Paws for thought
Despite gale-force winds and cold weather, die-hard garden lovers still did their part for a good cause when they participated in the annual Plett Open Gardens event in aid of the Plett Animal Welfare Service (Paws).
The weather conditions did not deter 280 visitors from far and wide to visit the selected gardens and more than R38 000 was raised for Paws.
Usually the event attracts about 300 visitors and last year about R60 000 was raised.
“This is quite a bit down on past garden days, but nevertheless a solid contribution towards the monthly costs of about R75 000 to maintain our primary health-care service to the neglected and abused dogs and cats of Bitou,” organiser Marsja Hall-Green said.
“As in the past, the popular plant-and-cake sale made a solid contribution towards the overall income. The raffle for a painting by David Hall-Green will be drawn at the end of November.”
She added that visitors reported enjoying the variety of gardens featured this year. “They were particularly impressed with the Allen garden, where they could view a fabulous succulent roof garden and private soccer field. The lovely Wiehahn house and garden were interesting because they both had to be rebuilt after the destruction of the 2017 fires. The Hum Bee Floral Farm offered a departure from a conventional town garden and the Gaechter garden was an example of a lowcost indigenous garden.”
She added that she was grateful to all volunteers, garden owners, media and the many kind people who made generous contributions to ensure another successful Paws event.
The event took place on 9 November at various gardens throughout the town.