As nurseries are not yet allowed to have visitors, they are open to agricultural sector. On May 5, an announcement was made informing the public that they are allowed to visit nurseries, but a new directive was issued was yesterday [May 14] saying this has changed.
This means that plant-lovers will have to purchase plants online, and have them delivered to their homes through nurseries doing so.
The Garden Route Municipality is advising its residents that they will only be able to purchase plants online.
“The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Command Council on 5 May 2020 informed the public that nurseries are allowed to sell all their items and are open to the general public. Yesterday May 14, 2020, new regulations were promulgated and directives about nurseries and their operations during level four (4) were changed,” the municipality said in a statement.
As it stands, the general public will not be permitted to visit nurseries under Level 4 restrictions, but the public will now be permitted to buy plants online. This also includes trading, donating, giving, and receiving plants online. Importing of plants are not allowed yet, but the export of plants will be allowed for bio-prospecting purposes only.
“It is important to note that amendments of regulations are issued by national government, while local and provincial governments receive directives and have to follow suit,” the Municipality added. “If there is ambiguity in a directive the GRDM Command Council directs their concerns to the Western Cape Government or the South African Police Services for a legal opinion and/or clarity.”
A number of nurseries allow plants to be bought online, and deliver them to customer homes. Check your favourite nursery’s website to ensure you are able to do so.
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