Life is a Garden | South Africa |

What is Arbor Week and how did it come about?

In 1664, an Englishman, John Evelyn, wrote a deeply felt plea for replanting trees, making him the world's first official defender of trees. In 1872, Sterling Morton, an American journalist, pioneered the idea of an official tree planting day. In South Africa, the first Arbor Day was celebrated in August 1983. Every year different indigenous trees are especially promoted. In 1999, with growing recognition of the value of trees, Arbor Day was extended to National Arbor Week.

From September 1 to 7 every year, schools, businesses and organisations are encouraged to participate in community 'greening' events to improve their local environments. In 2009, three trees were promoted:

1. Monkey thorn (Acacia galpinii). This water smart bushveld tree is semi-deciduous, with a wide, rounded crown. It can reach 30m in height and the width of the canopy is about the same. The flowers are produced in cream-coloured spikes in early spring, making a stunning display before the new leaves come out. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other insects which, in turn, attract birds, and it is host plant for a number of butterflies. Once established, it tolerates moderate frost. Plant in full sun in soil that drains well.
2. Tree fuchsia (Halleria lucida). No 'garden for birds' is complete without the tree fuchsia, as its nectar-rich flowers and later fruits attract a wide variety of birds. Butterflies also love the nectar. This evergreen tree grows quickly to reach a height of 4m with an equal spread. Small tubular red and orange flowers appear on the old wood and on the main trunk of the tree in early spring and late summer. It tolerates moderate frost and some shade, and has a non-aggressive root system. It makes a good screening plant or can be pruned to form a small tree.
3. Round-leaved teak (Pterocarpus rotundifolius). This 12m x 14m deciduous tree has a widely spreading crow which makes it a good shade tree in large gardens. In spring pollen- and nectar-rich sprays of golden-yellow flowers attract birds, bees and other insects. In winter the bare branches are decorated with distinctive spiky circular pods. It tolerates mild frost and is water wise.