Clew Bay Garden Trail launch 2022 calendar in support of hospice
THE Clew Bay Garden Trail has launched a 2022 calendar, with proceeds going to Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
The Clew Bay Garden Trail is marking its 10th anniversary next year with this beautifully-produced garden calendar - a collaboration with Westport photographer Conor McKeown who conceived the idea.
A wonderful collection of photos is partnered with useful and practical 'Jobs in the Garden This Month', put together by garden designer Evleen Mulloy.
RTÉ Home of the Year judge and architect, Hugh Wallace, launched the 2019 Clew Bay Garden Trail and waxed lyrically about the gardens he had had a sneak preview of earlier. He followed a long line of eminent personalities who have launched the trail's annual garden festival since its inception in 2012, including Minister Michael Ring, garden gurus Leonie Cornelius, Klaus Laitenberger, the late Angela Jupe, wildlife cinematographer Colin Stafford–Johnson and others.
By 2018 the trail had raised €89,000 for charity and the goal for 2019 was to surpass the magic number of €100,000, which it did.
So, who is this motley group of people whose passion is gardening? They are organic growers, conservationists, environmentalists, swift box builders, award-winning traditional farm builders, bee keepers, seed savers, partners in biodiversity, consultants and volunteers in the gardens attached to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Adult Mental Health Unit in Castlebar.
Speaking on the launch of the calendar, Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: “We are so honoured that the Clew Bay Garden Trail has chosen Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation as the recipients of this beautiful calendar. The trail are phenomenal supporters of the foundation, not only through their amazing fundraising but they lent us their expertise and knowledge when it came to landscaping the grounds at the Mayo Hospice in 2019. The committee have a deep understanding of palliative care and creating a special environment for the patient and families on their most difficult journey.
“The calendar is a lovely way to mark their 10-year anniversary and I wish them on behalf of the foundation many more years of success and happy gardening.”
To the loyal and constant visitors, who have contributed immeasurably to the success of the trail through your generosity, all involved with the trail say 'míle buíochas, thank you'.
Remember too, the gardeners are artists. Their canvas is that corner of a native field which by dint of toil and labour has been transformed. They share something very unique and personal, so if you espy an odd dandelion (and dandelions are good!) tread softly because you tread on their dreams. Mind your step!