A shared love for nature and global concept of swapping plants are bringing people together in Zeekoevlei.
This plant-swap initiative, introduced to residents in March, has to date seen the exchange of 160 plants.
Friends of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei (FOZR) chair Sidney Jacobs said the idea is to have a neighbourhood plant stand where residents can exchange plants freely.
“The idea was seen in postings from overseas and is also based on a passion in the area for anything that is linked to our environment. So we started exploring whether this plant swap idea would work in our local community.”
After the idea was met with enthusiasm and support residents were encouraged to come up with ideas.
“Input was given on how to construct the plant stand and where to place it so the prospects of vandalism would be minimised,” Jacobs said.
The entrance to Zeekoevlei, in Victoria Road, was chosen as the location for the plant swap, and the building of the wooden structure was begun before the launch of the project on Thursday 7 March.
“One of our residents made the structure for he loves woodwork,” said Jacobs. “Another resident painted the signboard and other residents completed the tedious job of painting the stand in bright positive colours to reflect our community.”
He explained the initiative created a peaceful space in the community.
“It rekindles the old community spirit of doing things together and getting to know one’s neighbours.
“Sharing experiences and igniting a love for nature by getting people to plant the shared plants, care for them and then reap the benefits that they provide.”
Since its inception residents of Grassy Park, Ottery and Lotus River have joined in swapping plants.
“We were pleasantly surprised that so many people spontaneously got involved, and we welcome everyone to pop over and swap plants,” Jacobs said.
Peter Southgate, a retired resident who built the wooden structure for the plant swap, said he enjoyed keeping busy and being involved in community projects.
“A few years ago a resident asked me to create a small library stand for a free book exchange.
“Later we had flee markets on Sundays and I make planters for the flee market, so when Sidney approached me in February regarding the plant stand I immediately said yes.”
Using “second-hand wood”, Southgate said he is a hobbyist and is certainly no cabinet maker.
“I am a retired person, so it keeps me busy and active, since I don’t have green fingers.”
“In 2012 I renovated my kitchen, and at the time thought about what I would do when I retired. Every month I bought tools and now have a substantial number for my woodwork.
He took a week to complete the wooden stand.
“My work is for family and friends and I don’t charge people. I noticed the library stand next to the plant swap needed a new door, so I will probably fix that next.”
