It's ready, steady, grow for Twin Towns Community Garden group

It's ready, steady, grow for amateur gardeners all over Donegal after the storms of the past few days and a bunch of enthusiasts in Ballybofey-Stranorlar area are gearing up for what they hope will be a fruitful season ahead.

Situated behind the old health board offices in the main Ballybofey car park, the Twin Towns Community Garden was established in March 2011 making it one of the longest running such ventures in Ireland. It's open to all members of the community who wish to grow their own veg and flowers.

This group is holding its annual general meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday, February 23 at 7.30pm at their base and according to current chairman, John Walsh, it's going to be a busy but fulfilling growing season ahead.

He paid tribute to the two men who were primarily behind the setting up of the venture, Gerry Mongan and Michael Rowan, for all their hard work and foresight, adding they contributed so much to its success over the years.

"We have exciting plans to add to the gardens and facilities here this year. We hope to develop a water feature and place additional benches around the site. We want to get as many people as possible involved and to look on this place as a sort of oasis they can retreat to for a break, to sit around, join in or simply relax."

He adds they are also keen to involve schools and colleges, disability services and mental health groups.

"We have approximately 45 beds to rent out for people to grow their own vegetables or flowers. We've also got two polytunnels and have got a good working relationship with the local Men's Shed group who are also based on the site and they are more than helpful when it comes to assisting us and providing valuable advice."

John points out that the benefits of a community garden help the entire community.

"There are many reasons to join a community garden: learn a new skill, teach your kids where food comes from, save money, help the environment, have a reason to get outside regularly and share knowledge with others."

The scope for future development at this site is amazing. As it straddles the embankment of the nearby river Finn, the group have found a way to incorporate part of it into their site with seating features complementing flower and shrubbery.

"We have to make this a safe place for everyone with plenty of colour and it doesn't matter if you have a bed or not, our place is open to everyone.

"We're also hoping to have fun days for children and at tomorrow's annual general meeting we'll be open to all sorts of ideas to help everyone get the best out of this fabulous facility."

He adds no one should feel that they can't have a go at growing their own flowers or veg as there are always plenty of experts on hand to assist. A number of guest speakers have also been lined up to visit throughout the growing season.

"We will also be making special provisions for the elderly and disabled to be able to participate by making growing beds for them more practical to use.

John paid tribute to all organisations such as Tús, DLDC, Donegal Parents and Friends of People with Learning Disabilities, HSE, Donegal County Council and many individuals who have helped with funding for their plans to date and looks forward to taking the gardens to the next level this year.

"I'm hoping people come along to tomorrow evening's annual general meeting and get involved. This is ideal for people who have no access to a garden or who want to have some fun learning a new skill. It's a community garden and is a reflection of the energy everyone puts into it. Your small contributions add up to a greater garden experience for all."