The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 17 Winter 2017 Low res | Page 3

editor’s letter greenwood park gets greener ‘Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless’. Anonymous A few months ago, I was approached by Cosmas Mukungatu, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Local President to help with a makeover. JCI is an international NGO that empowers young active people between the ages of 18 and 40 to take responsibility and action towards building sustainable solutions to problems in their communities. JCI’s project this year is to improve and clean up Greenwood Park for the benefit of the local community. The Zimbabwean Gardener and Emerald Garden Services offered to do the free makeover in Greenwood City Park, which is open to the public and located next to the Greenwood Amusement Park for kids. Greenwood holds nostalgic memories for many; walking through the park at night, admiring all the Christmas lights or just having fun at the playground are activities most Zimbabweans remember. My sister and I went to investigate what work needed to be done. Our free community makeovers are intended to inspire and benefit the community. This one ticked all our boxes and was definitely a project worth taking on. From there, we liaised with Qhelile Ndlovu from JCI, a young and dynamic lady, who explained that their goals were not only about revamping the gardens, but also adding outside gyms, rejuvenating the playground and encouraging a ‘park culture’ in Zimbabwe. Our concept for the park was to remodel the entrance using water wise succulents and aloes, as well as to give the park a general clean up. On the 16th April, we set off in trucks loaded with plants, rocks and much more donated by Emerald Seedlings, The Zimbabwean Gardener, Emerald Garden Services and other members of the public. When we arrived, over 60 volunteers of all ages and walks of life welcomed us; even passers-by joined in and got their hands dirty! Geared with gloves and refuse bags, the volunteers tackled a variety of tasks that included picking up litter, planting the water wise garden and removing grass from the paths. By noon, there had been lots of laughing, many new friends had been made, and the tasks were complete. It was so encouraging to see the unity of Zimbabweans who were there to beautify a park for the better of a community. Thank you to all the volunteers and the people who made donations towards the makeover. The work on Greenwood Park has not stopped; the playground still needs to be upgraded, more garden beds need to be reworked and the installation of the outdoor gym remains an unmet goal. If you would like to participate in the next makeover day, or make donations in the form of paint, succulents or compost, please contact Qhelile on qhelile.nyathi@gmail. com or Cosmas on [email protected]. Happy Gardening! Kari 3