Indigenous post office garden plan takes root in Yellowwood Park

AN indigenous garden is taking root to become a reality for post officer branch manager, Michelle Clark who is dirtying her hands in a bid to turn the grassy property into a beautiful and flourishing garden.

As a new member of Yellowwood Conservancy, Clark has learned about alien and indigenous plants and how damaging alien plants can be to the environment. “Once you know about it and can identify them, it is easy to spot the aliens in the area. So I thought it would be a great idea to start my own indigenous garden and at the same time, use it to educate the young and old as they pass through the post office,” said Clark.

While some alien plants may seem beautiful, like the Mexican sunflower or the invasive bugweed, they are suffocating and drain vital nutrients from indigenous plants such as Yellowwood Park’s namesake, the yellowwood tree. Invasive plants use much more water than indigenous trees and plants. They prevent rainwater from reaching rivers and deprive people and ecosystems of much needed water. They displace indigenous species and do not allow new generations of plants and trees to grow, which impacts on agriculture.

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With the help of Alson Khuzwayo, Clark is determined to take back the land, one alien plant at a time. “It’s a serious problem and I believe I can educate people, especially the youngsters by teaching them how to identify alien plants and which indigenous plants they should plant in their garden or schools. We have given Yellowwood Park Primary a chance to name the garden, so the schools are already getting involved,” she said.

But building a garden and getting the right trees is also a costly job. In aid to raise money a raffle will be held. The winner of the raffle will receive a beautiful home-crafted wooden garden stand. Tickets will be sold at the post office.

“We encourage the community to support the raffle or to help or volunteer to make this garden a success. We need top soil, compost and we hope to get succulents which don’t require much water. When the garden is done we encourage the school to come past and visit our soon to be magnificent garden. We assure you, your pupils will learn something worthwhile,” she added.

For more information on the raffle and garden contact Michelle Clark on 031-462-0865.

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