Laois family wins national gardening prize from Co-operative Housing Ireland

A Laois family is celebrating after their creative and eco friendly garden earned them a top prize in a national gardening competition.

Vasile and Diana Neghina, who live in Graigue na hAbhainn in Graiguecullen, have transformed the garden of their Co-operative Housing Ireland property.

Their back garden is now a thriving space filled with strawberries, herbs, and vegetables, all grown in wooden raised beds made from recycled pallets.

“For my husband, gardening is anti-stress, a kind of therapy,” said Diana. “We grow everything from strawberries to mint and parsley and even make compost water from banana peels and eggshells.”

Their three children, Avidan (9), Estera (7) and Elisei (3), have learned the value of nature and patience from helping in the garden.

“It teaches them where food comes from and to appreciate it,” Diana said. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Vasile and Diana Neghina, pictured with their children Estera and Avidan in Graigue na hAbhainn. Photo: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography

The family’s creativity and sustainable approach saw them win Best Flower or Food Garden in Co-operative `Housing Ireland’s national competition, which celebrates the imagination and community spirit of members across the country.

Diana credits Co-operative Housing Ireland for helping her family feel connected to their community.

“I didn’t know what a co-operative was before. Now I feel part of something bigger, not just our estate but a whole community across Ireland,” she said.

The couple, originally from Moldova and now Irish citizens, hope more local families will be inspired to start growing their own food.

“Don’t be afraid to start. It’s fresh, organic and cost-effective, and it brings people together,” Diana said.

Aoife Kirk is the Community Engagement Specialist with the housing body.

“Member engagement is at the heart of what we do. The Neghina family’s garden shows how creativity and sustainability can thrive in small spaces, and how shared experiences like this strengthen communities,” she said.

The Gardening Competition is one of several initiatives run by Co-operative Housing Ireland to engage and empower member tenants across its 6,000 homes nationwide. The programme encourages members to connect with neighbours, learn new skills, and take pride in their communities.

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Co-operative Housing Ireland is an Approved Housing Body providing and managing over 6,000 high-quality homes for low- and moderate-income households nationwide. The organisation promotes co-operative principles through member engagement, ensuring member tenants have a voice and play an active role in shaping their communities.