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GEORGE NEWS - A new miniature indigenous forest is taking root at the Garden Route Botanical Garden, with something unusual lying beneath its roots: prayers from Japan for South Africa.
A delegation of 15 Japanese visitors has been planting indigenous trees at the garden as part of the Trees of Peace & Harmony project, an international initiative aimed at promoting peace, friendship and environmental stewardship across cultural and national boundaries.
The project is linked to the Seifu Academy of Osaka, Japan, led by Dr Shoken Murata, which has been involved in similar projects around the world since 2008.
Groves (small forests) have also been established in countries such as France, Italy, New Zealand and Russia.
A total of 150 indigenous trees will form the George grove, with further planting taking place on Monday 12 October.
Garden Route Botanical Garden's new manager, Ludwig Müller, said many of the trees being planted in the miniature forest are Diospyros glabra, commonly known as forest blueberry.
Outgoing garden manager Christiaan Viljoen, who finishes at the garden at the end of October, said each tree carries a particularly meaningful message.
Dr Shoken Murata holding Japanese prayers for the planting ceremony.
A written prayer from one of the Japanese sponsors is buried in the soil beneath each tree. The prayers offer blessings and wishes for peace for South Africa, the garden and the country's people.
The indigenous trees are intended to enrich the landscape for future generations.
The grove will therefore grow not only as an environmental project, but as a living symbol of the relationship between people thousands of kilometres apart.
A commemorative granite plaque at the garden bear the names of Japanese individuals, students and supporters whose contributions made the planting possible. The indigenous trees are intended to restore nature, provide shelter for wildlife and enrich the landscape for future generations.
Outgoing garden manager Christiaan Viljoen (front), with the new manager, Ludwig Müller, Shinsuke Hisa, Yoko Yamakawa, Keita Yonebayashi, Dr Shoken Murata and Shinobu Yasutake. RIGHT: Rise Terashima plants a tree in the mini forest. Photos: Michelle Pienaar
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