Hoektuin
(The Social Garden)

The Social Garden was established as a tranquil, green public gathering space designed to nurture social interaction and promote a healthy, inclusive atmosphere. It serves as a welcoming outdoor environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can tend a small garden together, share a cup of tea, and build connections.

A key goal is to reach out to isolated or unemployed residents, inviting them to get involved early in the gardening season. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, enhancing both the garden's success and the neighborhood's community spirit. Beyond beautifying the area, this small garden provides a safe, peaceful space for reflection and interaction.

Programming: Every Tuesday, I, along with two expert gardeners, guide participants through the gardening season. We provide seeds, planting materials, tools, and a welcoming atmosphere to make gardening accessible. Free tea, made from herbs grown in the garden, is offered, along with homemade treats like fennel cake, Swiss chard tortilla, or berry muffins—all made using garden ingredients. These gatherings encourage social interaction, reward participants, and introduce simple, healthy, locally grown foods.

In addition to our weekly meetups, we organize special events and workshops. The Social Garden is financially supported by local community groups such as Tugela85 along with government subsidies.