To some, the veld on the corner of Springs Road and Concorde Crescent, Crystal Park, is nothing more than a dumping ground covered with towering grass and weeds.
However, for the Norris siblings, the space offers ground where blessings and abundance can grow.
Guided by their mother Beverley’s gentle hand, Lila (17), Caravaggio (16) and Kaili (14) have watched for years as she extended a helping hand to others.
“My mother is never one to talk about another’s hardships because she was too busy taking their hands, offering selfless help,” said Lila, a matric student at Glen Austin High in Midrand.
“We were home-schooled for four years, and during Grade Nine, I had to complete a school project which required me to make and sell unique dishes.
“I love cooking. It is both my mom’s and my passion. What started as a project soon morphed into a business.
“We, however, believe success should always be acknowledged with gratitude and at the end of every month we would create loving dishes for those less fortunate.”
Looking out on the veld, the Norris family started toying with the idea that it could offer an abundance of opportunities for neighbours, rubbish pickers and members of the community passing through.
“Serving a plate of food means you feed people for a brief period, but if we could supply them with organically grown seasonal fruit and veggies, their entire family could benefit,” she said.
Aptly named Heaven’s Pantry, the siblings will be spending the winter months tilling the soil, meticulously creating veggie patches to plant their first crops at the start of spring. Lila aims to produce enough to feed 20 households per crop.
“We hope to encourage neighbours to ‘adopt-a-patch’ thus planting their own crops and making the surplus available to others,” she said.
“The Covid-19 pandemic forced people to isolate, and as a result, neighbourliness seems to have fallen by the wayside.
“I hope this initiative will not only grow food but will encourage the growth of community connections. While tending to the patches, neighbours can share stories and their knowledge with others.”
Lila further hopes to host monthly community circles among the sprouting seedlings to strengthen social cohesion.
“Times have become increasingly tough both psychologically and financially. I want our garden to be a beacon of hope,” she said.
ALSO READ: Anns dig deep to find glorious gardens
ALSO READ: Plot garden show a budding success
