City to Keep Spring Flowers Blooming

According to Chantal Hanslo of City Parks residents have asked that public open spaces, such as verges and meridian areas, where wild flowers occur, be left untouched until the seeds have ripened and been shed.

"This may cause the annual grass to outgrow the flowers by November, resulting in the public open spaces appearing unkempt," says Hanslo.

The area that lies within the borders of the City of Cape Town forms the heart of the Cape Floristic Kingdom, one of the smallest, richest and most threatened of the world's six floral kingdoms. The City Parks Department is committed to make its contribution towards tourism by ensuring that locals and visitors are able to enjoy the beauty of our spring flower displays.

"The City's maintenance managers will carry out a balancing act between their knowledge of a specific area and the public's wishes. The mowing of the flowers at the start of spring, using a high-set mower, causes the plants to spread at the lower levels, which ultimately produces more flowers. Within two weeks of mowing, the plants flower again and produce more seeds than normal.

"This unfortunately causes mowing backlogs later in the year and we appeal to residents to be patient, whilst the back-log is reduced in the ensuing weeks. Please be assured that City Parks is committed to service delivery. Under the circumstances, all efforts are being made to keep our open spaces tidy," says Hanslo.

Issued by:
Jan Kruger
Tel: 021 400-1292
Directorate: Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media queries:
Chantal Hanslo
Manager: Operations
City Parks (Northern District)
Tel: 021 550 1048