The Gabriel Road Area Project Association (Grapa’s) community garden Spring Market held on Saturday 30 September in the heart of Plumstead proved to be a great success.
Visitors could smell the earthy and organic undertones of a committed community offering their time and resources to ensure a healthy growing garden, the benefits of which all their fellow neighbours reap together.
Fellow Grapa member and business owner Elainne Rousseau was seen with her Wellington-gumboots working the fresh-produce-for-sale-section.
“I’m so happy to see all the people coming out to show support for the garden and also be witnesses to the success story we have worked so hard for,” she shared with People’s Post at the market.
According to Lauren Hoard, Grapa Exco member: “We had amazing support at our first ever Grapa Spring Market Day despite the weather. There was a bit of rain in the morning which meant things got off to a slow start, but as the sun came out we saw a constant, steady stream of visitors.
“We loved the warm friendly smiles and chats with neighbours. The fresh produce, food, drinks, crafts and baked goods went down as a treat for visitors. A few of our vendors even needed to pop out to go and replenish supplies as the turnout was better than expected,” Hoard beamed pleased.
Ward 62 councillor Emile Langenhoven is equally pleased about the progress made with the garden. “I am supremely proud of how far the Grapa community garden has come and the produce it grows.
“I often purchase vegetables there on Saturdays when the garden is open and try to draw residents from surrounding areas to come and purchase from them by posting about it on my 20 WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages.”
Langenhoven acknowledged residents and businesses that pitched in to fund the garden and “it is heartwarming to see their generosity towards this very worthy cause.
“It is also very pleasing to see members of the nearby Solum Flats and Gabriel Estate coming to make use of the opportunity to purchase affordable, fresh and healthy food.”
Looking back to when it was a public open space that previously posed problems that would have affected residents and businesses, versus what it is today, “the difference is as clear as night and day”, he said.
“I will continue to support the Grapa community garden in whichever way I can and see it grow from strength to strength.”
Hoard reported on the progress made with the Market Day in which they raised roughly R8 000, including raffle ticket sales, annual membership fees and cost stands of vendors.
“Altogether we have raised nearly R13 000 in lucky draw entries. A total of 36 winners were drawn from the entire raffle competition and we’re very pleased with the end results.
“The Grapa Market will from now on be held every first Saturday of each month and the public is invited to attend.”
