Gardening is just what the doctor ordered

Keeping fit and having a hobby is usually advice given to retirees and one man who has proven that this week is a retired GP whose garden has won the Best New Entry in the Galway City Tidy Towns and Garden Competition.

It is Michael Coughlan’s first time entering the competition because he now has the time to devote to his garden having retired as a family doctor four years ago.

He says he entered after receiving so many complimentary comments about his garden, especially his Sweet Pea hedge which has since died back.

“I had always gardened though it was limited when I was working but when I retired in June 2010, I developed my interest in it even more.

“I had always had an interest in gardens as my mother, Cathleen, had a good garden at our home in Oranmore so I grew up with gardening really.”

Dr Coughlan was more than a GP. He was also very busy with his involvement both locally, regionally and nationally in the Irish College of GPs but he still found some time to do a small bit of gardening.

“I believe it’s wonderful therapy, and in fact having an interest or a hobby is important especially if you are retired.

“What prompted me to enter was the admiration of the public to my garden at Griffin Avenue and I am delighted with my first success,” he said.

He has slowly developed perennials and each year puts in new ones giving his mature garden a splash of colour during the summer months – and into the early autumn.

Dr Coughlan loves every minute of his time in the garden and would advise anyone who has the time and the interest to take it up. It’s either gardening or getting a dog, he adds.

The overall winner of the front garden competition was Pat McPhilbin of 41 Emmet Avenue in Mervue who has won in various categories over the years.

Full results and photos in this week’s Connacht Sentinel