George Municipality celebrates South African Garden Day with indigenous tree planting

Attending the tree-planting event above are front from left, Bertie Jordaan from the Garden Route Botanical Gardens, Bulelani Matyhila (Yearbeyond intern: George Library), Lee-Quin Maree (EPWP worker) and Onako Dayimani (Yearbeyond intern: George Library). At the back are Ludwig Miller, Manager: Garden Route Botanical Gardens, James de Waal, Branch Senior Librarian, Malibongwe Luyenge, Senior Librarian, George Library, Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries, Jacques Olivier, Library Assistant, George Library, Garelene Muller, Children’s Librarian, George Library, Koos Hansen, General Worker, Anne-Maree Afrika (Library Assistant, George Library), Banele Lukhele (Yearbeyond intern: George Library) and Annelie Booysen (Library Assistant, George Library).

George Municipality marked South African Garden Day with the planting of indigenous trees at the George Library, highlighting the importance of caring for the natural environment and protecting the region’s natural heritage.

The trees, donated by George Museum, included Outeniqua yellowwoods and African wild olive trees. Members of the Garden Route Botanical Gardens assisted with the planting, ensuring that the holes were prepared correctly and the trees were planted properly.

The initiative also highlighted the value of working with environmental specialists to promote responsible tree planting and care.

Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries, emphasised the importance of taking responsibility for the natural environment and valuing trees. “Trees play an important role in the environment, and the community is encouraged to appreciate and care for them,” she said.

She said, George Municipality also acknowledges its positive relationship with the George Museum and the Botanical Gardens, whose expertise helps ensure that trees are planted and cared for correctly.

As part of the initiative, a tree displayed in the library foyer will remain on exhibition for ten days. Information sessions will also be held to raise awareness about the value of trees and their contribution to the environment.

The initiative reflects George Municipality’s commitment to environmental awareness and keeping George green and encourages residents to play an active role in protecting and preserving the area’s natural heritage.

Photos:

Malibongwe Luyenge, Senior Librarian, George Library and Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries assist in planting a African wild olive tree.

Koos Hansen holds the Outeniqua Yellowwood, while Ludwig Miller prepares the hole for planting.