Olive Grove Retirement Village residents showcase green fingers in Randburg
Seniors at the local retirement estate competed across three unique categories to win prizes and celebrate their passion for nature.
Olive Grove Retirement Village gardens were put centre stage at a Garden Day competition on October 15, where seniors were recognised for their ability to maintain their gardens.
Village garden trustee Annalene Lombard shared that her love for gardening and her dream of hosting a picnic inspired her to organise the event.
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Lombard said she saw the undeveloped area as perfect for people to come together in nature, adding that her dream of having a picnic there finally happened and that flowers and gardens have a beautiful way of bringing joy, peace, and colour to life.
Nine seniors entered the competition, which saw 20 gardens evaluated across three categories: garden of abundance, little garden of joy, and garden of speciality in roses.
Legadema Garden Services owner Wim Viljoen, who provides gardening services at the village, judged the competition and sponsored prizes alongside estate agent Vic Marini and Global Scope security official Anton van der Merwe.
Prizes included Lifestyle vouchers, packets of compost, chocolates, and bottles of wine. Residents also participated in a flower crown and hat competition to add to the day’s celebrations.
First-place winner in the Little Garden of Joy category, Esther van Zyl, said gardening encouraged her to appreciate nature and adapt her practices as she aged.
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Van Zyl said she loves gardening because it reminds her to appreciate nature, adding that she has learnt to prioritise evergreen plants that do not need frequent changing because plants are expensive and bending becomes harder with age.
Green fingers bring peace
The day brought residents together through a shared love of gardening, highlighting how plants bring peace and enjoyment within the village.
Winners included:
Garden of speciality:
1st place: Isabel Prezioso
2nd place: Erica Wolter
3rd place: Elma Botha
Little garden of joy:
1st place: Esther van Zyl
2nd place: Eleanor Robertson
3rd place: Bridget Chapman
Garden of abundance:
1st place: Elsie Uys
2nd place: Aquila van der Merwe
3rd place: Lien Rennie
Flower competition winners:
1st place: Eleanor Robertson
2nd place: Erica Wolter
3rd place: Manda Vantil
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