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PROJECT

and we will shortly start regular living soil
Lemon tree (in the pot) with red okra and Malabar spinach(Basella alba) in workshops,” he states.
the foreground, pomegranates mid-field and Hanepoot grapes on the trellis
During a walk through the
grounds, Bensusan pointed out
the following unusual products
being cultivated:
• Shu-Shu (from the cucumber and
marrow/squash family);
• Jerusalem artichokes;
• Red Okra
• Malabar spinach;
• Morogo (African spinach);
• Ruby chard and
• Spider flower (leaves, young stems and
flowers are edible).

Brinjal and red amaranth

so that we can continue to grow quality All fresh produce is sold to the surrounding
products.” He has since introduced local communities, and Bensusan says
vermiculture, bokashi, green manures, that plantings are tailored to their
aerated compost tea and more recently, requirements. “Our local clients come
biochar, an environmental approach from a diverse group of people from
to fertilising using charcoal made from many different African countries and are
organic residues. It is a means of holding happy that we’re growing some of the
carbon in the soil and increasing its fertility crops they like which are not available
by stimulating the growth of beneficial elsewhere. When it comes to greens (our
micro-organisms in it. Biochar also reduces speciality), some like kale, others chard,
the pH of the soil, thus decreasing the need mustard greens, amaranth, spider flower,
to manage acidity. It takes a long time to cow peas, Egyptian spinach or the softer
break down, and therefore has a lasting baby spinach, New Zealand spinach or
beneficial impact on the soil compared Malabar spinach. The pumpkin leaves are
to fertiliser. It can be added directly to soil very popular too. We also bring in groups
or compost, where it helps with nutrient of people to try and encourage them to
retention. grow their own herbs and vegetables,

We support municipalities in curbing the PBHS
infestation by offering training in the recognition and
cutting down of infested trees.

FP&M SETA accredited qualification:
Arboriculture NQF Level 3
10-day short skills course

For more info: sales@bclandscape.co.za | 011 794 1969

Landscape SA • Issue 93 2020 9