Tree-Planting Ceremony at the Church of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit Parish received a donation of 35 indigenous trees including yellow wood and olive trees. Ten were planted at the parish and the rest were donated to the eco-congregation cluster (churches of other denominations). Mr. Chris Wild, from Food and Trees for Africa demonstrated how a tree is planted the proper way, turning the tree upside down, removing the black plastic, massaging the soil a bit to loosen the roots, and lastly putting in layers of soil, compost, and small stones to form a porous surface for water to pass through. The last step was to perform a “tree-dance” by trampling around the stem to secure the stem firmly to the loose soil. The Bishop was in our midst to grace the occasion. He was the first one to get his hands dirty, by planting the first of the 10 trees. The Zwartkops enviro-club entertained the audience with nature conservation messages through poetry, drama, singing and traditional dance. Betty Bala (Lay Canon: Environmental Matters and Related Issues) Diocese of Port Elizabeth.
