"The 250 page ‘Trees of the Garden Route’ covers 110 species of indigenous trees, and includes short descriptions of the species, with notes on their use (in the modern day and in the cultural context), and 1 800 full colour photographs of the trees themselves as well as their leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit," said Ms Venter.
"The book is aimed at both amateurs and botanists, and is up-to-date with all the latest changes in the various names. But what makes it unique is the visual key we’ve devised to help anyone to easily and quickly identify any species in the area," she said.
Ms Venter and her husband, Barry, came to live in Mossel Bay about seven years ago. "At first we chose it for its position: it’s close to the airport and Barry, who is a management consultant, still commutes regularly to Johannesburg.
"It was only after we settled here that we realised the many wonderful advantages of Mossel Bay."
Ms Venter calls herself an ‘interested amateur,’ although she’s been working in the botanical field for some time. "Before coming to the Garden Route, I was involved with environmental education for school children at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens - the old Witwatersrand Botanical Gardens - in Roodepoort," she said.
"But we have a holiday house in Nature’s Valley, and I think that’s where my interest in the trees of the area was really sparked."
‘Trees of the Garden Route’ was printed in Singapore, and the books are presently on board ship. They are expected to arrive in Cape Town during this week.
Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm said that the town’s Proud Mossel Bay campaign (which aims to highlight outstanding achievements by local citizens) was proud to salute Ms Venter and her work.
"The environment of the Garden Route is our biggest tourism asset, and it’s exciting to see a Mossel Bayer once again leading the way when it comes to enriching everyone’s experience of the outdoors," she said.
‘Trees of the Garden Route - Mossel Bay to Storms River’ will be launched at a function at 17:30 for 18:00 in the Granary at the Dias Museum Complex in Mossel Bay on 30 November. "Everyone’s invited to attend, but please let us know before the 25th if you’ll be there so that we can cater accordingly," said Ms Venter.
To reserve a place at the function - or to order copies of the book (at R170 plus postage and packaging) - please call 044 690 7454 or 083 653 0013, or e-mail even@absamail.co.za.
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The 250 page ‘Trees of the Garden Route’ covers 110 species of indigenous trees, and includes short descriptions of the species, with notes on their use (in the modern day and in the cultural context), and 1 800 full colour photographs of the trees themselves as well as their leaves, stems, flowers, and fruit.
