Botanical society of Namibia turns 15

On Saturday 6 October the National Botanic Research Institute opened its gates to the general public for the annual sale of indigenous trees and plants and to celebrate the 15^th birthday of the Botanical Society of Namibia.

Plant shopping.

Close to 500 people attended the event, a most pleasant day with happy faces all around and we take this opportunity of thanking all who made the Open Day such a success.

The date  of this event celebrates Arbor Day, always the second Friday in October.   Mr Ben Strobach, the Head of the Institute welcomed all to the event and Mrs Diana Thompson, Chairperson of the Botanical Society officially opened the proceedings.

Face painting fun.

The day began as slightly overcast and cool – we were glad there was no rain that day – but became a typically hot summers day as the morning progressed.

Sales of the indigenous plants began immediately and carried on throughout the morning at a brisk rate.  Experienced guides took interested parties on a brief tour of the Botanic Garden and at 10h00 Coleen Mannheimer gave one of her illustrated talks on the Flowers of the Central Highlands.

Bonsai club members show their passion.

The many craft stalls –  pottery, sand art, handmade jewellery and cards gave a wide variety of articles to be purchased.

NEWS (Namibian Environmental and Wildlife Society), the Bird Club and the Bonsai Club were there with information of their organisations and activities, visitors could have a set of 5 personalised stamps printed (Nampost) and for the children there was face painting, environmentally arty games and an art competition.  Apart from the cold refreshments available the SPCA ran the coffee/tea/cake and hotdog stall and people were most generous in their support.

Members of the Society each received a gift of a seed with instructions of how to plant, water and care for as a token of thanks for their support during the years of the Society.