Knysna in Bloom is going to make Knysna beautiful! Here’s a message from the founder, Stella Sohn:

“Knysna in Bloom is an idea I had after I had done the garden outside Knysna Tourism because it had looked so dismal!

A post on Knysna Gossip Girls had an astonishing response from over a hundred women! An article in the Knysna-Plett Herald and dozens of phone calls from people saying at last there’s a start to getting back our beautiful Main Street – the wonderful village feel it used to have before three malls were built! “Please let us know how we can help.”

My idea is to place beautiful pots all the way down Main Street, on boths sides, initially between Grey and Long Streets, and, later, beyond, all the way to the Royal Hotel on the Plett side and to the Spar centre on the George side – planted with as many indigenous, flowering plants as possible.

Taking into account issues like fire hydrants, pedestrian traffic, drivers’ vision at traffic lights, sensible placement so that parked cars will not be damaged etc., creatively grouped or in lines dictated by pavements and shop fronts.

A gardener is needed to look after them at least 3 times per week – watering, feeding, cleaning litter, dead-leafing and plant replenishment.

I have done huge research re pots and plant types, chatted to the municipal town planner, sourced good deals for potting soil and plants, and come up with a budget that isn’t outrageous. Sponsors will have their names (and contact details if they wish) on the planter – a plaque made and securely attached by Signrite.

To make it happen, we initially need 60 sponsors. Once they are all placed and planted, and we have made a difference to Main Street, we can think about doing other streets in town.

My wish is for this to become an educational tool for schoolchildren (Knysna Eco School is on board) and a tourist attraction! How many times have you heard people say that Knysna is the heart of the Garden Route but where are the gardens?

Many of us think that this is the Knysna Municipality’s job but we know they don’t have the manpower or funds. Many, many towns all over the world do initiatives like this and the community funds and runs it. Europe, Australia, even Japan!”

COST OF PLANTER

• Concrete pot (3 feet) – R625
• Potting soil, bonemeal and bounce-back – R125
• Sponsor’s plaque – R100
• Plants – R400
• Replenishment and feeding – R250
• Total – R1500

Want to help? Please contact Stella Sohn on 083 325 2581.