Plant wise

South Africa has some of the greatest plant diversity in the world, clustered into 8 different types of communities or biomes. Plants are essential for life on earth. Rhodes University's Grounds and Gardens section plants attractive and hardy indigenous species that are better adapted to local climatic conditions, thus reducing irrigation costs significantly. This is linked to the University's aim to become more water wise. Staff and students are encouraged to learn about local plants, and also to join greening and food-growing initiatives.

  Beautiful Biodiversity

Get involved in the ACTION:

• Join the Albany Botanical Society - linked to the Botanical Society of SA.
• Join a gardening group.
• Support Working for Water.

Beautiful indigenous alternative to bugweed

• Plant trees.
• Support a local community gardening initiative such as the Umthathi Project or Food and Trees for Africa.
• Support a student environmental group at Rhodes University.
• Remove invasive alien plants to free up ground water and sustain biodiversity.
• Pressurise plant nursery retailers and supplier industries to reduce the size and number of holes in seedling bags, to conserve topsoil and save water.
• Support local farmers: buy fresh produce at the market in front of the Old Gaol, Somerset Street, Grahamstown.
• Start a food garden and get food-wise.

Food gardening is a great way to tackle rising food prices. It also gives you the pleasure of watching your food grow, and is a great way to get in tune with the earth.

• Find out how Rhodes University Journalism students developed a simple guide to food gardening through their Ukulima project.
• Or use these handy guidelines from the FAO for setting up and running a school garden.
• Go organic, step by step, with Planting Season.
• Include some indigenous vegetables - they are hardy and add interest to your diet.

Go to the Rhodes University ENVIRONMENT front page. Suggestions/Questions? Contact environment(at)ru.ac.za