Wildflower Meadow Management at Cathedral in Cavan

There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven.. A time for giving birth, a time for dying; a time for planting, a time for uprooting what has been planted (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). This divinely inspired sacred scripture speaks to the natural rhythms of life, reminding us that every action has its correct and designated season.

Members of Kilmore Care of Creation recently mowed the wildflower meadow at the Cathedral of Saints Patrick & Felim in Cavan. It’s a perfect example of ancient wisdom in practice!

You cannot have the beauty of next spring’s bloom without the necessary breakdown of autumn’s mow.

This year, thus far, has brought a spring awakening, summer explosion and autumn finale with over 40 species of native wildflowers providing an incredible, changing tapestry of colour and texture, visual beauty and poetic and graceful movement.  During the summer months, it was an absolute joy to stand and witness this display often in the presence of a fleeting rain shower, the warm glistening sunshine, and a gentle breeze!

The lawns at the back of the cathedral which are being managed for nature play a vital role during the summer months in particular.  They support local pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, beetles, grass-hoppers, and ants, hoverflies, ladybirds and birds to frogs and field mice during their busiest seasons.  Preparation is everything!  The autumn clearing of the old foliage allows the sunshine to reach the soil, and reduce soil fertility so that the delicate wildflowers of next spring take hold.