City of Cape Town has now entered its annual ‘no mow’ period. Every year, as winter turns to spring, the Recreation and Parks Department embarks on its drive, not just to let the flowers bloom but also in aid of conservation efforts.
Reportedly, the drive will run from August to end of November at specific public open spaces, to allow for spring flowers and a variety of indigenous plants to bloom and seed. The aim was to protect ecological processes that promote the growth of indistinctive Fynbos vegetation.
A number of Public Open Spaces (POS) are conservation corridors, connecting to other open spaces, conservation areas, nature reserves and national parks, ensuring a healthy network of interconnected environments.
When flowering, the areas will display fields of colour with a variety of spring flowers, that residents can enjoy. Flowers are essential to the pollination process of most seed-producing plants.
During this time, a variety of birds, butterflies, moths and bees are also on display. The ‘no mow’ drive also highlighted the efforts of the city to adopt a more environment friendly and sustainable mowing practice in Cape Town.
As per the sources, the Recreation and Parks Department will commence its mowing schedule at parks and public open spaces at the end of November 2024, as once the endemic flowers have produced adequate seeds.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Patricia Van der Ross said that the mowing debate gathers momentum at this time of year and we love the passion and enthusiasm from the all who were involved.
The City of Cape Town has identified the public open spaces, parks, greenbelts and road verges that are homes to sensitive vegetation. These are the areas that will not be mowed over the next few months.
Notably, residents also have the opportunity to advocate for spaces in their communities to be added to the no-mow list. “I do want to remind everyone that any such application will require the support of their neighbours and broader community,” said Patricia Van der Ross.