news & events - National Botanic · PDF fileIt features remarkable drawings by Sarah Simblet...

April – June 2014

news & events

2 | Booking: 01 857 0909 / [email protected]

News from the Gardens

The Glasnevin GateWe share much of our boundary with Prospect Cemetery, now home to the popular Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. Last year a linking gate was re-established on this common boundary, making the combined sites the second largest green space in Dublin. There is now a hop-on hop-off bus service operating between the Cemetery, Croke Park and the city centre, giving easy access to these major north Dublin attractions.

A Viking House & GardenThis year marks the millennium of the Battle of Clontarf, a pivotal year in Dublin’s history. To commemorate the anniversary we are building a replica of a typical Dublin house from a thousand years ago. This is taking shape rapidly, and should be completed by Easter (keep up to date by visiting our website). Modelled on a house from Fishamble Street, excavated during the 1970s, the house, along with its attendant garden, is the first to be built in Dublin since that time. It will form a graceful addition to the Gardens for many years to come, and will form a valuable addition to our education programme.

Eoin Donnelly, who is overseeing the build, is using traditional skills and tools and has harvested nearly all the materials himself. As a totally organic structure built from oak, ash, hazel and reeds, all the materials can be grown, representing a truly sustainable form of building. To celebrate the completion of the house at Easter we hope to have a replica Viking Boat on loan from The Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig, Co. Wexford. Be sure to come along and witness this spectacle during Easter fortnight. The house has been built with generous support from the Irish Museums Trust and the Dublin City Council.


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Media attentionThe TG4 series on the gardens – Gairdíní na Lus – was broadcast in January and February this year, closely followed by an episode of RTÉ’s popular Tracks and Trails series when broadcaster Jim Sherwin took a spin around the garden. This media attention has revealed a behind the scenes perspective to our work. Through our lecture series we try to highlight this work and this spring and summer we are delighted to have a range of talks all about life in Viking Dublin. We will also be hosting a number of exciting art exhibitions, some old and some new, that demonstrate the continuing appeal of art both within and beyond the Gardens.


Exhibitions

Continuing until Wednesday 23rd AprilBonsai at the Botanic GardensAn extensive exhibition of Bonsai from Andrew J Murray’s collection will be on display in the Teak House throughout April. Watch the Bonsai burst back into life, displaying the splendid spring foliage of maples, cherries and many other interesting plants.Daily in the Teak House

Wednesday 9th April – Wednesday 23rd AprilLady Charlotte Wheeler-CuffeLady Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe was a noted botanical artist and plant collector. During her time in Burma (now Myanmar) she corresponded regularly with then curator of the Gardens, Sir Frederick Moore. The exhibition opening will also be marked by the launch of a newly published book by author E. Charles Nelson entitled “Shadow Among Splendours - Lady Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe’s adventures among the flowers of Burma, 1897-1921”. The book details Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe’s journey to Burma, her life there, including her expeditions and botanical art followed by her return to Ireland. It contains illustrations and drawings from her journals and notebooks including wonderful botanical paintings and landscapes. The book will be on sale at a discounted price for the opening night. Opening at 7.30pm, 8th April 2014. Contact 01-8040319 or [email protected]. Daily in the Gallery space, Education and Visitor Centre



Friday 2nd May – Sunday 25th MayIrish Society of Botanical Art : Aibítir – The Irish Alphabet in Botanical ArtThe Irish Alphabet in Botanical Art is the inaugural exhibition of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists. Working with the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, artists have created portraits of native plants accompanied by the first letter of their Irish name. Over 70 botanical artists, each with their own distinctive style, have participated in this project. This has resulted in the creation of three eighteen-letter Irish alphabets.Free demonstrations in Botanical Art will take place during the exhibition.Educational worksheets for schools, based on the exhibition will be available for download on the Irish Society of Botanical Artists website: www.irishbotanicalartists.comDaily in the Gallery space, Education and Visitor Centre

Friday 30th May – Sunday 8th JuneAn Óige, Annual Photographic ExhibitionThis Annual Photographic Exhibition, now in its 76th year, is organised by An Óige Photographic Group. It features a wide range of prize-winning images for 2014, including a section exploring images of the National Botanic Gardens. Daily in the Gallery space, Education and Visitor Centre

18th June – 15th JulySylvaAn exhibition to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the publication of John Evelyn’s Sylva - A Discourse on Forest Trees. It features remarkable drawings by Sarah Simblet from the New Sylva (Bloomsbury, 2014), a new book written by Gabriel Hemery that brings Evelyn’s classic discourse up-to-date.Daily in the Gallery space, Education and Visitor Centre



April

Saturday 1st March - Wednesday 23rd AprilBonsai ExhibitionFor further information see the Exhibitions section of this brochure.Daily in the Teak House

Tuesday 8th AprilLecture and Book launch: “Shadow among splendours - Charlotte Wheeler Cuffe’s Burma”E.Charles Nelson discusses his latest book on the renowned botanical artist and plant collector Charlotte Wheeler Cuffe. Through her letters we get a fascinating insight into her life in Burma and the many adventures she encountered during her botanical art expeditions. This talk will be followed by the official opening of the exhibition and launch of the book.Time: 7.30pm Education and visitor Centre


Wednesday 9th April – Wednesday 23rd AprilLady Charlotte Wheeler-CuffeFor further details see the Exhibitions section of this brochure.Daily in the Gallery space, Education and Visitor Centre

Thursday 10th AprilLecture: Creative Gardening with ContainersHester FordeJoin Hester for tips on planting up containers to great effect combining an unusual mix of perennial plants such as grasses and cannas with the more usual annuals.Time: 8:00 pm. Doors open 7.30pm. Education and Visitor Centre. Organised jointly with the Alpine Garden Society and the Irish Garden Plant Society.


Saturday 12th AprilGardening Workshop: Grow your own GrubCalling all beginner gardeners! April is a great time to get started on your kitchen garden. Join our expert gardeners and learn how to grow your own organic fruit and vegetables. Time: 11.00am. Meet at the Education and Visitor CentreCost: €20. Proceeds in aid of the Irish Museums Trust

Sunday 13th AprilGuided Walk - Plants that changed the WorldMany of the plants that we use in our day-to-day lives have played a huge role in the development of mankind. Empires were built and fortunes amassed in the struggle to control these valuable commodities. Join us on a free guided tour to learn about the origins of these plants and the roles they have played in our history.Time: 2:30pm. Free admission. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre

Wednesday 16th AprilLecture: House and home in Viking DublinDr Aidan O’Sullivan, UCD School of ArchaeologyWhat were houses like in Viking Dublin? How were they built, occupied and used? What does their architecture tell us about the townsfolk’s sense of belonging and identity in Ireland, the Irish Sea and the North Atlantic world?Time:3.00pm. Education and Visitor Centre


Thursday 17th AprilLecture: Oceanic Wonders and Migration on the Edge! - Seawatching and The Seawatch Project Niall KeoghEvery autumn, thousands of migratory seabirds make their way through Irish waters in order to avail of rich feeding and ‘fuel up’ before continuing on their mammoth journey from one end of the Atlantic to the other. The diversity in species ranges from tiny sprites such as Storm Petrels to graceful giants like the Gannet. What’s more, all this activity can be visible from our coastal headlands. This talk will illustrate how you can best see this spectacle for yourself (an activity known as ‘seawatching’) and also details the work being undertaken by BirdWatch Ireland to monitor migratory seabird populations (the Seatrack project). Niall Keogh is a ‘Seabird Project’ fieldworker & Chairman of the Wicklow Branch of BirdWatch Ireland.Time: Doors open at 7.30pm. Education and Visitor CentreOrganised with the Tolka Branch of Birdwatch Ireland.

Wednesday 23rd AprilLecture: Food in Viking DublinMeriel McClatchieMeriel McClatchie, archaeobotanist at UCD School of Archaeology, will examine evidence from archaeological excavations for the wide variety of wild and cultivated plant foods in Viking Dublin.Time:3.00pm. Education and Visitor Centre

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th AprilDublin Orchid FairA wide variety of orchids will be on display during the annual Dublin Orchid Fair, which is being held in the Teak House this year. This event is of interest to both beginner and accomplished growers and will provide an opportunity to source orchids, sundries and books. As part of the fair there will be talks on growing orchids and a tour of the Glasnevin orchid collection. Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm


Saturday 26th April Gardening Workshop: ‘Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme...’Get some top tips from our garden expert on how to plan out your herb garden. Some herbs are annuals and some are perennials; find out how to grow a range of herbs successfully in your own garden.Time: 11.00am. Meet at the Education and Visitor CentreCost: €20. Proceeds in aid of the Irish Museums Trust

Saturday 26th AprilBudding Artists & Hardy AnnualsJoin our creative art workshops suitable for a variety of age groups. For further information see the Children’s Events section of this brochure.

Saturday 26th AprilLecture: Antibiotics and the machine that reads our genesDr. Venki Ramakrishnan, Nobel LaureateDr Ramakrishnan was awarded the Nobel Laureate for his determination of ribosome structure. His studies have revealed much information about antibiotics and also how hereditary information is deciphered in all organisms including plants and humans. Prize giving for best poem / essay on DNA and RNA (schools’ competition) will be held before the lecture. The winners will read excerpts from their entries.Time: 4.00pm Lecture (Prize giving 3.30pm) Education and Visitor Centre

Wednesday 30th April 2014Lecture: Lichens of St. LuciaHoward FoxNational Botanic Gardens botanist, Howard Fox, will give an illustrated talk on the lichens of Saint Lucia, a beautiful tropical island in the Lesser Antilles of the Eastern Caribbean. Howard will present the results of two expeditions he made in 2007 and 2014.Time: 3.00pm. Education and Visitor Centre


May

Saturdays May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31stGuided Walk: Blossoms from the OrientYou may be surprised to learn that many of our common garden plants are Chinese in origin. May is the best time of the year to see peonies, the handkerchief tree, wisteria and many other plants in full bloom. Come and see the Chinese plants at their best! There is a charge of €2 per person for guided tours.Time: 3.00pm

Friday 2nd May – Sunday 25th MayIrish Society of Botanical Art: Aibítir – The Irish Alphabet in Botanical ArtFor further details see the Exhibitions section of this brochure.Daily in the Gallery space, Education and Visitor Centre


Booking: 01 857 0909 / [email protected] | 15 Booking: 01 857 0909 / [email protected] | 15

Saturdays and Sundays in May Demonstrations - Aibítir - The Irish Alphabet in Botanical ArtBe inspired… see how these beautiful pieces of art have been created. Watch the techniques and the skills used to depict our native plants. See how science and art merge in this fascinating art form. Members of the Irish Society of Botanical Art will give demonstrations on Saturdays and Sundays, including Bank Holiday Mon 5th MayTime: from 2.00 - 4.00pmDaily in the Gallery space, Education and Visitor Centre Saturday 10th MayGardening Workshop: Grow your own Organic VegetablesLearn all about growing vegetables organically from the professional gardening staff of the National Botanic Gardens. Our garden expert will have lots of practical tips on growing your own vegetables. You will get practical advice on how to be an environmentally friendly gardener and on how to get the best results from your garden, regardless of its size.Time: 11.00am. Meet at the Education and Visitor CentreCost: €20. Proceeds in aid of the Irish Museums Trust

Saturday 10th MayChildren’s Event: Pond dippingA fun event exploring the weird and wonderful diversity of insects and ‘minibeasts’ living in and around the pond at the Botanic Gardens. This workshop is suitable from age 8 upwards. Time: 11.00am. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre. Admission Free, Booking Essential. Organised with the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club

Sunday 11th MayThe Irish Red Cross 75 Anniversary Open DayJoin the Irish Red Cross at their open day, celebrating their 75th anniversary. There will be demonstrations on First Aid, CPR and allergies, talks on the ‘History of Red Cross’ and ‘Plants and their association with medicine’Activities: Ambulance visit, Red Cross Youth “Don’t be a bully, be a buddy!”Time: 11.00am – 5.00pmOrganised by The Irish Red Cross Society


Tuesday 13th MayLecture: What was Dublin like in 1014?Ruth Johnson, Dublin City CouncilRuth Johnson, archaeologist and author of ‘Viking Age Dublin’ will examine evidence from excavations for the foundation, development, physical layout, economy, art and crafts of Viking Dublin.Time: 3pm. Education and Visitor Centre

Thursday 15th MayLecture: The Cream Of AlpinesCliff BookerCliff is a passionate photographer and loves the high mountain buttercups of Europe, New Zealand and North America. He spends his gardening life trying to grow, flower and exhibit Ranunculus.Time: Doors open at 7.30pm. Education and Visitor Centre.Organised with the Alpine Garden Society

Sunday 18th MayGarden Bird SafariFor further information see the Children’s Events section of this brochure.


Saturday 24th MayBudding Artists and Hardy AnnualsJoin our creative art workshops suitable for a variety of age groups. For further information see the Children’s Events section of this brochure.

Saturday 24th MayGardening Workshop - Growing Summer SaladsRegardless of the size of your garden, from window boxes to large plots, there is always a space for a wide variety of tasty salad crops. Join the National Botanic Gardens organic gardening crew and find out how you grow delicious and succulent salads all summer long while being kind to the environment too.Time: 11.00am. Meet at the Education and Visitor CentreCost: €20. Proceeds in aid of the Irish Museums Trust

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th MayCactus and Succulent ShowThe biennial show of the Cactus and Succulent Society will be presented in the National Botanic Gardens. As at the previous shows there will be an open section for members of the public, a section exclusively for members and a novice section.Time: Open from 1.00pm Sat and 10.00 am Sun in the Teak House

Friday 30th May – Sunday 8th JuneAn Óige, Annual Photographic ExhibitionFor further details see the Exhibitions section of this brochure. Daily in the Gallery Space, Education and Visitor Centre


June

Saturday 7th JuneChildren’s Event: Pond dippingA fun event exploring the weird and wonderful diversity of insects and ‘minibeasts’ living in and around the pond at the Botanic Gardens. This workshop is suitable from age 8 upwards. Time: 11.00am. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre. Admission Free, Booking Essential. Organised with the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club

Friday 13th JuneSummer Evening of Classical Music with the Cuarteto Casals string quartet.The KBC Great Music in Irish Houses Festival pays its first visit to the National Botanic Gardens as part of this year’s week long programme.



Cuarteto Casals, a Spanish string quartet of international renown, plays a selection of Mozart, Ligeti and Brahms. Since the Quartet’s Festival debut in 2005, it has performed in the world’s most prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Vienna’s Musikverein, the Philharmonie Berlin and Cité de la Musique in Paris. Seat Prices : €20 and €30. Booking through the National Concert Hall. Tel. 417 0000 or online at www.nch.ieTime: 8pmVenue: Gallery Space, National Botanic Gardens

Saturday 14th June A concert of Chamber Music favourites featuring participants of the KBC Bank Support Act Programme 2014A partnership with the The National Botanic Gardens, OPW and sponsored by KBC Bank3pm. Admission Free


Saturday 28th JuneWorkshop: Bookbinding for kids

Wednesday 18th JuneLecture: Living conditions in Viking age DublinDr Eileen Reilly, Irish Research council Postdoc. Research fellow, UCD School of ArchaeologyWhat were living conditions like in Viking age Dublin? Using evidence from insects, this talk will reveal some of the sights, smells and textures inside Viking age houses, yards and pits.Time: 3pm. Education and Visitor Centre

18th June – 15th JulySylva: An exhibition to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the publication of John Evelyn’s Sylva - A Discourse on Forest TreesFor further details see the Exhibitions section of this brochure. Daily in the Gallery space, Education and Visitor Centre



Saturday 21st JuneBudding Artists & Hardy AnnualsJoin our creative art workshops suitable for a variety of age groups. For further information see the Children’s Events section of this brochure.

Sunday 22nd JuneConifer Walk & TalkGlasnevin has an extensive collection of conifers, from native Yews to Giant Redwoods from North America. Come an join us for a walk and talk, exploring wonderful evergreens from every corner of the world. Learn the basics of conifer identification and a few stories about why they are special.Time 2:30pm. No booking necessary.


24 | Booking: 0404 48844 / [email protected]

Events at KilmacurraghLocated in east County Wicklow, the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh is the centrepiece of an 18th century estate and is today famous for its conifers, rhododendrons and other acid-loving plants.

Kilmacurragh is located about 1 hours drive south of Dublin off the N11. For directions see map below.

Free Guided Tours will be held twice daily from April onwards until the middle of October at 12.00pm and 3.00pm. Please check the website or locally for seasonally themed guided tours. Group tours should be pre-booked.For all events, meet at the car park entrance to the Gardens. Further information: 0404 48844

Kilmacurragh

R752 Rath

new

R75

4 Avo

ca

R751 Wicklow

N11 D

ublin

Arklo

w

Kilbride

N11N11

Rathdrum

Beehive Pub

Glenealy

Deputy's Pass

1 kilometre

26 | Booking: 0404 48844 / [email protected]

Saturdays & Sundays in AprilGuided Walk: Rhododendron WalksThey’re back! Don’t miss this annual treat, the fantastic displays of flowers from these ancient old rhododendrons are a joy to witness. Come and enjoy our spring tree walks as the beautiful blossoms emerge. Time: 3.00 pm Admission Free

Saturdays in MayGuided Walk: Walk the Kilmacurragh WayJoin us for an invigorating walk through Kilmacurragh. Improve your fitness and find out about the medicinal properties of some of the amazing trees and plants growing here.Time: 3.00 pm Admission Free.

Saturdays in June and JulyGuided Walk: Learn about MeadowsJoin us for a walk through the meadows, where the guide will identify the variety of interesting plants that grow here. The old meadows have been redeveloped and regenerated in Kilmacurragh giving a unique opportunity to walk through the mown paths and discover the wealth of species that grow in them.Time: 3.00 pm Admission Free.

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Stuff for kids at Kilmacurragh

Sunday 27th AprilFamily event: Bird Safari KilmacurraghJoin author and Botanic Gardens guide Glynn Anderson for a guided bird walk at Kilmacurragh. Come and discover what birds make their homes here, bring binoculars, if you have them.Time 10.30 am. Meet in Kilmacurragh Car Park. Admission free. Advance booking essential.

Book now for special guided tours for school groups. Spaces are limited so please book well in advance.

Family days are back in July

From May onwards, children’s explorer trails available. Self guided fun for all the family.

Pick up your trail in the carpark.

Events for Children

Children’s Garden TrailsAn all-weather, all-year activity for kids! Pick up your free trail at the Visitor Centre and embark on a self-guided discovery of the wonderful plants and glasshouses on display in the Gardens. A variety of trails are available, including a ‘Plants Under Cover’ glasshouse trail and a ‘Plant Passport’ trail that introduces plants from all around the world.

Watch out for our Budding Botanists series for children and families coming soon !

Saturdays 26th April, 24th May, 21st JuneBudding ArtistsJoin our ‘budding’ artists, a creative workshop especially for younger children taking place once a month, under the watchful eye of artist Niamh Synnott. Children are encouraged to take a closer look at the natural world all around them to inspire fun art-making activities. Suitable for 4 to 7 year olds.Time: 11.00am-12.30pm. Meet at the Education and Visitor CentreCost: €10. Booking Essential

Saturdays 26th April, 24th May, 21st JuneHardy AnnualsWhy not join us for a guided discovery of the natural world where you can observe, engage and be inspired by your surroundings. Participants in this art programme will be encouraged to use materials in fun and interesting ways while taking inspiration from the world of plants on show at Glasnevin. Suitable for 8 to 12 year olds.Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre.Cost: € 10. Booking Essential



Saturdays 10th May, 7th JuneChildren’s Event: Pond dippingA fun event exploring the weird and wonderful diversity of insects and minibeasts living in and around the pond at the Botanic Gardens. This workshop is suitable from age 8 upwards. Time: 11.00am. Meet at the Education and Visitor Centre. Admission Free, Booking Essential Organised with the Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club.

Sunday 18th MayFamily event: Garden Bird SafariJoin author and Botanic Gardens guide Glynn Anderson for aguided bird walk. Come and discover what birds are here, bring binoculars if you have them and see what you can discover.Time 10.00 am. Admission free. Advance booking essential. 01 8570909

Saturday 28th JuneWorkshop: Bookbinding for kidsCome along to this workshop and create your very own journal of magical plants. We will use simple Japanese hole binding to create a truly unique book that you can press and store your specimens in. Time: 3.00pm Meet education and Visitor CentreCost: € 10. Booking Essential



Education Workshops for Schools How do plants survive in the desert? What’s the fastest growing plant in the world? What plants can trap their own food? Find out the answers to these and many more fascinating questions on our special themed tours of the gardens and glasshouses geared specially for kids.

Free Tours available for primary and secondary school groups all year round.

• Fascinating Plants - How do plants survive in the desert? What plants trap their own food? Why do trees have thorns? What’s the fastest growing plant in the world? Find out the answers to these questions here in the Gardens.

• Learning the Links - Exploring the interdependence between plants, animals and people.

• Why do Trees have leaves? Discover how amazing trees are - find out all about trees and how to tell an ash from an oak!

• Ireland’s Own - Learn about Irish plants, their uses, mythology and how to identify them.

• Plants and Us - Learn about plants and the role they play in our lives.

Sustainability - What’s That?This workshop is designed for second level students, exploring and developing the principles of sustainability, biodiversity, plant conservations and the importance of plants in our lives. It includes presentations, tours and discussion. The education team at the National Botanic Gardens has developed this programme. It is cross-curricular in emphasis, covering aspects from the Geography, Science and CSPE curriculum. Workshop length two hours.

Extended programme also available in partnership with the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun. All education workshops are free of charge but must be booked in advance.

Classes & events booking form

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Children’s Art Workshops: Budding Artists €10 Sat 26th April

Sat 24th May

Sat 21st June

Children’s Art Workshop: Hardy Annuals €10 Sat 26th April

Sat 24th May

Sat 21st June

Gardening Workshop: Grow your own

Grub

€20 Sat 12th April

Gardening Workshop: Parsley, Sage,

Rosemary..

€20 Sat 26th April

Bird Safari (Kilmacurragh) Free Sun 27th April

Gardening Workshop: Grow your own

organic veg

€20 Sat 10th May

Children’s Pond Dipping Free Sat 10th May

Sat 7th June

Bird Safari Free Sun 18th May

Gardening Workshop: Summer Salads €20 Sat 24th May

Bookbinding for Kids €10 Sat 28th June

Cheques made payable to the Irish Museums Trust

For free events, bookings can be made at 01 8570909 / 8040319 or [email protected]

Opening hoursGuided ToursSundays at 12.00pm & 2.30pm all year round, admission free.Monday – Saturday 11.30am & 3.00pm April – October €2 per personPre-booked groups by arrangement €2 per person.

Summer opening hours (March – October)Mon.- Fri. 9.00 – 5.00pmSat. / Sun. 10.00 – 6.00pm

Telephone: 01 8570909 / 01 8040319Website: www.botanicgardens.ieEmail: [email protected]

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news & events - National Botanic · PDF fileIt features remarkable drawings by Sarah Simblet...

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