Hundreds of aloe plants in bloom along Glen Road in Glencairn is thanks to neighbours Malinda Coetzee and Dane Cherry who, for the past three years, have set out to beautify the area of their own accord.
According to Coetzee, 600 aloe tree cuttings from her garden were used to beautify the area.
“The aloes were planted about two years ago from cuttings taken from my garden and my friend planted around 600 cuttings all along Glen Road.”
She added her neighbour, Cherry, has a huge love for the community so he decided to beautify the area.
“He has such a love for the community and always said he wanted the area he lives in to look beautiful, so he even cuts the grass.”
Coetzee, who moved into her current home seven years ago, said she found “tiny and sad” aloe plants in the garden.
“I’ve put some love and tender care into them and they have grown beautifully.”
Meanwhile, Cherry does all the planting from his pocket.
“Aloes grow very well down here and they are beautiful when they flower in winter,” he said in reply to why the aloe and not any other plant.
“They don’t need watering, look after themselves and you are sure they will be there for many years to come.
“There are many aloes, and I find myself looking up and down the road and seeing the extensions of the aloe I planted. I use my own labour and I also had a team in the wetlands plant 45 to 60 trees.”
Seeing the space beautiful and tidy is his passion, Cherry added.
“I like to see beauty and to beautify the area because it adds a sense of tidiness and beauty.”
The SA Navy employee further explained he enjoyed being creative.
“I am employed full-time in the SA Navy at Simon’s Town Harbour, and I have a passion for my own house and surroundings. I get involved wherever my mind takes me and I’ve been involved with this for the past few years.
“There is always something to do and my mind is creative, so I am always looking forward to doing repairs.”
Cherry claims he also used R20 000 out of his pocket to repair municipal stairs next to his property.
“The steps that are next to my house I have spent R20 000 on to repair, municipal property, and I stripped out the bush and planted aloe.
“The planting of the aloe is all out of my own pocket. Here and there I’ve received a donation, but it has been 99% out of my pocket.”
Residents reacted on social media to the sight of the plants blooming.
“To the person who planted all the aloes on the side of Glen Road,” one post reads. “A huge salute and thank you. Now they are flowering they are beautiful and a delight to the eye.”
