A Madison Woman’s Special Roots in South Africa

(*NOTE:  This story first appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal, August 2012, “Knowing Your Neighbor” Column)

Volunteers help residents plant gardens in South Africa

If you’re tending to a garden, it’s been a tough summer to find enjoyment in the fruits of your labor.  Several months of hot, dry conditions means most produce is shrinking in size as it comes to harvest.

Yet, at the same time, some newly planted gardens are flourishing.  It is the winter season in Johannesburg, South Africa and more than 8,000 miles away from Madison– carrots, cabbage, lettuce, and onions are thriving.  It’s also causing one local woman whose life depends on the soil, to laugh a little bit.  “I’m proud and really impressed by their efforts,” says Liza Lightfoot, after receiving a recent update on the growth of the garden, since her visit in January.

Lightfoot was born in South Africa, but a twisting tale of circumstances, landed her in Southern Wisconsin in 1977.  She stayed, and since then not only built a new life in Madison, but also a successful business, Avant Gardening and Landscaping.  The opportunity to help those struggling in her homeland, only happened after Lightfoot recognized, her unplanned path was turning out pretty well.  “I realized I’m actually in a position to give back and then I knew it was something I needed to do.  It’s important and it could be positive for alot of people,” explains Lightfoot.

Volunteers and residents plant a garden in South Africa

This year’s positive experience may be turning into the biggest and most gratifying of Lightfoot’s six garden growing trips to South Africa.  What started as a small number of volunteers, typically a few of her fellow local landscapers, has turned into a large contingent of all careers and ages, from young members of a Madison church to a retired ag extension agent.  Lightfoot says, “I’m moved by all the volunteers who want to help this project succeed.  There’s no way I could do any of this without them.”  Residents of the targeted area are asked to volunteer from the start– and in this case, three dozen adults and children from rural Johannesburg– helped plot, dig, plant, and are now maintaining the garden for the long-term.  There’s also health, cooking, and business-related education included.  And Lightfoot says they’re starting to see the pay off, as kids remain involved.  “We’re realizing the benefits as they get a little older and learn how growing a garden can lead to making money through sales of produce at a market or why working with others– people-to-people connections– can create business partnerships in the future,” says Lightfoot.

Meantime, her own future is pretty clear.  No matter the weather, the seed is planted for making a difference, the rest of her life.  And you can bet, new ideas– are already sprouting.

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