A Herculean Effort: African Legacy Welcomes Ancient Cycads to Kenton-on-Sea

Yesterday was a monumental day for our village as we welcomed our newest residents—some very old, grand ladies! More magnificent cycads, generously gifted by the Brothertons, have found their new home at the Bowling Club, where they stand as living testaments to the incredible hard work and community spirit that made this massive undertaking possible.

Our newest Eastern Cape Giant Cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii) takes prime position, worthy of her stature, at the entrance to the Kenton Bowling Club

Moving ancient plants is no easy feat, but for the love of our village and these magnificent "grand old ladies," a team of dedicated people came together for an incredibly difficult, stressful, yet ultimately fun and rewarding operation. We are thrilled to welcome these colossal cycads to their new home in our village.

These three ladies are Alexandria Cycads (Encephalartos arenarius)

The heaviest Cycad we have moved so far is a magnificent Eastern Cape Giant Cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii), a true matriarch. She has found her prime position at the entrance to the Bowling Club, a location that befits her stature and beauty. For more information about this incredible plant, visit our page about the Eastern Cape Giant Cycad.

Also joining us are three old ladies of the Alexandria Cycad variety (Encephalartos arenarius). These plants were replanted close to each other so they can keep each other company, just as they have for decades before on their farm. You can learn more about this species on our website's page about the Alexandria Cycad.

This monumental effort would not have been possible without the help of so many people. A special thank you to:

• Edgar Brotherton for this incredible donation.

• Alan Brotherton for his assistance in organising logistics and equipment, as well as his experience in getting the plants out.

• Adrian Purdon & the Kenton Beautification Initiative for their help organising and coordinating equipment on the Kenton side.

• Jim Davies for his assistance in removal, transporting, and planting.

• The incredible Welcome for his help in absolutely everything we did, including driving the extremely heavily loaded truck.

• Vuyani for his skills on the TLB.

• Frans Kruger for his assistance on the Kenton side.

• Our own Head Gardener, Eddie, who has worked tirelessly to help prepare the garden for the cycads.

• And of course, my wife Tove, an incredible partner in this project, without whom half the work would not have been done!

  
  

It was truly a memorable day, and we are so happy to have these living pieces of history enriching our village for everyone to appreciate.

Two incredible specimens. On the left is an Eastern Cape Giant Cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii), and on the right, my long suffering wife, Tove.