NLC Programme | Biodiversity Gardens | George
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A living classroom where youth can connect with indigenous plants and biodiversity
The Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre Biodiversity Conservation Garden, located in Thembalethu in George, creates a living classroom where youth can connect with indigenous plants and biodiversity.
Developed as part of BOT SOC’s Protecting and Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage project, this biodiversity garden combines youth skills development, environmental education and biodiversity conservation.
By bringing indigenous plants into a learning environment, the garden supports youth engagement with nature while showcasing the unique biodiversity of the Garden Route region.
THIS PROJECT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY:
Youth skills development and conservation training
Three youth participants from the George area were trained as part of this project, hosted by the Garden Route Botanical Garden.
Skills Development
They received classroom-based and hands-on conservation training, developing skills in:
– Conservation horticulture
– Plant identification
– Alien invasive clearing
– Eco-landscaping
– Personal development
Beyond their work in the Garden Route Botanical Garden, the youth also participated in citizen science plant monitoring with SANBI’s CREW Programme, recording plant species on iNaturalist.
Their newly developed skills were applied during the planning and planting of the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre Biodiversity Conservation Garden, where they assisted with plant selection and garden establishment.
Why choose the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre?
The Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre is a community-based non-profit organisation located in Thembalethu, George.
The centre provides a safe and supportive learning environment for youth aged 7–25, offering opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and other subjects.
This made Inkcubeko an ideal location for an outdoor biodiversity classroom,
where youth can learn by:
– Seeing indigenous plants
– Touching and smelling plants
– Engaging with interpretive signage
– Exploring biodiversity
The garden creates opportunities for hands-on environmental education and deeper connection with local ecosystems.
The importance of the area: Garden Route biodiversity
The garden showcases multiple vegetation types from the Garden Route region, represented through themed garden beds:
– Fynbos
– Wetland
– Medicinal plants
– Forest
– Thicket
A wetland area, constructed as part of the garden, adds an important ecological element and enhances biodiversity learning opportunities.
Interpretive signage throughout the garden explains:
– Indigenous plants
– Pollinators
– Garden Route ecology
– Cultural plant uses
Plant labels also include:
– Scientific and common names
– Plant characteristics
– Cultural value
– QR codes linking to SANBI’s PlantZAfrica website
Interpretive signage was developed by BOT SOC and designed by Jeanette Erasmus.
Partnerships behind the garden
The Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre Biodiversity Conservation Garden was made possible through strong partnerships. Key partners included:
Corné Brink from Kaëlvoet Consulting designed the overall garden layout and provided specialist guidance on plant placement and selection.
The youth participants also assisted in designing and constructing the wetland area, which was completely man-made.
Tools and resources donated to the garden
To support long-term sustainability, BOT SOC donated gardening equipment and resources to the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre.
These included:
Gardening tools | Hosepipe | Maintenance equipment
These tools help ensure the garden can be maintained and cared for by the local community.
The role of the
Botanical Society
of South Africa
BOT SOC played a central role in establishing the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre Biodiversity Conservation Garden – as part of the Protecting and Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage project, funded by the National Lotteries Commission.
BOT SOC supported the project by supporting and funding:
– Youth training and skills development
– Garden planning and coordination
– Indigenous plant selection
– Development of educational signage
– Community engagement
– Partnerships coordination
Community stewardship
This garden is a gift to the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre, whose staff played an important role throughout the project.
They assisted with:
– Garden development
– Planting
– Maintenance
Since its establishment in August 2025, the centre has taken excellent care of the garden, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
You can get involved: Visit the garden
The Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre Biodiversity Conservation Garden now serves as a living classroom, connecting youth with plants and biodiversity. It’s also an ideal stop should you travel through George and visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden.
Visitors and learners can explore:
– Indigenous Garden Route plants
– Wetland biodiversity
– Forest and thicket vegetation
– Cultural plant uses
Interpretive signage helps learners understand the importance of biodiversity conservation in the Garden Route region.
Explore the
garden resources
DOWNLOAD:
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Hours
Tuesdays from 08h00 to 16h00. Closed from Wednesday to Monday and public holidays.
Contact Us
We are experiencing intermittent faults with our landlines. If you can't get through on our landline +27 (0) 21 797 2090 , please phone or send a message to our alternate WhatsApp number: +27 (0) 65 922 6163.
Notice
From 1 March 2026, our office located inside Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (through Gate 2) will be open to assist members on Tuesdays only (08:00 – 16:00).
