Make 2009 the year you turn your organic garden into the beautiful space you always wanted! Whether you’re a complete beginner, wanting to improve on what you’ve already achieved or looking at an unruly mess left over by builders, we have a range of courses and materials that will help you achieve your goal.

The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim has joined forces with Glenisk, the family owned and operated organic dairy company to encourage Irish people to grow their own organic vegetables this summer.

Under the scheme, entitled 'Grow Your Own Organic Garden', Glenisk will give away ten thousand packs of organic vegetable seeds. The packs will be accompanied by expert sowing and growing advice from The Organic Centre, and recipe ideas.

Anyone wishing to avail of the free seed packs can apply at www.glenisk.com.

The scheme was launched in Dublin by Trevor Sargent, T.D., Minister of State for Food & Horticulture. Commenting on the initiative, he said: “This is an important opportunity for people to become involved in growing at least some of their own food and avoid the need for long distance transportation of imported fresh produce. I would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the Glenisk organisation in fostering and encouraging the organic  message. The technical expertise and commitment of the Organic Centre must also be applauded.”

Vincent Cleary, managing director, Glenisk said: “The recent revival in gardening and allotments makes our Grow Your Own campaign a timely initiative, and we hope that it will encourage people to think about their food and where it comes from. Local and organic are founding principles of our business - in this case, the seeds are organic and you can’t get more local than your back garden.”

Andy Hallewell joint manager of The Organic Centre, added:
“We want to send a message that with a little help, anyone can grow their own food. For more than 10 years we have developed a public service to help people to grow organically. We offer training courses and demonstration gardens for the enjoyment and benefit of the public. We are really excited about this joint venture with Glenisk and look forward to guiding people young and old through the very special experience of growing your own food.”

This year, the organic vegetable seeds available are French Beans in many different varieties, all suitable for sowing between May and July outdoors. Popular with organic growers, French Beans are productive, resistant to disease and delicious in salads, stews and stir-frys.

Further information is available at www.glenisk.com.

About Glenisk: Glenisk was established in 1987 by the Cleary family in Killeigh, Co Offaly and converted to organic production in 1995. Today, Glenisk continues to operate from Killeigh and is run by five of the Cleary siblings, producing organic yogurt, milks, butter and goats’ milk working with small organic farmers on both sides of the border, Glenisk procures 90% of the organic milk produced in Ireland and with strict adherence to fair trade practices, the Clearys pay farmers the highest milk premium in Ireland. Glenisk has received many awards, including Green Product of the Year at the 2008 Green Awards; Repak Award for Outstanding Practice 2008; Overall Winner, National Organic Awards 2008 and the Making a Difference Award at the 2007 Bord Bia Food & Drink Industry Awards.

 

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We would like to thank all the staff, volunteers, supporters and friends who made Friends' Day such a great success.  With the sun shining, children enjoying the new play area and everyone excited to learn more about organic gardening for themselves and their families we couldn't have asked for more!  Thanks again for your ongoing support!

 

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