From spring in 2005 to Autumn  2006, the residents of the Far East Bank Extension 8 in Alexandra, were developing their gardens.

One hundred and eighty one residents attended gardening and greening workshops, received door to door gardening advice and were given trees, shrubs, vegetable and flower seeds and lawn. This is part of a broader process of managing the environment in Alexandra and has contributed to making the community aware of the importance of a clean and healthy environment.

The Greening of Alex was implemented by civil society greening organisation Food & Trees for Africa and, Bagale Environmental Services, a local company aimed at improving environments through planting. It has included workshops, advice, gardening materials and a gardening competition which culminated on 25th March 2006..

Adjudicators Keith Kirsten, of Keith Kirsten Horticulture International, Marlaen Straathof, CEO of BallStraathof, Jan de Waal, CEO GardenWorld and Geoff Cooke, Operations Executive of Johannesburg City Parks, selected the top gardens.

Gauteng MEC of Housing, Nomvula Mokonyane, presented prizes to the gardeners. The three winning gardeners received a fridge, television and microwave and the runners up won vegetable and flower seed hampers.

This is the third such initiative and over the next few years it is hoped to continue the greening and gardening projects throughout Alex.

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