June 2019
June 2019
WildFlowers
WildFlowers
The JTT not only gave away wildflower seeds recently to those wishing to help the Bee's but they also changed their plans for the Petrol Station planting.
The JTT not only gave away wildflower seeds recently to those wishing to help the Bee's but they also changed their plans for the Petrol Station planting.
Their contact details are below but be VERY QUICK to get in touch if you'd like some. The summer weather is hopefully on it's way or the next opportunity will be in Autumn for early spring plants.
Their contact details are below but be VERY QUICK to get in touch if you'd like some. The summer weather is hopefully on it's way or the next opportunity will be in Autumn for early spring plants.
Planting.
Planting.
At the former Kentstown Road Petrol Station the 100m fenced yard and garage is the first impression of both Johnstown and Navan. For the past decade the surrounding verge has been blasted with weed killer and looked terrible.
At the former Kentstown Road Petrol Station the 100m fenced yard and garage is the first impression of both Johnstown and Navan. For the past decade the surrounding verge has been blasted with weed killer and looked terrible.
Barren and devoid of life before June 2018
Last June work began to plant shrubs and climbers but the unseasonably hot dry weather coupled with the hosepipe ban meant work had to stop.
Last June work began to plant shrubs and climbers but the unseasonably hot dry weather coupled with the hosepipe ban meant work had to stop.
Initial attempts to transform the verge in June 2018
The soil is not what you'd expect and the team used pick axes in an attempt to break the surface and only 60 climbers were planted before work was abandoned for the year.
The soil is not what you'd expect and the team used pick axes in an attempt to break the surface and only 60 climbers were planted before work was abandoned for the year.
A year later and most of the planted climbers have survived with a few now in flower. It's a little hard to see them behind the taller weeds and grasses and they still have a long way to go before they screen off the unsightly garage yard.
A year later and most of the planted climbers have survived with a few now in flower. It's a little hard to see them behind the taller weeds and grasses and they still have a long way to go before they screen off the unsightly garage yard.
The weeds and grasses were purposely left to reclaim the soil. After years of abuse the roots are loosening the soil structure and at the same time recreate the environment for insects, bees and wildlife.
The weeds and grasses were purposely left to reclaim the soil. After years of abuse the roots are loosening the soil structure and at the same time recreate the environment for insects, bees and wildlife.
As all gardeners know the sight of insects and worms is fantastic news especially since we though the soil would be completely unable to support life again.
As all gardeners know the sight of insects and worms is fantastic news especially since we though the soil would be completely unable to support life again.
The Tidy Towns Conference in February promoted the Bee Pollinator Project and the JTT decided to change the planting schedule. The low maintenance shrubs will be used elsewhere around Johnstown in favour of growing wildflowers from seeds. These will not only serve the bees, add flower and colour throughout the season but they will also thrive in the poor soil conditions.
The Tidy Towns Conference in February promoted the Bee Pollinator Project and the JTT decided to change the planting schedule. The low maintenance shrubs will be used elsewhere around Johnstown in favour of growing wildflowers from seeds. These will not only serve the bees, add flower and colour throughout the season but they will also thrive in the poor soil conditions.
This animation from www.Pollinator.ie explains so much in an easy to understand format.
The JTT will be erecting signs with information links to help you identify any of the flowers they plant so that you can repeat this in your own gardens in September.
The JTT will be erecting signs with information links to help you identify any of the flowers they plant so that you can repeat this in your own gardens in September.
A small stretch was recently weeded, dug over, compost and fertiliser added in time for a good soaking with rainwater followed by wildflower seeding.
A small stretch was recently weeded, dug over, compost and fertiliser added in time for a good soaking with rainwater followed by wildflower seeding.
New signs of life are VERY VERY slowly appearing and flowers might come this season. We expect to see a carpet of young green plants by end of July!
New signs of life are VERY VERY slowly appearing and flowers might come this season. We expect to see a carpet of young green plants by end of July!
SEPTEMBER is the next opportunity to complete the entire stretch but in the meantime it will be trimmed to retain a level of presentation.
SEPTEMBER is the next opportunity to complete the entire stretch but in the meantime it will be trimmed to retain a level of presentation.
FREE Seeds
FREE Seeds
Time is fast running out!
Time is fast running out!
The planting season is nearly over but we still have unseasonal Irish weather! If you would like to participate in sowing wildflower seeds within the Johnstown area, either within your own garden or a larger area within your estate, then contact the JTT via the email / Facebook links below.
The planting season is nearly over but we still have unseasonal Irish weather! If you would like to participate in sowing wildflower seeds within the Johnstown area, either within your own garden or a larger area within your estate, then contact the JTT via the email / Facebook links below.
They will be mapping the locations to record these Bee Friendly zones and hopefully we'll present a selection of photos from these to show you over the summer.
They will be mapping the locations to record these Bee Friendly zones and hopefully we'll present a selection of photos from these to show you over the summer.
Doing More!
Doing More!
As a further development of the wildflower seed planting the JTT have started planting seeds along Athlumney Hall’s wall. This soil is also in very poor condition and unsuitable for planting shrubs without substantial replacement.
As a further development of the wildflower seed planting the JTT have started planting seeds along Athlumney Hall’s wall. This soil is also in very poor condition and unsuitable for planting shrubs without substantial replacement.
The work will continue in Autumn by digging over the entire width of the soil verge, adding more compost and fertiliser to ensure the best possible start and long term display of wildflowers.
The work will continue in Autumn by digging over the entire width of the soil verge, adding more compost and fertiliser to ensure the best possible start and long term display of wildflowers.
Contact
Contact
June 2019 Articles
June 2019 Articles
