No Mow May Pollinator Lawn Art Competition

 How It Works:

1. Let Your Lawn Grow:

In May, participants should allow a part of their lawn to grow, leaving it unmowed to encourage wildflowers and provide food and shelter for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects.

2. Mow Creative Designs:

Create your own lawn art by mowing paths, shapes, or patterns into the unmown sections. Get inspired by nature, pollinators, or create your own abstract designs.

This competition is part of the Abbeyleix Pollinator Project, supporting the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and raising awareness about the importance of creating spaces for pollinators.

“This competition is not only about celebrating creativity but also protecting our precious pollinators,” said Robbie Quinn, Chairperson of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns. “It’s a fun, engaging way for the community to come together and make a positive impact.” 

A Look Back at Last Year's Creativity:

The first "No Mow May" competition in Abbeyleix was a great success, showcasing the creativity and commitment of the local community to pollinator conservation. As seen in the pictures below, participants embraced the challenge with remarkable ingenuity.

Last year's winners included students from Scoil Mhuire, who impressed the judges with a range of imaginative designs such as the "Scoil Mhuire Initials," a "Love Heart," a delicate "Butterfly," and a flowing "Summer Swirl."

Competition Rules:

1. No Mowing: 

Participants must refrain from mowing at least a significant part of their lawn for the entire month of May to allow wildflowers to grow naturally.

2. Get Creative: 

Mow creative shapes, pathways, or patterns in your unmown lawn. Let your imagination flow—whether it's a bee, a butterfly, or an abstract swirl!

3. Enter the Competition: 

To enter, simply take a photo of your lawn art and share it on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/abbeyleix) or Instagram (Abbeyleix_Ireland) account with a short description of your design.

 Judging Criteria:

Entries will be judged based on:

- Creativity and Originality: How unique and imaginative is the design?

- Visual Appeal: How aesthetically pleasing is the lawn art?

- Pollinator Habitat Potential: How much of the design contributes to creating a space for pollinators?

 Prizes:

- 1st Prize: €200

- 2nd & 3rd Prizes: Vouchers for local Abbeyleix businesses

 Important Dates:

- Submission Deadline: TBC - Early to mid June, 2025 (get you photos in as soon as you have have them - we like to see work in progress)

- Winners Announced: June, 2025