Welcome

Hello Gardeners,

April has been so cold and wet for us in the garden this month and the wind hasn't made any less of an impact here in NW Donegal but as the garden finally starts to shake off the winter this is the perfect time to step back and look at the "bigger picture" of how our garden works as a whole ecosystem.

While the urge to "tidy up" can be strong as soon as the sun starts to peek its head out, we’re encouraging everyone to let the garden wake up slowly. . Resist the temptation to do a scorched-earth spring clean! Many of our most valuable beneficial insects—like ladybirds and solitary bees—are still tucked away in hollow stems and under old leaf litter.

Wait for the Warmth: Try to hold off on heavy clearing until we have consistent double-digit temperatures. If you must tidy, only do the "neat clean up" where it's totally necessary for sowing.

The "Weed" Wisdom: Before you pull those "weeds," check if they are actually early nectar sources for our bees. Dandelions might be a nuisance in a manicured lawn, but they are a vital first feast for a hungry pollinator this time of year. A slightly "messy" garden in April is a sign of a healthy, living ecosystem!

A Warm Welcome to the Donegal Women’s Collective

This week we were particularly excited this month to welcome the Donegal Women’s Collective to the garden on Saturday, 21st March.

After four weeks of intensive online learning covering all the basics of growing your own food, the group finally came on-site to put that theory into practice! Throughout the day long workshop we looked at seed sowing , moving plants on , soil preparation , polytunnel growing , fruit garden growing , composting and more - all designed with the home grower in mind ! We can’t wait to see the "virtual" knowledge turn into "real-world" growth.

It’s a joy to have such a passionate group of women joining our community, and we look forward to more hands-on learning together and thanks as always goes to the amazing Danielle Bonnar and all the DWC team for their continued support and work that goes on behind the scenes! 

Volunteer Day at OURganic Gardens 

Friday 27th March at 1pm 

Looking to get some fresh air, learn new skills, and meet like-minded people? We are opening our gates at OURganic Gardens for a series of community volunteer afternoons!

Starting Friday, March 27th, and continuing on the last Friday of every month until October, we invite you to join us from 1pm to 4pm to help our garden thrive.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or have never picked up a trowel, everyone is welcome. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get your hands dirty, share some laughs, and contribute to our local sustainable food project.

No need to book—just bring your enthusiasm (and maybe some sturdy boots) and join us in Gortahork for an afternoon of community spirit and growth!

Upcoming Monthly Workshop Saturday 28th March 11am

Waking the Soil & Sowing the Seeds

Our next monthly workshop is all about the permaculture concept of "Catch and Store Energy."

In our "Waking the Soil & Sowing the Seeds" session, we’ll tackle the challenge of the early season cold head-on.

• The Focus: Learn how to create hotbeds to kickstart your seeds early by harnessing the natural heat of composting material.

• The Action: We’ll dive into understanding compost heat and get our hands dirty sowing the very first hardy seeds of the year.

• The Details: Join us from 11am – 2pm. As always, refreshments will be served to keep the energy high!

Booking: 

For Non members who wish to just book the one off event - Go to https://www.ourganic-gardens.com/product/21249693/march-monthly-workshop-saturday-28th-march-11am-2pm -

And for Members, please remember to use your individual discount codes when booking your spot through the website.

Spaces are limited and IF the workshop becomes fully booked we will add another date to the calendar in due course! 

Earth Tenders Community Meditation Sessions at

OURganic Garden with Seas, Stone and Sky

We are super excited to welcome Caroline Burrow back once more this coming April 11th at 9am-10am for some beautiful meditation in our lovely space at OURganic Gardens. there is no need to book and we are looking forward to seeing you there.
You may wish to bring along with you a meditation cushion or yoga mat, and a blanket.

Summer Garden and Kitchen Workshops 

At OURganic Gardens

Get ready to reconnect with your food from seed to supper! This summer, we are thrilled to host a series of Summer Garden & Kitchen Workshops at OURganic Gardens in Gortahork. Join Sian from Wild Fuschia Bakehouse and Joanne from OURganic Gardens for a unique, hands-on experience where you’ll learn to grow, care for, and cook seasonal delights.

Whether you're interested in the "Power of Herbs" on July 18th, perfecting fruit tarts on July 26th, exploring the wild hedgerows for foraging on August 8th, or celebrating Heritage Week on August 23rd, there is something for every palate.

Each workshop runs from 10am to 2pm and includes a delicious lunch, exclusive recipes, and a goodie bag to take home. Spaces are €85 per person—perfect for a summer Saturday or Sunday escape into nature!

To book simply log onto our website : https://www.ourganic-gardens.com/workshops-classes/summer-garden-kitchen-workshops or email ourganicgardensdonegal@gmail.com 

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