This week’s news article comes from our friends in South Africa, Manny and Yolaine Jooste.

Manny and Yolaine are already well-known in our tree-planting community. Back in 2023, they planted a tree in celebration of their new puppy, Shiva. On several other occasions, they also told us about the trees they have planted and dedicated, and about the gardening they enjoy doing together.

Back in January 2023, when Shiva was a small puppy

Now, Manny is back with more news.

He tells us that he and Yolaine recently planted some palm trees, as well as a fruit tree (Nadorcott). These plantings were made to kick off the Spring season! Besides their trees, they are also developing a vegetable garden, where they are planting their own herbs and vegetables.

The vegetable garden in progress

The greenery in their garden will attract many birds and insects, turning it into a small, biodiverse sanctuary. Welcoming the birds and insects lies close to the hearts of Manny and Yolaine. In 2023, they asked Mark Allaway how to build a bug hotel to welcome birds and insects to their garden.

Another reason for their planting is to cool down the area. The Sundays River Valley, where they live, is known for its extreme heat. Just last week, Manny told us that they had more than 40 °C, although it is not yet officially summer! The highest temperature ever recorded in their area, was 50.3 °C (122.5 °F)!

Manny tells us that although they love welcoming the animals and insects into their garden, there is one issue they are struggling with. On previous occasions, Manny has struggled with the Rietberg Baboons, which destroy the plants in front of his home. He tells us that the Rietberg Bobbejane, found in the Sundays River Valley, destroys his hard work, and that he has given up trying to make the front side of his home “nice”. He now just focuses on the back garden, which is mostly protected and safe from these invaders. Sadly, in parts of South Africa, baboons have become a significant pest due to encroaching human development, pushing them into urban areas.

Despite these challenges, Manny and Yolaine keep planting!

Thank you, Manny and Yolaine, for telling us about your recent plantings, and how your plantings are welcoming and inviting other living beings into your backyard. Your work shows us that we can make a difference, starting in our own gardens. Thank you for reminding us about the importance of taking care of other living beings.

We appreciate hearing from you, and we look forward to hearing more about your work! Thank you for inspiring us, and making our planet greener and cooler!