July Edition 2018
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Bridge Flowers
Bridge Flowers
Thanks to the work of Johnstown Tidy Towns and with support from Meath County Council another entry to Johnstown has been enhanced.
Johnstown Tidy Towns felt that of the 4 local road bridges across the River Boyne the Arboyne Bridge was the only one without a seasonal floral display. With thousands more daily travelers because of the current road works a splash of seasonal colour might at least improve the experience.
Johnstown Tidy Towns felt that of the 4 local road bridges across the River Boyne the Arboyne Bridge was the only one without a seasonal floral display. With thousands more daily travelers because of the current road works a splash of seasonal colour might at least improve the experience.
Johnstown Entry Experiences
Johnstown Entry Experiences
Johnstown Village to the East is already well presented with floral displays thanks to the work of the Johnstown Community Group and their Pride of Place entries. Kentstown Road junction to the North is having the Petrol Station verge and fence line enhanced. To the South the Dublin Road garden display is also well maintained by Meath County Council.
Johnstown Village to the East is already well presented with floral displays thanks to the work of the Johnstown Community Group and their Pride of Place entries. Kentstown Road junction to the North is having the Petrol Station verge and fence line enhanced. To the South the Dublin Road garden display is also well maintained by Meath County Council.
The final access route in need of some attention was the Ardboyne Bridge. Having made the proposal they obtained a grant from Meath County Council to improve parts of Johnstown and they rapidly set to work.
The final access route in need of some attention was the Ardboyne Bridge. Having made the proposal they obtained a grant from Meath County Council to improve parts of Johnstown and they rapidly set to work.
The Bridge.
The Bridge.
It now shines having received a good clean from Rochfort Property Services last month but the structural design of the bridge railing proved a challenge. Unlike the neighbouring bridges the top rail is too wide to accommodate standard basket brackets and having bespoke ones made wasn't financially viable. The design of the rails is to stop side impacts from vehicles and not designed to carry the dead weight of a large basket full of soil. The search was on for a decent size yet lightweight barrier basket that could be securely attached.
It now shines having received a good clean from Rochfort Property Services last month but the structural design of the bridge railing proved a challenge. Unlike the neighbouring bridges the top rail is too wide to accommodate standard basket brackets and having bespoke ones made wasn't financially viable. The design of the rails is to stop side impacts from vehicles and not designed to carry the dead weight of a large basket full of soil. The search was on for a decent size yet lightweight barrier basket that could be securely attached.
The Lechuza Colour Balconera basket solution was found from a German manufacturer normally associated with house plants.
The Lechuza Colour Balconera basket solution was found from a German manufacturer normally associated with house plants.
Flowers
Flowers
Navan Garden Centre on the Kentstown Road was selected to supply pre prepared liner boxes which slotted into the rail bracket.
Navan Garden Centre on the Kentstown Road was selected to supply pre prepared liner boxes which slotted into the rail bracket.
When we first approached them our timing wasn't great since they were fully involved in supplying Rainbows End and their own entry into this years Bloom Festival.
When we first approached them our timing wasn't great since they were fully involved in supplying Rainbows End and their own entry into this years Bloom Festival.
Add to this the unexpectedly hot weather and suppliers of seasonal flowers all over Ireland were stretched to the max.
Add to this the unexpectedly hot weather and suppliers of seasonal flowers all over Ireland were stretched to the max.
Installation
Installation
Con Walsh of Clear Window Repairs is normally contacted for installing or repairing windows, hinges, doors and locking systems so who better to help with the fixings. Like many others who help Johnstown Tidy Towns he offered his services for free to help enhance the neighbourhood in which he lives.
Con Walsh of Clear Window Repairs is normally contacted for installing or repairing windows, hinges, doors and locking systems so who better to help with the fixings. Like many others who help Johnstown Tidy Towns he offered his services for free to help enhance the neighbourhood in which he lives.
You might have noticed the brackets being attached the day before the baskets arrived. This was a lesson learned from the Big Dig Event where the midday sun is too hot compared to the more comfortable evenings.
You might have noticed the brackets being attached the day before the baskets arrived. This was a lesson learned from the Big Dig Event where the midday sun is too hot compared to the more comfortable evenings.
The design of the bracket system allowed the Tidy Towns installation team to install the 16 displays within an hour under the supervision and encouragement from many passing vehicles.
The design of the bracket system allowed the Tidy Towns installation team to install the 16 displays within an hour under the supervision and encouragement from many passing vehicles.
Watering
Watering
A huge consideration was how to supply water without daily visits especially given the current conditions. Self watering systems usually employ irrigation pipes but we had no local supply.
A huge consideration was how to supply water without daily visits especially given the current conditions. Self watering systems usually employ irrigation pipes but we had no local supply.
Light weight, of a reasonable size, has a self watering reservoir and comes with a secure bracket system.
Light weight, of a reasonable size, has a self watering reservoir and comes with a secure bracket system.
Darren from Outdoor Restore is challenged with keeping an eye on the water levels in this hot weather.
Darren from Outdoor Restore is challenged with keeping an eye on the water levels in this hot weather.
What's Next?
What's Next?
Alan Lawes, Chairperson Johnstown Tidy Towns.
16 Barrier Baskets are on display for the remainder of the season and if they are left alone and prove to be successful the proposal is to increase their numbers next year.
16 Barrier Baskets are on display for the remainder of the season and if they are left alone and prove to be successful the proposal is to increase their numbers next year.
Also under consideration is the type of flowers used since these ones only last for one season.
Also under consideration is the type of flowers used since these ones only last for one season.
Herbs, fruits and flowers could be stored over winter and be more environmentally and financially sustainable. Being able to pick a fresh strawberry on the way to the bus sounds a little too idealistic but maybe there's something else to grow?
Herbs, fruits and flowers could be stored over winter and be more environmentally and financially sustainable. Being able to pick a fresh strawberry on the way to the bus sounds a little too idealistic but maybe there's something else to grow?
Contact
Contact
Helpers
Helpers
Read Next in July Edition 2018
Read Next in July Edition 2018
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