THE Westville Conservancy have invited environment lovers to a garden in Ribston Place which was on show for the Indigenous Open Gardens. Being an environmental enthusiast, Carol Lovemore opened her garden to the community on Thursday, June 29.
Lovemore said her indigenous garden is where they fix the soil by mulching it with dried leaves and sticks so the rain doesn’t wash the rich soil away.
Also read: Keeping Westville green with indigenous plants
“We also make compost with layers of sticks, green leaves and lawn clippings, brown leaves and manure. This adds microbial health to the soil, and rich soil also stores carbon and slows down global warming.
“We focus on planting indigenous plants to host butterflies, bees and birds. Of course, butterflies must first be caterpillars, so we try not to use insecticides as we love feeding our caterpillars. These are fine food for birds, as well,” she said.
Lovemore said they also try not to rake or sweep too much as the resultant mulch holds moisture, helps prevent weeds and enriches the soil.
The garden has an island garden in the centre which Lovemore says is new. “In the centre bed, there are some logs pushed into the ground for dampness – these are growing beautiful fungi.”
There are also logs in the garden for edging and to prevent soil erosion. As you move farther along the garden, there is a big island of wild grass and aloes. The area has some blue boys (pycnostachys urticifolia) in the top right corner.
Also read: Reviving Portman Park
There is also a pond that is home to Tilapia fish which get fished out by the Hamerkop (Woolly-necked Stork). The garden also includes a colourful flower garden rich in biodiversity. The garden offers a beautiful experience in appreciating the environment and all the parts of it that coexist to create a functional unit.
The Westville Conservancy is calling on volunteers to help them rehabilitate local parks. Their plant depot is open every Wednesday from 9:00 to 15:00. Go through the boom gate at the Westville Civic, turn first right and then down the hill, and the plant depot is on the left. For more information, you can visit their website on www.westvilleconservancy, email them on info@westvilleconservancy.co.za, or call Sue on 084 559 5516.
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