GardenShop was recently awarded a coveted Owl Award at the BirdLife South Africa Owl Awards 2016. Held at Beechwood Gardens, Hyde Park, on 6 October, the accolade recognises sponsors and collaborators for their contribution towards improving awareness and promoting BirdLife South Africa’s conservation efforts.

The Owl Awards ceremony was introduced to acknowledge companies and individuals who contribute valuable time and funds needed to continue BirdLife South Africa’s important work, which is to conserve the country’s birds and their habitats.

GardenShop was commended for its ‘Garden Birds’ range of bird feeders, food and nesting logs and ‘For the Birds!’ selection of bird-friendly plants. It was also recognised for its contribution towards establishing an outdoor living space at Isdell House, where an indigenous, waterwise and bird-friendly garden was created with bird conservation in mind.

Deborah Hele, marketing manager and Megan Slabbert, online marketing manager of GardenShop, received the award on behalf of CEO Godfrey Budler. He commented, “BirdLife South Africa is important to GardenShop wherein we have focused on the development of a bird-friendly range of plants and products for our gardeners. The bird feeders and plants contribute to attracting birds and other wildlife to gardens and for this reason are endorsed by BirdLife South Africa. But the real success can be attributed to those who seek to create sustainable gardens that benefit the environment, biodiversity and create a balanced environment that welcomes nature into their living space.”

GardenShop also donated garden furniture, soft furnishings, stepping stones and various containers for feature plants at BirdLife South Africa’s new ‘nesting’ headquarters at Isdell House where there is now a permanent bird garden for visitors.

Mark Anderson CEO of BirdLife South Africa added, “The award is well-deserved, not only for GardenShop’s contribution to BirdLife South Africa, but for the holistic efforts towards sustaining the natural world. We extend our gratitude to GardenShop as a socially and environmentally responsible organisation, and hope this mutually-beneficial relationship continues for many years to come.”

He concluded, “A year after its establishment, Isdell House has attracted more than 60 species of birds, of which 35 make regular use of the garden. GardenShop has contributed to this garden, and thus the contribution of biodiversity in an urban environment.”

The criteria for which GardenShop received a nomination and award included:

• The development of the ‘Garden Birds’ range of bird feeders and ‘For the Birds!’ a selection of bird-attracting plants for sale in GardenShop (a percentage of the proceeds go to BirdLife South Africa).
• The significant donation of garden furniture, stepping stones and pots for the development of the bird garden at Isdell House as well as an ongoing contribution of garden accessories, furniture and plant life to the organisation over the years.
• The placement of the BirdLife South Africa’s logo on a range of products, including posters and bird feeders and bird food/seed and the inclusion of the logo on the GardenShop’s GardenTalk magazines and monthly online newsletters.
• The promotion of the Cape Robin-chat during the “Vote for South Africa’s Favourite Bird” 2015 campaign.