Ó Liath go Glas, (From Grey to Green) was a new community project emerging from 2022’s Rhizome Green Arts project run by the Project Arts Centre, and which inspired RADE to establish a garden at our inner city premises during the summer of 2023.
Over the course of spring and early summer 2023 the courtyard at RADE was transformed into an urban oasis thanks to the efforts of RADE participants in partnership with artist Louis Haugh through the Project Arts Centre and horticultural instructor Andrew Jordan.
RADE participants worked with Louis and Andrew to design raised beds and an archway connecting two of the raised beds. Participants then selected which plants they were interested in growing with Andrew. Over the course of the 8 week workshop, the participants have grown vegetables, herbs and flowers from seed and transplanted them into the raised beds. With support from the CDETB (City Of Dublin Education and Training Board) the project also included an educational element in basic gardening skills with the potential for participants to complete the QQI Level 3 course in Basic Gardening.
In a short period of time the courtyard evolved into an inviting space. It has become a natural place to spend time outside of workshops and a peaceful spot for quiet reflection.
The RADE Garden was launched at a celebration on Thursday, the 17th of August 2023. We were delighted to be joined by many RADE friends to help mark this uplifting project.
RADE would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners and funders on the project. It has been kindly supported by the Project Arts Centre, BAM’s Community Benefit Fund for the new children’s hospital, CDETB and Dublin City Council.