UNIQUE, colourful and vibrant gardens were the order of the day as the non-profit organisation Enviro Fixers Durban North hosted an Open Gardens Tour in the area recently.
Four homes, all with beautiful gardens, showcased a diverse selection of flowers, plants and trees, all in an effort to promote planting indigenous.
Proceeds from ticket sales on the day will go towards the ongoing work and upliftment of various green projects in Durban North carried out by Enviro Fixers.
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Durban North Conservancy member Jane Troughton’s award-winning garden was an undoubtable hit with its beehives and vertical garden wall.
“We were absolutely blown away by the support shown from everyone who visited. We really wanted to drive home the message of planting indigenous. We chose four very different gardens to showcase and give people an idea of the range and spectrum of indigenous gardens. It was really about dispelling the myth that indigenous gardens are scruffy with no colour,” she said.
Troughton’s comments were echoed by fellow resident, Martin Kruger, whose garden on Brooklands Crescent was also on display.
“Our garden brings us so much joy, and it was wonderful to share that with those who attended the tour. My wife Bev and I really hope it inspires more people to plant indigenous and not be intimidated. You can transform your garden into an oasis, and you don’t have to do everything all at once. So, my advice is to start off with a small section of your garden, get advice and in time, you’ll see a change in the amount of birdlife and insect life you attract. It is a common mistake to think indigenous gardens are messy and don’t have flowers. When you look at a garden like ours, you see differently,” he said.
