Muintir na Tire School Garden Competition

Click on picture above to download Guide Why is pollination important?  To make a seed, plants have to move pollen from one flower to another flower of the same type. This movement of pollen is called pollination. Without it, there would be no seeds, and without seeds, there would be no plants. This matters to us because plants provide a large part of our diet, as well as other resources we depend upon. It matters not only to humans – wild plants also provide food and shelter to most of our wildlife (birds, mammals, and insects). We also shouldn’t forget that it is those wild plants that make our island a colourful and attractive place to live. WHO are our pollinators?  In Ireland, some plants are pollinated by the wind, but most are pollinated by insects, including bees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths, beetles, wasps and ants. Most insect pollination is carried out by bees. We have one type (species) of managed honeybee and 98 different wild bees. This includes 21 bumblebe

Daisy Dreams How to pick a star performing daisy for your School  garden. School gardens should be relaxed, free flowering and fun; they can. and with plants that bees love; there are no rules, just plant what you love to create a garden that appeals to you. A School garden just wouldn't be the same without patches of great big  daisies  blooming right throughout the season and into autumn. Did you know that  daisies  love sunshine? You shouldn't plant them in the shade – they hate it. To smile and perform, they really require warm sunshine. Daisies  love to be dry. Most people over water them at the beginning of the season, so try to avoid doing this. Go on, have a  crazy  summer – grow some  daisies ! This is also why they are great in school garden as they will not need much watering during the school holiday. Did you know  The word 'daisy' comes from the Old English dæges-eage, meaning 'day's eye. It is easy to see why. Many open up their petals in the sun a

  Cork Schools Garden Competition Sponsored by Cork County and Cork City Councils and operated by the Cork Federation of Muintir na Tíre, the Annual Cork Schools Garden competition is open to all primary schools in Cork City and County who have a school garden or are in the process of developing one. The 2024 competition is accepting applications from schools      up until Friday 29 th  March and for further information visit  https://www.muintircork.com/ competitions-and-programmes/ cork-school-gardens .

This week we focus on Rusheen N.S who were Gold Medal Winners.  The judges were very impressed   that the  garden is of a consistently high standard. The garden is maturing nicely. There is a good emphasis on food production and biodiversity. The garden is well planned and cared for. Labeling and use of Irish was excellent. Very good use of upcycling colour and art and we loved the links with local history/heritage, the outdoor classroom and the Glasshouse which is a great asset. Great overall Garden.     Keep up the good work Rusheen N.S     Congratulations to all involved at Rusheen N.S For more Information on the School Gardens Competition  Click Here  Enter for 2024  eniRw7MbRoUdmjYe7 here    https://forms.gle/

Gaelscoil na Duglaise N.S This week we focus on Gaelscoil na Duglaise N.S who were Gold Medal Winners.  The judges were very impressed   that the   garden  is developing and maturing well. "New greenhouse is a great addition. Great use of the Irish language. The knowledge and enthusiasm impressed us. Plenty colour, art and upcycling. The choice of and vegetable quality was excellent. The sensory garden is terrific and well done on the afterschools input.     Maybe consider a project that links with local history/heritage   and a tree labelling project using recycled materials otherwise keep up great work".     Congratulations to all involved at Gaelscoil na Duglaise N.S For more Information on the School Gardens Competition  Click Here   Enter for 2024 here    https://forms.gle/ eniRw7MbRoUdmjYe7

   Cork School Garden 2023 focus on Curraglass N.S This week we focus on Curraglass N.S who were Best in Category Winners.  The judges were very impressed   that the   garden  is developing and maturing well. "New greenhouse is a great addition. Great use of the Irish language. The knowledge and enthusiasm impressed us. Plenty of colour, art and upcycling. The choice of and vegetable quality was excellent. The sensory garden is terrific and well done on the afterschools input.     Maybe consider a project that links with local history/heritage   and a tree labelling project using recycled materials otherwise keep up great work."   Congratulations to all involved at Curraglass N.S For more Information on the School Gardens Competition  Click Here   Enter for 2024 here    https://forms.gle/ eniRw7MbRoUdmjYe7

  Cork School Garden 2023 focus on Scoil Maria Assumpta N.S This week we focus on Scoil Maria Assumpta N.S who were Best in Category Winners.  The judges were very  impressed that t he garden is developing and maturing well. "Great use of the Irish language. The knowledge and enthusiasm impressed us. Plenty colour and art and upcycling. The choice of and vegetable quality was excellent.     Maybe consider a Polytunnell and maybe a tree lidentification and labelling project for mature trees. Keep up great work."   Congratulations to all involved at Scoil Maria Assumpta N.S For more Information on the School Gardens Competition  Click Here   Enter for 2024 here    https://forms.gle/ eniRw7MbRoUdmjYe7

  Cork School Garden 2023 focus on Castlelyons N.S This week we focus on Castlelyons N.S who were Best in Category Winners.  The judges were very impressed that  t he garden is developing and maturing nicely." The enthusiasm and knowledge of the children was amazing. Labeling and use of Irish was excellent. Very good use of upcycling colour and art and we loved the wildflower area and the wildflower meadow.   Great overall Garden.  The soil could benefit from some conditioning mulching and maturing in some places and we look forward to seeing your plans for a nature trail come to fruition. Also consider more water harvesting near your beds. Keep up great work."   Congratulations to all involved at Castlelyons N.S For more Information on the School Gardens Competition  Click Here   Enter for 2024 here    https://forms.gle/ eniRw7MbRoUdmjYe7

  Cork School Garden 2023 focus on Carriganima N.S This week we focus on Carriganima N.S who were Highly Recommended for their school garden.  The judges were very  impressed  with the     colorful garden and the great use of limited space. "We were also delighted with the knowledge of the children. The weeding, upcycling and bee friendly measures are very impressive. The garden was resplendant the day of our visit with plenty of colour from recycled materials     Maybe consider growing more fruit bushes such as blackcurrants and gooseberries. Keep up the good work."   Congratulations to all involved at Carriganima N.S For more Information on the School Gardens Competition  Click Here   Enter for 2024 here    https://forms.gle/ eniRw7MbRoUdmjYe7

  Cork School Garden 2023 focus on St. Multose N.S This week we focus on St. Multose N.S who were Highly Recommended for their school garden.  The judges were very  impressed  by the amount of colour and art in the garden. "Great examples of Upcycling and colour. Great use of the polytunnel and we were impressed by the wilding of some areas for bees and biodiversity.      Maybe install two stage composting and compost in smaller batches. Stake some of the trees and maybe label the mature trees."       Congratulations to all involved at St. Multose N.S For more Information on the School Gardens Competition  Click Here   Enter for 2024 here    https://forms.gle/ eniRw7MbRoUdmjYe7