With climate change and a lack of trees and plants plaguing the globe, two Gqeberha women are doing what they can in their little corners to make a change.
In February 2024, sisters, Erna Milbourn and Alta Beer McCleland, started a plant swop initiative, where locals can bring a plant to the little corner, and leave it on a shelf in exchange for another.
“My husband, Errol Milbourn, supports me; he built my library boxes and the plant stand. I saw a picture of a plant swop online and that encouraged me to do something similar,” said Milbourn who also runs her own colourful red and yellow “Little Free Library”, speaking on this initiative.
“My husband then built the boxes for myself and my sister, who lives in Fernglen. It works the same way as the book swop: bring a plant and take a plant,” she said excitedly.
Milbourn is retired, and as a result, dedicates her time for community initiatives.
A year ago she launched her Little Library, and told PE Express it runs on an honesty basis. One can take any book or books, and put any books you want to donate in the box.
Anyone can participate and any type of book is welcome.
“So many people have thanked me, and I love the pleasure that people are getting from this little project of mine,” she said.
In the beginning stages of the plant swop, Milbourn had to keep putting out little plants, because people were just taking plants without putting plants in the box in turn.
“I did not enjoy seeing it empty, but that has changed and the box is mostly full,” she proudly said.
The positive feedback from the community takes Erna’s initiatives going from strength to strength.
“I’m very happy and proud because so many people have told me how much they love this, and I’ve even seen people watering the plants,” a beaming Milbourn added.
Her sister’s plant swop in Fernglen is also picking up momentum, and McCleland is excited for its future.
“The purpose of this project is to take what you like, and if you have any surplus plants, seeds, fertiliser – anything garden-wise, pop them in the box for somebody else’s pleasure. If you are out walking or strolling and have some water left in your bottle, please water the plants so that we can keep this initiative going. I am propagating some veggie plants and will put them in the box as soon as they start sprouting,” she said.
Erna said locals can help by continuing with donating plants and watering the plants when they are dry.
“I’ve also received donations of empty pots that I put out, to be taken by anyone needing pots for their plant donations. My future plans for this plant swop is only to carry on the way it is now. And hopefully more people will do something similar in the areas where they live,” she said.
“I would like to thank every person who has donated, and will continue to donate, plants. I also want to thank my husband, Errol, for building the boxes, and my neighbour, Cheryl Swanepoel, for decorating them,” she concluded.
