Honouring Hiroshima: A tree planting ceremony at Arderne Gardens

A tree planting ceremony will be held at the Arderne Gardens in Claremont on Wednesday, August 6, at 11 am to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Hosted by the Friends of the Arderne Gardens (FOTAG), the event will be attended by the City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, representatives from the Japanese Consulate, and community members.

Together, they will plant a Gingko biloba tree, grown from seed collected from a survivor tree—known in Japanese as hibakujumoku.

The tree withstood the atomic blast in 1945.

The ceremony forms part of the Green Legacy Hiroshima (GLH) initiative, which distributes seeds and saplings from trees that survived the bombing to organisations around the world.

Since its launch in 2011, GLH has sent seeds to over 40 countries, aiming to spread messages of peace, nuclear disarmament and environmental harmony.

Joy Woodward, secretary of the Friends of the Arderne Gardens, said the tree was a living tribute to those who lost their lives in Hiroshima and those who survived.

“This planting is more than symbolic—it’s rooted in a commitment to peace, reconciliation, and resilience,” she said.

“As these saplings grow, so do our aspirations for peace.”

The Gingko biloba, known for its hardiness and longevity, was chosen for its remarkable survival after the blast and for what it represents.

"One such tree, more than 200 years old, stands in Hiroshima’s Shukkeien Garden just under a mile from the bomb’s epicentre. It still bears scars, but continues to thrive, reminding us that healing is possible even after profound destruction," Ms Woodward said.

She added that the choice of the Arderne Gardens as the site for the planting was significant.

“As the oldest garden in South Africa, it’s a fitting backdrop for this gesture. We’re proud to be part of an international effort that honours peace, while also preserving our local heritage.”

While the gardens are a protected heritage site, the Friends group sees no contradiction in hosting events like this.

“We see the gardens as a space for remembrance, reflection, and public learning,” said Woodward. “Welcoming initiatives like this help keep the space relevant and meaningful.”

All members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony and reflect on the importance of global unity, peace, and environmental stewardship.