Crocworld Conservation Centre continues environmental talks with lecture on Aloes

CROCWORLD CONSERVATION CENTRE CONTINUES ENVIRONMENTAL TALKS WITH LECTURE ON ALOES

On 12th July, Crocworld Conservation Centre will be hosting the next of its monthly environmental talks, this time delivered by plant expert Ben Botha. Mr. Botha will be speaking specifically about aloes and how to care for them, and invites members of the audience to bring with them any samples of diseased aloes from their own garden for advice on diagnosis and treatment. Mr. Botha’s talk is the latest in a long line of lectures delivered at the Centre by a variety of distinguished speakers, the common theme of which is the magnificent flora and fauna of Southern Africa. The talks are a product of the Centre’s dedication to conservation, and are proving to be hugely popular with nature lovers all along the South Coast. Mr. Botha’s talk on aloes is sure to be no exception, and will provide an insight into growing and caring for these beautifully unique plants.

Mr. Botha’s expertise on the subject of aloes and succulent plants is extensive, and is the result of a passion that blossomed from humble beginnings. Although Mr. Botha has gardened throughout his life, his fascination with aloes only took off when he first grew them recreationally in his own backyard. After creating a garden from scratch at his Durban home and filling it with aloes, Mr. Botha began collecting aloe and succulent species, and found that researching them further only fuelled his interest. He started a wholesale nursery shortly thereafter, and furthered his professional career in aloes by starting his own landscaping business, Ben Botha Landscapes. That business has now been running successfully for ten years, in which time Mr. Botha has continued his research on indigenous plants and become something of an authority on aloes and succulents. He has given many talks both at nurseries and at plant festivals, and one of his greatest pleasures is to share his wealth of information about these plants with other gardening enthusiasts.

Mr. Botha currently has over 400 aloe species in his personal collection, and is well acquainted with the processes required to keep them happy and thriving. He is proof of how far passion and dedication can take you- and who knows; perhaps his talk at Crocworld Conservation Centre will inspire a lifelong obsession with aloes in other aspiring gardeners. On 12th July, guests should arrive at the Centre for registration and welcoming at 8:30am, ready for Mr. Botha’s illustrated talk which will begin at 9am and last for approximately one hour. The talk will be followed by a question and discussion section, after which tea, coffee and scones will be served. Mr. Botha’s presentation is expected to be very popular, and places will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Payment secures a place for the talk, with tickets priced at R70 per person, with a discounted rate of R30 for pensioners and scholars.

Ticket price includes admission into Crocworld Conservation Centre itself, which is home to fascinating displays featuring snakes, birds and of course, crocodiles. The Centre’s grounds are a wonderful example of indigenous landscaping in their own right, and provide a serene atmosphere in which to soak up the natural beauty of the South Coast. Refreshments and light lunches are also available for purchase from the Centre’s onsite restaurant, Le Rendez-Vous, from whose deck whales can often be seen just offshore.

To make your reservation contact: Nolean Allun, Crocworld Conservation Centre on (039) 976 1103/ (083) 654 9651 or e-mail crocworld@cbl.co.za

Account Details: Crocworld (Crookes Brothers Limited) Banking Details: FNB, Branch: Scottburgh, Branch Code: 220227, Account Number: 53640119111, please fax the proof of payment to (039) 978 3279