That is how the Dream Blanco project is aiming to beautify this suburb at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains.
This week, activity will be centred around the triangular island, where George Street meets the old airport road, a stone's throw from the library and clinic which received attention last week.
Buchu, wild dagga, Clausena anisata (perdepisboom) and yellowwood trees were planted at these community service facilities. According to Neil Dikwex and Aldred Kafoon, both Blanco residents, the herb garden being developed at the clinic will allow patients access to traditional medicines as a form of primary health care. The vegetable garden, which will also be located behind the clinic, will ensure healthy, nutritious food for the sick. The yellowwood trees were planted at the clinic gates, and across the path at the entrance to the local library.
Another plan in the works, according to Dream Blanco organiser, Mr Pierre Botha, is the open day being planned for 11 August between 09:00 and 12:00. Locals and businesses are invited to take part in this to raise funds for the Dream Blanco project. Activities on the day will ideally include a fun run and stalls selling a variety of handmade pro-ducts to show off the skills of the Blanco residents to everyone who visits on the day.
In the meantime, Blanco residents like Mr Joseph Bolton are the heart behind the whole Dream initiative, a non-governmental and non-profit initiative aimed at the upliftment of the community, by the community.
"It's in my blood," says Mr Joseph Bolton when asked why he beautified his ex-wife's home in Fontein Street, Blanco. Now Mr Bolton believes the other residents in Fontein Street are embracing the Dream Blanco initiative to improve their homes and make their garden something to be proud of.
Contact Mr Botha on 044 870 8212 for more information or if you can assist with the refurbishment (material and/or labour) of some of the older homes in Blanco.
Visit www.sadogood.co.za/Towns/Blanco.htm to see what Dream Blanco has already achieved.
18 Fontein Street as it looks now, after Mr Joseph Bolton (left) completed renovations at the home of Mrs Hendrina Bolton. He rebuilt the front wall and planted a garden within a metre of the wall on the pavement. Bolton hopes other residents will take up the challenge of beautifying their properties to make the Dream Blanco initiative a reality.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: LEEANNE PRATT, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
