History

Nuala’s Garden and Horticultural Centre was established in 2009, and is dedicated to the memory of the late Nuala Cunnane (R.I.P. Sept.2007), a founder member of RSG and a great lover of nature, gardening and believer in people.

The Horticultural Centre and garden are located on the grounds of the Derrane centre.

There is a fully accessible greenhouse, outdoor accessible raised beds and gardens all of which are suitable for training and developing skills to all members of the wider community. Disability has no barriers at our centre. The project has been achieved partly through funding grants, fundraising and donations from interested parties in the community.

The Garden and Greenhouse brings people of all abilities and ages from our wider community together, investing them with new skills and ideas that they can profit from in the future. Seed sowing, garden planning, self sufficiency, harvesting and marketing are among the courses available.

Sensory Garden

Here at County Roscommon Disability Support Group we have a sensory garden for the entire community to come and enjoy. The plants have been chosen for their colour, foliage texture or scent . Wildlife and insects are actively encouraged with bird feeders, insect hotels and insect attractive plants such as buddleija that encourage butterflies etc. There is also a boggy garden area that we are hoping to encourage some amphibious friends such as toads and frogs into this year.

The garden will always be evolving but this year it will be filled with colour and scents. There are fruit and herb beds alongside the vegetable plots showing how productive a small plot can be.

The garden is for all to enjoy and engage with so if you would like to come and sit and reflect or get stuck in and volunteer some time for weeding we are always happy to see visitors.

Courses & Classes

Training is tailored around the clients’ needs. We welcome volunteers with or without gardening knowledge and hope that they are inspired to impart their own new found skills to others who have an interest.

The courses available are integrated into the Independent Living Programme at RSG and aim to teach independence, confidence and self worth where appropriate. Most of the growing is fun!

People are welcome to come along and try a taster course and find out for themselves.