Congratulations to the team who quickly got the planters around the Independence Arch cleaned and replanted. One can now sit and relax at this beautiful historic structure with all the colourful crotons and shrubs. Let us show our appreciation and thanks to nature’s beauty by preserving it. This should now motivate citizens to beautify their surroundings and other sites too.
The trees planted in the city and around the country originated mainly from South and Central America, South East Asia, India, South pacific and tropical Africa. We have such a beautiful collection of trees in the city. Most of them are approximately 100 – 150 years old, maybe older.
Trees are perennials with a single, self-supporting, woody main stem or trunk.
Some distance from the trunk, branches usually develop and spread. Each year, growth takes place. The vertical growth is accompanied by a secondary growth which sees increases in the diameter of the trunk which is covered by a protective bark. Some trees are grown for just ornamental foliage while some are grown for their shade or flowers. The flowering trees have reproductive organs. In some cases both male and female parts are found in the same flower. The female parts are called the carpels and the male parts are called stamen.
These trees were planted for a purpose. The main purpose is giving oxygen to purify the air that we breathe in. However, if you took a walk around the city, you would find that these trees need urgent attention and surgery.
Trees needs to be trimmed, shaped and sealed approximately 3 times per year.
Having just celebrated World Environmental Day, let us raise awareness of how important these trees are to us.
Until next week, happy gardening.
(To be continued)
