Connect with us

News

Start preparing your garden for the year ahead

Published

on

0251805_shutterstock1403466095.jpg

By Ted Healy of DNG TED HEALY

This week we continue with our garden spring clean.

.

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

MTU hosts Active Ageing Festival at Kerry Sports Academy

Young students got to share their learning skills while an older group showed patience and experience during the ‘Active Ageing Festival’. Held in Munster Technological University last week the event, […]

Published

on

Young students got to share their learning skills while an older group showed patience and experience during the ‘Active Ageing Festival’.

Held in Munster Technological University last week the event, in conjunction with Kerry Recreation and Sports Partnership (KRSP), saw 150 people engaged with a busy schedule of activities, facilitated by the students and staff of the Department of Health and Leisure Studies.

Dr Barry Moynihan, Consultant Geriatrician in University Hospital Kerry opened the event with an informative talk on the importance of movement as we age.

Many community organisations and networks were represented on the day such as HSE, Baile Mhuire, Kerry Library, Kerry Call, SeanChairde, Centre of Smart Ageing, Probus and Age and Opportunity.

Activities such as Pickleball, Bowls, Better Balance Better Bones, Dance and Yoga were also showcased.

Gearoid O’Doherty, coordinator of the KRSP, highlighted the need for more community-based activities for older adults across Kerry and the role of the partnership in supporting this development.

It is hoped that other venues across the county can facilitate a similar event in the future.

MTU lecturer and event coordinator Eimear Foley, spoke of the mutual benefit that this day provided to both participants and students.

“The real-life experience afforded to the students is immense, with involvement in planning, delivering and evaluation of the event to the fore.”

Within their course, the concept of being active across the lifespan is embedded and this opportunity for the students to engage in real life learning is paramount. Older people can generate community-based learning experiences not only for themselves but also for the young. Many of the participants commented on the professionalism, warmth and enthusiasm of the students, whilst the students were delighted with the patience shown to them and ease of conversation with the participants.

Continue Reading

News

Killarney to feature on TG4’s Country Music show

By Sean Moriarty A song about Killarney – once made famous by local Country Music hero Dermot Moriarty – will feature on TG4 tomorrow night (Tuesday). The second series of […]

Published

on

0253529_IMG-20210718-WA0024.jpg

By Sean Moriarty

A song about Killarney – once made famous by local Country Music hero Dermot Moriarty – will feature on TG4 tomorrow night (Tuesday).

The second series of the Irish channel’s County Music show ‘Viva Ceol Tire’, which highlights emerging Country Music talent in Ireland, airs every Tuesday night at 9.30pm.

The next programme will feature Donegal singer David James’ version of ‘Oh Killarney’.

The programme was filmed entirely on location in Killarney including Torc Waterfall, Ladies View Moll’s Gap and Kate Kearney’s Cottage.

“The song was written by Dennis Allen. However, it was a hit for Dermot Moriarty in the 1980s. The first time I heard it I loved it and I was thrilled with the reaction my version has got,” James, who is from the small village of Killean in Donegal, told the Killarney Advertiser.

“It’s pretty rural but I love it. I’ll be in Country Music 10 years this May. My first gig was in the local GAA hall for my aunt’s 50th birthday. I was 14 and I’ve been at it ever since.”

.

Attachments

Continue Reading

Trending