Page 34 - Kyalami Issue 4 December 2025

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26
3.0 Folder (Inner)
ENVIRONMENT
DITCH THE CHEMICALS: Go all-natural
with your pest control, Chemical pesticides
can harm beneficial insects, soil microbes,
and even find their way into the water
table. Embrace natural solutions such as
companion planting (e.g marigolds near
tomatoes, basil near peppers) or use simple
soap and water sprays to manage pests
without damaging the ecosystem.
Katherine says: “Remember, you don’t need
to transform your entire garden overnight.
Start with one indigenous plant, one compost
bin or one chemical-free season. Small steps
taken by many gardeners create the waves of
change needed by our ecosystems.”
ABOUT WWF
The WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) is an
independent environmental organisation,
with a global network active in more than
100 countries, including South Africa. Its
mission is to stop the degradation of the
natural environment and to build a future
in which humans live in harmony with
nature. This is achieved by conserving our
biological diversity, ensuring that the use of
Conservation renewable natural resources is sustainable,
and reducing pollution and wasteful
consumption.
Begins at Home

Whether you have a large lawn or a balcony planter,
conservation can start at home and small changes can

make a big difference for local ecosystems

ccording to Katherine Forsythe of Whether it’s a few herbs in a window box or
WWF South Africa, every indigenous a full vegetable patch, home-grown produce
Aplant you choose, every drop of water eliminates the distance your food needs to
you save and every insect-friendly corner you travel and guarantees fresh flavour without
create adds up to a healthier ecosystem. She having to worry about harmful pesticides.
offers a few tips on how to get started: Start with easy options like lettuce, spinach
and cherry tomatoes.
PLANT LIKE A PATRIOT: Before you
reach for that exotic bloom, consider the DON’T WASTE YOUR WASTE: Turn
power of indigenous plants. They are adapted your kitchen scraps and garden trimmings Katherine Forsythe, landscape manager
to our climate as they are naturally water-wise into ‘black gold’ by starting a compost pile. at WWF South Africa
and low maintenance. More importantly, they Composting diverts organic waste from
provide the specific food and shelter that local landfills, where it would otherwise release
bees, butterflies and birds need to thrive. If potent greenhouse gases. Instead, you
you’re not sure where to start, visit a local create a free, nutrient-rich superfood for
indigenous nursery for expert advice or use a your soil that helps it hold more water and
reliable plant identification app to discover the naturally fertilises your plants, making your
species native to your corner of the country. entire garden more resilient. Don’t compost
meat, dairy, oils, pet waste or diseased
CREATE A BUZZ: A garden without plants as these can attract pests or spread
pollinators is just decoration. To create a disease.
true ecosystem, invite the bees, butterflies
and birds by planting a variety of flowers BE WATER-WISE: With water being a
that bloom at different times of the year, precious and scarce resource, a water-wise
offering a continuous food supply. Pollinators garden is essential. Plant drought-tolerant,
are drawn to blue, purple, yellow and white indigenous plants (a practice known as
flowers with open, accessible blooms. Adding xeriscaping), use mulch to keep the soil
a shallow dish of water with pebbles for them moist, and install a rain barrel to capture and
to land on provides a vital drinking station, re-use every drop you can. Group plants with
turning your garden into a five-star resort for similar water needs together and water them
these essential creatures. deeply but less frequently to encourage root
growth. These simple strategies can cut your
EAT YOUR GARDEN: Reduce your garden’s water consumption dramatically Cherry tomatoes and greens are
carbon footprint by growing your own food. while keeping it thriving. easy to grow at home

32 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 4 • 2025