You are invited to accompany the Senior Curator of the Manie van der Schijff Botanical Garden, Jason Sampson to LC de Villiers to admire and learn more about the vast collection of hybrid Aloes planted in the "Sunbird Lane" that are now in full bloom.

As stated on our botanical garden’s website: "With challenges such as global climate change and urbanisation threatening biodiversity, Botanical Gardens are fast becoming more relevant than ever. Botanical Gardens provide the perfect vehicles for relevant research, especially with regard to conservation and climate change, and promoting green consciousness to the public and within universities." The Aloe collection on all our Campus' are the flagship group for the water wise sustainability drive of the University, and are at their showiest now, during the dullest part of the Highveld Winter.

Jason has a passion to educate and in that capacity he will showcase the Aloes for now. Later in the year other species and collections will get an opportunity.

The walk is organised as such:

Leave Hatfield campus at 12:30 on Friday 21 July and drive to LC using the South street entrance. Park in the swimming pool parking - there should be plenty of space.

If you need a lift, ask a colleague or inform Ina Louw (extension 3768). The walk will start 12:40. It is not too far to walk, but wear comfortable shoes and a hat.

We will be back at about 13:30. Bring your mobile lunch along and nibble while enjoying the beautiful Aloes.