going to get a positive announcement shortly on further funding for this crucial project for Kerry,” he said.
The proposed upgrades to the iconic stadium are seen as a key development not only for Killarney, but for the entire county. The venue would be able to host major sporting events and large-scale entertainment such as concerts featuring world-renowned performers.
“Kerry as a whole will benefit from having such a facility in Killarney,” said Cahill. “Hospitality providers of all hues and in all parts of Kerry will gain additional business when the Fitzgerald Stadium Development is completed.”
He also praised the application submitted by the Kerry County Board, calling it “fantastic” and deserving of support. “This will be a massive boost for Killarney and the entire county, will significantly increase footfall and will be great for the local economy. I believe that Fitzgerald Stadium will secure major funding under the IIP scheme in the very near future,” he said.

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Fossa roadworks concerns realised

Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week. A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving […]

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Predictions made by elected members of the Killarney Municipal District (KMD) regarding the Fossa roadworks have come to fruition this week.

A video has surfaced showing a local farmer driving a tractor with a hay turner encountering a French-registered camper van in the village.
The footage shows very little space for the two vehicles to pass each other.
Concerns have been raised that if a camper van, which is similar in size to an ambulance, struggled to pass, it could create significant issues for emergency vehicles needing to use the road.
The ongoing major roadworks in Fossa were previously the subject of heated discussion at a Killarney Municipal District Council meeting.
At that time, councillors were warned about potential gridlock and traffic problems due to the narrowed road width. It was highlighted that with the road being just six metres wide and large vehicles measuring up to 3.5 metres, encounters could lead to “complete gridlock and traffic mayhem.”
Despite these warnings, council officials had stated that the construction work was too far advanced to make changes. The recent video validates the earlier concerns raised by elected members.

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