Young learners spent the day on March 14 discovering the importance of saving water and protecting the environment during an educational conservation programme hosted at Fourways Gardens Estate.

The event welcomed excited children from the estate and Diepsloot, allowing them to learn about plants, water conservation and environmental care through interactive demonstrations.

Fortune Malinga, from Life Green Group Foundation, said the initiative aimed to inspire young minds and encourage a passion for conservation from an early age.

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Malinga said that the foundation focuses on landscape maintenance and environmental services, including supplying compost, maintaining green spaces and assisting with school maintenance projects.

As part of the session, learners were introduced to the concept of water-wise planting, a gardening method that uses plants requiring little water, making it ideal for countries facing water shortages.

“South Africa is a water-scarce country. We have rainy seasons, but when it’s hot, it’s very hot. That is why it’s important to plant water-wise plants so that gardens can still look beautiful without needing a lot of water.”

Using a demonstration garden, the children were shown examples of plants that require less water, including succulents that store water in their leaves.

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These plants are considered low-water-use plants because they can survive for long periods without frequent watering. Malinga also spoke about medium-water-use plants such as tulbaghia, commonly used along garden edges.

These plants can also withstand dry conditions better than many traditional garden plants. Grass, however, was flagged as an example of a plant that requires regular watering and is therefore not considered water-wise.

“Grass needs to be watered regularly, sometimes even daily, depending on the type.”

Through the demonstration and discussions, learners were encouraged to think about how the plants they choose in their gardens can help conserve water while still creating attractive green spaces.

The programme forms part of broader efforts by Life Green Group and the estate to promote environmental awareness and sustainable gardening practices among communities and schools.

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