The garden, designed as a living classroom, showcases a variety of native plants and habitats. It aims to promote awareness and understanding of biodiversity among students and the broader community. The event underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering environmental stewardship.
The inauguration was graced by key figures from Portlaoise Tidy Towns, including Vincent Booth, Chairperson, Catherine Donlon, Secretary, and Gerry Brown, Treasurer. Service users and staff from St Fintan’s added to the inclusive spirit of the occasion. Notably, Donal Brennan, Director of Service, and members of the Climate Action Section of Laois County Council were in attendance, highlighting the broad support for this initiative.
The Biodiversity Demonstration Garden was made possible through generous funding from the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. Special thanks were extended to Thomas Carolan, Heritage Officer, for his invaluable assistance in securing this support and guiding the project.
Ross Boland from Boland Landscaping, along with his team, played a crucial role in transforming the site into the vibrant garden now enjoyed by the community. Their work was guided by the landscape plan designed by Dee Sewell, who mentioned that the design was based on the "Gardening for Biodiversity" booklet. The garden features principles from the booklet, making it both beautiful and educational. The signage, created by author Juanita Brown and illustrator Barry Reynolds, further enriches the learning experience. All resources are available on the Laois Education Support Centre website.
Michael Buckley, Executive Parks & Landscape Officer of Laois County Council, was also acknowledged for his extensive knowledge and guidance throughout the project. His contributions were key to overcoming challenges and ensuring the garden's success. His dedication and expertise were instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
The garden is designed to offer hands-on learning opportunities, encouraging active participation in conservation efforts and fostering a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s rich natural heritage. This project aligns with the Portlaoise Low Carbon Town (PLCT) initiative and the "Town in a Garden" concept, which aim to integrate green spaces into urban settings, enhancing quality of life and promoting sustainable living.
Suzanne Dempsey, a key figure in the garden’s development, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "This garden is a fantastic resource for both students and teachers. It offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about local flora and fauna in their natural habitats. We hope it inspires a new generation of environmental stewards."
Catherine Doolan, Director, Laois Education Support Centre, emphasised the educational benefits, saying, "The Biodiversity Demonstration Garden is not just about planting and observing; it's about integrating these experiences into the curriculum. It provides a dynamic and engaging way to teach important ecological concepts."
Liam O'Neill, representing the Board of Laois Education Support Centre, highlighted the community effort behind the project. "This garden is a collaborative effort that brings together the passion and knowledge of many individuals. It stands as a symbol of our collective dedication to preserving biodiversity and educating our youth about the importance of environmental conservation."
The staff of Laois Education Centre were thanked for their hard work in preparing the site for the opening and Seamus, Gerry and Vladimir were thanked for their ongoing efforts in maintaining and watering the garden.
Laois Education Support Centre invites the community to visit the Biodiversity Demonstration Garden and engage with the various educational programs it will offer. This initiative is expected to inspire similar projects across the region, contributing to a broader movement towards environmental sustainability and education.