Veld Fluister!

We continue to celebrate our quiet, meaningful encounters with nature – this time by following a BotSoc Council member’s quest to transform a road verge into a flourishing indigenous garden.

Our newly-launched Veld Fluister series lends an ear to the whispers of the veld to tell stories that unveil our deep, personal connections to the natural world. These narratives remind us that nature has a way of sparking something extraordinary within us all – whether it’s through conservation, observation, or action.

In this edition, we share the journey of Roland Vorwerk, a BotSoc Council member who has recently traded the bustling cityscapes of Gauteng for the serene beauty of the Garden Route. Through his hands-on approach to connecting with the local flora, Roland’s story embodies the transformative power of immersion in nature and shows how rewarding it can be to cultivate indigenous landscapes.

Roland Vorwerk

When Roland relocated to the Garden Route, he soon realised how unfamiliar he was with the fynbos biome. Having grown up in KZN and living in Gauteng for the last 13 years, he had never had the opportunity to get to know its rich biodiversity up-close.

With a background in sustainability, Roland was eager to make a meaningful connection to his new environment. Soon after his move, he started familiarising himself with the indigenous flora growing in his new neighbourhood.

Connecting with a community of plant lovers

Roland was surprised to soon have a list of about 60 species – all identified, thanks to the help of his newfound community of local plant enthusiasts.

He started dreaming of replacing a stretch of lawn with plants that occur naturally in the area – or maybe even establishing a demonstration garden where visitors could learn more about the local flora.

When the Sedgefield Island Conservancy announced an Indigenous Road Verge Garden Challenge, Roland saw the simple but compelling challenge as the ideal opportunity to make a start and design the garden of his dreams. But first he had to learn that many of the indigenous plant species he had his hopes set on were not typically found in gardens, nor were they readily available in local nurseries.

Many species did, however, pop up naturally on open stretches of unkempt veld. So Roland set about contacting the owners of undeveloped plots to ask permission to harvest specimens from their properties.

A gorgeous garden comes to life

The result? A flourishing garden that enhanced his surroundings while proving that stunning landscapes can be achieved through sustainable practices.

Roland reflects on the process as being both cathartic and invigorating, as it allowed him to connect with nature on a deeper level. It also encouraged him to share his newfound knowledge with neighbours, which helped foster a spirit of community and environmental stewardship that is sure to go from strength to strength.

Roland encourages fellow BotSoc members and readers to take a walk through their local green spaces and be amazed by the rich biodiversity on offer. It may just inspire their own indigenous garden project!

Roland’s flourishing garden reminds us that the veld has a way of bringing us closer to both the environment and our communities. Through small but deliberate actions, we can all play a role in conserving South Africa’s biodiversity while reaping the rewards of genuine connections.

Share your inspirational story with us

The Veld Fluister series is a space to share and celebrate these stories. If you’ve had a meaningful experience in nature or undertaken a project that highlights the beauty of our indigenous plants, we’d love to feature it. Reach out to veldandflora@botanicalsociety.org.za to share your story and inspire others to listen to the whispers of the veld.