Fynbos and wild flowers given time to bloom
12 August 2025
The Recreation and Parks Department will once again allow flowers to bloom and seed ahead of spring by halting mowing at parks and public open spaces. This will promote the growth of endemic vegetation and indigenous plants.
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department's annual Spring Readiness Programme has begun. With a variety of vegetation types and abundant wildlife, Cape Town is widely recognised as being the most biodiverse city in the world.
It is located within the Cape Floral Kingdom - an area rich in plants and wildlife - a signature characteristic of the Fynbos Biome.
‘This programme reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility and urban biodiversity. By letting nature take its course, we create living conservation corridors right in our city and a more colourful, thriving Cape Town for all. Beyond the beauty of wildflowers, the no-mow initiative supports vital pollinators, nurtures natural seed production and helps protect ecological corridors by reducing unnecessary maintenance,’ said Councillor Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
While the annual mowing schedule has kicked off for the new financial year, from July until the end of November, selected public open spaces, greenbelts, road verges and parks are not mowed.
These areas contain remnants of critically endangered vegetation and pockets of high biodiversity and often serve as corridors that connect larger biodiversity hotspots like conservation areas, nature reserves and national parks.
During the no-mow period, spring flowers and local plants get the chance to grow, bloom and spread their seeds. This helps create a healthier, more colourful landscape and supports nature by attracting bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators.
Temporary “NO MOWING” signage has been placed in participating areas to inform residents about the programme and encourage respect for these special natural spaces.
This selective ‘no mow’ drive highlights the commitment to adopting more environmentally friendly and sustainable mowing practices across Cape Town.
Residents are encouraged to nominate local parks or green spaces to be included in future no-mow areas. Send your suggestions to RP.Enquiries@capetown.gov.za and join us in supporting Cape Town’s unique biodiversity.
Areas not on the no-mow list will be mowed as per the annual operational schedule.
To view the comprehensive list of no-mow locations across the metropole please visit: https://bit.ly/41Bq61M
Caption 1: Councillor Higham visiting one of the open spaces
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
