The eighth annual Pam Golding Gardens of East London took place in selected gardens throughout the city at the weekend.
A total of 24 gardens were on show in a bid to raise funds for 21 charities.
First-time garden exhibitors Rob and Heather Grigorato’s every-day, recycled items in the garden captivated showgoers.
“I’m supporting a friend of mine and thought I’d open up my home. It’s been busy and we have a lovely tea garden and craft stalls,” Grigorato said.
The succulent sale’s proceeds all go to Passion for People. Committee member Cindy Lategan said the organisation aimed at reforming those in prison through ministry and trying to connect inmates with people in the community once they were released.
“People think we go there to change their lives, but they in fact change ours. We also try to assist where possible in securing a jobs,” Lategan said.
Stirling High School opened its gates and showed off its biome garden. The educational garden, which has fynbos, succulents, Eastern Cape thicket and wetlands, is tended to by the school’s’ Eco Club.
Sophumelela Centre, in its fifth year as one part of the show’s charities, was offered the garden by the school. Centre director Ethna Buchner said they were still in need of clothing, food parcels and blankets.
“The centre cares for about 500 HIV-positive + people and also tends to 200 orphans and vulnerable children. We’re also currently conducting research with girls aged 15 to 24 in Scenery Park on HIV/Aids testing,” Buchner said.
In Southernwood, the Hudson Park Primary School Port Rex Lions Cubs hosted a fantasy garden for kids. Activities ranged from a touch farm, jumping castle, face painting and a wishing well.
Masithethe Counselling Centre, in it’s third year in the garden show, offers counselling services and wellness programmes for workplaces.
Centre director Jackie Orsmond said this was a nice opportunity for people to get to know more about the organisation.
“We’re formally known as Lifeline, and offer programmes such as anti-bullying, sexual health, child-abuse prevention, human trafficking and anti-suicide awareness.”
