Every year, as winter turns to spring, the City of Cape Town’s recreation and parks department embarks on its “no mow” drive, not just to let the flowers bloom, but also in aid of conservation efforts.
The drive will run from August to the end of November at specific public open spaces, to allow for spring flowers and a variety of indigenous plants to bloom and seed. The aim is to protect ecological processes that promote the growth of distinctive Fynbos vegetation.
A number of public open spaces (POS) are conservation corridors, connecting to other open spaces, conservation areas, nature reserves and national parks, ensuring a healthy network of interconnected environments.
When flowering, the areas will display fields of colour with a variety of spring flowers, which residents can enjoy.
“The mowing debate gathers momentum at this time of year, and we love the passion and enthusiasm from all involved. The City has identified public open spaces, parks, greenbelts and road verges that are home to sensitive vegetation. These are the areas that will not be mowed over the next few months.
“Residents also have the opportunity to advocate for spaces in their communities to be added to the no mow list,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Patricia van der Ross.
Flowers are essential to the pollination process of most seed-producing plants.
During this time, a variety of birds, butterflies, moths and bees are also on display.
The “no mow” drive also highlights the City’s efforts to adopt a more environmentally friendly, sustainable mowing practice in the metropole.
Mowing will resume in November.
V Residents can submit applications to halt mowing in their specific areas to RP.Enquiries@capetown.gov.za.
No mowing or partial mowing area:
- Onse Jan Park, Onse Jan Avenue, Somerset West
Mowing halted or partially halted (between July or August and November 2024)
- Louis Botha Park, Louis Botha Street, Somerset West;
- Lyon Park, Lyon Street, Somerset West;
- Pienaar Park, Pienaar Street, Somerset West;
- Pyracantha Park, Pyracantha Street, Somerset West;
- Immelman Park, Immelman Street, Somerset West;
- Louw Park, Louw Street, Somerset West;
- Slabbert Park, Slabbert Street, Somerset West;
- Windsor Park, Windsor Street, Somerset West; and
- Da Gama Community Park, corner of Da Gama Street and Fagan Street, Strand.
