SEED
Context
Introduction
Latest Project News
Progress Summary
SOIL FOR LIFE
Context
Introduction
Latest Project News
Progress Summary
RHODES PARK
Context
Introduction
Latest Project News
Progress Summary
LOTUS GARDENS
Context
Introduction
Latest Project News
Progress Summary
 
Lotus Gardens - Summer 2006

Lotus Gardens near Pretoria (Tshwane) continues to thrive under the guidance of John Nzira and Lawrence Tshuma of Ukuvuna.

When the first crops appeared, more volunteers came forward and the school has borrowed a tractor to clear another large area for them. Almost daily, spinach, cabbage, beetroot and other crops are being harvested.

Training sessions have begun for teachers, volunteer nurses and pupils (learners as they are known in South Africa), and for the new members.

Quotes for extending the watering system to the new area are also being obtained.

Lessons have already been learnt about the need for careful management: tomatoes and herbs which had not been properly protected were damaged by severe frosts recently.


Community volunteers harvesting vegetables.

We will be reporting on the results of all the workshop activity in July, and also progress with the new Phase 2 garden with new volunteers. Ukuvuna is also working out ways of helping the school improve their recording and harvesting system to ensure equity. One challenge is that some project members are being paid with a loaf of bread, thus causing concern that this is creating dependency.