From the Editor
Carol Posthumus
According to reports the European irrigation market has lately experienced noticeable increases in domestic gardeners requiring sprinklers and drip irrigation, this, say observers, is due to more people cultivating vegetables, herbs and fruits at home.
Professional gardeners say the reemergence of the trend of home food gardens is very heartening, in many ways. It not only means that people are cultivating their own healthy veggies at home, but also is positive in that it is often the domestic gardeners who have preserved heirloom seeds.
More people gardening is good news as it means precious genetic plant material is more widely used and stored. The habit that our grandparents had of keeping some seeds from their plants in packets was a good one, this humble habit- banking a few seeds for future gifts or sowing- has helped some heirloom species to endure.
We have a fascinating report on the first ever Global Assessment of Plants, this is akin to a Global Annual Report of the global plant treasures. Can you believe that 21 % of plants are at threat of extinction? Don’ t miss this record of the state of the world’ s plants. The wealth of biodiversity in our world, may encourage you to save some seeds yourself.
We feel that we were lucky, to visit and talk to the founders, managers and gardeners of some truly fabulous, famous food
Editor’ s message
Food gardens
From Cape Town to New York
gardens. You will surely agree that the VOC Food Garden in Cape Town, the incredible 3,5ha fruit and vegetable garden at Babylonstoren in the Cape Winelands and the UN Food Gardens in New York are a fascinating range of gardens.
Whether food gardening in New York at UN headquarters or in the CBD of Cape Town or out in the Winelands, the gardening or urban farming enthusiasts have a lot in common – they all value the nutritional, spiritual and community benefits of food gardening.
Many of the urban farmers allude to gardens their grandparent’ s had – and how food gardening is making a comeback. It’ s a feeling many of us can relate to and very often it reflects our roots. A grapevine planted, a fig, a cabbage or tomatoes can reflect diverse roots such as the Western Cape, the Karoo, Portugal, the Eastern Cape or Italy. Food gardens tell the stories of people and unite people who work in them.
We also look at drip and sprinkler success, and report on The Park, a MGM Resort, in Las Vegas. The park has been given Water Hero status..
Once inspired by all the food gardens and the various water saving and moving technologies, you will also appreciate the useful How to Take a Soil Sample article. Soil health is of course of prime importance, and we know you will find this“ How To...” very handy.
Happy reading!
About SABI 40 years
Cape Town-headquartered SABI( South African Irrigation Institute) – now in its 40th year of existence- focusses on optimal irrigation methodologies, water conservation and environmental sustainability in the various irrigating provinces and via its branch network throughout South Africa. As a non-profit organisation active in South Africa and Africa, SABI promotes sharing of irrigation knowledge via:
• SABI membership and branch activities
• SABI Congress, the bi-annual leading African irrigation event
• SABI Training courses in agriculture and landscape, presented nationwide with a recognised curriculum encompassing courses from entry to advanced technical level
• The Institute’ s official technical journal and the only irrigation magazine in South Africa, SABI magazine.
People from the irrigation, water, agricultural, landscape and related disciplines join SABI as they believe that responsible irrigation water use can result in water savings, increased socio-economic benefits, healthier communities, enhanced agricultural production, sustainable and attactive environments and energy saving. Members join us from the private sector, government and academic arenas.
To find out more about SABI membership or activities: contact SABI on + 27 021 850 8220 or info @ sabi. co. za
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SABI | JUNE / JULY 2016