THE secret to success for vegetable gardens is making the best use of the available space and for Durban North resident, Brandon Kayat, this much is true.
Kayat, through his landscaping company, and non-profit organisation (NPO), The Seed Fund recently began sowing the seeds of change in a small plot of land at Quarry Heights Primary School.
Kayat and Neil Stephen from the NPO have also been instrumental in starting the school’s very first gardening club. The vegetable garden has already begun yielding results with the aim of supporting children and families from the area.
In a short space of time, volunteers have planted lettuce, tomatoes, chilies, beans and a plum tree.
Read also: Khabazela Village veg garden roots out food insecurity
“Our intention with this project was about empowerment and sustainability. Rather than this being a charity project we wanted to focus on making a difference in small ways. The focus is about creating this eco-system and for learners from the school to take home seeds to plant at their homes, that way creating mini eco-systems.
“At the end of each planting and weeding session we have a celebration of music. As a musician I’m passionate about teaching young people new skills so currently we are also teaching learners how to play certain instruments. The kindness of those involved in the project, including Bloomingdales Nursery has been incredible. The energy and drive from the learners has made this successful. We feel its crucial to give back in this way,” Kayat said.
Educator at the school, Sphe Mlotshwa said the vegetable garden gives learners a safe space to learn about sustainability.
“Covid-19 has really impacted our outdoor activities and this vegetable garden, and the formation of the gardening club has been perfect for the learners. It gives us something extra to do with the kids. It’s a sustainable project and really we are sowing the seeds for change. It offers a safe space for learners to come during the weekend and learn about the environment and sustainability,” he said.
Read also: Sparkling stars and new trees and unusual veggies … how does your garden grow?
If you would like to volunteer or donate to the project, email info@beegreen.co.za or visit www.beegreen.co.za to keep up to date with progress.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
