Projects
Over the past fifteen years the Garden Route Botanical Gardens has been involved in a number of projects, ranging from gardening through conservation to community benefiting. We are always looking for new projects that will benefit the community at large, if anyone would like to become involved in projects at the GRBG or have potential project Ideas please feel free to contact us with these ideas at www.scherb@pixie.org.za
1)Need for a fence
The GRBG is not fenced in. It is situated in a lively neighbourhood and as such is accessible to the public 24 hours a day. For many years the biggest problem that this garden has faced is an overwhelmingly high level of vandalism. At the moment nothing of value can be built in the GRBG as it is almost always defaced. No signage, labels, info boards or any other beneficial paraphernalia has ever stood up against this vandalism.
It is impossible to patrol the GRBG feasibly whilst it is completely accessible. It is imperative that a fence be put up soon. Various quotes have been received and it will take in the region of R 500 000 to completely fence the GRBG. This figure is sadly unobtainable for this small organization, which does not have the resources to fund this project. Plea’s to the local municipality on who’s land the GRBG is situated seem to fall on deaf ears, and sadly the vandalism and destruction of plants and infrastructure continues. As a matter of great urgency we appeal to the public to help us raise the necessary finance for a fence.
Again if anyone feels they would like to support the fencing initiative do not hesitate to contact us at our offices at www.scherb@pixie.org.za
2) Hedge Planting Project
In an effort to erect a barrier around the GRBG an initiative has been started to plant a thorny hedge around the entire border of the GRBG. Barrier plants have been used effectively for thousands of years preceding modern day fences and walls. The correct species and planting system can, in a relatively short period, provide an almost impenetrable barrier.
Some four thousand cuttings have been made from an indigenous plant species occurring in the southern cape, namely the Common Spike thorn Gymnosporia buxifolia. This plant grows rapidly and is an extremely thorny dense growing shrub.
The hedge will not substitute a fence. When it is financially possible to erect a fence the fence will be erected just behind the thorn barrier and in this way the two combined will act as an impenetrable barrier.
Advantages of a living fence include:
- More pleasing to look at than a wire fence
- Allows movement of small animals through the barrier
- Provides habitat and shelter for micro fauna
- Is more ecologically friendly
- Costs minimal to erect
- Will outlast a fence many times over
Project account
The GRBG has an independent “Project” Bank account. Money deposited into this account may be used only for the projects that it is specified for. Any persons or businesses that feel led to donate moneys to any of our ongoing projects can feel free to do so and would be much appreciated.
