Growing your own takes roots in Virginia

Donal McEvoy, a native of Virginia and owner of Pergola Nurseries (located in the shopping centre), is passionate about all things gardening, so when he noticed a resurgence of interest in home-growing fruit, vegetables and herbs as well as ornamental plants, he decided to share his expertise with his customers in a more organised setting. "We have seen our footfall increase during the recession, because people who were previously cash-rich and time-poor are the opposite now; they have the time to take an interest in looking after themselves," he says. Donal found himself answering the same questions day after day but found the information he could impart at the shop-counter was limited. With no shortage of interest, it seemed sensible to offer more comprehensive advice. "The demand was there in that people were interested and asking for advice but in nine cases out of ten, were using the wrong products or not using them at the right times and in the right way. And important information would be lost in explaining things verbally rather than doing a demonstration for customers there and then. To help gardeners to achieve the maximum productivity from their efforts, we felt it was easier to impart knowledge to a group rather than individually." Donal started the Saturday morning adult Grow Your Own vegetable and fruit workshop in mid February and followed up by starting a Saturday evening one for children (usually aged about seven to twelve years) in March. Another workshop on hanging baskets and ornamentals is held on a Friday evening. All workshops are free and regularly attract 30 or more students, sometimes over twice that. Although his training is in horticulture, Donal is a natural communicator and not just when it comes to talking to plants. His workshops are engaging for adults and children alike, and he clearly customises them to suit the age group. "The workshop is done in a practical way in the nursery so you can see how to plant, how to grow. I do a lot of demonstrations and it's very hands-on," he says. His goal with children is "to show them that gardening can be fun and not a chore". With a natural ease, he jokes with and includes the young audience, showing them how to make hanging baskets out of old boots, become "guerilla gardeners" by planting random runner beans. The children always go home with something to nurture, such as a lettuce or a Mind Your Own Business plant. "That's the name of the plant, so when people ask them what it's called they have a funny answer," explains Donal. He cites a number of reasons why 'growing your own' is taking off: "Now that people are less likely to be moving house, they are inclined to put down roots in gardens. There's also the interest in health and producing good food, as well as the therapy of gardening. It's a family activity too. "The area of big interest is food production - vegetables, fruit and herbs. The ones in the supermarket can be chosen for appearance and ability to be transported and last well, but foods grown at home in an organic way, give you the therapy and enjoyment of growing them and a better flavour produce." So what are Donal's three golden gardening rules? 1. Keep planting within a reasonable area initially so that the gardening doesn't become a chore. 2. Use good quality professional compost and organic fertilisers. 3. Don't be afraid to keep asking questions from professionals or people who've been gardening a long time. • Free workshops continue (adults and children over 12 years every Saturday at 11am-noon; children every Saturday at 7pm-8pm). All are welcome. Just turn up or telephone 049-8547559 for more information.