Beautifying library

Daryn Wood

SICK of seeing the unruly garden outside the Newton Park Library, a mother and daughter took it upon themselves to do some tidying up last week to make it more presentable.
With the assistance of Friends of the Newton Park Library, Hilary and Liz Simpson of Fernglen have been hard at work clearing up the weeds and have now planted several indigenous species of "water-wise” plants.
"The whole section was full of weeds and it was irritating to look at,” said Liz.
"We would walk past it and see how ugly it was so we decided to spruce it up a bit so everyone can enjoy it.”
The duo planted aloes, rock roses, spekboom and wild orchids which, according to Liz, do not need too much watering.
"There is no tap here, so we rely on rain water. The heat has not helped us, though” said Liz.
All the plants are from the Simpson's garden. Friends of the Library funded the soil.
Hilary, who is a member of Friends of the Library, volunteered her services to tidy the garden surrounding the library.
"I was really sick and tired of looking at a bunch of weeds and sand,” said Hilary.
"It looked tatty.”
She said she got Liz involved to do the hard work because she was unable to do so.
The Friends of the Library were pleased that something was going to be done, said Hilary, as it was not their job.
Hilary and Liz plan to clean out the garden on the other side of the library as soon as they can.
"It will take a lot of hard work so we are looking for volunteers. We also need donations of plants because there are no funds ,” said Hilary.
The grass needs to be cut as the municipality does not have funds available.
Hilary and Liz also need help cleaning up the litter outside the library fence.
If you would like to assist in any way, contact Hilary on (041)364-2197.