Garden Day sees trees and vegetable patch planted at Marang House

To mark the launch of it’s new garden program, Marang House hosted a fun day of tree planting on Garden Day, which this year was observed on October 20.

At the event they were delighted to welcome Miss Earth 2019 Nasia Wadee, along with dedicated volunteers and members of the community. They also saw the support of several of their champions, which included celebrity chef David Higgs and Mrs Universe South Africa Monique Weyer.

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A garden is vitally important, as Marang Houses’ marketing person, Indianna Kool described. The children in their care attend school at Nelson Mandela or Charlotte Maxeke Hospitals, and when they’re not studying, they are often undergoing treatments like dialysis, which requires them to spend the day resting inside, in bed. “The garden provides a vital opportunity for them to step outside, enjoy the sunshine, and engage with nature by learning about plants and the earth.”

She added their connection to nature is incredibly therapeutic, offering both emotional and physical benefits. “Although their illnesses can limit their energy, they are still children at heart, full of the desire to play and explore,” said Kool. The garden also allows for the children to experience the joy of being outside, even if their medical conditions sometimes prevent them from running around like other kids. It’s a space where they can still be themselves, in a way that nurtures their well-being.

Two trees were planted on the day. The house was thrilled at receiving a Granny Smith apple tree as well a clementine tree. In addition to these they planted a variety of vegetable seeds: tomatoes, spinach, pumpkin, basil, nasturtiums, carrots, and onions. “These will form an important part of our garden and contribute to our sustainability efforts,” said Kool.

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According to Kool this vegetable patch serves as an educational tool, teaching the children about where their food comes from and the value of growing their own produce. “It’s also beneficial for them to engage with the soil and participate in hands-on gardening activities, which can be both therapeutic and rewarding,” she added. Beyond the educational aspect, the vegetable patch will provide fresh produce for the children, some of their volunteers who may not have easy access to fresh vegetables, and their staff. She sees it as a sustainable initiative that nurtures both health and community spirit.

The children will get the opportunity to see these trees and the vegetable patch at their new house, located at 22 Milner Avenue, Roosevelt Park. One of the things they appreciate most about this location is that it has a large and secure garden where the children can safely play and enjoy the outdoors. “The house itself is spacious, with enough rooms and bathrooms for everyone to live comfortably, and it features a wonderful kitchen where our dedicated chef and house mother, Fikile Mbhele, prepares her nourishing and healing meals.”

Kool said they are grateful that the house is clean, safe, and conveniently located near the hospital. Additionally, it’s still close to their original Northcliff house, allowing them to stay connected with their roots and the community they’ve built over the years.

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