A group have come together to raise funds for their community to help establish food gardens, they hope people will “adopt a garden”.
Knysna, South Africa (01 September 2020) – Growing Upwards has been created by a group of local Knysna women who were moved to action through empathy for those who are struggling to eat nutritious meals on a daily basis. The team all have specific roles to play in the newly established initiative. The fundamentals of the project include steering clear of political agendas and red tape and to identify suitable leaders in the community who can be assisted and trained to establish and sustain a garden as a food source.
Growing Upwards assists with establishing the gardens by appealing to the wider community for support. You can donate any amount or you can pay R250 to “Adopt A Box” or R3000 to “Adopt a Garden”.
Donations of items that contribute to a successful food garden system such as fencing, compost, water tanks, plumbing services, general garden equipment are also most welcome. The team are voluntarily identifying suitable candidates who are willing to take responsibility for the success of their gardens in order to feed those in need. The team are coordinating the building of the grow boxes, transport of compost and boxes, provision of seedlings, training of the garden managers and follow-ups to see how the project is progressing.
The first project started a fortnight ago and all aspects fell in to place within days. The Learning Tree in Khayalethu South had been in communication with Sue Torrance – who is the team’s gardening expert and author of the gardening book – “Take Route and Grow”. Sue suggested that the Learning Tree would be a good pilot project as their Principal, Julie Hoffman, is managing this secure Educare center that has space for a garden. Julie also has the “buy in” from the Learning Tree’s parents who will be tasked with helping the teachers to maintain the garden. At this point all aspects of the garden for this school have been arranged by Growing Upwards – they only need 100 metres of pig or jackal fencing and a gate to complete the project.
Knysna Timber Homes has graciously taken on the task of building the first ten grow boxes for the Learning Tree and some pallets were donated by The Tile House’s owner – Trish Beyleveldt. Compost has been donated by Graeme Barnhoorn from Sassenheim Estate.
Entabeni Guest Farm has Adopted the first ten boxes and this will also allow for project number two to commence with leftover funds. Photos and progress of this garden will be documented and shared. All sponsors for this project and going forward will be encouraged to join the planting party where they can feel free to have their photo taken and they will receive a certificate of gratitude for their kindness.
Please feel free to contact the Growing Upwards team if you are in a position to donate equipment or if you would like to “Adopt A Box or A Garden”.
The team include Ady Lor (Director Hands Collective), Sam Bruce (Graphic Designer and Photographer at Samiam), Lara Barnard (Business Owner – Carpet Co), Lizelle Genade (studying her Honours in Environmenal Studies), Sue Torrance (professional gardener and author) and Zandile Meneses (Event Management – Lions Karoo to Coast and Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage Race).