A Plumstead civic association that a turned hot spot for illegal dumping and vagrancy into a community garden is now raising funds for the next phase of the project, including an irrigation system and security.
Produce from the 0.3-hectare site on the corner of Gabriel and Bardia roads is sold to the community at a reduced price or given away to the elderly and needy, according to Elaine Rousseau, the Gabriel Road Area Project Association (Grapa) member leading the project.
Plumstead resident Farayi Chikweti praised the project, saying, “I went from having street people living outside my wall; having to live with constant noise, sleepless nights because of partying and fighting, being afraid all the time at night. It is unbelievable how hard-working and committed Grapa is. We have benefited from their efforts and support. I am truly grateful.”
Plumstead business owner Michelene Toms added: “Besides the beauty of the garden and its advantages to the community and public at large, we feel safe again. All the bad language, dangerous fires, litter and human excrement is gone. Thank you to Grapa for their tireless work in giving us our beautiful area back again.”
With the City’s permission, volunteers, during the first phase of the project, cleared and fenced the public land, prepared the soil, planted trees, painted murals, established pavement gardens and set up lights and a mobile CCTV camera.
By the end of August, the garden had produced carrots, parsley, coriander, kale, spinach, beetroot, Italian parsley, thyme, spring onions and coriander, said Ms Rousseau, adding that lime, lemon and olive trees had been planted.
“We are proud to have established two thriving organic composts that rely on local assistance in the form of grass cuttings, garden leaves and kitchen waste consisting of vegetables, fruit, flowers, coffee grounds, and tea bags. Ongoing support in these areas is fundamental to our success.”
With the help of the Constantia Valley Information Centre, an armed-response firm is installing two CCTV cameras to cover the boundaries of the garden and the top end of Gabriel Road.
“Costs will be covered by them, and this includes installation, monitoring and response. In addition to this, we will require an electric fence or else spikes to put along the fence. This is to secure the plants, irrigation and other equipment,” Ms Rousseau said.
The second phase of the project, now under way, will include the planting of fynbos to screen the garden from the wind; 29 more olive, lime and lemon trees; shade cloth and a garden trellis.
Grapa is trying to raise R50 000 it says it needs for the second phase, and that doesn’t include the R12 000 in monthly labour costs. The association is still gathering quotes for an electric fence or spikes to put along the fence.
Businesses have donated R27 000 in prizes for a lucky draw taking place on Sunday October 1. Tickets are R20 each or R100 for six. And this Saturday, from 9am to 2pm, there will be a spring market day at the garden to raise funds.
“Contributions in the form of financial support, compost, mulch, or seedlings, play a crucial role in our efforts,” Ms Rousseau said.
Email info@grapa.org.za or call 082 530 1161 if you want to support the project.
