Butterflies swoop, and bees buzz around the blooms now colouring the corner of Atlas and Main roads, transforming it into a bustling ecosystem.

At the beginning of 2023, longtime Benonian John Law approached Homestead Helpers for Benoni (HHB) with a challenge: rejuvenate this long-forgotten roadside garden and uncover its iconic tiered garden, which had once welcomed visitors to Boksburg and Benoni.

“When I moved to the city in 1973, there was a beautiful terraced garden on the corner with a sign welcoming visitors to Benoni,” he said.

“As decades passed, I noticed, with dismay, how the flowers were replaced with mounds of building rubble and the tiered flowerbed became an overgrown hill where vagrants would loiter.”

Noticing the tangible difference HHB were making in beautifying neglected open spaces, Law committed assistance in exchange for HHB’s man-power.

On March 15, 2023, clad in yellow, the team, along with volunteers, descended on the intersection, armed with pickaxes and shovels, to unearth the long-forgotten garden.

As the sun slowly crept across the horizon, the cement blocks of the first tier gradually became visible, bringing to life the silhouette of a historic landmark.

“Watching the remnants of the garden slowly breaking free from its rubble tomb was fantastic,” said Law.

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“The more of it became exposed, the more the volunteers celebrated, excited to dig up more.”

Through Law’s continued support, along with assistance from the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora, residents and local businesses, the garden is once again a beacon to two bustling cities.

“It is through the continued support from community members that we can make a difference in our city as well as the environment,” said HHB’s Nina Visser.

“It is not just about rejuvenating open spaces but most importantly creating sustainable breeding grounds for indigenous fauna and flora.”

Heidi Leitch, also from HHB, said Law’s determination to restore the intersection to its former glory was the driving force behind this successful project.

“Now more than two years later, we bear witness to the splendid fruits of our labour,” she said.

“It is this shared vision which is enabling us to reclaim the city.”

As an NPO, Homestead Helpers for Benoni relies on financial contributions and donations of tools, implements, and time to continue its work.

For more information, email hello@hh4b.org.za

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