Cape Town begins its annual ‘no mow’ drive
The City of Cape Town has already embarked on its yearly ‘no mow’ initiative at a number of public open spaces.
‘No mow’ period begins in Cape Town
The Recreation and Parks Department of the City of Cape Town has begun its annual ‘no mow’ drive where grass and vegetation will not be mowed in order to help protect ecological processes that promote the growth of distinctive Fynbos vegetation in the region.
The “no mow” initiative is part of an environmental effort to encourage biodiversity and promote sustainable gardening practices. By refraining from mowing certain areas, particularly public green spaces and gardens, the City aims to allow wildflowers and other native plants to grow.
This also provides habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the ecosystem. The initiative helps create more natural landscapes, supports wildlife, and reduces the environmental impact of frequent mowing.
When and where?
According to the City, the ‘no mow’ drive will run from August to the end of November at specific public open spaces (POS), to allow for spring flowers and a variety of indigenous plants to bloom and seed.
When flowering, these areas will display fields of colour with a variety of spring flowers, which residents can enjoy.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross said that the City had identified public open spaces, parks, greenbelts and road verges that are home to sensitive vegetation.
“These are the areas that will not be mowed over the next few months. 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,” Van der Ross said.
The Recreation and Parks Department will commence its mowing schedule at parks and public open spaces at the end of November 2024, once the endemic flowers have produced adequate seeds.