Page 7 - IFV June Issue 2025

Estate News

What is the natural environment the summer and attract seed eating
for our area? birds. Grass material may also be
Most of Pretoria falls within the collected by several bird species, to be
Grassland biome (Rutherford and used for nests.
Westfall 2003), which is a large area
where grass plants dominate, while
trees are limited to specialized niches
[for example, White stinkwoods (Celtis Insects are vital to all wildlife gardens, and life on
Africana) growing in rocky outcrops earth as we know it!
or riverine areas, where seedlings are
sheltered from fire]. Among other benefits, they attract and
At a smaller scale, Adcocks (1988) provide a food source to birds and small
spoke of “Veld types” and described mammals, as well as their young, play
the area in which Irene farm villages essential roles in the decomposition and
falls, as a “False grassland”, with Paintbrush lily (Scadoxus puniceus) in the nutrient cycling process, and are efficient
grasses being of low nutritional value Rietvlei Nature Reserve. pollinators.
in the winter months (attributed to a Insects and other invertebrates should
high frequency of frost and fire) and a Bursts of colour can be added, be encouraged into our gardens. Provide
wealth of herb species. utilising aloes such as the Spotted Aloe safe spaces (wood and large rocks make
The veld type is characterized by (Aloe greatheadii), which flowers in great additions to any garden) and refrain
high species diversity, due to the area’s winter, attracting nectar-feeding birds from using pesticides. Keep in mind that a
natural variability, which incorporates and pairing with bulbs like the African healthy wildlife garden is one that is self-
elements of both Savannah (bushveld) potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) and sufficient, requiring little to no human
and grassland. The nearby Rietvlei Paintbrush lily (Scadoxus puniceus), intervention.
Nature Reserve is a testament to this which bloom in spring and summer. I hope the above helps. Have fun and
diversity, with over 350 bird species, By planting species of grass and collaborate. There is a unique opportunity
73 grass species, and an estimated flowering plants, which bloom at here, by making use of wild spaces (already
two to three flowering plant species different times of the year, local wildlife is present), parks, and wildlife gardens, local
for each identified grass (Marais 1996). provided with a sustainable food source wildlife will thrive, to the benefit of all!
While rich in biodiversity, it is sadly throughout the year, and there’s always
poorly conserved, with only 1.38% in something eye-catching in the garden. Facial readers at the
conservation hands (Bredekamp & Van Large, shaded areas can also be turnstiles
Rooyen 2004), and needs our help! created using trees such as White For residents who use the
A few ideas for wildlife gardening Stinkwood (Celtis Africana) and/or turnstiles to exit or enter
on the Highveld. Buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronate), the estate, please visit the
The old saying, ‘variety is the spice beautiful deciduous options. Leaf litteris estate office to enroll your face in the facial
of life,’ holds true. By its very nature, an asset to any garden and provides readers.
False grasslands are highly diverse habitat to insects and many more. Both
areas, ranging from open grasslands trees also provide copious fruit favoured Additional hours off
to densely wooded thickets and by birds. the estate office
everything in between. In smaller spaces, evergreen trees/ The estate office will
This creates an array of opportunities shrubs, such as Blue Gwarrie (Euclea be open on the last
for both avid and novice gardeners crispa) and Common Current (Searsia Saturday of each month
alike! pyroides) and other Sersia species are from 8:00 – 12:30 to assist residents who
For areas that receive full sun well suited to highveld conditions, are unable to visit during the week.
consider creating a grassland garden being drought and frost resistant. The office will be open on Saturday, the
interspersed with flowering plants. Approximately 60 indigenous 28th of June.
Grasses such as Natal grass (Melinis Searsia species produce fruit rich in
repens) and Red grass (Themeda carbohydrates, which is edible to May we all stay warm and healthy during
triandra) naturally occur here, are animals, birds, insects, and people. the coming winter months.
hardy (only require natural seasonal Final Tips for Creating a Healthy Kind regards
rainfall), produce showy displays in Environment. Anna-Mart

The Villager • June 2025 • 5