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GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Many feet have walked the pathways of the Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG) over the past 20 years or so. Some may still remember the days when this garden was one of the most dangerous spaces in town. Not too many know the story behind this unique garden, and how a small group of determined citizens made it happen.
It all begins with the Botanical Society of South Africa (BotSoc), first established in 1913 to oversee the development of Kirstenbosch in Cape Town. The NPO, operating through regional branches across the country, first arrived in the Garden Route in 1992. Amidst many environmental activities, the need for a botanical garden to conserve the indigenous flora of the South Cape region was soon identified.
What followed were two decades of sweat, tears and triumph as key BotSoc members (many now in their 60s, 70s and 80s!) worked tirelessly to raise funds and turn the once alien plant-invaded, crime-riddled public park into the independent safe haven and beautiful living library it is today.
The life of the branch has ebbed and flowed, as is the nature of NPOs who rely on volunteers and donated funds. The new wave of young environmentalists taking up the staff of BotSoc Garden Route hope to breathe fresh air and energy into the region.
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The branch's first initiative has already begun - a weekly volunteer day at the GRBG Prop Yard, aimed at expanding the facility so it can provide more indigenous species to the public via its nursery and develop a special new flowerbed aimed at bee conservation and education.
Students buzz around to get soil to the compost heap.
"We started with four people in the last week of January, and now we have about 30 volunteers," says Jo-Anne King, interim chairperson of the new branch. "It has been truly amazing to see the spirit that started this garden invigorated again. I can't wait to explore what else this community can achieve. We are living in a critical time for the environment, and we, the lucky inhabitants of the Garden Route, need to step up or we will no longer be so lucky."
The new committee aims to champion key botanical causes, such as wildflower protection and alien-invasive clearing, through conservation and education programmes, projects and initiatives.
NMU students turn a compost heap in the propagation yard.
AGM invite
The public is invited to join the new branch's first AGM to see what the society has planned for the upcoming months and how they can get involved.
The AGM takes place on Saturday 16 March at the Environmental Education Centre, Garden Route Botanical Garden, 49 Caledon Street in George. Registration is from 10:00, with the meeting from 10:30 followed by a picnic from 11:30.
For more information send an e-mail to grbotsoc@gmail.com.
George Herald 8 October 1992 - some of the members of the Garden Route branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa. At the back from left are Clive Nuns, Ken Raubenheimer, Margaret Addinall and Mike Viviers (chairman). Middle: Nanna du Toit, Lucretia Uys and Daphne Barends. Front: Mandy Fick, Jan van der Velden and Jan Vlok.
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