Tucked away off Hillcrest’s Old Main Road is a fantastic nursery, bursting with indigenous plants and contributing to so much more than just our green environment. This is the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust Nursery.
In the photo: This aloe sculpture was made as part of the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust craft project and is made up of recycled materials
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Izingadi Zethemba (or Garden of Hope) is home to a wide variety of largely indigenous plants, as well as a few exotics. Prices start at R9 and go up to R120 for trees and shrubs. The team grow all their plants from seed or cuttings and have created a beautiful oasis where gardeners can find that perfect shrub or take inspiration from the helpful staff.
If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day or other gift, this is the place to be. Choose from rare aloes, vegetable seedlings, herbs, succulents and even trees. There’s also an impressive collection of miniature plants – perfect for a child that’s ready for a bit of responsibility.
All profits from the nursery are used to help people affected by HIV/Aids to set up their own food gardens, which they then use to support their community and generate a small but essential income. The size of these gardens varies from small (feeding a family of 6) to large (feeding approximately 40 people).
If you want to get involved, as an individual or as an organisation, you can sponsor one of these gardens from R1500, including set-up costs and labour.
So, the next time you’re looking to add some interest in your garden, visit the nursery at the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust. The friendly staff are happy to help and will even assist you at home, if that’s what you’re after.
Izingadi Zethemba (Garden of Hope) Nursery is situated at 26 Old Main Road, Hillcrest. Call 031 765 5866 or email info@hillaids.org.za. The nursery is open Monday to Friday, 8am till 4pm and Saturday, 8am till noon.
To find out more, ‘like’ the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust Nursery facebook page