Gabscity.com all about Gaborone

Sanitas (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd was registered in May 1970 as a Plant Clinic and Nursery with the goal of exporting disease-free mother plants and cuttings to cut flower growers in Southern Africa and Europe.  The name Sanitas comes from Latin and means 'healthy' which covers the basic idea of disease free plant production.

The founder, Gosta ('Gus") Nilsson, completed an FAO contract as a plant pathologist with the Ministry of Agriculture in Botswana in 1970.  At the time he had over 25 years experience in horticulture with a Ph.D, in Plant Pathology from Cornell University, USA.  In addition he held the position of visiting Professor at Colorado State University. Today, more than 30 years since its founding, he and his family are still running Sanitas as a private business.
In the 70's we produced disease-free carnation and chrysanthemum cuttings for export. Sanitas mother plants were started from meristem tissue culture.  We also exported cut flowers such as roses.
As the local market developed and grew, emphasis was placed on vegetables, fruit and ornamental plants.  The Green Diamonds of Botswana ®, our registered trade mark, is now well established in Botswana.
During the 80's Sanitas was involved in both small and large landscaping projects in Gaborone and other sites in Botswana.  In the 90's the company gradually developed into a Plant Nursery and Garden Centre.  To provide our valued customers with additional service, we added the Sanitas Tea Garden in 1996.
In addition to the running of this business, we have been involved in establishing a horticultural scheme in Saudi Arabia between 1979 -1981.  Local research on dryland farming was carried out, including a privately run research project in Hukuntsi for 3 years, between 1979-82.  We developed new horticultural growing methods, that are applied at Sanitas and used elsewhere in Botswana.  All investments, including research, have been financed 100% by Sanitas.
Nursery
We take pride in the fact that 90% of our produce is grown at Sanitas.  One of our goals has always been to sell Botswana-grown produce.  We grow a large selection of indigenous and exotic nursery plants as well as a wide variety of pot plants.  Ornamental, vegetable, and herb seedlings are also available.  Our fruit and vegetables are known for their freshness.
Nursery plants
We grow a large selection of indigenous and exotic garden plants. At the moment we grow more than 500 varieties of nursery plants. Over the years we have tried and selected hundreds of varieties that do well under Botswana conditions. Since our plants are grown in Botswana’s sometimes-harsh conditions, they are better prepared for them than imported plants.
Pot plants
We grow a wide selection of pot plants suitable for Botswana such as: Ficus varieties, Yuccas, Sheffleras and Dracenas. In total more than 100 varieties are grown.
Seedlings
We grow a wide variety of flower, vegetable and herb seedlings in season.
Fruit and vegetables
During the 1970 – 80 we supplied a lot of fresh vegetables to grocery shops in Gaborone. Today we grow them mainly for the Tea Garden, but we also retail a selection of fruits, berries, vegetables and herbs in season.  
Cut flowers
Sanitas started off growing and exporting disease free carnation-cuttings and cut-flowers. Today we only grow a small selection of cut-flowers and cut-greens for our florist.
Lawn plugs
Planting lawn plugs is an easy and cost effective way to establish a lawn. We grow and supply the following grasses as lawn plugs: L.M., Cynodon varieties and Kikuyu.
In our Garden Centre you will find the largest selection of indigenous and exotic plants available in Botswana. Our sales areas are well stocked with clearly signed and labeled plants. You can also be sure to find a selection of pre-planted containers ready to enjoy on your patio.
In addition to plants, we offer a wide variety of garden requisites such as garden tools, shade-netting, garden furniture, wooden trellises, decorative pebbles, garden paving etc. We also have an excellent selection of pots and containers available in all sizes, shapes and colours. Some locally produced and others imported.
Fertilizers and organic products such as compost and manure are also available. For those who are interested in water-gardening, we have a wide range of products such as ponds, pumps, filters, fish food, water plants and water features.
Sanitas boasts a beautiful, lush green Tea Garden – A Green Diamond of Botswana ®.
Our staff will greet you with a smile and you can get away from it all in this relaxing atmosphere.
Come and enjoy a delicious meal made with love and care. We offer a variety of breakfasts, lunches, light meals, desserts, cakes, juices, milkshakes, teas, cappuccinos and coffees.