An Gairdin News

John Feehan at An Gáirdín

2011-05-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday 21 May 10am-4pm

An Gáirdín, Portumna

A day of

exciting learning and discovery

in the world of

plants, insects and invertebrates

and their habitats.

Discover

the uniqueness that pervades all of nature and

the interdependence of everything in the natural world.

Avail of this privileged opportunity of working with John

Cost €40

Contact 0909 741689 angairdin1@gmail.com

Making Your Own Compost – Morning Workshop

2011-04-11T04:25:00.000-07:00

By following a few simple basic rules Kieran will show you that it is possible to turn your kitchen/garden waster into rich compost/fertiliser. If you are having difficulty with composting, this is your opportunity to learn once and for all. A very significant activity for the well-being of Earth as well as a money saver. Contact An Gáirdín on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com to book Cost:€10

Herb Growing Made Easy With Dolores Keegan

2011-04-11T03:39:00.001-07:00

Learn how to have a wide variety of fresh, tasty herbs all year round. During the course Dolores will share her thirty years experience of herb growing. We will cover seed sowing, taking cuttings, garden layout, getting your soil right, looking after your herbs to get the best from them and you will have some recipes to take home. Cost €45 Contact An Gairdin on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com to book your place!

Medical Dowsing with Ciaran Graham Saturday 5th March 10am-2.30pm

2011-03-03T05:16:00.000-08:00

Medical Dowsing - the oldest form of medical diagnosis is carried out with the aid of a pendulum or other intuitive instrument to identify the likely cause of a given illness.

You will learn to use your divining skills

Cost: €30

Collecting your Rainwater Monday 21st March 7-9pm

2011-03-03T05:13:00.000-08:00

With Muriel Hayen and Michael O'Rourke.

Muriel will demonstarte how she has devised her own inexpensive method of saving rainwater for her small business.

Michael has been equally creative in saving rainwater from his tunnel and other sources.

Learn how to save your rainwater with minimum cost and reuse it in the home and in business.

Given the present phenomenon of water shortage and upcoming water rates, this is a timely workshop.

All are welcome.

Cost: €15

Cardio Cookery with Lynda McFarland Thursday 24th March 7-9pm

2011-03-03T05:12:00.000-08:00

Lynda will demonstrate healthy cookery and nutrition aimed at lowering LDL Cholesterol and balancing Blood Pressure naturally through diet and lifesytle.
Demo and Sampling.

Cost: €20

Spring Equinox with Colette Baynes Saturday 26th March 10.30am-1pm

2011-03-03T05:10:00.000-08:00

Celebrate this special season of balance, of equal day and night, of new life and hope, with song, dance and meditation.

All are welcome.

Cost: €20

Organic Gardening Course

2011-02-21T05:38:00.000-08:00

Our very popular Organic gardening Course begins on Saturday 26th February at 10am. We will also be running this course on Wednesdays beginning on Wednesday 2nd March in order to facilitate as many people as possible.

The courses are being taught by our very experienced tutors who will take you right thtrough the growing season.

Places are limited so early booking is advisable with a €20 deposit.

For more information please contact us on : 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com

Welcome Spring! Workshop

2011-01-25T02:16:00.000-08:00

An Gairdin, Portumna, Co Galway

Saturday 29th January 2011

In the Celtic Year, Imbolc is celebrated on 1st February. It marks the start of Spring and is also the festival of Brigid, Celtic goddess and Christian saint. Brigid was known as the protector of hearth, home and land, and as patron of healing, poetry and crafts.
In this workshop, we gather to celebrate the fertile energy of the earth, the return of the Light and the increasing strength of the sun. The three months of winter are now past. While we are still living with darkness and it is still cold, each morning and evening we see extended daylight. The early buds are already appearing on the trees; shoots from bulbs are visible above the earth and beneath the earth, life is stirring. In ancient times Brigid was revered as the one who banished Winter by bringing back the light of the sun and releasing the waters that may have frozen over Winter.
Imbolc is known as the Festival of Awakening, when the life force that has been resting over winter starts to awaken. In the natural world, the period of rest has brought about renewal and regeneration. In our lives, we too, as part of nature are responding to the return of the Light. We can feel small stirrings within - messages from our soul of new beginnings that may beckon; awareness of our deep desires and hopes and the steps we may wish to take to bring these to fruition. This is a time for listening to the awakening of these dreams and yearnings and for attuning to our inner wisdom, which can prompt us to the direction that we may need to take.
In the workshop, we will use movement, ritual, the weaving of Brigid’s crosses, time in nature and times of reflection to connect to the energy of Imbolc and Brigid
Time: 10.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
Registration: An Gairdin 09097-41689
or www.angairdin.ie

Irelands Forests at Risk

2011-01-19T02:18:00.000-08:00

The Irish Government is moving closer to a huge sell-off of the public forests managed by Coillte (The Irish Forestry Board) to private investors. An area greater than 1 million acres, equivalent to two medium sized counties will be lost forever. This will include some of our most valuable native woodlands, wild places and some of the last refuges of our native flora and fauna.Interest has been expressed by Swiss finance company Helvetia Wealth - who own the International Forestry Fund (IFF) - chaired by Bertie Ahern, (ex-prime minister of Ireland) as well as The China Investment Corporation.Please sign this petition now to tell the Irish Government that Ireland's Forests are not for sale. These forests are the inheritance of the Irish children and managed wisely can help secure Ireland's social, environmental and economic future. A strong show of support, asserting our rightful ownership of the public forests will make all the difference.
Please click the following link to sign the petition:

http://www.woodlandleague.org/

Organic Horticulture Course

2011-01-18T05:30:00.000-08:00

Organic Gardening Course

The 2011 Organic Gardening Course is beginning in Mid-February.

This very popular course runs each year for one day per month for 9 months.
It takes the participants through the entire growing season.

The course covers all aspects of Organic Gardening.

Fetac Certification optional.

Book Early!

Contact An Gairdin on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com
www.angairdin.com

Weight Loss Cookery with Lynda McFarland at An Gairdin

2011-01-13T04:33:00.000-08:00

Weight Loss Cookery - healthy cookery and nutrition aimed at balancing blood sugar levels, thereby preventing cravings and supporting weight loss.

Date: Thurs January 27th - 7pm-9pm.

Cost: €25 includes demo and sampling.

Yoga with Ruth

2011-01-13T04:32:00.000-08:00

YOGA With Ruth

An Gairdin Organic & Ecology Centre,
Portumna

Start Date: Tuesday 25th January

Time: 6.00pm-7.45 pm for General & Beginners

7.45pm-9pm for Advanced

Cost: €120 for 12 weeks

Contact Ruth: 087 2434759 or 065 6835548

Rights of Nature

2011-01-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

The UN rights of nature - Civil Society has started to work on a new resolution which is currently under consideration at the UN: the rights of nature. These should be discussed by governments on April 22, 2011, the day of Mother Earth.

For more information please click on the following link :

http://pwccc.wordpress.com/programa/

Winter Solstice with Colette Baynes

2010-12-16T02:03:00.000-08:00

Winter Solstice Workshop

Saturday 18th December

10.30-1pm

Winter solstice marks the start of the Solar Year. It is a celebration of light and the rebirth of the sun. This year, the December Solstice will occur at 23.38 on 21st December. We will hold a workshop on Saturday December 18th to celebrate this important event. This will focus on themes of calm and rest at this, the darkest time of the year. We will take time to slow down and breathe as w give ourselves space to enter the quiet of the solstice. We will use movement and music to experience calm, letting go and relaxation before we move to welcoming the light. Through ritual, movement, stillness and reflection we acknowledge the beginning of the new solar year.

Alien Asian Ladybirds

2010-12-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

It was brought to our attention during our weekly staff meeting that Ireland has been invaded by an alien Asian ladybird! While the headline in the papers may have been funny and had some of us thinking that it was a joke, the truth was far more worrying.....

A Ladybird native to Asia has been spotted at two locations in IReland and poses a threat to the country's "unique biodiversity".

The Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) was found for the first time last month at sites in Co Cork and Co Wicklow.

According to Colette O'Flynn from the National Biodiversity Data Centre "If the Harlequin Ladybird becomes established, it will lead to a decline, and in some cases, the extinction of some of our 15 native ladybird species.

The Harlequin Ladybird is native to Asia and is considered an invasive alien species in Eurpoe and North America. It may have arrived in Ireland on imported vegetables, fruit or plants. The sightings were reported by members of the public in COrk city and Ashford, CO. Wicklow, who found the insect in their homes.

Ms O' Flynn said the specimens found could represent the tip of the iceberg in terms of a new invasion to the island of Ireland.

It is variable in colour - from yellow to orange to red; can have up to 20 spots and at "6-8 milimetres long they tend to be larger and more domed than most native ladybirds", said Ms O'Flynn, calling for people to report sightings.

Prepare to Celebrate

2010-11-17T05:45:00.001-08:00

Prepare to Celebrate
Thursday 2nd, 9th & 16th December 7.30-9pm

This is an opportunity to set time aside to prepare for the Feast of Christmas. Each night will consist of a DVD presentation by the most renowned thinkers on the theme of the evening along with time for reflection and prayer. The first evening of the programme will be taking a look at the world, as it is now-the big picture.

Cost: DonationContact An Gairdin on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com

Foods for Improving Digestion

2010-11-17T05:44:00.000-08:00

Foods for Improving Digestion
With Lynda McFarland
Thursday 2nd December 7-9pm

Learn how to prepare quick, nutritious meals and snacks that will support healthy digestion in the body – you are not just what you eat, you are what you digest and absorb!

Cost: €25 includes tasting and recipes
Contact An Gairdin on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com

Cholesterol Lowering Foods

2010-11-02T03:39:00.000-07:00

Cholesterol Lowering Foods with Lynda McFarland
Thursday 4th November 7-9pm

Learn how to prepare quick, nutritious meals and snacks that will help lower cholesterol levels naturally through the foods you eat!

Cost: €25 inclusing tasing and recipes

December Class: Foods for Improving Digestion

Growing in Polytunnels

2010-11-02T03:37:00.000-07:00

Growing in Polytunnels with Dolores Keegan

Saturday 13th November 2010

This day covers all aspects of tunnel growing including: choosing and erecting a tunnel, choosing suitable varieties of plants for tunnels, designing a yearly crop plan, maintaining healthy plants, irrigation etc.

Cost: €45

Geopathic Stress

2010-11-02T03:35:00.000-07:00

Coping with Negative Energies in our Homes, Spaces and Land. With Ciaran Graham
Saturday 20th November 10.30am-2pm

Sometimes our spaces - homes/lands- can contain negative energies which may impact physicallt and psychologically and lead to ill health.
This workshop will deal with the detection of such energies and the use of tools and exercises to reduce/clear these negative energies.

Cost:€30

National Volunteer Day

2010-09-29T02:19:00.002-07:00

A Day in the Woods
Friday 1st October 10am-4pm
At An Gáirdín we are dedicated to tree planting and over the past few years we have planted approximately 3 acres of trees. During the early years trees need care and attention, so on National Volunteer Day we invite you to come and help. Please contact us beforehand either directly at An Gáirdín on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com or through the Galway Volunteer Centre on 091-539930 or info@volunteergalway.ie

National Tree Day

2010-09-29T02:19:00.001-07:00

Planting a Native Hedgerow
Thursday 7th October 10.30-1.30pm
On National Tree Day you can come and learn about Native Hedgerows, their benefits and why we are encouraged to plant them. We will be planting a native hedgerow on the day. Please contact An Gáirdín on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com

Food for your Brain!

2010-09-29T02:18:00.001-07:00

Food for your Brain with Lynda McFarland
Thursday 7th October 7-9pm

This is Lynda’s first class this term. She will teach how to prepare quick, nutritious brain enhancing foods. The class is open to all and college students may also be interested. Includes recipes, demos and tastings. Please contact An Gáirdín to book on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com

Grow your own organic fruit

2010-09-29T02:15:00.000-07:00

Growing your own Organic Fruit with Dolores Keegan
Saturday 9th October 10am-4pm

Dolores returns to teach us how to have fresh, organic fruit for most of the year. Dolores will cover top and soft fruit varieties, planting, feeding, spacing, pruning and diseases.Please contact An Gáirdín to book on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com

Autumn Equinox

2010-09-07T04:49:00.000-07:00

Autumn Equinox With Colette Baynes
Sat 18th September
10.30am-1pm

The Autumn Equinox is a festival of Harvest, Gratitude and Balance. In this workshop we will take time to look back and acknowledge what we have achieved or created in our lives. We will look forward, as we prepare for winter, to the new seeds we wish to incubate. We explore balance in our lives – balance between being and doing, activity and rest, work and play.
We will work with movement, stillness, time in nature and creative exercises. No previous experience is necessary. See www.colettebaynes.ie for more information

Baking in the Wood-Fired Earth Oven

2010-09-07T04:47:00.000-07:00

Baking in the Wood-Fired Earth Oven with Liam Carroll. Saturday 18th September 6pm-8pm

In July Liam came and built a Wood-Fired Earth Oven here at An Gairdin. It has been drying out since and we have been helping it along by lighting small fires in it every day. Liam promised thaht when it was ready he would come back and show us how to cook in it.
The oven is well dried out and looks very well. Liam will be back to show us how to bake/cook in the oven. He will demonstrate the cooking of pizzas, breads and other foods to nourish us as we celebrate Equinox and Harvest and as we move into the colder season. All are welcome.
Cost €10

Timetable of Events for the Saturday of the Portumna Festival

2010-06-28T01:39:00.000-07:00

12.00 pm - Herbs and their uses
2.00 pm - Biodiversity and Garden Tour
3.00 pm - Nature Trail for Children

Blacksmithing Course

2010-06-14T05:48:00.000-07:00

Well we had a host of "Blacksmiths in Training" here on Wednesday 2nd June!

We held an "Introduction to Balcksmithing Course" with Mark Wilson and all that attended agreed it was a great day.

The participants learned a lot about blacksmithing and the techniques involved and produced hooks, pokers and even some jewellery to take home!

An Gairdins New Arrivals !!

2010-06-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

Today we welcomed 6 new arrivals at An Gairdin. We now have little chicks added to our brood, at the moment there are six hatched and more to come!

What a beautiful sight to see these little chicks peeping out from their hiding spot under Mother Hen and it will only be a matter of days before they feel brave enough to take on the challenges nature will present them with once they leave the comfort of the hens nest.

Wholefood Cookery

2010-05-27T02:55:00.000-07:00

Wholefood Cookery with Lynda McFarland

Saturaday June 12th 10am-2pm

30 Minute Meals & Snacks

Demo, sampling, full lunch and recipes to try at home.

Cost €40

Blacksmithing Course

2010-05-27T02:48:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 2nd June 10am-4pm

Blacksmithing Course with Mark Wilson

Introduction to Small Scale Blacksmithing.
This day will include how to make a simple forge fuelled by charcoal and using recycled metal to produce small items; jewellery items, copper bracelets etc. Each participant will also make small hooks of a poker to take home.

Cost: €45

Upcoming Events at An Gairdin

2010-04-26T02:39:00.001-07:00

Introduction to Divining with Ciarán Graham: Saturday 15th May 10am-4pm:This day is an opportunity to learn all about Divining and the divining instrument. We can learn how living in harmony with nature can bring health and healing into our homes and into our lives. Former chairman of the Irish Socieety of Diviners, Ciaran will introduce the insightful practice of Divining and the divining instrument, how to ask the right question, how to interpret the answer and understanding and respectikng the energy medium you are working with. Cost €45

Wholefood Cookery with Lynda McFarland: Thursday 13th May 7pm-9pm. Lynda will be giving a demonstration workshop on Cholesterol Lowering Cookery. She will offer tasting and recipes to try at home. Cost €20

Earth Hour

2010-03-26T03:42:00.001-07:00

Earth Hour
8.30pm Saturday 27th March 2010.

An initiative of the World Wildlife Fund, the inaugural Earth Hour was held in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million Sydneysiders, 2,100 businesses and the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge switched off for just one hour to highlight climate change.

Ireland was the first European country to take part in Earth Hour.
In 2009, as our National landmarks were symbolically plunged into darkness - Eirgrid noted the equivalent of over 700,000 lights being switched off throughout Ireland at a time when the national team was playing a vital world cup qualifying match!
This year, we hope to do even better!

Pledge your support here and turn off your lights for one hour, Earth Hour, 8.30pm, Saturday 27th March 2010.

Dedication Grove

2010-03-11T14:32:00.001-08:00

http://www.angairdin.ie/movies.html

Some pictures from Nikki:

National Tree Week Sunday 7th March 2pm- 4pm

2010-02-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

An Gáirdín are delighted to announce the launch of a Dedication Grove. It will be assigning a plot of land in which one can plant a tree/trees for special occasions. The Dedication Grove is an ideal and novel way to remember a loved one, celebrate an event such as births, engagements, marriages, and new jobs or just to let someone know that they are in your thoughts. The recipient will receive a Gift Card/Certificate containing the tree name, number and other details. The trees planted will be native e.g. Birch, Alder, Oak, Rowan (Mountain Ash) and Holly.

Not only is this a beautiful gift but it is also an act of faith or trust in the future and helps the environment.

The cost is €10 per tree with a discount for a number of trees.

Please contact An Gairdin for further details on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com

www.angairdin.com

Happy New Year - of Biodiversity!

2010-01-20T03:29:00.000-08:00

These webs seen on our gate during the picturesque, wintry days that ushered in the International Year of Biodiversity remind us of the great interdependant and interconnected web of life.

The United Nations has declared 2010 as International Biodiversity Year. Biodiversity is all of Earth's life: microbes, people, plants and animals and the places in which they live (habitats).
Biodiversity is all around us, from gardens to hedgerows, bogs to woods and mountaintops to coastlines.
Let us take the opportunity we have during this year to stop and appreciate all the beauty of the diversity of life around us and take the steps needed to safeguard it for the future.
We depend equally on each other for survival.

New Brochure

2010-01-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hi,
Just to let you know that our new brochure is available online now. It contains details on the courses and events that are coming up at An Gairdin over the next few months. You can check it out here
Hope 2010 has gotten off to a good start for you all.
More soon...

Update on the Autumn programme

2009-10-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

See below for an outline of our upcoming courses this Autumn. For more details on any of the courses, see the Courses page of the site, or contact us.

Note:

For details on the Wholefood Cookery course, which runs throughout this period, please see the separate dedicated post.

October

October 8th, 13th, 20th

Growing in Polytunnels

^{(10am-4.30pm)}

Cost: €40

2-day course Oct 14th and Nov 4th.

Natural Rustic Garden Features with Mark Wilson

Mark will be designing and making rustic garden signs, arches and furniture in the garden. Come along to learn, share and help.

Cost €40

Wed 14th, 7pm-10pm

Be the Change

Worldwide symposium - This unique 3hr workshop draws on leading edge information from the world’s most respected thinkers and doers. It explores the current critical issues of environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment.

Donation

November

Sat 7th, 10am-4pm

Scéal na Cruinne

(Story of the Universe)

..we are a national gathering who explore the implications of the evolving Universe Story. This is Portumna’s turn as host. The gathering is open to all, so you are very welcome.

Cost €20

Wed 18th, 10.30am - 3.30pm

Gardening with Biodiversity in Mind with Kay Synott of Living Gardens

As more habitats for our native flora and fauna are lost, gardens are important havens for wildlife. During this workshop you will learn how to make your garden wildlife friendly & how to garden in an environmentally sustainable way.

(Part funded, details later)

Wed 25th,10am-4.30pm

Tin and Copper Smithing with Mark Wilson

A simple approach to tin and copper smithing techniques using recycled copper cylinders to produce small items including buckets & jugs. If you have an old cylinder bring it along.

Cost €40

December

Sat 5th, 10am - 4pm

Natural Festive Decor with Hayley Aldous

Christmas is now recognized as being the most polluting season of the year. This one day workshop is a time to explore, share and make decorations and gifts for a simpler and greener Christmas.

Cost: €30

Fri 18th, 8 - 9.30pm

Winter Solstice Celebration

A time to reflect upon and celebrate mid-winter with each other and to look forward with joy and optimism to the coming season.

Donation

Wholefood Cookery with Lynda McFarland

2009-09-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Lynda's Whole-food Cookery Course begins on Saturday October 3rd. Each day runs from 10am - 2pm Contact Lynda at 087 7927471

October 3rd Gluten-free suitable for coeliacs, those with gluten or wheaten intolerance ......or to give your digestive system a holiday!

October 17th : Indian Vegetarian - learn how to use all these wonderful spices and how they help therapeutically.

October 31st: Healthy and nutritious cookery for all the family - How to get them to eat their veggies in clever, tasty ways!

November 14th : Healthy Lunchboxes for adults and children - soups, salads, snacks and sandwiches --and save money.

November 28th : Winter warmers - great soups and casseroles to warm your bones and get through the cold winter.

December 12th : Full of Beans - Learn to make tasy nutritious dishes using beans and lentils; healthy cookery for boosting energy levels!

December 19th : Tasty Vegetarian christmas cookery - learn how to make great tasting vegetarian dishes so no-one even notices the turkey is missing!

POLYTUNNEL COURSE 23rd September

2009-08-31T03:53:00.000-07:00

Forgot to say that the day runs from 10.00am to 4.30pm

Polytunnel Course Wednesday 23rd September '09

2009-08-31T02:56:00.000-07:00

This is the time to make your tunnel plans, whether it is a plan to purchase a tunnel or to decide your seasonal crops. Dolores Keegan will facilitate the day. Dolores is a long experienced tunnel grower and teacher of Organic Horticulture. She will cover every aspect, suitable crops, propagation, planting out, rotations, maintaining healthy soil and plants. She will answer any queries. The cost of the day is 40euro and this includes a healthy organic vegetarian lunch.
Apply to angairdin1@gmail.com or t0 0909741689.

Canticle to the Cosmos

2009-08-31T02:30:00.000-07:00

My name is Bridget Carlin and I have recently started work at An Gairdin. My main task over the next few years will be to work in primary schools introducing children to 'The Universe Story". As part of my induction to the work I have been watching (on video) a series of 12 lectures by Brian Swimme Ph.D. and American cosmologist and pyhysicist, called 'Canticle to the Cosmos'.
I am a convinced environmentalist with a particular interest in biodiversity and I would have considered myself quite versed on ecological issues - however I have been enlightened, awed and reanimated by my exposure to Swimme's work. He is an inspired lecturer with great charm and a winningly understated sense of humour. His passion for his subject is incontestable - and why not? His subject being that everything in the universe came from that tremendous, awesome, creative energy unleashed by the fireball(Swimme rejects the phrase 'big bang' as too redolent of destruction.) That energy is the common ancestor of everything, animate and inanimate and all is inextricably linked in the universe. The world view that all is inextricably linked and interdependent replaces the western hierarchical world view that places the human at the head of a hierarchy of life. The web replaces the pyramid. Indigenous world view and mystical experience are coherent with scientific and empirical evidence.
Exposure to the life affirming philosophy expounded by Swimme has been a privilege and an inspiration and I would recommend every-one to indulge in it.

Peacock butterfly

2009-08-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday seemed to be butterfly day. They made the most of the sunshine between those heavy showers. I was able to watch this peacock butterfly bathing in the sunshine. Here's the picture for you to enjoy too.

Below I captured the peacock and thistle intimate moment.