The Castlefinn Partnership Initiative are delighted once again to be organising the Third annual Northwest Garden Show. Following on from the success of the 2010 & 11 shows, the 2012 Northwest Garden Show promises to be another great gardening extravaganza for green fingered enthusiasts, aspiring gardeners and everyone interested in outdoor life and living.
View images from the Northwest Garden show 2011

Try out the delicious recipes from the cookery demonstrations by community chef Brian Mc Dermott:

Carrot, Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup
Pan Fried Monkfish Mediterranean Style
Pan Fried Greencastle Hake with Local Bacon & Cabbage
Sirloin Steak with Peppered Sauce

For more great cookery tips visit www.communitychef.ie



Watch RTE Nationwide's coverage of the Northwest Garden Show 2011

Congratulations to all our competition winners:


Main Prize Draw

1st: Sarah Patton (Husqvarna Automower sponsored by Robert Kee & Sons)
2nd: Michael Gamble (John Deere lawnmower sponsored by Eamonn Tinney)
3rd: Sharon McElhinney (Donegal Oil voucher)
4th: Caroline Allerton (Rockwell Ornaments voucher)

Gate Prize

Sanora Carron (Honda Strimmer sponsored by Robert Kee & Sons)

Pallet Gardens

- Schools - Scoil Bhride N.S. Convoy
- Open - Donaghmore N.S.

Hanging Baskets

- Schools - Conor Gallinagh
- Open - Triona Carlin

Flower Pavilion Prizes

1. 6-8 year olds - mini garden (on a tin lid)
1st: Andrea Long
2nd: Timothy Porter, 3rd. Rebecca Campbell

2. 9-12 year olds - mini garden (on a tin lid)
1st: Lorraine Fulton
2nd: Jonathan Porter
3rd: Jessica Campbell

3. Flower Arranging - Novice
1st: Theresa Kelly, Finn Valley Flowers Club
2nd: Eileen Harley, Letterkenny Flowers Club
3rd: Susan McBrearty, Letterkenny Flowers Club

4. Flower Arranging - Intermediate
1st: Carmel Burns
2nd: Kathleen O'Donnell, Letterkenny Flowers Club

5. Flower Arranging – Open the call of the Garden
1st: Carmel Burns
2nd: Eilish McCabe, Lahey, Co. Donegal

6. Embracing Mother Nature
1st: Ballylast N.S.
2nd: Robertson N.S., Stranorlar
3rd: St Safan's N.S.
4th: Donaghmore N.S.

Homebase draw in aid of Crumlin Teenage Cancer Ward

Congratulations to Betty Forbes from Donemana, Co. Tyrone
winner of a Phoenix BBQ

The Homebase team are proud to announce that a total of €624 was raised and would like to thank everyone for their kindness.

Special Guests

Diarmuid Gavin

Gardening Expert, Author & TV Personality

Diarmuid Gavin

As Ireland’s leading Gardening authority Diarmuid... Read More

Tim Austen

Award Winning Landscape Architect &
"Super Garden" Judge

Tim Austen

Owner of Austen Associates, a Wicklow based... Read More

What they said...

"Great exposure and an all–round positive experience – what about going for 3 days?"
– Pat McLoughlin, Ballaghderg Garen Centre, Co. Donegal

"Excellent for our first time exhibiting at this show. It was a great experience and the organisers got everything
spot on."
– Sue Prenter, Lady Muck Organic Manure, Co. Fermanagh

"Great show, excellent day looking forward to next year!"
– Danny McLaughlin, Carndonagh Nursery and Garden Centre, Co. Donegal

"Feedback from everyone attending the show has been very positive. It has been well attended and very professionally organised"
– John Murray, Murray’s Recycled Plastic, Castlebar,
Co. Mayo

"It has been a wonderful for young and old. We’ve been both educated and entertained and the organisers had everything here this afternoon. 10 out of 10 with out a doubt"
– Pauric Cannon, Letterkenny

"What a great day. Wonderful location, lovely weather excellent exhibits and entertainment. What more could you want!"
– Mary Boyle, Sligo

"10 out of 10"
– Mary Reilly, Greenhill Farm, Malin, Co. Donegal

"The Garden Show has been a roaring success – well done to the organising committee"
– Seán á Gaoithín, Head Gardener Glenveagh Castle

"This has been way ahead of anything I was expecting or experienced before – it was a first class experience and I can’t wait for next year"!
Brian McDermott, Community Chef