On the Verge, a community greening project, continues to beautify Noordhoek while building a sense of community says its founder Kathy Fish.

She started On the Verge 15 years ago, and it is now spearheaded by a team of eight men and four women.

Ten years ago, Ms Fish worked with Noordhoek Tourism to launch the Noordhoek Open Gardens fund-raiser to support On the Verge.

This year’s Noordhoek Open Gardens, from 10am to 5pm, on Saturday and Sunday October 19 and 20, gives the public the chance to explore 16 gardens of various sizes.

Ms Fish said On the Verge’s recent projects included the beautification and maintenance of a garden at Masicorp, a non-profit organisation based in Masiphumelele.

On the Verge has set up a bench in Ruby Way and has been active in Emerald Close and Brook Crescent. It has also cleaned and maintained several greenbelts, where it posted signposts last year to mark them as walking paths.

Future plans include a fun walk, next year, with two 5km routes along the greenbelts; the building of a footbridge over the Katzenellenbogen Road stream; and a monthly hacking club to get volunteers to join the effort to clear invasive Port Jackson trees from the verges.

On the Verge also produces and sells its own mulch.

“We have been given permission to dispose of our prunings on the Noordhoek Common, where a local partner mulches them at a reduced cost. The mulch is available for sale on Wednesdays, and, since it’s made from local cuttings, there is no risk of it containing borer beetles,” Ms Fish said.

Vicki Rattray, of Masicorp, said On the Verge had turned a dusty spot at its Chasmay Campus into a “beautiful inviting space with birds where people love to sit and enjoy their lunch”.

Tickets for Noordhoek Open Gardens will be available at the gardens for R25 single entry, R150 for a day pass, and R250 for a weekend pass. Children under 18 enter for free and there will be pensioners' discounts.

For more information, call 072 574 6608 or visit www.noorhoektourism.co.za

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