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Established to meet the growing demand for
training and information on organic gardening, growing, and farming, The
Organic Centre offers a unique and bountiful selection of courses on organic
and environmental programmes.
From its sweet-smelling herb gardens,
beautiful rare flower gardens, and breath-taking landscaping to the Children's
Play Area (the Witch's House, a thatched cottage set among living wicker
sculptures), The Organic Centre is a marvel of natural beauty. Rare plants like
Our Lady's Candle (a long slender plant with dainty yellow buds), the Butterfly
Bush (white bundled buds swarming with multi-colored butterflies), and the
Druid Apple (a heritage apple tree that dates back to Druid times) make a
stroll through the immense gardens a unique pleasure.
Surrounded by "fedges," (fences of living
willow woven and sculpted) and leading to a central courtyard with perfectly
placed stone benches decorated by swirls of rare mint spirals, the Centre
offers visitors a sanctuary...of wisdom, relaxation, and staggering beauty.
And for students, young and old, lessons
and demonstrations in the new Polydome Technology (plastic greenhouses) offer a
visual and literal feast as only one walk through will prove: rare tomatoes,
decorative lettuce, squash, and hanging pumpkin are all available for sampling.
A non-profit organization, The Organic
Centre also displays a variety of crafts and artworks by local artisans and has
regular viewings of educational videos, along with printed booklets, leaflets,
and a seed catalogue for ordering rare heritage seeds or those of more common
origin. Week-long summer camps for gardening enthusiasts of any age are
available, as well.
The Centre also operates its own organic
restaurant using fresh, site-grown fruits, vegetables, and homemade cheeses,
butters, marmalades, and breads. Diners can enjoy the delectable goodies either
indoors or out on one of the new decks.
The amazing structure and design of the
Organic Centre make it seem a natural part of the wonderful landscape, not an
intruder, but a family member, welcomed and loved by all who come through the
doors.
Come on. Get your hands dirty. Live a
little.
Hours:
April thru September, Daily 11:00 - 4:00
Other months, by appointment only.
Admission:
Adults €5
Students €3 Children
Free
How to get there:
From Dublin: N3/A509 to Enniskillen. A4/N16
to Manorhamilton. At Manorhamilton, take R282 N to Rossinver. At Rossinver,
take R281 W 2km to well posted sign for Organic Centre.
From Belfast: M1/A4 to Enniskillen. A4/N16
to Manorhamilton. Then R282 N to Rossinver. At Rossinver, take R281 W 2km to
well posted sign for Organic Centre.
Address:
The Organic Centre
Rossinver, Co. Leitrim bordering Sligo
www.theorganiccentre.ie
T: 071 985 4338
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007
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