Green ideas take root

“If more people love plants, we will have fewer problems in the world.”

Avid gardener and nursery owner, Hugh Robb believes the therapeutic benefits of gardening are broad and cost-effective, hence his decision to nurture a love of all things green among residents of Newcastle.

It’s the start of a blooming garden revolution.

As the mastermind behind a new concept devised for Advertiser readers, Mr Robb is encouraging green fingered individuals to send in their best gardening tips, for a chance to win a voucher from his nursery, Cycads for Pleasure.

No green thumb? No problem!

Mr Robb said many things in life can be taught, and learning to love gardening was the first step toward nurturing a healthy passion for various types of flora.

For him, it’s a matter of pride.

“Newcastle was the cleanest town a few times, so why not be the town with the nicest gardens? We have wonderful gardens, stunning knowledge and great gardeners,” he added.

“If we start sharing, we can change Newcastle one garden at a time.”

The biggest appeal of gardening, Mr Robb said, was that tending plants was the cheapest kind of therapy.

He grew up on a farm and always loved plants and trees, and by the time his family moved to Bloemfontein, Mr Robb boasted a large collection of African aloes.

Upon arrival in Newcastle almost three decades ago, he set about sharing his passion.

The sprawling expanse of Mr Robb’s nursery includes a 150-metre shaded run, various indigenous trees, gorgeous flowers and cycads he has raised from seeds to mighty elders.

“I am proud to have planted 90 per cent of my nursery as seeds.”

Although it was often a matter of nostalgia to sell his beloved plants, Mr Robb understood it was far more important to bring people together in a united love of the abundance of nature.

In this way, his ‘nice hobby’ became a career.

Petros Shabangu, employed by Mr Robb, boasts 17 years’ experience in nurseries, and can give the common and genus name of any plant. His passion for flora is as strong as the plants he grows.

“I like gardening because you must care for the plants like a child. It is nice to watch them grow up.”

Mr Robb’s advice to aspirant gardeners, in particular those who are considering a green career, is to work in a nursery and first determine if that was what made them tick.

From there, many tertiary institutions offer courses in horticulture.

“The arena of horticulture from seeding to garden design requires a course. However, the best experience is obtained through working.”

To the casual gardener, Mr Robb said the best advice on rearing healthy plants would be given by those already sporting beautiful gardens.

More information is always available on the Internet.

“Plants are universal at any age and with any race. Determine your fancy and speak to others for great professional advice.”

Concluding, Mr Robb said there was a great need for Newcastillians to unite in gardening, and a gardening club would be launched later in the year.

In this way, the budding passion for nature would continue to blossom.

“Not everyone can have a pet, but you can always have a potplant – the options are limitless.”