An Gairdín Beo
An Gairdín Beo is a two-acre community garden in the centre of Carlow Town. The ethos is based on valuing diversity, sustainability, organic methods and indigenous species. The overall vision of the garden is of a space where people connect more with nature, with the growing and making of food, and with each other.
History
In the autumn of 2014 the Sisters of Mercy from St Leo’s Convent contacted several groups and individuals in county Carlow, inviting them to a meeting to discuss the possibility of a community garden being created in land adjacent to the convent. There was huge interest in the overgrown two acre site and three sub committees of volunteers were formed to move the idea into action. In 2015 a Board of Directors was created and An Gairdín Beo applied to be a Company Limited by Guarantee with Charitable Status, with a 20 year lease being agreed with the Sisters.
Structure
Three groups work collaboratively to take care of the garden
The Board of Directors hold the governance responsibilities of the organisation and are responsible for protecting the ethos of the garden, for its company and legal requirements and for its financial sustainability.
The Garden Committee meet on a monthly basis to discuss, plan and organise the ongoing development activities of the garden. This is a collaborative group who bring a range of expertise and interests. It has five sub-groups: Finance and funding, Development, Growing, TLC (Therapeutic Garden) and Governance. This structure allows the work to progress in a co-ordinated but flexible way and can draw on external expertise when required.
The Volunteers are the heart of the garden activity. They include regulars such as Tús and CE Workers (3) and volunteers who are recruited through the Carlow Volunteer Centre.
Benefits
Visitors come to the garden for a wide variety of reasons:
- To enjoy the nature and the green space
- To grow food and other plants
- To take part in organised events or activities
- To reacquaint themselves with school-day spaces and places
- To meet and chat
- To contribute ideas
- To book the newly refurbished Community Building
An Gairdín Beo on KCLR
As part of National Volunteering Week, Carlow Volunteer Centre arranged for KCLR to visit some of the Volunteer Involving Organisations and speak with volunteers and organisers. Listen to Una Ni Mhaoldhomhnaigh’s interviews below, and hear about the experiences of those involved.
How Carlow Volunteers Can Help Out
If you are interested in volunteering out at An Gairdín Beo, you can call into or ring our office, or apply using the link below. Wednesday is the usual day for volunteers to get some work done in the garden.
