Gerry, a Member from Amharc Muileann, Limerick, shares some tips and advice on gardening.

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‍What inspires you to garden?

‍I find it relaxing and I feel that it relieves stress. When you go outside and talk to your garden, talk to the flowers- which I do on a regular basis it makes me feel better. I had an accident a couple of years back and felt that being able to spend time in the garden had a hugely positive impact on my mental health, recovery, and sense of well-being.

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‍How long have you been growing for?

‍I have been growing things for most of my life, I started out very young. In the second last house I lived in I didn’t grow flowers at all, I had it set up like an allotment growing a variety of fruit and vegetables, it took over the whole place. Everything that I grew I shared out amongst my neighbours.

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‍What do you like most about growing?

‍I love getting out and digging in the dirt with my bare hands. I find it brings me closer to nature. I love to see what will happen when I plant things in a few small pots. I enjoy when people passing by compliment my garden, I feel a great sense of achievement. I love bringing the birds and bees into the garden and I plan to build a bug motel and see how that turns out. I built a fairy house from an old log and a hanging basket turned upside down as the roof. I grow potatoes, beetroot, lettuce, carrots, onions, tomatoes, rhubarb, and strawberries. I do my own baking, cooking and make homemade marmalade.