Learning Through Indigenous Landscaping

An update from the Horticulture skills training programme: This small landscaping contract at Romansbaai near Gansbaai is a great way for students to learn the art of indigenous landscaping in a practical way while generating funds for the training programme. This estate has an approved indigenous plant list. The Grootbos nursery takes cutting material in order to propagate some species; others are grown from seed at Grootbos. From propagation, to consulting with a client, to designing and planting an indigenous garden, to installing irrigation if necessary, the students are able to experience all parts of the nursery and landscaping service from end-to-end in order to develop the set of green skills. This is a practical way to learn.

When they are in the classroom, the horticulture students also learn to master fynbos plant identification. Plant identification assessments cause great anxiety among students who fret about having their knowledge tested; practical learning and daily reinforcing of the knowledge builds their confidence. At the end of every year, horticulture students report that their favourite part of the skills programme is their mastery of plant identification.