Kloof Conservancy Indigenous Gardens

Kloof Conservancy's Indigenous Open Gardens is once again upon us! The annual event takes place this weekend and is a fun way to spend the morning!

Just to give you a bit of background, Kloof Conservancy has been running its Indigenous Open Gardens since 1999. It is an annual event and has been instrumental in contributing to the protection of KZN's biodiversity over the years by educating the public about our floral diversity and by raising significant sums of money for conservation projects. 

The event is run entirely by highly dedicated volunteers who are doing their utmost to ensure the sustainability of conservation in the area. Most East Coast residents are probably unaware that we live in the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot, one of only 34 biodiversity hotspots on the planet. We have several rare and endangered species and habitats in this area which need urgent conservation attention if they are to be saved from extinction. Voluntary organisations like Kloof Conservancy need all the support they can get. 

Some of this year's show features include:

- This year's show features 'winter gardens'. They promise to exceptional and very colourful with all the aloes/succulents in flower. 

- Two industrial gardens are featured (one of which is award-winning i.e. Cato Ridge Electrical) as part of our effort to illustrate that business/industrial premises need not be ecological deserts. 

- Also on show is Gary and Sandi Edwards' garden on Hill 'n Dale Farm (formerly Bartlett Estate) - this will also provide historical curiosities for visitors. 

- In addition, 4 gardens will be on show in Kloof and Hillcrest.

- There is an excellent talks programme at the tea garden at Kloof Junior Primary - of particular interest will be Tanya Visser's talks on both days.

- There will be a children's competition, which will take place throughout the gardens, as well as a kiddies corner at the tea garden.

- There will also be a mini-market  (art and organic and gourmet food) at Highbury Place, 5 Commonage Road (one of the gardens)

- Authors of environmental/garden-related books will be stationed at the gardens.

- The KZN Youth Wind Band will be kicking off the entertainment at the tea garden at 10:30 am on the Saturday. 

- Indigenous plants will be on sale. 

 

For more info email: [email protected]  or call : Sarah on 0827017956.

or visit their website : www.kloofconservancy.org.za