Forager has teamed up with Bohernabreena Allotments to gift 10 allotment beds to 10 lucky people for grow season 2024.
Meet the Growers
Follow our GrowAllot Winners as they work their land, grow their veggies & fruit and share their learnings, wins and harvests over grow season 2024.
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Winning a GrowAllot bed means so much to me especially as it's based in Bohernabreena where my daughter Masie is buried. It gives me great comfort to be able to work the land nearby and to show my other daughter Mollie where her food comes from. When I grew up in the countryside, my parents always grew fruit and vegetables which we enjoyed at the kitchen table every day. My own garden doesn’t allow the space to pursue this passion, so I’m delighted to get growing.
What am I growing?Peas & strawberries
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Winning a GrowAllot bed means the world to me! Having moved country a few years ago, I’m now living in Dublin City Centre, so I miss nature and being able to connect with Mother Earth in a very hands on way. I can’t wait to get my hands in the soil and grow my own food as I know it will have a huge impact on my overall well-being. Also, I’m so looking forward to sharing this experience, not only with the other GrowAllot winners, but with my partner Dermot. It will give us such a lovely place to grow food, nurture our bodies and our relationship.
What am I growing?
sunflowers, lavender, calendula, lemon verbena, chamomile, nasturtium, broccoli, beetroot, carrots, oriental greens, spring onions, peas, courgette, squash, tomatoes, chilli and lettuce
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We are an outdoorsy family who love to connect with nature and spend quality time together. Winning a GrowAllot bed gives us such a great opportunity to learn about what goes into getting our food from field to fork and to teach our daughter Fiadh about the fun you can have while getting your hands dirty. We are so excited to be joining the GrowAllot community, take in lovely fresh air and fill our hearts and bellies with goodness!
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The opportunity to have a little space to myself was too great to pass up. After moving home from London, myself, my husband John and my children Jack, Elsie and Arlo all moved in with my parents. We are extremely fortunate to be able to stay with them and while everyone is very happy, I need something that is just mine (and maybe for the kids on the weekends!). I’m excited to make new friends and learn about growing the foods we use everyday. But having a little place to myself for peace, quiet and just being me is exactly what I need
What are we growing?
We will be throwing in some lavender to attract the bees (and attract bugs to our local bug hotel!), sage (for sage butter) and mint (for mojitos), peas, beans, lettuce, mixed greens, cabbage (a work in progress) and garlic.
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To me growing plants is the adult version of kids getting extra sweets! I work in health care so my brain is constantly on the go. Having a project like this allows me to turn everything off and focus purely on the task and nothing else. The usual daily stresses go out the window when I’m planting flowers. I live in an apartment with a dark balcony, so getting to enjoy my favourite hobby has taken a back seat, but now I’m going to have a space to plant my seeds and watch them thrive in the allotment! I’m also excited that I get to share the veggies I grow with my friends and the people I work with
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I applied for a GrowAllot bed to start a very exciting adventure. Over the past 4 years I’ve suffered panic attacks and anxiety following the loss of my dear Mum. I find that being in nature and pottering in the outdoors helps me feel so much more relaxed. I’m so excited to plant my Strawberries and potatoes and to all the fun we’ll have in the allotments
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I entered Growallot24 not once but twice. I really wanted this opportunity to learn as much as I could about growing my own food. I wanted to get outdoors and meet new people while experiencing something different. I started growing garlic at home, as I hated seeing how far Garlic had to travel for me to enjoy it. Fingers crossed, I get a yield. I hope that I can share some of what I learned with the children in the Autism class in Knockmore SNS.
What am I growing?
Potatoes, spring onions, broccoli, kale, lots of herbs, and squash.
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Applying for the allotment competition was my proactive step in making new connections. I'm really grateful having been chosen and excited to join the community. Looking forward to sharing moments and eventually sharing food!
BTS at our Launch
On Saturday 27th April, the 10 winners will get the “keys” to their new allotment beds and officially started their growing adventures. Friends, family and our sponsors joined the fun as we celebrated together. Here’s some shots from behind the scenes.
Each GrowAllot Winner has received a 1m x 3m allotment bed in Bohernabreena Allotments for grow season 2024, in the most beautiful surroundings of the Dublin Mountains.
THE PRIZE
GROW YOUR OWN FOOD
Right now, the waiting list for allotments in Dublin is up to 4 years. With the GrowAllot programme, our winners get an opportunity to get their seeds into the ground and grow delicious homegrown food this season!
Over the coming months, Feebee & Sika will mentor the Growers and guide them through their grow adventure. Follow along to pick up their top tips on how to grow the food you love to eat. From sowing to harvesting, learn the skills that you’ll carry with you for life.
MENTORSHIP
Supporters
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Partners
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Sponsors
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Supporters • Partners • Sponsors •
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Bohernabreena Allotments
We are so grateful to Jimmy & Veronica Phibbs of Bohernabrena Allotments for donating the Forager GrowAllot Communty plot
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Lidl
Our Sustainable Gardening Partner LIDL have been so kind to provide our winners with a huge supply of tools, gardening essentials, flowers and herbs to give them the best growing experience.
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GIY
We are delighted to have GIY on board as our Seed & Education Partners will be providing Growboxes filled with seeds, pots and compost, plus exclusive access to their online masterclasses in growing to all of our winners
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Timbertrove
The timber experts at Timbertrove will be providing brand new pressure treated timber raised beds, potting bench and veg trug for the GrowAllot plot, giving our growers the best allotment experience
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Dublin Gazette
Our Media Partner Dublin Gazette will be documenting and sharing the progress of our GrowAllot participants over the coming months
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Conor Spacey
No one understands food waste better than Chef & Author Conor Spacey. Each participant will receive a copy of his new book Wasted to help them make the most of the food they grow.
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Love Earth Smart Water
Sophie & Ciaran at Love Earth Smart Water are keen advocates for sustainability and offsetting our carbon footprints. They are donating personalised Smart Water Bottles to all winners to keep them hydrated while they work their land.