December 2008 Newsletter
Merry Christmas to one and all from Hunting Brook Gardens!
We have bells on our toes and are getting into the holiday vibe singing along to Christmas FM (89.9) on full blast. Even as the herbaceous plants are disappearing into the frost and mud and the freezing fog swirls around us we are busy as little elves planning for next year.
Courses
We have an exciting new course schedule which sees us drawing ever more toward vegetable growing and self sufficiency next year. In the spring our perennial favourite veg garden instructor Klaus Laitenberger will be returning to impart his knowledge on beginners and accomplished veg growers alike. At the end of the summer he will be joined by the lovely veg guru Joy Larkcom who will be returning from her far flung searches for exciting new vegetables to talk to us about her trips and creating potager gardens in Ireland.
The renowned author and Gardener's World presenter Carol Klein will also be joining us in August to give lectures based on her books ‘Right Plant, Right Place' and ‘Plant Personalities'. She will then join Jimi for a tour of the gardens at Hunting Brook and a lively discussion of planting combinations.
For all of you who are considering a new hobby as part of your New Year's resolutions, can I recommend joining me for an ‘Introduction to Beekeeping' in May and ‘Keeping Hens and Ducks' in July? As a budding self-sufficiency hound (I currently have 14 gallons of country wines fermenting in my office!) I can't wait to get a little further back to nature with these two fascinating courses taught by local, knowledgable enthusiasts.
General gardening classes next year include Jimi's one day gardening masterclass in August as well as a repeat of the popular one year plantsperson's course. For those who would like to expand their plant knowledge in a more relaxed, less info intensive format and who are busy on the weekends, a scaled down format of the one year course will be held on eight Monday mornings from March to November. And for those beginning gardeners who would like a more hands-on approach, we once again have our six week practical courses in the spring, two of which will be held at Hunting Brook and one at Johnstown Garden Centre in Co. Kildare. Details of all of these courses are included in the attached course schedule and are currently being updated on our website (www.huntingbrook.com).
Allotments
We have been busy with and excited about planning our new allotments at Hunting Brook. The allotments are located near the overflow car park at the bottom of the hill and are approximately 45 square yards each. The allotments will be ploughed and harrowed prior to March and are located in a deer fenced area with communal watering points and lots of parking. The allotments will be available from March to December and cost €280. We are currently taking bookings for the allotments (only €100 to hold yours!) and have been getting a good uptake, particularly since the mentions in last weekend's Sunday Business Post and Sunday Times. It's looking like it will be an enthusiastic mix of beginner and experienced fruit and veg growers, so if you're interested in growing your own in a supportive community environment and in a beautiful setting, give Jimi a call and get out those seed catalogues to pass the dark winter nights! In addition, all allotment holders get 20% off any of the 2009 veg growing courses at Hunting Brook.
Gift Ideas
Hunting Brook vouchers are available for those at you who are trying to think of a unique and thoughtful gift idea that will be appreciated by the gardeners in your lives. Vouchers are available for any amount and can be used toward courses, garden consultations or, for the gift that keeps on giving, allotment hire. Ring soon and Jimi can have vouchers posted out in time for Christmas or ring ahead and pick them up at the house. We also have have a slection of cookery books available and all 25% off. Ring to check availability of titles. Go ahead! Give them something they'll really love this year!
The office at Hunting Brook will be open until Christmas Eve and will be reopening on the 28th of January. For vouchers or bookings, please ring Jimi on 01 458 3972 or 087 285 6601 or email at jimi@huntingbrook.com before or after that time or we will get back to you as soon as the office reopens in February.
We would like to thank you for your custom, kindness and encouragement during the past year. It has been an absolute pleasure meeting so many of you during the year and we look forward to seeing you again in 2009.
Best wishes to you and yours for a peaceful and joyous Christmas and a new year of growth toward everything dearest in your lives from Jimi, Glenda and Fred.