Life is a Garden | South Africa

Members of the Western Cape Garden Centre Association have joined forces to raise funds for Trees 4 Schools. The four-week campaign will run through to Earth Day (April 22).

Working primarily in Cape Town, Trees 4 Schools aims to plant trees and vegetables in as many of our local schools as possible. The charity also aims to increase the awareness of our youth and future leaders regarding re-greening, reducing our country's carbon footprint, the effects of global warming and growing our own food.

Part of the Trees 4 Schools ethos is a sustainability pledge. “We understand that the only way these projects are going to be successful is if we continually follow-up and ensure that on-going education happens with the children,” says Pascale Hoare. “For this reason a Trees4Schools representative returns at least once a month to check on projects and ensure that the trees and vegetables are being maintained.” 

“Water is another big issue, especially during school holidays and in low rainfall periods,” says Pascale. “This is why Trees4Schools makes use of Yo’Manzi (DriWater), a water polymer granule, when planting in dry months, dry areas or during holiday periods,” she adds.

Charity plants

From March 22 to April 22, 2010, participating members of the Western Cape Garden Centre Association (GCA) will donate R2 from the sale of a range of individual promotional plants to the Trees 4 Schools campaign. Each garden centre will be working with suppliers to identify which water wise trees, shrubs, groundcovers, a climber, fruit trees, herbs and vegetables will carry the R2 donation.