SABI Magazine | Page 16

Food gardens Cherry’s great passion for landscaping started when he was 7 years old, when he was already growing his own plants and “cutting the lawn every day.” He believes it is important to introduce children to the gardening culture from young. “Every new generation needs to be introduced to the culture of growing. As more people live in the city now, it is becoming vital for people to understand that it is healthy and a good idea to grow your own patch of vegetables.” Above:- View from the medicinal plant section of the Dutch Garden. Below:- The healing herbs attract much interest. Sustainability is key “If more people became gardeners, fewer people would suffer depression. Most gardeners do not suffer from depressive thoughts. Plants connect us to nature and ground us in important ways. You cannot but help having positive thoughts if you work in a garden.” Cherry owns New Horizen Nursery, which is situated on a farm. “I love the farm, it is a big garden for me to work in!” he enthuses with a chuckle. Cherry says he likes to collect large trees and has rehabilitated a lot of fynbos in the country environment and is also keen on his succulent garden on the farm. Sustainability is the key word for gardening going forward. Water-wise plants and smaller, sustainable gardens with more use of hard landscaping are trends going forward in South Africa, he says. Any tips for aspirant landscapers? “I am stubb