As part of the construction of the Saldanha Bay Diazville Clinic, a group of Grade 5 learners from Middelpos Primary School took part in a hands-on gardening morning where they learned how to plant shrubs and other water-wise indigenous plants at the site.

The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, on behalf of the Department of Health and Wellness, is currently building the new Diazville Clinic, which will include eight consulting rooms as well as specialised dental, family and rehabilitation care services. Landscaping forms part of the overall project.

On Thursday 21 May, about 50 learners from the nearby Middelpos Primary were taken to the site and given a short introduction to the project, along with a lesson on indigenous plants and how to care for them. They were then split into smaller groups and shown how to plant the seedlings and shrubs, before getting the chance to do it themselves.

Each learner received gardening gloves and a small shovel to take home so they can continue practising their new skills.

Seven fruit trees were also donated to Middelpos Primary to support the school’s own gardening project.

Thanks were extended to Edge2Edge, Contours Landscapes, Scotts Kwekery, and the professional project team, including Charlotte Chamberlain and Nicola Irving Architects, Penny Moir Landscape Architects, Ole Bogeng Quantity Surveyors, Bergstan Consulting Engineers, iQ Consulting Engineers and iX Engineers.