Wiseman’s orchids are a delight
Gardener, Wiseman Shabalala, is proud of the orchids he planted at Fordell in Musgrave Road.
WISEMAN Shabalala, the gardener at Fordell, in Musgrave Road, is not called Mr Green Fingers by residents for nothing.
According to resident Mary Hudson, everything he touches, grows.
“A woman came by last week and said she lives down the road and walks up our driveway especially to see the beautiful orchids Wiseman planted and has cared for over the past 10 years. She said she couldn’t believe how beautiful they are! So many people ask if they can come into the property to see them and a few people have asked if Wiseman can give them lessons on how to grow them, even one young boy asked!” said Mary.
Wiseman worked at Jungle Nursery with the previous owner, Wilfred Grey, before moving to work at Fordell. Mr Grey taught him everything he knows about gardening.
“I love gardening! People call me a doctor for flowers! When plants are dying they give them to me to take care of. I planted the orchids by the entrance and I enjoy it when people come to see them. It’s not too difficult to look after the orchids. They flower once a year and last quite a while,” said Wiseman.
He said he was also responsible for planting the gardens at Suncoast Casino, of which he is proud.
Supervisor at Fordell, Graham Hammond, said Wiseman was a specialist in doing the gardens in the foyer too, which were always beautiful.
