More gardens popping up on the streets in Centurion

A neglected dumping spot at the corner of Theuns van Niekerk and Hendrik Verwoerd streets is set to be transformed into a beautiful garden by residents in Eldoraigne and Rooihuiskraal North.

The residents, alongside Ward 69 councillor Cindy Billson, have been actively working over the past couple of years to revitalise neglected areas while tackling the persistent issue of illegal dumping.

Billson explained that although there are other dumping spots in the area she would like to improve, a lack of funding has hindered those efforts.

“For the current garden that we are working on, we need 10 tonnes of river sand, but we have asked one of the shops in the area to bring us their sand from swimming pool pumps to start collecting,” she said.

She added that the project would also require about two tonnes of cement stone to create a proper separation between the road and the garden, allowing buses and cars to pull over if needed.

“Fortunately, plants are already being donated from various sources to support this initiative.”

Sheevan Moodley, the designer of the garden, shared his passion for plants and nature, which inspired him to volunteer for the community garden project.

“I reached out to Billson to volunteer, and when she shared the details, I thought this was the perfect fit. I saw it as a chance to not only apply what I’ve learnt in my studies but also give back to the community,” he explained.

Moodley has also been involved in maintaining the grounds around the Eldoraigne Community Library and is now excited to take on the second project of creating the community garden on the corner of Theuns van Niekerk Street.

He emphasised that the design process began with understanding the community’s needs.

He added that he considered other factors like the space and also took into account factors like sunlight, water access, and soil quality.

“The garden’s design incorporates modern, simplistic elements and the concept of hostile architecture, which optimises sustainability and usage,” he said.

Moodley aims to use indigenous flora and companion planting techniques to support natural pest control and soil health.

He said the garden beds are designed to be self-supporting to encourage composting, promote zero waste, and implement rainwater collection systems.

“The goal is to create a low-maintenance, self-sustaining garden with modern environmentally conscious techniques,” he said.

To foster community involvement, Moodley is setting up a schedule for regular maintenance days and encourages volunteers to join the project.

Eben Grove, local business owner of Load and Tip, has pledged to assist with transporting dump rock and donating some necessary materials for the garden.

“I felt the need to help as a way of thanking the community, as they always show up for me in times of need,” he said.

Grove believes this initiative will beautify the area and strengthen community bonds.

Phillip de Jager, one of the residents who has played an active role in the creation of the garden, said he appreciates the efforts people make to go out of their way to help the community.

“There are already a lot of areas in the community that look like a mess, so it’s extremely important for people to play a part in making the area beautiful.”

He reflected on the olden days when municipalities used to have teams of gardeners who would maintain gardens and parks in communities.

De Jager noted that this garden is just one of many that residents have created in the area and hopes for more to come.

“Rocks and paving bricks have already been delivered and work is set to commence soon,” he said.

In January, Diana Dean, who spearheaded the creation of the garden at the Eldoraigne Library, reflected on previous efforts made by other residents in the area.

She recalled how the project of creating a garden at the library began around eight years ago.

“We just wanted to make the area beautiful so that even when people drive past, it looks impressive,” she said.

Dean said the initiative aimed to ensure the ward appeared clean and well-kept, and it was a community effort that saw residents donating plants and materials to bring the vision to life.

“As the garden matured over the years, it started to look nicer. We didn’t exactly know what we were doing at first, as this was the first garden made in the area,” Dean added.

Another resident, Kobus Coetzee, has made significant contributions on Frederik Street, where he addressed a filthy veld plagued by overflowing dustbins.

“This was an issue that was close to my heart, as I had walked this exact route for many years on my way to school,” he shared.

Coetzee approached the local high school principal and board with a well-thought-out plan and quotes for donations to support his project.

“My vision and plans for the area were well received. The board and principal were excited about my vision and wanted to support me as an ex-learner of the school,” he said.

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