Food gardens are set to steal the spotlight at this year’s Barrydale in Bloom as no less than 20 veggie growers have confirmed that they will be participating during the annual floral spectacle on October 10 and 11.
While the abundance of colour that has attracted thousands of travellers to Barrydale previously will still be on display, various original food-growing initiatives will form part of this year’s exciting open garden safari.
From an innovative development at the Karoo Saloon’s new Oasis, to humble beginnings in rural Smitsville – the sudden explosion of food gardens in the area has highlighted how human nature has prevailed under testing circumstances.
Barrydale in Bloom organiser Shane Petzer spoke with great excitement of this positive turn of events.
“Prior to lockdown we decided that the benefits from this year’s Barrydale in Bloom would go towards the development of a food garden that would supply vegetables to Hoërskool Barrydale’s soup kitchen, little did we know that so many new veggie patches would be created or revived as a result of the global pandemic,” Shane said.
Shane recently conducted brief site inspections at the respective vegetable and flower gardens, and while he was blown away by the techniques that were used, it was the pride all the growers had in their gardens that left the most lasting impression.
“To see just how many vegetable gardens were established in the Gwarrie or Squatter camp in Smitsville is incredible.
“The community has rallied together in seed and plant distribution and it was an absolute treat to meet these gardeners.”
He added that with increased rainfall in the region this season, the flower gardens are in top condition and that visitors will, as always, be blown away by the town’s pristine natural beauty.
A slight change to this year’s Barrydale in Bloom is that the organizers decided to not host the traditional prize giving and market in a public space. Instead the raffle draw will be done via a Zoom meeting.
Residents who want to enter the raffle can buy tickets at the Dung Beetle, Donkey Shed, Mapie Gallery, Life’s Bazaar, the Maker’s Brew, Mez Karoo Kitchen, the MUD Centre, The Butchery and The Hub.
For more information on Barrydale in Bloom visit their Facebook Page.
