In article , Marc Lurie
writes
>Im sorry that Ican't give you any positive advice, but I can give ou
>some negative advice...
>
>Please, please, please, don't use exotic species such as eucalyptus,
>wattle, willow etc. Not only do they usually use far too much water,
>they also spread like wildfire and screw up the local ecology.
>
>Rather look at indigenous species. Many parts of the Gambia are very
>dry, and you might need a naturally occuring, drought resistant plant,
>perhaps one of the Acacia species.
>
>Regards,
>
>Marc
>
>On Mon, 6 Dec 2004 15:48:36 +0000, Pat Anderson
> wrote:
>
>>In message <3HOSfVAqbzsBFwIi@newhutte.demon.co.uk>, Tom
>> writes
>>>Any bright ideas for plants suitable for fencing a school compound in
>>>The Gambia? I was thinking of something similar to hawthorn layered
>>>fencing in the UK? Need something fairly quick growing.
>>>TIA
>>In Nigeria we planted Neem which grew fairly quickly and eucalyptus,
>>although of course that would take moisture from all around it. I don`t
>>know if they have government nurseries in Gambia Tom, which is where we
>>got our trees. These nurseries charge very little as they want to
>>encourage tree planting.
>>Pat
>
Thanks for the interest and advice. I agree that water is a problem -
we've just built a fresh water covered well for use by the school,
clinic and nearby villagers. We need a fence to enclose the school
compound, and as all the local compounds have mud-block fences
(Expensive) or woven (not durable) I was wondering if any local plants
would have the characteristics of English layered (?) hawthorn. We want
to protect the school compound from the ravages of goats and the feet of
cattle, so as to plant a garden for the benefit of the children and
staff.
--
tom |
