Young and old uplift the gardens at The Wilds
HOUGHTON – Locals contribute plants to The Wilds.
Community members gave back by planting indigenous plants for Green Fingers Day at The Wilds in November.
Local resident and project initiator James Delaney said the purpose of the monthly planting project was to enable the community to become champions of the park.
“I encourage people to take ownership of a particular flower bed and make it their little project,” he said, encouraging people to visit weekly and tend to their section.
Delaney explained that a few years ago, The Wilds was thought of as a dangerous place that residents wanted to distance themselves from. “People hoped that the park didn’t exist and nobody came here.
“I live next door and decided to make this my project. The park needs endless care that the City cannot afford to do. Community members come along with succulents from their gardens and volunteers help guide them.
“There are so many people around here who have a passion for gardening but don’t have more than a few pot plants at home. This gives them a space to take ownership of and enjoy.”
He added that since uplifting the park, hundreds of people now visited and enjoyed the space every weekend.
Local resident Neville Melville said his daughter, a botanist, brought him along. “I am a keen gardener and The Wilds is like a little sanctuary. I love it here.”
To get involved in the various community initiatives, join the ‘Friends of The Wilds, Johannesburg’ Facebook page.
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