Eldoraigne residents give public spaces some TLC
Residents pooled their time, plants and services to keep their neighbourhood beautiful.
What was once a barren corner littered with signage in Eldoraigne has become a vibrant garden of succulents and water-wise plants.
Community members near the intersection of Mulders Mile, Edwards Road and Henri Road came together with funds, services and plants to keep their neighbourhood looking good.
Driving the project, Annétte Cronje said that the public spaces have been looked after by residents since before the lockdown.
Originally, a group of residents led by Cronje came together with donations of plants, services and funds to beautify public spaces in their community.
Even while Cronje could not oversee the project due to a foot operation, another community member stepped up to oversee the project.
She says that when they need something, neighbourhood security and social groups always step in to help where they can.
Some residents that can’t give funds or plants can help with services such as garden refuse removal and labour.
One garden service company helped by removing over 15 bags of refuse free of charge.
“It’s hard work because it is only the two of us doing this at the moment, with few helping hands now and then,” said Cronje.
She said that in the past, the areas used to become overrun by signage, but that since they look after them, the signage has become more manageable and less unsightly.
“I know there are others that do the same thing, and that’s great to hear. But I am super proud of our area, the community has kept it so neat.”
Cronje said that they plan to tackle various public spaces in the future by cleaning up overgrown vegetation and planting new water-wise gardens.
They use succulents, which are easy to make cuttings from and are low maintenance so that the gardens last as long as possible with little work to maintain.
“If you don’t do it, it isn’t going to get done,” said Cronje. “I mean the city doesn’t have enough hands or funds all the time. So this just keeps it nice.”
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