Organic Market Garden in Mayo

While the ornamental garden had been closed the old fruit and vegetable garden had been going through rough times. Home by turns to sheep, cattle, horses and pigs only some old apple trees survived from the original plantings. The propagating house was a ruin, and sadly it still remains one.

However from the early 1990’s onwards various schemes have been run, first by FAS, and later by a local co-op and more recently by the Rural Initiative Scheme. All have contributed to rescue the garden, grow fruit and vegetables, and attempt to make it financially viable. None have been entirely successful but over the years some great produce has been grown and one plan has led to another.

Fruit and vegetables are supplied to Enniscoe House and to the Heritage Centre tea room, as well as local restaurants and callers to the garden.

The next business plan is an ambitious one and will be presented in 2009. This may be the one!