Lavender Hill residents are excited about 15 gardens all over their area which they say has brought a positive energy to the community.
The gardens started popping up in November through the initiative of community activist Ralph Bouwers and since then a number of volunteers have shown their thumbs are green.
Mario Abrahams, 36, says: “I started working at the gardens from the start and since then it has really grown into something special for the community.
“Every day we get children coming to help us, which is good because with all the bad things going on in the area there are very few role models around or things to keep them out of trouble.”
Mario, who lives in Constitution Court, says the gardens, with fruit, veg and flowers, have been a saviour for many of the adults in the community.
“I lost my job during lockdown like so many of the people here but now with the garden we can keep busy and active.
“There are guys here that used to be drug addicts and gangsters but now they are gardeners. We even have current gangsters coming around to help us because they can see that there are better options out there that can help them make better choices in their life.
“We have 15 gardens in the area on different roads like Depsiton Crescent and Wicht Road but we need more equipment so that more people can help.”
If you’d like to support the initiative contact Ralph on 078 629 3258.