Church gardens are eco-friendly
An avid indigenous gardener has worked his magic on the St James' Church in Morningside.
THE Garden at St James' Anglican Church in Morningside has had a total revamp over the past few years, thanks to the efforts of an enthusiastic eco-friendly gardener.
Max Gibbons (80) started attending the church six years ago and noticed the garden at the church was fairly traditional with thorny bougainvillea hedges which had grown to up to two metres in height.
“I was watching a TV programme which stated South Africa could run into a 'water shedding' crisis and that saving water in the country was important. With the possibility of 'water shedding' close at hand, it got me thinking of how we could save water in our church garden” said Max.
Max approached the rector Rev Chris Meyer and he agreed to let Max revamp the garden. “The hedges at the church were a barrier to the outside and blocked the view of the church. As we pride ourselves at being 'the heart of Morningside,' when Max asked if we could open the garden and make it into a more inviting indigenous garden which was water friendly and drew birds and butterflies, I thought it would be a good fit with our church” said Rev Meyer.
Max began by eliminating plants that needed a fair amount of water and replaced them with aloes, hedgehog vygies and pig ears, all of which needed very little water.
“We have planted 78 aloes and many other plants that use little water. In all we have put in more than 200 plants.
“A rose bush for example needs 10 litres of water a month to survive, whereas an aloe can survive on 10 litres of water a year. We do need a small amount of water for the plants in tubs but that is about all,” said Max.
He urged residents with gardens to consider seriously being a succulent gardener. “There are hundreds of beautiful plants that are indigenous to South Africa. Do this and save water” he said.
Max said he had always been interested in gardening and that when he and his wife had lived in Pinetown he had revamped the gardens of the St John's Church.
“The St James' building is so beautiful, but it was blocked out by the previous hedges. I'd say this garden is about 85 to 90 per cent finished. It's been a good project” he said.
