THE Botanical Society KZN Coastal Branch Indigenous Plant Fair, the city’s longest running plant fair, will take place at the Durban Botanic Gardens’ Visitors’ Complex this weekend, September 6-7.

A selection of KZN nurseries will sell an array of indigenous plants and guest speakers will share their expertise at the event.

Durban North resident Jane Troughton, who is part of the team putting together the event alongside the manager of the fair, Muhammad Adamjee, said a key focus is indigenous planting.

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“Like so many passionate indigenous gardeners this annual event is a highlight we look forward to. There are always less common plants to purchase, fantastic speakers to inspire, and a lovely feeling of community. Ecosystems matter, and we are chipping away at them so fast. Indigenous plants are the bottom of the pyramid or the framework on which all life is connected to and supported. So planting them creates habitat, and it is a joy to have the natural world nearby, not just pretty plants to look at,” she said.

Troughton added there will also be a selection of informative books, both new and pre-loved, and said there is also something for those joining the organisation.

“New Botanical Society members that sign up and existing paid-up members can claim from the BotSoc stand their free copy of the book Bring Butterflies Back to your Garden by Charles and Julia Botham,” she said.

Entrance and parking is free. Park at the Plant Fair designated parking at the end of the long driveway to Durban Botanic Gardens from John Zikhali Road, entrance opposite Greyville Racecourse.

Good to know

• The Botanical Society KZN Coastal Branch Indigenous Plant Fair takes place on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday September 7 at the Durban Botanic Gardens from 09:00 until 14:00 on both days. Entry is free and there will be talks by various speakers on both days. There will be a number of vendors and nurseries at the event, as well as food and refreshments for sale. For more information follow the society on Instagram under their handle @botsockzncoastal

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