The green-thumbed residents at ECHO’s villages know that when you nurture something with love, goodwill grows…and you might win first prize for it!
Gqeberha, South Africa (05 November 2025) – Every spring, a special kind of green fever hits Gqeberha’s retirement villages. Garden gloves come out, trowels start clinking, and the seniors living in the East Cape Housing Organisation’s (ECHO) ten villages start prepping for one of their most loved traditions, the ECHO Garden Competition.
And it’s fierce stuff, friends! With around 1500 residents across the villages, each entrant puts their heart into transforming their patch of soil into something beautiful. Months of planning, pruning and patience lead up to judging day.
Local nurseries and generous sponsors hop on board to keep the spirit (and flowerbeds) alive each year, making sure the supply is always there to keep ECHO’s green thumbs busy, and its communities in full bloom.
This year, entrants competed in four different categories. Traditional Gardens, Patio & Small Space Gardens, Veg & Herb Gardens, and Gate & Entrance Gardens. After all the watering and weeding, it was finally time for the winners to get their flowers.
“After visiting every entry and admiring the creativity, colour, and passion poured into each garden, we’re delighted to announce this year’s ECHO Garden Competition winners! With so many spectacular gardens across our villages, choosing a winner was no easy task. Our residents continue to raise the bar every year,” shared the ECHO Foundation.
We’ll share first prize winners for each category below, but it’s worth visiting the foundation’s Facebook page to see all the winners and their wonderful gardens!
In Traditional Gardens, Mr Chris Botes took first place.
In Patio & Small Space Gardens, Magda Swanepoel earned the win.
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In Veg & Herb Gardens, Sally Watkins claimed the winning title.
And in a new, special recognition for the villages’ Gate & Entrance Gardens, the WP Village Big T Gate took the prize.
“A huge congratulations to all our winners and to every resident who entered. Your gardens continue to beautify our villages and bring joy to everyone who walks by,” the ECHO team added.
Gardening, at any age, is an activity worth celebrating. At ECHO’s villages, it’s a way for residents to connect and build community. Friendships grow alongside the flowers. It’s also a gentle, relaxing form of exercise that comes with a good dose of sunshine!
“Many of our residents enjoy tending to their gardens, but there’s so much more to appreciate about a garden than just flowers and plants,” the foundation shared. “Gardening offers relaxation, a sense of accomplishment, and a wonderful way to stay active. It’s also a great way to connect with nature, reduce stress, and enjoy the outdoors.”
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