Botanical Gardens
(Foto DT081 wat die fontein in die Botaniese Tuin wys)
Kort teks:
Photograph of water fountain in Graaff-Reinet Botanical Gardens, circa 1900. (10 words)
Lang teks:
Graaff-Reinet had a large Botanical Garden in the centre of town from 1872 until well into the 20th century. The photograph shows a water fountain at the focal point of the Gardens, from where a few walking paths radiated. The fountain was donated to the Gardens by the Graaff-Reinetter Herman Wertheim. Three people formed the core of a group who established a botanical awareness in town throughout the 1860’s, namely Frank Guthrie, Harry Bolus and John Hunter McLea. Although none were professional botanists, all three made valuable contributions to South African botany and had, altogether, more than 30 plant species named after them. During the 20th century, the Botanical Garden had to make way for a sports centre for Graaff-Reinet with facilities for rugby, cricket, tennis, bowls, squash and a venue for other open air activities. (136 words)