This garden project at the ‘Hollies Centre for Practical Sustainability’ is an initiative designed with education as the primary objective. Food sustainability in Ireland in an energy scarce future is something that cannot be ignored. In Ireland, we currently import about 90% of our food. Much of this is fresh food such as fruit and vegetables that are being flown into the country very cheaply creating what is known as a global summertime. With the advent of peak oil and subsequent rising energy costs, the affordability of importing most of our essential food items will be unsustainable and unaffordable.
The aim of the Hollies garden project is to set up a living laboratory where the practical skills of soil preparation, sowing, planting and harvesting can be demonstrated. This will be done in tandem with raising awareness of the necessity of producing much of our food locally.
This garden started in 2006. Since 2007 we have been selling organic produce at the Bandon Farmers’ Market. In 2008 this work is getting an educational dimension with our series of 6 one-day courses to inspire you to grow your own food. It is not as hard as you might think.