Kirstenbosch garden landscape
The South African National Biodiversity Institute has strongly rejected allegations that Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is falling into decay, insisting the world-famous garden remains one of the globe’s leading botanical and conservation institutions.
The response comes after a lengthy and emotional Facebook post by a former insider and garden supporter James Deacon, went viral, painting a bleak picture of neglect, declining plant collections, low staff morale and operational dysfunction at the iconic Cape Town garden.
In the post, the writer claimed the Protea collection had shrunk to less than a third of what it once was, while only a fraction of the Ericas remained.
The post further alleged that some rare plants were being lost, empty nursery spaces were being overtaken by weeds, and procurement challenges were making it nearly impossible for horticultural staff to carry out their work.
