Climate-smart inspiration from Creation

Hermanus-based freelance journalist Sarah Taylor recently joined a walk-and-talk at Creation entitled ‘Grow wise, grow wild: Indigenous Plants, Conservation and Climate-Smart Gardening’.

At Creation, we prioritise sustainability, not only in wine production but also in the wellness of our staff and guests, and of course the land around us. This is why we have partnered with the Botanical Society of South Africa (BotSoc) to host events like this one.

After a 45-minute guided walk on the estate with Creation’s Stephan Theunissen, and an introductory talk by BotSoc CEO Antonia de Barros, Sarah and her fellow guests experienced a tantalising wine-and-food pairing – four goat’s cheeses from the Overberg paired with preserves made from indigenous South African fruits.

Then, writes Sarah, the extraordinary biodiversity of the Overberg was impressed upon them by main speaker and Master Horticulturist Cherise Viljoen, who said: ‘The entire northern hemisphere has fewer floral species than this floral kingdom in the Western Cape.’

In an incredibly informative talk, Cherise spoke about climate-smart gardening and how all of us can and should be gardening with conservation at heart. ‘Don’t plant a lawn!’ she pleaded. ‘If you don’t have children, grandchildren or dogs, you shouldn’t have a lawn.’

To read Sarah’s full story, packed with interesting information and Cherise’s gardening tips, please click here.