Port Edward plants the seed … and wow, what an impact
The team has worked around the clock to get this project off the ground. Currently, there are two tunnels, secured by a solar powered electric fence, and an automated gate.
A wonderful community garden project has taken shape in the village of Port Edward.
In just four months, Peter Brereton, chairman of the Port Edward Ratepayers’ Association, and his small but dedicated team has transformed a vacant piece of land near the Methodist Church into a garden to feed a hungry community.
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The land was donated to the church some 30 years ago by Port Edward couple, Fay and Eric Jackson.
The team has worked around the clock to get this project off the ground. Currently, there are two tunnels, secured by a solar powered electric fence, and an automated gate.
The garden has so far cost some R45 000, some of which has been donated by generous community members.
Peter and his team always think outside the box, and as moles are a bit of a problem, shade cloth was laid on the ground, Peter collected 145 truck tyres which he filled with top soil and the seedlings were then planted in these protected containers.
Peter added that both their borehole water and the soil had been tested, and both passed with flying colours.
Roughly 1 000 seedlings have been planted in the 30 metre x 30 metre enclosure, including fruit trees and a wide variety of vegetables and herbs.
There are plans to install a hydroponic system at some stage, but Peter pointed out that they would need to raise a substantial sum of money for this next phase, which is envisaged to include shelving to create a retail area.
Peter explained that a duty roster would be drawn up and volunteers would help run the garden during working hours.
“We hope to inspire others to get involved and start similar initiatives in their communities,” said Peter.
However, the drive to spruce up Port Edward is becoming contagious.
Desire Stalmann and her daughters Brigette Bufet (26) and Heidi Fouche (29) from Vereeniging have transformed the toilets at Port Edward’s main beach, showing just what a dollop of passion and a coat of paint can achieve.
The women spent their holidays painting the toilets with bright and cheerful ‘beach’ colours, including an eye-catching beach mural.
“I walked into the toilets and thought they needed a lift,” said Desire, who loves to paint.
“If I could, I would paint the whole town,” she added with a laugh.
The trio and their helpers have also found the time and energy to paint the golf course wall.
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