Plot garden show a budding success
Marister was a hive of activity as urbanites flocked to support the garden tour.
Perched high in the towering oak trees, the distinct call of hoopoe echoed as neighbours and city-slickers quietly meandered through the Benoni North Open Gardens in Marister.
The inaugural garden tour, held on November 4 and 5, created an opportunity for ticket holders to step through the gates of seven agricultural holdings to marvel, delight and bask in the tranquillity of plot living.
Following the intricately strung flag garlands, more than 200 visitors spent their day not only drawing inspiration from the gardens but also taking note of the property owners’ ingenuity towards being self-sufficient.
Listening to the distant bleating of sheep, Willa Oosthuizen of Boksburg took a deep breath, her shoulders dropping she immediately seemed more relaxed.
“Who knew the air could feel so different when you are only a couple of kilometres away from the city,” she said.
“It feels like I have been transported into another world where you can just breathe and relax. Marister residents truly own a piece of heaven.”
Walking hand-in-hand, Ronnie and Pat de Klerk of Brentwood Park took the time to nestle on a secluded bench, admiring the variety of plants and the rich colours of the budding blooms.
“What a magnificent way to spend the day,” said Pat.
“It is refreshing to just be able to amble through these glorious spaces.”
According to Glynnis Wilson, one of the event organisers, the tour was a resounding success which surpassed their expectations.
“We were blown away by the amount of visitors we received throughout the weekend and we have therefore decided that we will host an open gardens tour next year,” she said.
“This event was about more than just showcasing our little oasis but raising much-needed funds for our community-driven HELM initiative, which assists in the combatting and prevention of veld fires as well as other service delivery-related issues.
“We know that the funds raised will go a long way in better equipping the volunteers that work tirelessly to ensure our community’s safety.”
The organising committee extended their gratitude to everyone who supported the event, those who volunteered their gardens as well as sponsors.
“Without your support, this tour would not have been a success,” said Glynnis.
“We will all be taking some time to rest and recoup, then it is back to the drawing board to further grow the event.”
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