Sundaymail Editor
Andrew Mangwarara
THIS week, we feature Misheck’s garden in Chitungwiza.
The owner invested considerable work in it before he passed away.
It is commendable that his family continues to maintain it.
A garden is a legacy one can leave for one’s family.
This leads us to today’s topic: heritage or historical gardens.
These are preserved gardens of the past, boasting various plant species of economic or social significance.
Additionally, the plants have scientific and aesthetic value from bygone eras.
The plants must be preserved for future generations due to their genetic and historical importance.
Ideally, these gardens should feature on both world and regional cultural heritage lists.
Gardens like our National Botanic Garden should function as both educational and recreational centres, fostering social interaction.
Heritage gardens also help mitigate city pollution, reduce water runoff and lessen wind speed.
Since they are expensive to maintain, heritage gardens require partnerships.
They often rely on entrance fees for support.
Funding is crucial for the survival of heritage gardens and governments must prioritise them.
Industries that benefit from the gardens should be encouraged to assist through donations and grants.
Providing the industries with tax reductions will incentivise them to act.
These gardens play a vital role in biodiversity preservation, especially given the ongoing destruction of natural forests.
Proper labelling and adequate security are essential to ensure their preservation for future generations.
The success of heritage gardens depends on effectively managing various competitive factors.
These include transport links, weed control, prevention of overuse, monitoring of garden conditions and provision of adequate visitor amenities.
Heritage or botanic gardens are so valuable that each community or district should have at least one.
These local gardens serve as important centres for preserving regional biodiversity.
National gardens, due to space limitations, cannot accommodate the full range of biodiversity found within an entire country.
Corporations and non-governmental organisations can assist in this effort. Only time will tell if we have done enough to ensure the survival of these plants for future generations.
The responsibility rests with each individual country.
If you would like to be featured in our green-up campaign, contact us on the number above. Feedback: [email protected] or [email protected]
Online Reporter