June 2020

Newsletter

Special Note: As the national lockdown moves into Level 3, we have again ‘pruned’ this month’s newsletter. The June 2020 issue, News therefore, only contains the News, Notices (including Events), Get To Know The Garden, and Nursery Tree of the Month sections.

Lockdown Level 3: What’s Happening at the Garden?

Garden Remains Closed to Visitors

 According to the regulations issued by the National Coronavirus Command Council, the Garden Route Botanical Garden must remain closed to the public during Level 3 of the national lockdown. This includes the Main Garden area, the Southern Cape Herbarium and The Botanist restaurant.  While the Nursery and our Front Offices may reopen under the Level 3 restrictions, we are still working to put the necessary PPE in place to support visitors entering these areas. This should be finalised within the course of this week (1-6 June 2020), and Members and the public will be duly informed of the reopening via email and the Garden’s website.  All eventual visitors to the Nursery and Front Office will need to wear a face mask and adhere to the relevant COVID-19 safety protocols. The Nursery is an important revenue stream for the Garden and we look forward to Members supporting it as soon as possible.

GRBG Front Office Temporarily Closed, But Remote Services Are Available

 For the short period that the Front Office still needs to remain closed, the following services will be available via telephone communication and email: o -related Enquiries, Plant Identification and other General Enquiries. o Rescheduling Events. o Renewing Membership Cards. o Arrangements regarding the Planting of Trees in the Garden. o Purchasing Botany-themed Books on Sale at the Front Office. o Purchasing The Ultimate Companion for Birding in . (See page 3 for a special offer!)  You are also welcome to contact the office regarding any donations to the Garden.  The office administrator can be contacted by emailing [email protected] or by phoning 044 874 1558.

Volunteers

 While our hardworking and dedicated GRBG volunteers are sorely missed, we cannot yet allow them to enter the Garden due to the reasons mentioned above. As soon as the Garden is able to properly meet all the necessary health and safety measures, volunteers will be notified and joyously welcomed back! … continued

Staff Hard At Work

 The GRBG Team is currently hard at work inside the Garden, sprucing up the current display beds, creating new display beds, and fixing up and expanding the Propagation Yard.  Staff members have been given access to our Instagram page, and we encourage our members to follow us and see what beautiful specimens are flowering, re-sprouting and flourishing in the Garden!  Due to our diminished revenue streams during the COVID-19 pandemic, the GRBG is not in a financial position to pay all the wages of all staff members. Claims have therefore been lodged with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) to support certain staff members, such as the Gates Staff.  Staff members who are able to work on site are only allowed on the premises from 8am to 4pm and any access to the Garden must be prearranged and approved by the Garden Manager.  The GRBG considers protecting its staff and their source of income as a top priority. We are aware that the rate of COVID-19 infections may increase in the coming weeks/months and will do our best to ensure the health and safety of employees.

COVID-19 Donations Appeal: THANK YOU

The GRBG Board of Trustees would like to thank everyone who was able to respond to the appeal for financial support and donations issued in last month’s newsletter. We are truly grateful for all contributions – whether big or small – which will help to sustain the Garden and its employees during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

We would particularly like to thank the following individuals, businesses and organisations for their donations:

 Nexus for their generous donation of Bounce Back, a natural chicken-manure based fertilizer which we are currently using in the Garden to feed the during the winter season.  Kraaibosch Nursery for their generous donation of seedling trays, and young trees donated in March.  The McGregor Family for their sizeable monetary donation.  WESSA donated a generous R6,000.00.  GRBG Members who have donated plants.  Beulah de Cilliers for making beautiful PPE masks for GRBG staff members.  Study House and Study House parents for food parcels.

If any person, business or organisation would still like to make a contribution, this would be greatly appreciated. Details on how you can contribute are available in the Notices section of this newsletter (page 4).

One of the Garden’s greatest needs at this stage is the construction of a sturdy fence along the train tracks. Sadly, during the earlier stages of the lockdown, the GRBG security staff were unable to work fulltime, and our rare and beautiful plants were left to fend for themselves. While the majority of plants are still flourishing, we did experience a loss of some of our flora due to poaching, de-barking of trees and the cutting of our prized Proteas.

A secure fence along the train tracks would go a long way in protecting our precious flora, and any donations to this cause would be greatly appreciated!

Special Book Offer for GRBG Members!

The Ultimate Companion for Birding in Southern Africa by Peter Ginn and Geoff McIlleron

Peter Ginn, a member of the GRBG Board of Trustees and a best-selling author, photographer and bird expert, has generously donated copies of the book he co-authored with Geoff McIlleron to the Garden as a way of raising much needed additional funds.

The Ultimate Companion for Birding in Southern Africa is a two-volume boxed set that normally retails at R995. GRBG Members can, however, purchase the set for just R600 with all proceeds going towards funding the Garden!

As explained on the book’s official website, the two volumes contain “over 1400 spectacular photographs of birds covering all 960 species recorded. Both volumes are packed with fascinating descriptions from 18 top bird authorities who reveal their personal observations and knowledge in an easy to read style.”

Those who purchase the book also receive free access to the complementary app – an excellent resource when out birdwatching in nature. The app is compatible with IOS and Android devices, and incorporates the book’s information, maps, photographs and a vast collection of recorded bird calls courtesy of bird expert Doug Newman.

If you’re still not sold, feel free to visit the book’s website where you can catch a glimpse of some of the stunning action photographs of birds featured in the book and read some of the positive comments both bird experts and readers have made about the book.

GRBG Members can purchase The Ultimate Companion for Birding in Southern Africa box set by making an EFT payment of R600 using the bank details and reference further below. Only a limited number of box sets are available, so Members should contact the Garden Reception at [email protected] or 044 874 1558 to secure their copy before making the EFT payment.

GRBG Banking Details: Name: Garden Route Botanical Garden Trust (Current Account) Bank: Standard Bank, George Account No: 281 859 183 Branch code: 050 214 Reference: ‘Birds/GRBG Member’s name’ (e.g. ‘Birds/John Smith’)

Notices

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No Events During June Donations Welcome

With the Garden being closed to visitors during June, The Garden Route none of the events originally scheduled for this month Botanical Garden is will be able to take place. As soon as any of the events a non- can be rescheduled, the details will be communicated governmental via this newsletter and on the GRBG website. organisation (NGO) and relies heavily Participants in the on donations from weekly parkrun, the public to fund meanwhile, can our activities. (Sadly, although we know a thing or click here or here two about trees, we haven’t quite figured out how for updates on to make money grow on them.)

when the parkrun If any person, organisation or business would like to will resume. support the GRBG monetarily, this can be done online at www.botanicalgarden.org.za/make-a- donation or by making a deposit directly into our

‘Behind The Scenes’ account using the banking details provided further below. You can also phone our offices at 044 874 * Attributions: This newsletter was designed using 1558 or email [email protected]. resources from www.freepik.com, including images by brgfx, macrovector, pikisuperstar and stories. All donations properly receipted by the Garden in terms of Section 18A are tax deductible. Any * Content Contributors: Roger Bath, Corné Brink, donation – big or small – will be greatly Pauline Cloete, Peter Ginn, Nicole Jonklass, Anne appreciated. Kellner, Colin Ralston and Gabby van Huyssteen.

* Design and Layout: Nicole Jonklass GRBG Banking Details: Name: Garden Route Botanical Garden Trust (Current Account)

Share Your Thoughts Bank: Standard Bank, George Account No: 281 859 183 If you have any comments or suggestions Branch code: 050 214 regarding this newsletter, or ideas on what you’d like to Thank you for your continued support. see in future newsletters, please don’t hesitate to tell us in an email. Renewal of GRGB Membership Cards If you have any suggestions on how the Garden Route Renew your card by contacting the GRBG Offices at Botanical Garden, its facilities and attractions, or the [email protected] or 044 878 1558. visitor experience can be improved, we would appreciate Annual Access Cards Full Membership Card your input too. R145-00 – Adults (18+) R180-00 – Adults (18+) Send all your comments and suggestions to R120-00 – Seniors (60+) R150-00 – Seniors (60+) [email protected]. We look forward R 95-00 – Students to hearing from you! R 70-00 – Children (12-18)

Get To Know The Garden

This month we stop by the…

New events are continually being added to our schedule.

Stay up to date by visiting www.botanicalgarden.org.za/events.

Mushroom Meander

Found in the northwest of the Garden, the Mushroom the Meander’s indigenous forest can indeed give the Meander is an 800m trail winding through a young impression that one has stepped into a ‘secret garden’ of indigenous forest and twice crossing a rippling mountain sorts. The Meander’s main pathway cuts through a forest stream. As the name suggests, the signature feature of the floor decked in a carpet of green shrubs, seedlings, ferns Meander is the assortment of colourful mushroom and and leaf litter, while the moss- and lichen-covered trunks fungi species that populate the moist, shaded terrain of the larger trees extend upwards to a vast leaf canopy surrounding the trail. interrupted occasionally by beams of sunlight.

History Tree species include indigenous gems such as yellowwood, Before becoming a fertile haven for indigenous biodiversity, stinkwood, Cape beech, ironwood, keurboom and the area now known as the Mushroom Meander was in fact xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx …continued rife with invasive alien tree species. Prior to the GRBG’s

establishment, the area had been used as an arboretum, (or ‘tree exhibit’) by the commercial forestry industry.

In 1998, shortly before the GRBG opened its gates that year, a rehabilitation process began involving the clearing of alien vegetation and preparing planting beds. This lay the groundwork for restoring the area to an Afromontane forest befitting its location near the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. (‘Afromontane’ refers to sub-regions of the Afrotopical biogeographic realms where plant and animal species common to the mountains of Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula are found.)

The next step was planting the trees and shrubs that now constitute the Meander’s thriving pioneer forest. This was a joint effort by volunteers from the Garden Route branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa (BOTSOC), the Southern Cape Herbarium and the local community, as well as people sentenced to community service working under the supervision of the Department of Correctional Services.

Biodiversity Upon entering the Mushroom Meander, visitors could be forgiven for thinking that they were no longer on the premises of the GRBG, since the ‘architecture’ of Meander’s indigenous forest can indeed give the impression that one has stepped into a ‘secret garden’ turkey-berry trees. Aiding their growth is the freshwater stream coursing through the forest which, together with the tertiary sediment derived from the Outeniqua Mountain range, has afforded the forest with wonderfully moist, fertile soil.

These conditions together with the shade provided by the overhead leaf canopy are of course what make the Meander ideal for the growth of wild mushrooms and fungi, striking examples of which are pictured on the left.

With ample vegetation to feast on and a source of fresh water, it’s no wonder the Meander is frequented by a number of insects, birds, frogs and mammals. Some species found in the forest which visitors might not necessarily associate with the Garden Route include bush pigs, marsh mongooses and even porcupines.

Features and Accessibility Visitors can take in all of the Meander’s abovementioned natural wonders via a leisurely saunter along the marked trail or whilst relaxing in the designated picnic area. Photography enthusiasts are also encouraged to bring their cameras along, as the indigenous forest offers a bevy of breathtaking subjects to capture on film.

The Mushroom Meander is in the process of becoming fully wheelchair accessible. At the two points where the marked trail meets the stream, visitors can safely cross via sturdy wooden bridges. These two bridges were sponsored by a generous local couple who wished to remain anonymous except for the inclusion of their respective first names (Cynthia and Herbert) on each bridge’s name board.

In order to maintain a safe and tranquil atmosphere for hikers, picnickers, photographers and the Meander’s animal residents, unfortunately no dogs are allowed in this part of the Garden. There are, however, large areas elsewhere in the Garden where visitors and their furry companions can venture about freely.

In keeping with one of the GRBG’s objectives of using the Garden to promote environmental awareness, the Mushroom Meander also plays an important part in educating the public about local ecosystems and indigenous flora and fauna. While everyday visitors can make use of the informative signage found all along the Meander trail, guided tours are also offered for groups who would like a more in-depth learning experience. The indigenous Afromontane forest is also an excellent way for schools in the surrounding area to give their learners a memorable and interactive lesson on some of the material included in their Natural Science syllabus. Images courtesy of Colin Ralston. © Colin Ralston (CC BY-NC)

Nursery Tree of the Month

Species: chirindensis

Common names: Red currant; bostaaibos (Afrikaans); umhlakothi (Xhosa)

Family:

Description: The semi-deciduous Searsia chirindensis is the largest of the Searsia trees, ranging in height from six to ten metres (although exceptional specimens can grow up to 20m tall). If left unpruned, it is multi-stemmed. Young and coppicing branches are spiny, but once mature the tree is spineless. The leaves each consist of three leaflets. They are large, growing up to 130mm long, while their similarly long pinkish-red leaf stalks can reach lengths of 70mm. The leaves are red when young, becoming dark green once mature, and turning red again in autumn before falling. The yellowish-green flowers of the Searsia chirindensis bloom from August to March, occurring in clusters at the end of branches. Male flowers and female flowers grow on separate trees. The fruits of the tree also occur in clusters, the weight of which can sometimes weigh down the branches. The fruits are round, somewhat fleshy, and dark reddish-brown in colour. Individual fruits are small – roughly 4-7mm in diameter – and are borne from December to March.

Natural Habitat: Searsia chirindensis is indigenous to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa, growing as far north as Tanzania. Locally, it can be found growing along the coastal belt from Swellendam in the Western Cape to KwaZulu-Natal, through the Natal midlands and up the escarpment into Mpumalanga and eastern Limpopo. The tree grows naturally in a variety of habitats including forests, riverine bush and rocky hillsides.

Conservation Status: According to the The Redlist of South African Plants Online, Searsia chirindensis is classified as being of ‘Least Concern’.

Growing It In Your Garden: The tree does well when planted in sandy / loamy, well-drained and composted soil with a neutral pH level. It can be grown in full sun or semi-shade, is drought-resistant and will tolerate moderate frost. While it does not have an aggressive root system, the tree will grow fast (up to one meter per year). Pruning this naturally multi-stemmed tree from an early age should produce a single-stemmed tree. As its foliage turns red in autumn, the tree becomes an even more striking garden focal point, while in summer, the fruits will attract a variety of fruit-eating birds including bulbuls, barbets, white-eyes, pigeons and even loeries.

Interesting Facts: In the wild, the bark and leaves of the Searsia chirindensis is browsed by black rhino. The sap and bark of the tree are used in traditional medicine, while the strong heartwood has traditionally been used to make wagons and small tools and implements. In fact, the Venda name for Searsia chirindensis, ‘muvhadela- phanga’, literally means ‘wood for knife handles’.

Availability at GRBG Nursery: When the Nursery reopens, Searsia chirindensis trees will be available for sale at R50-00 each.

Additional sources: Nursery Trading Times: Trees of the Garden Route: Mossel Bay to Storms MONDAY – THURSDAY 08:00 – 17:00 River (2012) by Elna Venter FRIDAY 08:00 – 14:30 http://pza.sanbi.org/searsia-chirindensis SATURDAY 09:00 – 14:30 http://redlist.sanbi.org/species.php?species=5522-24