Carmel O’Neill sent ECI this update:
The past few weeks have been busy as work commenced on developing areas of waste ground in both Valleymount and Lacken churches into sustainable gardens.
In late Autumn, a number of parishioners cleared the neglected area behind the grotto. Having allowed the ground to settle for the winter months, the group decided on a planting scheme in April. Much thought went into the choice of plants as the area is quite shaded.
Trees were planted at the rear wall, Holly, Japanese maple and Acer while to the front saw the planting of fern, dicentra, vinca, astilbe, aquilegia, nepeta, geranium and anemones. This area which is partially visble from the main church door looks very attractive now.
Bee pollinators were also added to the bed at the car park, lavender, nepeta, foxglove, Shasta daisy and Lupin. The rear of Lacken church grounds was a wilderness and ground elder and elder bushes had taken control.
Members of the Tidy Village group hired a mini digger to clear the ground and together with the church caretaker set about clearing the weeds and rubble which had built up over the years. It was then agreed that we would plant climbers against the old stone wall to provide a food supply for the birds in winter, cotoneaster, ivy and pyracantha. We also planted 2 dwarf trees as the area is shelteredand. Buddleia for the butterflies.
Finally we used the wildflower seed which had been given to us from our Biodiversity course with Aoife Munn to create a woldflower strip both to the front and rear of the church grounds. This seed uses Native Irish wildflowers only. A bee box was erected to attract honey bees.
In April the Lacken Tidy Village group was awarded a certificate for Sustainable Tourism by Wicklow County Council.
Parishioners hope to focus more on the spiritual dimension now that churches are open and include some of the prayers for the earth.