The uniquely South African-named dammetjies were launched in South Africa on 1 September 2004.
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Dammetjies are, as the name implies, a device that creates a little dam around ths stems of plants, facilitating watering and saving gardeners water.

Dammetjies also promote plant growth by ensuring the water gets to the roots and keep grass and ground covers at bay. They are ideal for planting on flat ground or slopes and will retain mulch and fertilizers.

The UV-stabilised plastic Dammetjie "collar" is suitable for all plants. It is simply placed around a plant and pushed into the ground.

They can be lifted and moved to new plants once the root systems of existing plants have established themselves.

It was designed by inventor Geoff Bird, of Port Elizabeth, and is being marketed after almost a year of designing, trials and finally manufacture.

This small dam (dammetjie) will allow your plants to flourish by:

• Storing water around the plant stem and directing it straight to the roots, so promoting growth.     

• Saving on fertilizers and nutrients by preventing them from being washed away.

• Keeping grass and groundcovers at bay that compete with the plant for water and nutrients.

• Trapping all-important mulches around the base of the plant.

• Saving you the back-breaking work of building an earth dam each time you water.

They also look neat and natural.

A must for all shrubs, roses, saplings and vegetables planted on flat ground or on slopes. 

Dammetjies will be marketed throughout Southern Africa exclusively by Mayford Seeds, a division of the Japanese Sakata group. Trade inquiries should be directed to the Mayford Seeds Helpline 0861 100 458.

They will be available of all major stores supplying garden equipment as well as at garden centres, nurseries and landscapers.

Tel : +27 (0) 41 366 1325 or Mobile:083 598 0816.

Email: geoff@dammetjies.com

Dammetjies inventor Geoff Bird (left) and Anthony Bernstein, horticulturalist and course manager at the Humewood Golf Club in Port Elizabeth. Bernstein strongly endorses Dammetjies as a great water-saving device for gardeners.