Helping children and indigenous plant lovers get their facts right
THE 19th Kloof Conservancy Indigenous Open Gardens Show will take place next weekend. Devoted gardeners will be showcasing the benefits and pleasures of indigenous gardening, and there’s a new addition to the show – a Nature Facts Treasure Hunt for kids.
Five clues and riddles are hidden in each of the gardens. The riddles are tailored to each open garden and are designed to educate kids about interesting nature facts in the surrounding environment. The answers are filled in on a form to win lucky-draw prizes.
Although it’s designed for ages 4–16, the hunt is fun and interesting and young-at-heart grown-ups can also take part.
The show will also highlight garden transformations – particularly from exotic to indigenous flora. All seven open gardens are at different stages of their transformation, exhibiting step-by-step processes of incorporating local plant species into a variety of garden designs.
The event takes place in the Upper Highway area (Winston Park, Crestholme and Forest Hills).
Local snake wrangler Nick Evans will have some of his reptiles on display and be on hand to answer questions.
Dr Jeanne Tarrant from the Endangered Wildlife Trust will explain about amphibians, and Elsa Pooley, a botanist, landscaper and artist, will also be there on Saturday. Dates: Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17
Times: 9am to 4pm
Entry fee: R60 donation (adults) – includes a slice of cake and cup of tea/coffee FREE entry for children under 12
Nature Facts Treasure Hunt: R20 per entry form
Tickets and forms: Available at the open gardens and the tea garden
Cash/zapper payments only For more information: visit www.kloofconservancy. org.za/www.facebook.com/ Kloofconservancy