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Start preparing your garden for the year ahead

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3 years ago

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By Ted Healy of DNG TED HEALY

This week we continue with our garden spring clean.

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The stretch in the evenings is now well underway and we can see signs of new garden life appearing daily. We can now start preparing for the prospect of those longer balmy evenings which seemed so far away only a few weeks ago.

Continuing our list of essential garden jobs from last week brings us to our garden accessories. Whether ornaments or plant pots, giving them a good wipe after being out in the elements during winter is always an important part of a garden spring clean. This can include garden furniture, even if it's been in storage, as it can collect dust and become a spider’s new home.

Clean hardscape surfaces

Paving stones can collect moss and become muddy over winter months, keeping them in tip-top condition by using a pressure hose to wash them down after sweeping any excess dirt off is a great way to add some contrast to your grass, plants, and greenery.

Revive the lawn

Grass can grow brown and patchy during winter, so sow seeds into the ground in the places the lawn is suffering, then wait patiently. Once it grows back, mow the grass to a consistent level and keep it maintained. Important note: Don’t go too low on the initial cut.

Tend to your beds

Leaves can build up in flower beds, and whilst this is good for soil and keeping weeds down, it’s important to brush back thick layers that might be on top of plants. Collect the leaves up and add them to an existing compost pile - or start a new one for the new year!

Create compost

A compost pile is a practical addition to any garden and gives you an easy way to use all your garden waste. After chopping and cutting, lots of matter can be left over and decomposed into compost. Use a pile, pit or bin to make your own. It’s handy to gently sprinkle water over it to keep it moist.

New plants

Finally, spring is a great season to start planting again. Summer-flowering bulbs like gladioli and lilies are great choices to dazzle the garden with colour in just a few months’ time.

In summary, now is the optimal time to start preparing your garden for the year ahead. Make the most of the crisp dry spring conditions to ensure your garden is looking its best this season. If planning on marketing your property for sale this season, it will set your home aside from the others, adding to its saleability and potentially enhancing its value. If you're not planning on selling your property, simply sit back, relax and enjoy the benefits of a well maintained garden.

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Cllrs demand meeting with HSE property officials

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1 hour ago

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7 March 2026

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Killarney councillors are seeking an urgent face-to-face meeting with the HSE to prevent the town’s health infrastructure from falling into further decay.

At Wednesday’s Municipal District meeting, Cllr Maura Healy-Rae raised a motion calling for clarity on the HSE’s long-term plans for its significant property holdings within the town.


The focus of the concern is the sprawling St Finan’s Hospital site, which has been lying derelict since the facility closed its doors in 2012.


Despite sitting on prime land, the Victorian structure has remained idle for 14 years with no progress on redevelopment.


While the new Community Nursing Unit has been built on a portion of the St Finan’s grounds, the vast majority of the historic site continues to deteriorate.


The concern among local representatives is that a “domino effect” of dereliction could follow once the new hospital eventually opens.


When residents are transferred to the new unit, both the existing Killarney District Hospital and the St Columbanus Home (the proposed new home for a minor injuries unit) will be vacated.
Cllr Healy-Rae and her colleagues are demanding guarantees that these buildings will not suffer the same fate as St Finan’s.


Without a clear strategy from the HSE, there are fears that Killarney could be left with multiple large-scale derelict sites in prominent locations, rather than seeing these buildings repurposed for housing, community use, or further healthcare needs.

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Maggie’s Montessori supports National Pyjama Day

The usual morning routine was swapped for slippers and dressing gowns at Maggie’s Montessori last Friday as the children took part in the annual National Pyjama Day. The local event […]

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4 hours ago

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7 March 2026

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The usual morning routine was swapped for slippers and dressing gowns at Maggie’s Montessori last Friday as the children took part in the annual National Pyjama Day.

The local event was held in support of LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, and Early Childhood Ireland’s Eco-Emotions project.
The theme for the day was “children helping children and having fun,” with the Killarney toddlers joining over 65,000 children nationwide in the massive fundraising drive. Since its inception in 2003, National Pyjama Day has raised more than €4.5 million to support developmental and wellbeing projects for young people across the country.
Funds raised during the day at Maggie’s will go directly toward LauraLynn’s Family Support Services. These services provide essential emotional, therapeutic, and practical care for children with palliative and complex needs, as well as their families.
Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland, noted that the day is a celebration of kindness and community. This sentiment was echoed by LauraLynn CEO Kerry McLaverty, who stated that the spirit of children helping their peers aligns perfectly with the mission of the hospice.

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