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
T: 071 985 4338
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007