He was broken when he recently lost two family members to COVID-19, but spending time in his garden, planting and creating various artworks to display to the community of Gelvandale, kept him going even through the pain.
For Claude Rademeyer (40), who has been working on this project in an open field, next to the court in this area, for two years, his little garden is not only a beacon of hope for himself, but a place of safety for the children in the vicinity. “This used to be a dumping site, but I have always been a man who is fond of cleanliness and good hygiene, so in 2019, I decided to clean this site, remove all the waste myself and turn a section of it into something beautiful that could be appreciated by the community.
“What really warms my heart is that the children from this community are very eager to help me. This gives me an opportunity to set an example and be a positive role model for them.
“That way, they don’t have to go into gangsterism, and helping me take care of the garden keeps them off the streets,” Rademeyer explained.
In this garden, one does not only find plants, flowers and neatly arranged tyres, but also artworks created on pieces of concrete and other recycled materials.
On one piece of concrete, the face of the late singer, Michael Jackson has been painted.
On the other side of the garden, an elegant white plastic swan spreads her wings where she is nestled between two plants in colourful pink and white pots.
Motivational and biblical quotes can also be found on bricks, stones and concrete all over the garden.
“I am a firm believer that we are nothing without God and I also want to motivate and inspire the community, especially the children, with these quotes.”
Rademeyer said he had received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, with regard to his project.
“Many people have told me that the garden is beautiful. Others regularly take pictures and even motivate me to keep going,” he said.
“The children helping me maintain the garden have asked before why I don’t make toys for them. I would love to do this, as soon as I have more tyres and it will be another advantage for the community because I would rather let them play with their toys right here in the garden than the street where they could get hit by a car.”
For Rademeyer, gardening and creating art is not only a hobby to entertain others.
“Although I love to display my work to make the community feel better about something positive taking place in the neighbourhood, gardening has always been my passion and passion should be shared with others.”
