A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD - NATURE'S NATURAL "CARPET" - WITH 'NO PLACE TO HIDE'!

The time has come to reflect on a Pre-COVID-19 era when the Durban Department for "Keep Durban Beautiful' under the Principle, Nana Ndlovu and her diligent team, were forging ahead with the "Adopt-A-Spot" Concept. Many run-down verges and neglected Park areas were "Adopted" by residents and property owners, often at considerable personal effort, initial costs and on-going maintenance and 'Establishment'.

The Concept generated competition with categories for presentation and Awards given at a special function. One enterprising lady meticulously collected plastic litter in her area. When washed and cleaned the material was carefully woven into mats.

Around a prominent inter-section in Pinetown, originally and inappropriately planted with Fever Trees, the Park and surrounding verges were given extensive Rehabilitation and

Indigenous "Up-Grade". The Fever Trees should NOT BE PLANTED SOUTH OF THE TUGELA RIVER, and belong naturally to the swamp forests of northern Zululand. When dying these trees present blackened branches, which may break off presenting a traffic hazard. The final removal included the expensive extraction of 5M long lateral roots seeking water!

The infrastructure of Traffic Circles and Islands require regular professional Re­assessment and Maintenance due to increase in traffic flow volumes, also the very heavy double-tandem reticulated lorries, which cause random damage to concrete structures and pathways.

The Rehabilitation in 2013 commenced with the removal of 1000M sq. of scruffy grass. The Soil Quality Improvement included the introduction of top quality Organic compost, Dolomitic lime, together with "additives" to be incorporated and raked level before laying and rolling the new Buffalo turf. In conjunction with the Roads Department Manager, Mr. Ziggy Muller, provision was agreed for linked grassed verge sections. A large internal Border to "block-off" traffic incursion, introduced the absent Bio-diversity. The Landscape based on the original Zimbali criteria with a minimum 75 indigenous species allowed for shrubs, ferns, succulents, and ground-covers. It is not surprising that the Sponsor received a well-deserved "Adopt-A-Spot" Award.

COVID-19 in 2020 with 'Lock-down' heralded the undesirable "Transformation" with vagrants and hobos arriving with their cardboard mats, hiding in the bushy undergrowth. The nearby bridges hosted encampment with increase in litter, discarded garments and rotting food. The Litter bins nearby proved totally inadequate to accommodate the Waste volumes. 'Extra' buff bags needed for daily collection were gratefully received from the Waste Manager, Mr. Guy Caws. Inevitably, without adequate Policing the criminal activities increased with violent incidents recorded. Drastic steps have been necessary to totally remove the 10 years of natural indigenous growth. A "desert" vista remains under the larger trees. Gaunt poles remain, a testimony to timber theft of the cross-poles. It is necessary to emphasize that Buffalo grass prefers a full-sun aspect, so the disturbed areas in shade now invite weeds and increase Soil Erosion.

The present challenge is to Restore :"Nature's Carpet" on level and slightly sloping land.

A new Layout Design to scale, will enable the introduction of low-growing herbal species, succulents for sun, ferns and selected ground-covers to suit the habitat. Planting borders with bright yellow Bulbines, White Osteospermum daisies, and Silver-leaf Gazanias will give edging definition. Swathes of Wild Garlic linked with Weeping Anthericum create restful patterns. Fronds of Emerald Fern with small prickles deter the predator. Low-growing Forest fern tendrils will lattice the soil where the tree canopy presents deep shade, with Digitaria diversinervis (Forest Grass) also achieving dense coverage. The hardy Crassula plants, including Multicava and Sarmentosa are reliable with succulents Aptenia, Delosperma linaere and tradescantioides with solitary flowers and wide colour range. The "Site Specific" locality may call for Becium (Cat's Whiskers), spreading Plectranthus (Money Plant), and feature groups of Scadoxus (Snake Lily) and Clivia miniata (Bush Lily). The Final effect will be Nature's Carpet with species up to 35cms, AND - NO PLACE TO HIDE!!

For Nana Ndlovu, for all her enthusiasm and guidance with the "Adopt-A-Spot" challenges over many years, a Most Sincere "Thank you" and sincere Best Wishes on your retirement.

Acknowledgement to Mrs. Nana Ndlovu for "Keep Durban Beautiful".