Water restrictions affect nurseries
The water restrictions have been a tough pill to swallow for many residents in Benoni, and it seems nurseries are also being affected.
Katinka Joubert, of Lavender Post Nursery in Rynfield, said their plant sales have decreased since the water restrictions were implemented.
“We have had to diversify to adapt to the changing conditions following the drought and have seen a drop in sales in the recent weeks,” Joubert said.
She said they compare each month to the previous year’s figures and have seen an average of nine per cent decrease in their sales in the last two weeks.
“Our customers have always been concerned with saving water since last year’s drought began,” she said.
They try to advise their customers to plant water-wisely by mulching and watering with their grey water, and fertilising with organic fertiliser.
Joubert said there are still many plants that can survive under severe and dry conditions, such as lavenders, rosemary, honeybell bush and many others.
Sandy McLeod, of Ripple Creek Nursery and Organics in Benoni AH, agrees that the water restrictions have dampened their sales.
She said they have dropped by more than 30 per cent this year because people aren’t able to water their plants.
“It’s tough when the nursery is bursting with so much colour and so many plants waiting to be sold,” she said.
“We hope that when the rain finally comes people will rush in to buy our plants so their gardens are beautiful in time for Christmas.”
She said their big summer sales begin in mid-November and hopes the restrictions will have lifted by then.
Also read:
Metro clarifies aspects of water restrictions
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 2006
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
.
