Rosebank Rotary Club explores indigenous gardening at Wanderers Club
Guest speaker Abigail de Swardt highlighted how indigenous gardening can enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable urban green spaces as cities grow.
The Rosebank Rotary Club held its third hybrid meeting of 2025 at Wanderers Club on February 7, featuring guest speaker Abigail de Swardt, an expert in sustainable urban landscapes. De Swardt’s presentation on indigenous gardening sparked great interest among members, who engaged actively, asking questions and sharing insights.
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Restoring nature in urban spaces
De Swardt highlighted the impact of urban sprawl on biodiversity, stressing the need to bring back natural predators to control pests like mosquitoes, which thrive in low-oxygen environments. She emphasised that the original type of garden was naturally self-sustaining, requiring minimal human intervention.
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Sustainable gardening solutions
She introduced the Life Green Group, a company specialising in landscape and interior maintenance, and shared insights on:
• Indigenous plant bonding for healthier, low-maintenance gardens,
• Water-wise gardening, using natural depressions and drought-resistant plants, and
• Coffee grounds as an excellent addition to compost for soil enrichment.
A garden for the future
De Swardt encouraged modern landscaping innovations, such as integrating live sprinkler systems and repurposing materials like iron for drainage. She also emphasized biodiversity, urging gardeners to create balanced ecosystems by welcoming beneficial insects.
Exciting times ahead
The meeting concluded with great enthusiasm, as Rotary members praised De Swardt’s engaging presentation. Looking ahead, the club is gearing up for its first fundraising and bingo evening on February 27, promising an exciting night for a good cause.
With sustainability at the heart of future urban development, embracing indigenous gardening is a simple yet powerful step towards a greener, more resilient environment.
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