Gardening is good for you

A report has found that 70 per cent of the population believes that spending time in gardens is more important for their quality of life than in front of the television or shopping. The report ‘Space to Grow: Why People Need Gardens’’ argues that gardens and other green spaces are crucial for food security, wildlife and even tackling climate change.

We welcome the report that gardening is good for physical and psychological health. I am delighted that this report has highlighted how gardens and gardening can benefit everyone in society, regardless of age, background or circumstance.

The message is clear, if you want to feel better get into gardening. Never has access to green space been more important for our spiritual and physical wellbeing than it is in today's rapidly changing world.

Carrickfergus Borough Council provides over 125 hectares of parks, green space areas, allotments, wildflower meadows, countryside and shoreline walks, woodlands, floral displays and playgrounds. Council initiatives such as Carrickfergus in Bloom and the School Growing Clubs are excellent examples of bringing the benefits of gardening to residents of the Borough.

In today's fast-paced world, finding space and time to unwind and relax is becoming ever more crucial. Nowhere does this better than the quiet corner of a garden or park that give us the chance to breathe in our natural surroundings and refresh our weary spirit. I am passionate about the idea that everyone should have access to a garden or local green space.

Virtual Flower Show

The Virtual Flower Show organised by Carrickfergus in Bloom is an opportunity for Carrickfergus Borough residents to show off their photographic and gardening skills. The 2009 competition is now open for voting.

Judging is by popular vote from members of the public. Votes will be cast electronically via this website from 23rd August to 20th September.

To VOTE please go to www.virtualflowershow.org.

Fun Day Update

The morning started early for the Fun Day on Saturday. BBC Radio asked to do a live broadcast from 8pm so I needed to be at Eden Allotment Gardens for 7am to let in the sound engineer. It also gave me an opportunity to have a look round the allotments before the crowds descended. The place is beautiful in the morning and it's my favorite time. The BBC interview went well and I was interviewed along side Austin and Myrtle from the Allotment Association. By 9am the Technical staff had arrived to put up the Marquee and things started to get done. The Allotment Association stands looked great and we supplied them with tables, chairs and gazebo’s. Other stands included some commercial craft stalls, face painters, bee keeper association, conservation volunteers, petting farm, bouncy castle, McConnell Funeral Service Balloon Competition, Treasure Hunt and football kick-about area. By 11.30 the public started to come in droves. The sheer number was over-whelming but very welcome. The Apex Jazz band played until 2pm and they added to the festival atmosphere of the event. At 2pm our local MP Sammy Wilson gave a speech and he was very kind to Carrickfergus Borough Council. After the speech we had the Scarecrow Competition sponsored by Sunnybank Garden Centre, 20 Scarecrow took part. The result:

1st Place: James Howells from Carrickfergus
2nd Place: Anna Clarke from Carrickfergus
3rd Place: Curtis & Lewis Patterson from Carrickfergus

The Treasure Hunt winners were Adam Mercer from Whitehead and Georgia Nelson from Magheramorne. The McConnell Funeral Service Balloon Competition winner was Lillian Allen who guessed the correct number of balloons 191.

Feedback from the day was very positive as was the attendance figures with over 3000 people attending.

National Allotments Week

To celebrating National Allotments Week (10 to 16 August) Carrickfergus Borough Council and Eden Allotment Holders Association are holding a Family Fun Day on Saturday 8th August, from 12 noon to 4pm. The Family Fun Day will include a scarecrow competition, children’s games, face painting, plant and craft sales, a petting farm and a vegetable juggler plus much more. Everyone Welcome.