Gardening duo spruce up Umbilo Police Station

THE garden at Umbilo Police Station is taking shape thanks to the efforts of local resident Heather Clarence and gardener, Moses Mhlongo.

Clarence said the inspiration behind the idea came after attending Bulwer Urban Safety and Regeneration Forum’s (BSURF) monthly meetings.

“I wish more people could attend and know and appreciate what is done in the community. Heather Rorick’s (chairperson) inspiration to get more people motivated in the community, and for me to see her oodles of energy, made me wonder why people can’t get more involved. I believe if each person spent half an hour a week on a project in the community, it could make a difference,” she said.

She said it was nice to be able to give back rather than just take, and said she thought the police at the station might like the garden, which could improve their surroundings.

“Nicer surroundings improve your mind, which encourages you to perform better. If you feel better, you are productive,” she said.

ALSO READ: Revamp for Durban Child and Youth Care Centre

Clarence and Mhlongo spent two hours putting the garden together, adding hardier plants which wouldn’t need much attention. She said the garden would just need maintenance to keep it neat and tidy.

“Our garden shows that you don’t need money to make a difference, only your time. We can’t wait on government to do things. As a community, people are so divided now, it is not like it used to be where communities would work together,” said Mhlongo.

Heather said she was grateful to Moses for his help on the project. “Moses is amazing, and is a hard worker, who tries his hand at most things. His employers emigrated and he is only working two days a week now. I encourage anyone who is looking for a gardener, painter or plumber to consider him,” she said. Contact Moses on 079 298 7358.

Do you want to receive news alerts on this and many other stories relevant to the Durban area  via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts