02 / NEWS
HORTICULTURE
NEWS INAUGURAL SYMPOSIUM OF THE IRISH SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & THERAPEUTIC HORTICULTURE NETWORK On Friday 6th of September, more than 70 people from across the island of Ireland gathered at TU Dublin Blanchardstown to hear an array of speakers address the symposium theme of ‘Therapeutic Horticulture; Research, Practice and The Future’. This was the inaugural symposium of the newly formed Irish Social, Community & Therapeutic Horticulture community, hosted by TU Dublin, and supported by Horticulture Connected, with organising committee members from GIY, Festina Lente, Airfield Trust, Teagasc Kildalton, WIT, Bradleys Horticulture and Greenside up. In his opening address, campus principal, Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan, acknowledged the breadth of disciplines among those present and noted that ‘It is here in this space, in this intersect of disciplines, that the magic happens’. The symposium was a great success with guest speakers presenting on a variety of subjects and there was plenty of opportunities to network and share practice through the informal poster and networking session. The SCTH committee opened the floor to gain insight into what practitioners on the ground required of the network and there were three key messages, networking, education and professionalisation of the sector.
HUGE RISE IN ENTRIES FOR ALCI AWARDS 2020
In summing up, TU Dublin, lecturer, researcher and educational leader in the field of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture, Rachel Freeman, noted the following, ‘It is clear from those present that they are looking around for recognised quality programmes of study to advance their practice in this field, this is something we are TU Dublin can provide. However, in addition to education, it is clear that they are seeking to be part of a group or network of support as many are working independently, they are seeking to network with other practitioners”. However, the question of professionalisation was less clear cut with Dr Joe Sempik cautioning the group to consider carefully how to proceed. Throughout the event, the current global environment situation ran as an undercurrent to the day, and was foremost in the minds of attendees, and the day ended with practitioners encouraged and restored by the event and speaking of their intent to return to their respective places to try to impact those in their sphere of influence toward wellbeing with environmental care through the medium of therapeutic practice. More information visit SCTHIreland.com and queries can be forwarded to Rachel.freeman@TUDublin.ie
✽
While the ALCI Awards are for projects completed by landscape contractors and indeed many of these would have
Entries for this year’s ALCI Awards are currently being
been designed and built by ALCI members, it is noticeable
judged by Awards judges Gary Graham and Kerrie Gardiner.
that an increasing number of entries also feature the input
Ross Carew, Executive Secretary of the ALCI reports that
of third party landscape designers and landscape architects.
there was a bumper entry this year, with a total of 47 entries
It’s good to see different disciplines within the landscaping
in 13 categories in categories from 21 members.
industry collaborate to produce outstanding work.
Commenting on the most noticeable trends evident from
There has also been a noticeable increase this year in
this year’s entries, Ross commented that there are a number
entries in the Residential Development and Commercial
of themes worth highlighting. There are five different vale
Development categories. Again, this reflects a buoyant
categories for private gardens ranging from under €10,000 to
economy with a return of residential building after some quiet
over €100,000. In the last few years, there has been a noticeable
years and a marked increase in investment in landscaping by
increase in the complete cost of the average private garden
commercial property owners. Other trends evident from this
entry. That trend continues this year, with most private garden
year’s entries are the growing popularity of outdoor rooms
entries in the €50,000 €100,000 category and several in the
and entertainment areas, the increased use of artificial grass
over €100,000 category. Indeed, a few of these cost between
and low maintenance gardens, and the integration of outdoor
€250,000 and €500,000. So, overall it is very evident that there
lighting into garden design. The winners of this year’s ALCI
is a lot more money being spent on private gardens compared
Awards will be announced at a luncheon in the Convention
to five or so years ago.
Centre Dublin on 6th March 2020. ✽
Autumn/Winter 2019 / www.horticultureconnected.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED
3
