Portland pensioner Denise Hendricks, 71, believes that working with the soil in her garden is like being close to God.
The retired school teacher has turned her love for gardening into a microgreens business.
She unearthed her entrepreneurial drive last year when she joined the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative South Africa’s women’s livelihood programme. Qualifying participants had to submit a business plan and present a 90-second pitch to be considered for seed funding for their businesses.
Ms Hendricks was 70 at the time and the oldest among 751 graduates and 42 business pitch winners.
“I never imagined that I would be named one of the winners. I was so surprised when they announced my name. It was unbelievable.”
Ms Hendricks registered her business, Maxi Microgreens, earlier this year and has started planting broccoli, radish, coriander and sunflower seeds.
“I decided on microgreens because they need less attention and don’t take up so much space. To work in a traditional garden is strenuous, especially as you’re getting older.
“I became despondent because of the inclement weather that dries the soil, the wind blows your vegetables southward, westward, northward, and you use a lot of water. We cannot afford, as pensioners, to have a high water bill. Vegetables have also become so expensive to buy.”
Ms Hendricks says microgreens are the superfood of the future as they have 40% more nutrients than their vegetable counterparts.
“We need to invest in our health. We tend to grab just any food when we are stressed. Imagine if I could just snip off microgreens and eat that. Food is medicine. If my grandmother didn’t eat it, I won’t buy it.”
The mother of two says she had found much solace in gardening, especially since her husband, William, died in June.
“There is peace in my garden. Working in the soil is like being so near to God. You plant your seeds and look forward to reaping a harvest. You look out for tomorrow, so there is faith at work.
“One of William’s carers came to visit me at home recently; she couldn’t understand why I am so calm. I took her out to the garden. I was sniffing the lavender. Did you know, if you rub rosemary and smell it, it enhances the memory and if you rub lavender it can relieve a headache and the fragrance can relax you.”
For more information, contact Ms Hendricks at 082348 7037.
