Walk & Talk- Heritage Week 2021

Mary O'Malley

One of only two in-person events this year as part of National Heritage Week 2021 took place on Saturday 21st August in Louisburgh Village.

Maureen and her co worker Geraldine, take care of all the planting and managing of the many beautiful flowered areas in Louisburgh, Killeen and Lecanvey. Working closely with the Louisburgh Tidy Towns, Louisburgh Community Futures and local businesses they provide over one hundred and twenty window boxes for display every year. They are out in all kinds of weather ensuring that our town and its approach areas are always so colourful and inviting.

On Saturday we met with Maureen to learn about the many different flowers and shrubs that they have planted this year. We learnt about taking cutting from various plants, when to harvest seeds and how to maintain your display for longing flowering during the summer. We started at the Community Garden space where there is also a poly-tunnel available to use for growing or even to start your seed trays. It is hoped that next year many more locals will engage with this space and develop our skills on growing our own vegetable and flowers.

It was such a lovely walk through the village finishing down at the Bunowen River where a new picnic area has been installed. There are lots of areas of wild flowers this year to help with the pollination and biodiversity of our community. Having Maureen walk & talk with us really explained the importance of leaving even a small area of our gardens to re-wild. It is the only way to combat the ever declining bee population.

Maureen was so patient with our questions and her passion and love of all things living and growing became infectious. We really appreciate all that both Maureen & Geraldine do all year long to keep our community looking so beautiful. We came away with a sense of pride in our village, more knowledge about flowers and wild flowers, and of course our pockets full of seeds!

Next time you drive through Lecanvey, Louisburgh or Killeen take a moment to really appreciate all the work that goes on behind the scenes! Or if you are out early enough to spot the ladies working, give them a beep and a wave!

Thanks so much to Maureen for her time and expertise on the day. Thank you to all who came out to participate too. Everyone went home with one of our special Postcards as a treat too!