The Somerset Village Garden celebrated its seventh year in operation with a braai for all sponsors, community helpers and voluntary gardeners on Friday 28 October.
The garden was established in 2015 with just a few beds and two volunteers following negotiations with the City of Cape Town to use a derelict park in New Street, Somerset West.
Jennifer Findlay, Jenny Douglas and Wendy Carter, who spearheaded the project, partnered with Thomas House of Hope, known as Helderberg Street People Centre at the time, to provide volunteers who slowly grew and developed the village garden to incorporate a wide range of organic and seasonal vegetables.
The produce is harvested once a week on Tuesdays, the bulk donated to deserving beneficiaries, such as the Somerset West Night Shelter and Bright Lights Children’s Home on Thursdays.
In 2018 the Department of Agriculture sponsored a borehole, thus making the Somerset West Village Garden completely self sustainable.
“This is really a community initiative that depends on the community for survival, and we thank every person who took the time to support us,” said Findlay.
“We’ve survived the drought and we survived the Covid-19 pandemic, only because the community has supported us. Thank you, again.”
V For more information on the village garden send an email to info@swvg.co.za or visit www.somersetwestvillagegarden.co.za.
