Towards the end of 2008, the Foyer embarked on an ambitious Garden Project. The project includes a large, modern glasshouse, allotment spaces and a coffee pod. The garden area will also provide a toddler play park, toilet facilities and seating area that is due to be opened to the general public on 14th May 2009.

The most exciting development is the involvement of RTE in making a programme following people growing their own food in urban areas during 2009. A handful of lucky Corkonians will be rising to the challenge of growing their own fruit and vegetables in two allocated areas – one in Mahon and the other at the Cork Foyer in Blackpool. As well as learning about growing their own food they will also be looking after chickens and even some pigs at the Mahon site. Their experience and learning will be filmed by RTE as part of a Cork City Council drive to promote community gardens and allotments. The series will consist of 12 programmes that will be fronted by celebrity Chef Richard Corrigan who will also be cooking with the participants and some Foyer residents using food grown on the allotments. More information and video clips can be found on RTE’S website.

Working from within the glasshouse, Churchfield Community Trust will be offering its full horticultural programme and operating a Coffee Pod, providing a real working environment for men who are offenders, all of whom are in recovery from addiction. There is also a large space behind the glasshouse which the Cork Steiner Waldorf Group Kindergarten and participants of the Foyer horticulture programme aim to develop and maintain along with any survivors of the RTE programme. The combined projects will help serve the outdoor educational needs of pre-school children from the local area.

The Foyer Horticulture programme funded by Pobal has been designed to meet the needs of those not ready for formal education or training and for those that wish to commit to the following Vocational Awards - Horticulture Foundation FETAC Level 3 and Plant Care and Maintenance FETAC Level 3. A commencement date will be finalised in the near future.

“The holistic garden project is a fantastic initiative that will put the Foyer at the heart of the local community whilst helping the most vulnerable in society, including the homeless. What better way to promote the Foyer and wider garden project than having coverage on national television”.

Barry Waddingham (Foyer Manager)