Parks and wetlands ready to be explored

Spring is in the air and nature is showing off its beauty by blooming flowers in various different colours. Weltevreden Park resident Jan von der Heyde explained that a strange, yet beautiful, thing happened in the area in a wetland that runs all the way from Rooihout to Wonderboom Avenue. “The surprise came in forms of yellow iris plants that popped up in a dry piece of land in a small stream that runs through the area.”

He explained that they started off as small plants but grew faster as the days grew hotter. “The entire wetland area is now dazzled in yellow and it attracts birds and insects like bees.”

Von der Heyde said that the hail storm at the end of September flattened the irises a bit. “The good news is they have started to grow again after the storm.”

Ward 126 councillor Mike Tonkin was excited when he heard of the iris plants and said that it’s an ‘excuse’ for residents to leave their houses and to go out and discover the beautiful parks and wetland areas in their suburbs. “Weekends are perfect to escape to these beautiful attractions in our area,” said Tonkin.

He added and explained that Excell Park in Weltevreden Park is also now more accessible to residents. “We held a clean-up in the park at the end of August and spring is the perfect time to take your family for an outing if you haven’t explored the park yet.”