Mayville man’s garden produces some amazing vegetables
Longley's organically grown vegetables have become very popular with people of the Moot.
In the small yard of an unassuming house in Mayville, Douglas Longley has crafted a very special garden where he grows a variety of delicious vegetables that have landed on the plates of many satisfied customers in the Moot.
The always-smiling retired carpenter has spent many years making this beautiful garden. All the vegetables he and his wife eat come from his garden.
In this luscious garden, Longley grows gems, melons, tomatoes, peppers, garlic and a variety of other veggies.
Longley believes that this is the healthiest option and encourages everyone to eat organic, freshly grown vegetables for health and longevity.
“The vegetables you get in grocery stores aren’t very good for you,” he said.
“They are filled with all sorts of chemicals to make them grow as fast as possible. The same goes for the meat.”
The skills Longley used to make and maintain his garden was passed down to him from his grandfather who was a farmer in Kleinfontein.
“Back then the town was still growing and he had his own farm,” said Longley.
“I would watch him for hours planting his crops and that’s where I learnt everything I know.”
A 12m deep borehole means Longley will never have any issues with his water supply, and the current water restrictions won’t impede the growing and maintenance of his garden.
Longley also makes his own special compost.
The 76-year-old’s garden and its produce have gained much popularity in the area, with many neighbours and friends visiting him to buy his fresh, home-grown vegetables.
“It’s nice to see that people enjoy the vegetables. Many of them are from poor backgrounds, so I sometimes hand them out for free to those who need them the most.
“It’s always a good feeling to give back to your community.”
Birds picking at the vegetables and plants has been a constant nuisance, however.
But with his background in carpentry, Longley built a very special “scarecrow”.
It consists of three pieces of a Coke-can attached to a stick that rotates in the wind (resembling a small windmill), which reflects the sun’s rays and scares away the birds.
When he is not busy tending to his garden, Longley uses his years of experience as a carpenter to build hand-crafted model wagons from different periods in South Africa’s history in his workshop.
Longley’s various projects are a way for him to keep busy during his retirement years.
“I can’t imagine just sitting around and doing nothing all day, I would go insane.
“I love working with my hands and it’s a great way to keep busy by making beautiful things.”
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