What’s growing on in Eaton Square Park?
Now that our lovely chestnut fence has been erected in Eaton Square park to mark the area Dublin City Council (DCC) approved for use for our rewilding and biodiversity project, we are finally able to think about scheduling learning events and planting.
There are a few initial steps before we can do any public gatherings and learning events, namely finalising our public liability insurance but we are hopeful this will be in place very soon.
In relation to, the plan for planting, we are adopting a no-dig approach to the space. This means we are working more with nature than upending it. The two trees and some of the existing shrubs on the site are in good health, therefore we want to compliment this by enriching the site. The perennial rye grass is very hardy but has very limited positive impact for biodiversity on its own and therefore we are looking to suppress its growth overtime by overlaying it with organic peat-free compost as well as bark mulch which DCC have kindly offered.
The first example of this approach is in place around the lime tree whereby around the base of the lime tree bark has been placed, then bio-degradable rain soaked cardboard with organic compost on top to a depth of 15cm.
The organic compost was made using fallen leaves collected from roadsides in Terenure last winter, grass cuttings from Terenure gardens, organic brown bin waste materials (fruit and vegetable scraps with some egg shells), rain water and air. We hope to demonstrate how easy it is to make your own compost this coming autumn. I started with one small laundry bucket which proves that this can be achieved by everyone, I think went a bit compost mad and have quickly progressed to a one meter cube DIY compost section in my garden constructed from waste pallets.
Within the area around the base of the lime tree we have planted without disturbing the sub-soil or the tree’s root system Irish grown heather, foxgloves and forget-me-nots in remembrance of those with dementia.
For the rest of the site until we await further mulch and compost we are enjoying seeing all sorts of plants pop up. Some of you may be familiar with the purple mallow facing Eaton Road, we’ll it has self seeded to make two more of this medicinal and edible plant.
In addition, mushrooms, clover, buttercups and daisies are beginning to also rise up too.
I am really looking forward to sharing with you very soon plans for the area as well as upcoming schedule of family friendly as well as adult events.
This is a photo of Bushy Park in Terenure/Templogue beside the depot. This space was previously grassland two years ago when the grass was lifted by DCC and it was replanted with pollinator friendly plants. It previously had a little chestnut fence just like the one now in Eaton Square Park, to allow the space to establish itself. This photo is to give everyone an idea as to what we are trying to achieve in Eaton Square park, growing takes time and care but we hope Eaton Square will be teaming with wildlife in the year to come.
Home made organic compost. We will be demonstrating how easy it is to make your own compost to allow your garden and nature to thrive.
New planting in place around the lime tree that stands in the centre of the site in Eaton Square Park. We have used the home made organic compost to give the plants and the tree the nurishment it needs. Hopefully you can see the positive impact of a no-dig approach.
Plants on display are foxgloves, heather and forget-me-nots. Forget-me-nots are the flower of remembrance for those with dementia. We hope to have many meaningful plants included our rewilding garden space.
Some of the bees, butterflies, moths etc. that have been visiting Eaton Square Park rewilding section since the grass is no longer being mown. Also some mushrooms establishing themselves too.
