CONSERVATION

KZN Coastal Branch: Weeding in our adopted spot, Durban Botanic Gardens

APR 1, 2020 

Two weeding sessions, organised by the Botanical Society KZN Coastal Branch were held on October 4th and November 29th at Durban Botanic Gardens in the indigenous forest section. Five keen volunteers braved the heat on Friday and managed to fill 4-5 bags in a follow-up to the October 4th weed-clearing.

The October session was supported by fourteen helpers who rid the area of mainly Blood-Berry (Rivina humilis),Burrweed (Achyranthes aspera var. aspera), Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia elegans) and palm seedlings. Thank you to Margaret Burger for bringing her WESSA IAP team of 5. Thanks, too, to the 3 UKZN Edgewood students, Christine Bubb for sponsoring Thulani’s help, and the other enthusiastic supporters of both sessions.

The Branch previously sponsored the construction of a rustic path in the forest, which is frequently used by school group tours.

Janet Gates, Horticulturist in charge of Special Collections at the Gardens, reports that the forest section is looking very good indeed and that the hard work done by BotSoc’s volunteers has made all the difference!