Pro Landscaper Africa March 2018

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

March 2018

SAOTA

The Landmark

LEADER

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

March 2018

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

SAOTA

The Landmark

Welcome to the March Edition of Pro Landscaper Africa 2018. say, we are thrilled about this! Pro Landscaper will be paying great attention to our Agenda section this year, as a tool for debate and a catalyst for growth, as well as opening our new section titled Nurture, aimed at growing our plant repertoire, aiding the industry in selecting the right plant for the right place and celebrating Softscaping’s best practise.

I

t is always enlivening to read of new builds around South Africa at the start of the new year and to see the innovative and inspiring plans for these developments. Speaking of developmentsSouth African’s at large seem to feel uplifted by our recent political developments, which we are sure will influence our Green Industry positively moving forward.

You will notice the growing volume of content within our issues, as well as the involvement of many more industry professionals- needless to

HUSQVARNA P525D FRONT MOWER Kubota Diesel • 18.7 kW@3000 rpm • 1123 cc • Hydrostatic AWD • 155 cm cutting deck • Delivered deckless

We are also exploring international projects, companies and trends enthusiastically this year as a method of connecting ideas and sharing knowledge, featuring some wonderful content in up-coming editions.

We have a brilliant line up this month, with award-winning projects and beautiful examples of design, build and maintenance in both residential and commercial spaces.

Featured companies include; SAOTA, TERRA+ Landscape Architects, Hortcouture Landscape Architects and Bertha Wium Landscape Development (Pty) Ltd.

Our commercial front mowers have the smallest uncut circle in the industry.

Articulated steering ensures more advanced manoeuvres around trees, bushes and in corners – while All Wheel Drive provides unmatched access and control. With a range of attachments, the P525D offers maximum versatility to tackle a range of applications.

Find out why companies switch to Husqvarna at WWW.HUSQVARNA.CO.ZA

ProLandscaper_March 2018.indd 1

2018/03/06 12:30

Browse our Site Visit to Dag Willems farm, Trees SA. Read up on our Profiled Product “Lafarge HydromediaTM “which we feel is certainly something our audience should be incorporating into their design- especially considering the drought and the need for effective Stormwater Management products.

I would like to encourage all industry professionals to send us information they feel needs to be shared with the industry and certainly to present agenda topics, new sections for the magazine to consider and new developments within their landscaping community.

We have a wonderful user-friendly app for your smartphone, so make it a point of visiting the app store to download it and browse all our issues for free.

Keep growing with us in 2018

THE KIDS WILL LOVE IT, AND SO WILL YOU FOR BEING WATER WISE!

The almost magical ability of Hydromedia to rapidly drain away stormwater is a technological breakthrough in permeable concrete. ™

Hydromedia 5

When surfacing playgrounds, parking areas, pathways and pool surrounds, Hydromedia™ offers the durable, non-slip, colourful solution.

www.lafarge.co.za 0860 LAFARG (523274)

CONTENTS 11

44

49

17

7-10

News Shed & Association News Industry news from around South Africa

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The Agenda We explore the topic of site waste management (both green & material waste) & what we as an industry should be doing to contribute to sustainable practises onsite

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Site Visit Pro Landscaper Africa visit’s the sites of its industry suppliers: This month we feature Trees South Africa

20

Profiled Product Focusing on Lafarge Hydromedia ™ and its contribution to Stormwater Management

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PORTFOLIO

27

Classic Opulence by Bertha Wium Landscape Developers (Pty) Ltd

30

International: Vestre Fjordpark by ADEPT

34

Working with the Wind by Hortcourure Landscape Architects

39

Retirement Retreat by Terra+ Landscape Architects

44

The Landmark by SAOTA (Softscaping by Nicholas Whitehorn)

NURTURE

INTERVIEW

49-51

Drought Tolerant Plants

23

EQUIPMENT

30 Minutes with Strata Design Associates An international interview where Strata director Richard Willmott discusses the power of technology, the benefits of staying small, and the practice’s landmark rushden lakes project

HUSQVARNA MZ52 ZERO TURN Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin • 24.0 hp • 726 cc • Hydrostatic • 132 cm Fabricated cutting deck

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Equipment top picks for the month of March

The MZ52 zero-turn mower from Husqvarna takes performance, productivity, and comfort to a whole new level. With a rugged fabricated steel deck that is mulch and collection capable, the MZ52 is practical for all of your property maintenance needs.

The high back seat with armrests and adjustable ergonomic steering levers provide a comfortable ride time after time.

Find out why companies switch to Husqvarna at WWW.HUSQVARNA.CO.ZA

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NEWS

PETER VEENSTRA UNVEILS DOME OF PLANTS PROJECT FOR CAPE TOWN Today, Veenstra shared his vision for the innovative dome project on the Design Indaba Conference stage.

In a bid to revamp the largely stagnant and grey Luthuli Plaza, the Dome of Plants will at once serve as a beacon of sustainable design for the city and be a functional venue where public forums, lectures and performances can take place.

Centrally positioned on Luthuli Plaza, a green Dome of Plants will offer an inviting garden-like space for local urban events.

Luthuli Plaza in Cape Town is set for an exciting transformation at the hands of LOLA Architects and Design Indaba. The plaza is named after South African Nobel Peace Prize winning struggle stalwart, Albert Luthuli.

It was built as a way of connecting the transport hub where people catch taxis, trains and busses to the Artscape precinct. But now the Luthuli Plaza stands gray and mostly unused.

Rotterdam-based landscape architect Peter Veenstra, in collaboration with bamboo building guru Olav Bruin of Nomadic Resorts, is planning to revamp the drab plaza and give the City of Cape Town a jewel of green to add to its crown – the Dome of Plants. He imagines the dome forming a centrepiece in an urban public garden that starts at the Cape Town taxi rank and ends at Artscape.

It will be constructed with natural materials such as bamboo, wood and fynbos plants like Spekboom which is known for its hardiness and ability to convert carbon dioxide into clean oxygen. Cape Town is in a water crisis, and Veenstra says the dome will be fed by purified urine from the bureaucrats working in the Cape Town Civic Centre building, right behind the dome's proposed location.

Inside this vegetated shelter, there will be 175 square meters of indoor space, complete with amphitheatre-style seating, stage and podium. Together they offer space for discussions, events, workshops, exhibitions, meetings, lunch and a quick coffee outside the big institutions, accessible for everyone.

It is an attractive venue that can contribute to the cultural life of Cape Town. At night, the site will transform, casting a soft green glow on Luthuli Plaza. The designers aim to revitalise this part of Cape Town and bestow it with a meaningful purpose for citizens to enjoy throughout the year. www.designindaba.com

HUSQVARNA 143R-II BRUSHCUTTER 41.5 cc • 1.5 kW • 7.6 kg

The Husqvarna 143R-II brushcutter delivers versatility that is second to none and has been developed to handle dense vegetation, brush and heavy grass. The ergonomically designed harness evenly distributes the load, so you can work longer with less fatigue. Equipped with a grass blade and trimmer head.

Find out why companies switch to Husqvarna at WWW.HUSQVARNA.CO.ZA

ARE YOU A DAY ZERO HERO? The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) is looking for architects, engineers, project managers, developers, designers and product developers… anyone who has been working to create more water-efficient residential and commercial buildings.

This year, the Green Building Council of South Africa celebrates heroes who are helping to prevent Day Zero.

Tell us how you’ve reduced water consumption in a building or building project you’re involved in.

Submit a 2 – 3 page summary on your water saving initiative and the impact that it has had.

Email it to gbcsa@idna.co.za with the subject heading: DAY ZERO HERO Submissions close 01 May 2018.

Winning case studies will be presented at the GBCSA 2018 Convention.

THE GREEN INDUSTRY STANDS TOGETHER - SAGIC/SANA ANNUAL CONVENTION This year's annual SAGIC (South African Green Industry Council) and SANA (South African Nursery Association) convention will once again offer green industry professionals thought-provoking and practical information on new trends, techniques, challenges and opportunities in the green industry.

The 2018 convention will be hosted from the 5th to the 8th of June 2018 at Mount Grace Country House & Spa in the Magaliesburg, Gauteng. The annual SAGIC golf day will take place on the 5th of June at Pecanwood Golf and Country Club.

SAGIC MEMBERS AND SPONSORS This year's event promises to be the largest gathering of professionals in the green industry.

SAGIC's member associations will be contributing towards ensuring the success of the event. SAGIC Association Members include: • • • • • • • • • •

IPSA - The Interior Plantscaper's Association LIA - The Landscape Irrigation Association OPPASA - The Outdoor Power Product Association SALI - South African Landscapers Institute SANA - South African Nursery Association TGMA - Turf Grass Managers Association CGF - The Cape Green Forum Arbor SA SABI - The South African Irrigation Institute SAFGA - South African Flower Growers Association

Rain Bird, the world's leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, will once again be the Platinum Sponsor at the event.

CONVENTION PROGRAMME The programme incorporates inspiring presentations by industry leaders, the Council's AGM as well as various fun-filled networking activities.

One of the keynote speakers is Pavlo Phitidis, an entrepreneurial and business development

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

content contributor for Talk Radio 702 and is well-known for his active role in business development in South Africa.

Zelda la Grange, who served as Nelson Mandela’s personal assistant for many years, will share valuable and motivational life lessons with this year’s delegates.

Presentations will focus on innovative approaches to address growing sustainability challenges and opportunities for different sectors and regions.

NETWORKING & COLLABORATION What makes this convention so popular each year is the unique and unrivalled platform it creates for attendees to network, exchange success stories and learn of new initiatives and projects relevant to the green industry.

The importance of the role SAGIC plays in promoting partnerships and cooperation, as well as the role it plays in upskilling of green industry processionals, will once again be reaffirmed during this year’s event.

The Service Award is presented to a SANA member who displays commitment, enthusiasm and loyalty to the Association through positive and motivated involvement in SANA activities.

The Merit Award honours an individual who has shown dedication and support to the green industry. The President’s Award is handed out at the sole discretion of the President and is awarded to a member who have supported and guided the president during his term.

SANA also recognises young members by awarding the Young Retailer, Young Grower and Young Sales Representative of the Year awards.

At this event the GCA Competition Awards and Supplier Competition Awards are also awarded to deserving members.

For more information and to register for the convention, please contact the SAGIC info@sagic.co.za or visit www.sagic.co.za

AWARDS Coinciding with the SAGIC convention is the annual prestigious awards honouring both individuals and companies that have made valuable contributions towards the green industry. The SALI Awards of Excellence offers its members the opportunity to enter completed projects thus offering them the opportunity to showcase their skills, workmanship and professionalism to their peers, clients and the general public.

Categories include Landscape Construction with In-House Design, Landscape Construction with Design by Others, Specialised Turf Construction, Landscape & Turf Maintenance, Specialised Landscape Construction and Water Wise.

The SANA Awards honour individuals in the following categories: Gold Medal Award - this is SANA's highest honour and is awarded to a dedicated SANA member who has been a loyal supporter of SANA and who has made a valuable contribution to the green industry.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

TAKE CONTROL

Donald Matthews: dmatthews@rainbird.com | 082 440 3479 Charl le Roux: cleroux@rainbird.com | 082 923 0070

NEWS

TERRAFIX IT For years the University of Cape Town (UCT) rebuffed the suggestion to use any concrete type product for their garden walls, stairways or retaining structures, instead insisting on the use of natural stone in keeping with the style and character of the campus.

different growth rates and give quick, medium and long-term cover for this wall.

Image Captions: 1.

The plinth before being waterproofed.

The plants used were:

2.

Dipogon lignosus 'Mile a minute’ quick growing

Filling of the triangular space below the sloping concrete plinth.

3.

Persuaded by Dave Killa of Force Ten, a Cape Town based Terraforce recommended contractor, the University was convinced, as he managed to demonstrate the advantages of interlocking concrete block systems to the decision makers.

Senecio macroglossus Flowering Ivy Medium paced grower

Installation of a multi layered slope, starting with a heavy duty waterproofing product, followed by moisture retaining layer, a layer of spun bonded filter fabric and, as the backbone so to say, a layer of Terrafix 120 erosion control blocks, filled with topsoil, for stability.

4.

For the final layer, a honeycomb-cellular plastic mattress was chosen, filled with more topsoil and covered with a hessian erosion control blanket, ready for plant establishment.

5.

The green plinth displaying as planned.

In a short space of time, Force Ten built a low retaining wall behind a substation, next came a flight of stairs from the lower access road to parking area 6, then came the UCT tennis club, which had a seating pavilion installed by another recommended installer, Decorton Retaining.

Most notably however, was a unique Terrafix erosion control block project, installed at the Engineering building, as part of refurbishments and updates at the university. Designed by leading architects, SAOTA, the innovative design called for the construction of a stable slope of Bidim encased cement stabilised sand, clad with Terrafix blocks, and finally finished with a layer of cascading vegetation.

Rhoicissus digitala Baboon Grape Slower growing, long term cover.

To achieve this look of a lush green plinth for the building, as envisioned by SAOTA, landscape architect Megan Anderson proposed the following solution, as demonstrated by the following images:

www.terraforce.co.za

The plant species used were three different types of Indigenous creepers, that offer

COROBRIK’S LATEST PRODUCT RANGE AT THE KZN CONSTRUCTION EXPO 2018 Musa Shangase. “We found last year’s theme, BIM Bang Boom hugely beneficial as we were in the midst of developing Corobrik’s BIM (Building Information Modelling) architectural software.

There was a lot of interest and we looked forward to the networking opportunities provided by this highly beneficial platform.”

Visitors to this year’s KwaZulu-Natal Construction Expo – held recently at the Durban Exhibition Centre - got a chance to view Corobrik’s newest range of face brick and pavers which have yet to be launched nationally.

“We were excited to be featuring at the KZN Construction Expo for a second consecutive year,” said Corobrik’s Commercial Director,

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

The KZN Construction Expo is a multi-disciplinary show which focuses on the building and construction needs within the province. The event featured all the latest products, tools, technologies and training programmes across the industry.

This year Corobrik showcased the latest Black face brick as well as the Doppio, Cobble and Piazza pavers.

Shangase commented that face brickwork in general compliments other elements of design

when building anything from a small extension to a large commercial building.

This was a great opportunity for attendees to look, feel and discuss these trendy new products at Corobrik’s stand. We have expanded our product range to incur new colours and formats showing a more comprehensive range in line with market demand.

“There is a definite trend in the construction industry to incorporate black and grey colours,” said Shangase. “There is also a move towards exposed areas, revealing the raw brickwork.

“Corobrik continues to be an in-demand product for developments because of the high-quality, low-maintenance afforded by our face brick and pavers,” said Shangase. “We are confident our latest range will resonate with many developers looking for a superior building product that creates a striking home.” www.corobrik.co.za

www.prolandscaper.co.za

AGENDA WHAT ARE WE AS AN INDUSTRY DOING TO CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABLE WORKING ENVIRONMENTS?

We look at waste management onsite (both green and building materials) and how to effectively contribute to a responsible working environment.

AGENDA

2.

AGENDA

SU-ANN BÜRSCHEN

1.

Landscape Architect @ Insite Landscape Architects

FRANK KLEINSCHMIDT Candidate Landscape Architect @ Landmark Studios “Waste-free Designs” Given the rapid growth of landfills across South Africa, it is fair to say that site waste management in the construction industry is of paramount importance. Strategies to limit construction waste should be one of the early considerations in the development of any design scheme.

Arguably the first step to reduce waste during construction is to clearly identify from the onset of the project what waste is likely to be generated onsite. Recognising these sources will allow for the incorporation of these waste materials into the construction of the building.

In instances where significant portions of the total waste are generated by clearly identifiable sources, processes to reduce this should be developed. Design should involve minimising elements of the building or landscape that contribute large volumes of waste unnecessarily. Following rigorous attempts to create low-waste designs, the construction process itself should feature ongoing comprehensive audits of material entering site. Subsequent audits of waste material generated will assist in meeting the targets set in the design stage of the project.

After recycling and appropriate disposal of hazardous material has taken place, the remaining waste should be offered to local communities for use in construction projects. Special effort should also be made to separate all biodegradable material into areas for incorporating into the landscape, to reduce transport off site. This material can either be utilised in a composting system or introducing into topsoil to increase bulk and reduce the cost of importing additional topsoil from off the site.

3.

GAVIN FOSTER

Director @ CountryLine Horticulture Efficient waste management is critical in today’s landscaping industry, from both an ecological and a cost perspective.

Municipal dumps are overloaded and garden waste, by nature, is bulky and thus costly to transport and dispose of.

At Countryline we view this as an opportunity to be a responsible, eco-friendly corporate citizen as well as an efficient, cost-conscious business partner to our clients.

Through our clear SWMP (Site Waste Management Plan) we are addressing this challenge in the following way. Green waste generated from general landscaping activities, including alien invasive species removal and control, is collected at our green site offices.

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Here, the waste is converted into chippings and micro-nutrients are added to assist with break down. Depending on the resulting state of decomposition, this matter is then re-introduced onto client sites as mulch or compost: good mulch cover reduces water consumption, improves healthy plant growth and provides organic compost. In this way Countryline ensures that our gardens are a closed, self-sustaining system where no mulch/ compost is imported and no green waste is exported. This reduces our carbon footprint and reduces the cost to our clients.

Although the initial capital outlay on mulching equipment is high, we see the benefits outweighing the cost in the long term. We genuinely believe our efficient, environmentally friendly approach to waste management will support Countryline in maintaining its’ achievements in landscaping excellence, further cementing our position as a top-tier player within the horticulture industry.

With the designed end product constantly in mind, we easily lose touch with the processes involved in realising our designs. Waste can be a significant part of the environmental footprint of projects and if you are in the position of landscape architect, there is actually much you can do to minimise waste.

It is often stressed that landscape architects should be involved in projects right from the start. And with waste management, it is no different. I particularly want to highlight sensitivity towards the original project site, before construction, and the potential it offers for reducing, re-using and recycling.

Landforms and other natural features must be carefully considered before simply flattening the site and carting soil and stones away. Demolition materials themselves can be innovatively re-used – think old bricks used for paving patterns, composted mulch from felled trees, or rocks from site used to fill gabions.

Landscape architects could also take initiative in the distribution of un-used demolition materials to local communities where appropriate.

When we get to the construction phase, there are the obvious waste-reduction measures such as off-site manufacturing vs. on-site construction, modular design, designing to avoid cutting paving materials, simplifying the design, avoiding excavation, etc. Very importantly, regular discussions and ideas-sharing with the contractor/s will avoid the re-doing of work and will ensure that construction is done as waste-efficiently as possible.

Lastly, I don’t think enough initiative is shown by contractors to sort waste on site for re-using and recycling – should it not be standard practice?

www.prolandscaper.co.za

AGENDA

4.

SEAN ALCOCK Director @Horticare

This topic continuously presents itself to me on a daily basis and I view this with great importance and urgency both professionally and personally.

6.

ROGER CODRAI

Director @ Interplant Horticulture

Our Planet needs to be treated with the utmost respect and I think as a human race we are falling catastrophically short. In saying that I believe that every little bit helps towards our attempt at reversing the almost irreversible global warming crisis.

All too often the client or main contractor is so focused on price that the corners contractors have to cut often involve incorrect cheaper waste management solutions. And although I agree that, at the end of the day, price and budget are important, at what cost and to whose detriment?

DRUMMOND 5. JOHN Landscape Architect @ John Drummond

Landscape Architects & Environmental Planners.

I am glad you have raised this topic, as it is an area of our work that I am sure we could all be more mindful of.

I believe we are moving to a point where ideally there would

not be any waste leaving a site and all materials would be recycled and used locally if not on site. Increasingly there will be environmental conditions to be met which will further this aim and become a condition of development approval.

More traditionally however on “brownfield “projects there are often large quantities of material which can be recycled especially if given early enough attention. Items that come to mind here are the recycling of concrete and masonry for later construction purposes. Besides topsoil, additional subsoil can often be used to advantage on site especially in future green landscape areas. Clean rubble and broken rock can often be used to advantage as base areas fill. Architectural materials or features should receive the same attention.

On “greenfields” sites the “waste “tends to be more tree and other plant material transplanting and re-use. Use of suitable site rocks and boulders incorporated into the landscape design .Again soil is important to conserve.

Trees and shrubs which are undesirable to retain can be converted to mulch or compost.

I believe the project landscape architect is well placed to initiate and take the lead in these matters and the ability to demonstrate potential cost savings as well as gaining “green “credentials are going to be key to success.

As part of our company’s general practices the following can be and should be achieved on every site: Green Waste – this is always separated from rubble, our no. 1 rule •

• •

Bigger pieces of felled trees are used as firewood. Similarly, the smaller pieces are chipped up for mulch to be used/recycled on site.

Our green waste is transported to the closest selected green waste sites for composting.

We encourage our clients to build composting bins to compost green waste thereby creating closed circle recycling.

Waste generating from planting: Trays, plastic pots and grow bags are returned to selected nurseries who offer recycling.

Other Waste: Only responsible waste companies are used to remove other waste from site. This eliminates illegal dumping in open areas.

Scrap Steel: This waste is handed in to scrap steel merchants for compensation.

Construction Waste (building rubble): This is crushed and used as fill under hard surfaces.

The landscaping industry needs to be one of the first industries adopting green practices and setting examples to the rest of the contracting industry, as mother nature and the globe are our business, literally.

We all possess the power as individuals to build a better future for our planet.

And the time to act……………………is now.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

We separate plastic from organic as a matter of course. Sadly, the CoCt’s waste transfer sites do not accept the black plastic plant containers or bags into their re-cycling chain. That goes for 15 cm type pots as well as six pack containers. They do recycle polystyrene plug trays. The plastic however is a huge waste of a valuable resource.

I remember some years back Just Trees had a deposit system for their 400L tree containers, but this has since been discontinued. I would welcome a deposit system from any supplier such as this. Failing that, the containers need to be made of material that can be recycled.

Regarding organic waste we do take all of it to the CoCt’s sites that turn it all into compost which we mostly buy back after processing from Reliance. I love this system, as it was not always this way. I know that in some parts of the world transporting organic garden waste in prohibited, and one is forced to process on site. This may be an option for some but not all. Retail centre, office parks and highdensity Housing estates do not find the concept desirable however.

Composting well is something we should all try to be better informed about. But to do it efficiently, favours a large-scale operation I believe.

Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

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AGENDA

8.

LOUISE NURRISH

7.

Horticulturist & Estimator @ Heimo Schulzer Gardens Dealing with site waste is important however trying to minimise the production of waste in the first place is the key factor. Thoroughly planning of all stages of implementation can maximise the use of existing materials on site and minimise import of materials. For example, where excavations are taking place request that the builder stockpiles valuable topsoil for later use in the landscape.

On commencement of a project we make a detailed list of materials required. This ensures we do not over-order and create excess waste or unnecessarily transport materials to and from site. It lists for example kilograms of bone meal required and the application rate thereof. Our team on site are quickly able to reference and use the correct amount.

Currently green waste is collected and taken to the municipal dump for composting. Tree pruning’s are chipped on site, to be used as mulch or pathways. Larger branches are cut for fire wood.

A major source of waste is plant containers.

We send our plastic pots to a wholesale grower who re-uses them. We also have a small nursery where we re-use trays & bags. Non-organic waste generated from site is currently an area where we are looking into more creative solutions.

Use top quality materials and excellent workmanship to ensure the job is done to the best possible standard. Choosing materials and plants adapted to the conditions of the site ensures longevity. There are no repeat works or correcting mistakes, all of which leads to unnecessary waste.

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

JOHAN HOSTEN

Director @ Landshapes Landscape Architects

I am a very environmental conservation minded person. Our carbon footprint needs to be lowered drastically and efficient time and materials usage and management is close to my heart. I wish to apply this to all my design projects wherever possible. Here are a few aspects that I wish to touch on.

Topsoil: Topsoil is a very scarce commodity (and basically irreplaceable) and takes nature thousands of years to produce. It is also a very expensive item to purchase for landscaping projects, whereas most providers supply the item illegally where the source site is most often depleted or simply raped. That land soon becomes useless and environmentally unproductive.

The Soil Conservation Act actually prohibits the inappropriate mining of topsoil but the law is ineffectively policed. All life is dependent on topsoil as plants are the basis of a well functioning ecosystem (Good plant growth is totally dependent on quality soil). The protection of topsoil on a site to be developed is of utmost importance.

No topsoil should ever be buried under buildings, structures and paving surfaces.

The suggestion (should be LAW) is to scrape off the existing topsoil and stockpile it in low mounds (no higher than 1m as organic activities need to continue) and reused for landscaping after hard landscaping construction. As 1cubic meter of quality topsoil may cost more than R400.00, can you imagine how much cost the client (and nature) will save! It is generally proposed to allow for at least 100mm of topsoil for plantable areas - for a (small) garden of 1000 square meters this is 100 cubic meters of topsoil @ R400 per square meter = R40,000.00! This almost represents the total budget for many a landowner that wishes to develop a garden this size! Topsoil is not waste and should never leave a site. Once subsoil is properly shaped for a landscape project, the stockpiled topsoil can then be spread for the garden. About a quarter cubic meter per large bagged tree or shrub

(20liter+ bag size) should also be allocated for planting holes to the total quantity of topsoil required for a project. (this applies where planting holes are also prepared as per desired quality (SALI) standard.

Please also take heed that importing or exporting subsoil is also a waste. Good design should attempt to balance required cut and fill needs. From a design point of view, it is essential to cover all surfaces (NO open exposed soil anywhere) to limit erosion and soil spill after establishment. Erosion control plants on slopes need to have the correct characteristics to bind the soil) - that is after the land is properly shaped to guide surface water effectively through a site most emanate from buildings, paving and from the adjacent land. It is sad to note that most planned development projects do not achieve any of these soil conservation goals.

Water: Water is also a very sensitive and scarce natural commodity anywhere in the dryer areas. Practically the whole of South Africa is classified as “dry”. (Capetonians will certainly agree). Water is not really referred to as “green waste”, but certainly worth serious consideration on any site during and after construction - all plants are totally dependent on water, and wise design will allow for correct dosages for all plants. My grudge comes to wasteful managing of water on construction sites. Water taps are to be controlled and managed - and why not enforce a simple catchment / attenuation pond on every site to recycle any water, including storm water runoff?

All surfaces should be protected against any erosion at all times - apply drainage structures and surface protectors, even on a small scale where possible. This water management item need to be addressed by all project site managers. Only use the amount required and then preferably re-use again or discharge safely into the natural drainage systems. Landscape maintenance people also need to control ineffective and wasteful irrigation systems (A good effective system needs to be properly designed by professionals beforehand anyway). Water should thus also not be considered as waste!

www.prolandscaper.co.za

AGENDA

" ARGUABLY THE FIRST STEP

TO REDUCE WASTE DURING CONSTRUCTION IS TO CLEARLY IDENTIFY FROM THE ONSET OF THE PROJECT WHAT WASTE IS LIKELY TO BE GENERATED ONSITE. RECOGNISING THESE SOURCES WILL ALLOW FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THESE WASTE MATERIALS INTO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING.

9.

10.

"

BRUCE JAMES

Site Manager @ AtlanticScapes At the Somerset Lakes we produce a large amount of green waste on a daily basis. The waste is a result of weeding, pruning, cutting back, and die-off, which is especially prevalent during the drought in unirrigated areas. To deal with this quantity of waste we employ the windrow composting method.

All of our waste is transported to our composting area.

Here the compost material is separated into soft herbaceous material and woody material, which needs to be chipped. Ideally, we start our windrows with a base of chipped material and then gradually layer the windrows with herbaceous waste and more chipped material. Once the windrows reach approximately 1,5 meters in height and about 20m long we then cap them with grass clippings. The grass clippings are good at retaining moisture in the pile. When possible, we lightly water our windrows to keep the compost material relatively moist. This speeds up the composting process, without watering the process is much slower and has in the past posed as a fire risk.

Every other month the windrows are mixed with a bobcat or TLB. Mixing helps to further breakdown the plant waste thus further speeding up the process as well as getting some air into the compost which prevents the compost from smelling bad.

The compost we produce is generally used as mulch in established flower beds on our estate. The mulch suppresses weed growth, helps to retain moisture and is aesthetically appealing.

We believe that the production and use of our own mulch is vital for the ongoing health of our landscapes, as well as recycling all the plant waste generated on such a large landscape site.

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COBUS SCHEEPERS

Director @ Mohlolo Landscape Architects Site Waste Management typically organizes workstreams to limit storage and prioritizes transport to landfill as soon as possible.

I have had the opportunity to explore alternative options for both organic and inert construction waste, with the emphasis on what can be done with waste in landscaping. We explored several options and they proved viable due to the large scale of the project. The re-use of waste was raised at project inception, to ensure waste management processes provide for this rather than having to adapt them when landscaping starts.

The obvious route for organic waste is compost. For this to be practical, the project size and duration must generate sufficient quantities to justify the use of a chipper and shredder on site.

The compost can be used on site on an on-going basis during installation and maintenance. If this is not practical, it may be viable to use the organic waste to compost off-site for use elsewhere or in the future.

In dry climates, we use inert or hard elements (aggregates, rocks, pebbles etc.) in the landscape as alternatives to plant material to provide visual interest, colour- and texture variation, but save water. On typical construction projects, 10% of materials are wasted, often closer to 20%. Waste can be used as-is or can be processed by tumbling or crushing to provide hard landscaping materials, since tumbled brick and concrete have a unique visual character, but individual projects determine its practicality and cost-effectiveness.

Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

15

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SITE VISIT

SITE VISIT:

1.

THE MATURE TREE EXPERTS

T

he word expert seems to be used quite loosely these days, with websites proudly boasting their many accolades and “Expert” companies popping up across the professional scene, all claiming to be leaders in their specific field. It is quite rare that we have the pleasure of meeting a company who genuinely defines the word “Expert.” Trees South Africa is surely one of those rare finds!

Leaving the City for our monthly Site Visits has become an anticipated and somewhat therapeutic trip for us and our journey to Dag Willems 22ha farm in Stellenbosch certainly lived up to our expectations, with a troop of adorable dogs even running alongside the car as we navigated our way through the farm to

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arrive at the offices onsite. Dag and his team are in the process of moving their mature trees from their site on Winery Road and planting roots at their new residence which has a very farm style sleek ambience and incredible views.

Most importantly, this site is graced by some of the most magnificent mature trees we have ever seen.

Meeting with Dag and has incredibly capable team, it soon became clear that Trees SA goes far beyond the call of “Supplier” having grown, planted, rescued and relocated countless trees for three decades. Dag is a professional Ecologist & Arborist and together with his team boasts 11 industry relevant degrees, evident in the way they treat their jobs!

Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

17

SITE VISIT

2.

WRITES UPON THE SKY

“

ARE POEMS “ TREES THAT THE EARTH — KAHLIL GIBRAN

3.

In fact, they are responsible for the planting and installation of 95% of their trees. They also offer “Aftercare” of the trees planted whilst the tree establishes itself-as personal insurance to their clients. Trees SA has even patented a device that allows the checking of moisture levels in the soil where a specific tree is planted, to determine the best course forward.

From expert rigging- ensuring the tree is transported in pristine condition, to root ball preparation- employing internationally recognized techniques to ensure the tree is given the best chance within its Mediterranean climate onsite, you can be assured that your tree is well looked after, even up to 8 years after you purchase it!

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

This is just testament to the passion for trees we were able to bear witness to on the farm.

After meeting the team and watching some incredible drone footage of the farm, we were bubbling with the need to be let loose to explore the various species. There are well over 70 000 trees onsite with approximately 100 different species, so the offerings are large, so large that you can even purchase 4 500 litre trees onsite.

Because the team expertly relocates, rescues and rehabilitates large trees, there are some very unique and inspiring trees on this premises that you certainly will not find elsewhere.

4.

Trees SA’s wholesale nurseries are benchmark nurseries in the production of various large, container-grown, indigenous and exotic trees and these range from 2.5 to 15m in height.

It is all about giving the trees the time they need to mature before they set off to their new homes. Then, just when you would think their job is done, Dag and his team begin their labour of love caring for the large trees they plant.

Experts in the true sense of the word!

Image Captions: 2. A cotton poplar (Populus deltoides var wizlizenii), beautiful in its crookedness. 3. Stand of 2000-litre bag size Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) trees. 4. Dag Willems poses for a picture outside his first ever office. It’s wonderful to see the journey from then to now.

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PROFILED PRODUCT

Profiled Product: Landscape stormwater management with innovative Lafarge concrete

SERIOUS ABOUT WATER? While sustainable water management is a major global issue, at the community level the dramatic escalation in urbanisation has meant that efficient stormwater management is an increasing challenge to reduce the risk of flash flooding and sustain natural water cycles.

In keeping with their market-leading track record for introducing innovative technology concrete to the local market, Pro Landscaper met up with Lafarge South Africa to chat about their product Hydromedia™, a uniquely fast-draining concrete pavement solution.

Hydromedia is our technological breakthrough in permeable concrete. It provides Tell a usrapid solution for stormwater: a little bitdraining about Lafage Hydromedia™ Lafarge’s international parent group to meet ™

and its properties?

the northern hemisphere’s increasing interest

A durable, colourful non-slip surface for playgrounds, parking areas, and in control of flood risk, general surface water Lafarge South Africa’s innovative Hydromedia™ management and conservation of water pathways that is safer forproduct everyone is a significant technological advance

resources. Lafarge adapted Hydromedia™ for in permeable concrete that provides rapid use in South Africa and also identified the stormwater removal from streets,and parking solution for municipalities developers involved product’s potentialin as a versatile and unique surfaces, driveways and walkways. product for the residential and commercial

The cost-effective Hydromedia™ provides the ideal solution for sustainable stormwater management creating colourful, safer play areas for children.

landscaping industry.

The key to the product’s unique properties Strong, yet weighing up was to 70% less than standard concrete, Hydromedia™ a breakthrough in concrete paste In addition, with the strong trend in South to create a no-finesRoof concrete is also the new drainage technology medium for Green water harvesting schemes Africa to designing ‘green’ buildings, that uses minimal paste to coat and bind the lightweight Hydromedia™ (typically 70% of the aggregate particles together. It forms a system weight of a standard concrete) is ideal for roof of highly permeable, interconnected voids that water harvesting. drain freely and quickly. The concrete mix is TM particularly fluid for ease of application, but How does this product fit into a South African durable and resilient after placing and curing context and what are some of the benefits of with good long-term strength. including Hydromedia into projects?

Hydromedia 7

Lafarge identified the potential of Hydromedia as a versatile and unique product for the residential and landscaping industry.

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

What was the purpose for developing this product? And what is its relevance to the landscaping trade industry?

The advanced drainage technology in Hydromedia™ was originally developed by

Hydromedia™ not only outperforms traditional permeable pavements, it also minimises the cost and long-term maintenance for local authorities and developers of stormwater management infrastructure. www.lafarge.co.za www.prolandscaper.co.za 0860 LAFARG (523274)

PROFILED PRODUCT

Important environmental issues associated with residential developments can be addressed as this permeable pavement concrete is instrumental in recharging groundwater, instead of causing stormwater runoff. In this way, Hydromedia™ can form part of a costeffective Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS), allowing more efficient land use by eliminating the need for retention ponds, catchment basins and other stormwater management devices. The product also acts as a filter, mitigating contamination of groundwater by surface pollutants.

Describe for our readers, the best places of application for the product?

While the product has wide-ranging scope for laying quick drying, safer paving for parking areas, driveways, and public walkways, one of the most visible and rewarding applications is for children’s playgrounds. Schools and municipalities are finding that Hydromedia™ provides the ideal solution for creating colourful, safer play areas for children. The rapidly drying surface means that heavy showers are no longer the problem they used to be.

How does this aid in effectively combatting the water crisis South Africa is facing currently?

Typically, urban paving directs water into municipal drains and stormwater is disposed of by eventually channelling it together with accumulated contaminants into rivers. Far

from this out-of-sight, out-of-mind stormwater solution, the uniquely permeable structure of Hydromedia™ allows stormwater to rapidly disappear and is actually giving the water back to nature: it puts water back into the ground instead of losing this precious resource down a municipal drain.

What are the unique selling points of this product and how sustainable is it?

While being uniquely permeable Hydromedia™ ‒ typically able to drain floodwater at 600 l/min/m2 ‒ it is also an example of a high quality Lafarge concrete. With the needs of contractors and specifiers in mind, Hydromedia™ is one of Lafarge’s environmentally-friendly Level C Global GreenTag® certified products.

Bearing the Global GreenTag® ecolabel and Quick Response (QR) code means this LafargeHolcim global brand can be specified with total confidence.

Where might we be able to see some of your new projects popping up around South Africa where the product has been used?

An impressive example of roof water harvesting can be seen on the new Group Five headquarters in Waterfall Business Estate, Midrand.

About Lafarge Lafarge can trace its origins to a small lime works, started in 1833, in southern France

Lightweight Hydromedia™ is ideal for roof water harvesting

and in South Africa to Blue Circle, a company that had been providing innovative products and services to the South African construction industry since 1914. The local company was taken over by Lafarge in 1998 to form Lafarge South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd. In 2015, Lafarge merged with Holcim to form the international LafargeHolcim group, the world leader in building materials. Lafarge South Africa and its associated companies are members of the new group.

What does the road ahead look like for Lafarge?

The South African cement industry is expected to be intensely competitive in the short to medium term. LafargeHolcim will continue to be differentiated by using its global technical strength to introduce innovative products and services that focus on the needs of its customers and contribute to the social and economic development of local communities.

Contact: Natalie Johnson at Lafarge South Africa 011 657 2320 Natalie.Johnson@lafargeholcim.com www.lafargeholcim.com

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

21

Unique Stone & Tile… BECAUSE STONE IS FOREVER

Cladding | Tiles | Mosaic 060 974 6484 | info@uniqueStoneS.co.za | www.uniqueStoneS.co.za

INTERNATIONAL

30 MINUTES WITH

STRATA DESIGN ASSOCIATES

“WE AIM TO DESIGN THOUGHTFUL RESPONSES TO PEOPLE, LANDSCAPES AND NATURE, BASED ON INTEGRITY, EMPATHY AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE AND PLACES”

strata director Richard Willmott discusses the power of technology, the benefits of staying small, and the practice’s landmark rushden lakes project

Can you tell us a little about the history of the company?

Strata Design Associates is a young company, formed in early 2017. This new practice is a distillation of lessons learned after my seven years as joint founding director of another landscape architecture practice, and my contrasting experiences of being a landscape architect within both the private and public sectors.

What is the size of the team?

Small, but we see that as something to celebrate, especially in uncertain times where there’s a need to stay agile and adopt efficient practices.

As a small practice, we don’t have to generate large volumes of work simply to sustain the practice, which gives us the freedom to be relatively selective about the work we undertake, and to focus on quality, not quantity. This approach fosters positive and meaningful relationships with clients. We can also pursue interests and make decisions that aren’t purely driven by commercial considerations.

What are the main values at the company?

We aim to design thoughtful responses to people, landscapes and nature, based on integrity, empathy and respect for people and places. As our Twitter profile @stratadesignuk states, we ‘fly the spatial quality banner’ – that effectively sums up our ethos.

Our aspiration is to be known for consistently

˿

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1 Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

23

INTERVIEW

2

“WE’RE ALWAYS INTERESTED IN EXPLORING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE EFFICIENT OUTCOMES”

3

providing high-quality schemes and spatial designs. We’re interested in projects where the quality of the landscape is valued and where we can have positive and meaningful input, rather than just greenwashing the awkward gaps left by overdevelopment.

including financial, document control and time management software, are invaluable for freeing up time to focus on design and quality.

What’s the next step – is there anything you’re looking to achieve as a company?

We deliberately try to work in a variety of sectors, including retail, education and residential, to avoid the ‘eggs in one basket’ cliché. Although we’re a small company, we work on large, complex schemes that require careful consideration and implementation. For us, it’s important to see projects through to completion, rather than undertake tokenistic planning work.

What makes you stand out? Is there any area of work that you specialise in?

We’re always interested in exploring digital technologies in order to achieve efficient outcomes. When budgets are tight, it’s important to demonstrate your value and seek opportunities which help you achieve that. We concentrate on reducing admin tasks and the resulting tedium as much as possible. Online software services,

Our use of in-house 3D-printed models is proving popular with the clients and architects we’re working with. They are a great way to help us evaluate concepts and spatial quality, test design iterations and quickly identify potential problems.

A physical model print has a tactile quality that clients and investors love, and can communicate height, scale and massing more effectively than a render. We have also found that the models are particularly useful for public consultations and can quickly communicate the potential impact of proposals, allowing a much more focused discussion. Although they are derived from a digital model, with the resulting speed and efficiency of production, the 3D prints offer a convenient method for achieving the explorative and communicative benefits of traditional models.

How has the role of landscape architects changed during your time in the industry?

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

Naturally the role tends to be dictated by the scale of projects, but when I started out 21 years ago,

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INTERVIEW

most projects were very hands-on, with a traditional contract management role. Now, with the general move towards design and build contracts, the control of the finer detailing, material specification and quality calls for increased vigilance.

On many projects, a value engineering exercise is now obligatory; it often results in a greater number of design options and necessitates increased flexibility in specifications. A focus on commercial realism is now essential for successfully navigating the course of projects, and can often pre-empt problems.

Do you do much collaboration work with other companies?

The nature of our work calls for collaboration with a wide range of consultants and we often work as part of large multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with project managers, architects and engineers.

We also collaborate with other small practices and bring in specialists as required on a project-byproject basis.

5

BIM capability is starting to filter through as a requirement for landscape architects, although, often, a fully coordinated BIM model is not actually required. Our usual practice is to comprehensively model schemes in SketchUp in order to test designs, derive visuals, resolve site levels, and create 3D-printed physical models. With minimal effort, these can be adapted for insertion into the architect’s Revit model, and for us this is currently an easier and more efficient way to integrate into the BIM workflow than using workarounds in Revit itself.

Are there any key issues in the industry that you would like to see improved?

The potential for disease transmission from imported trees and plant stock is probably not given the prominence it deserves within the industry.

Could you tell us about some of the projects you have worked on – what are you particularly proud of?

We’re currently working on a broad range of projects, including a large retail scheme, a secondary school, almshouses and a domestic scheme. Our largest scheme on the books is Rushden Lakes, a pioneering £50m shopping and leisure scheme in

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6 Northamptonshire; we’re currently working on Phases 2, 3 and 5. The development is genuinely unique and was shortlisted for a Revo Gold award.

Combining nature with retail, its features include a lake, a boathouse and boardwalk with al fresco waterside dining, a splash pad, a central water feature and a rill. The scheme sets an interesting benchmark for sustainable and experiential retail development, and has a symbiotic relationship with the adjacent nature reserves. The development’s lakeside location offers a unique range of leisure activities and has significantly enhanced public access to and funding of the nature reserves. We put a lot of effort into the detail and design of the spaces, and it is fascinating to walk the site and watch how people use and inhabit them.

Images ©Martin Gardner (martingardner.com)

Are you seeing any trends at the moment, in terms of what clients are asking for?

1 R ichard Willmott, Strata director 2 A lmshouse consultation model 3 R ushden lakes central boulevard rill 4 T he Strata team: Suzy, Richard and Matt 5 R ushden lakes boardwalk 6 R ushden lakes view over paving

STRATA DESIGN ASSOCIATES Strata is a UK-based landscape architecture practice creating usable, engaging and resilient spaces based on empathy for people and places.

W: www.strata-design.co.uk

Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

25

PAVERS

COBBLES

CLADDING

FLAGSTONES

the

CREATIVE STONE compan y

EST. 1998

c re a t i n g b eaut if ul spaces

www.creativestone.co.za HEAD OFFICE SHOWROOM: NO 8 RIDGE ROAD - LASER PARK - HONEYDEW - 011 794 9737 FOURWAYS SHOWROOM: CORNER WITKOPPEN & MARKET STREET - FOURWAYS - 011 462 1815

P R O J E C T

O N E

CLASSIC OPULENCE The notion of this garden, located at one of Johannesburg's most sought after postcodes, was to create an arena of opulence, complementing classical architecture with an Eastern influence. The desired landscape luxury had to be completed to the client's taste and within strict budgetary parameters. With the design concept initiated by Bertha Wium Landscape Development and with a glowing response from the client to the proposed formality, this project is too a glowing example of pristine beauty and classic opulence.

LO CATI ON: Houghton Estate, Johannesburg SIZ E: Main House 1250m2 Communal Area 1620m2 T IME LI NE : Completion - 2013 Ongoing Development 2013 - present Maintenance of manicured garden over an extended period.

PORTFOLIO

Classic Opulence represents a turnkey landscape development, including accountability for every aspect of the space, from landscape design, to contract installation and ongoing landscape maintenance on a large site. Hedge layers and topiary cutting, combined with blooming roses and flowering shrubs, represent formality and uniformity. It is clear that this garden is being maintained to impeccable standards with the high sense of formality being achieved through excellence in topiary cutting.

At the heart of the announcement gardens to the main house are two identical, classically inspired water features with prominent edge detail. These certainly set the scene as guests arrive onto the residential estate. Low hedging and Flower Carpet Roses encircle the water features, with paved walkway circles linked to form the main axis to the front door.

The first water feature upon approach from the entrance road and the communal area is flanked by built up planters to enhance the classical style, planted with hedging, rounded topiary and Flower Carpet Roses. The second water feature, and now approaching the front door, is surrounded by circular walls retaining the outdoor living space levels of the house.

Layered hedges in foliage variance follow the circular surround on the lower and higher level.

Tiled planter boxes with Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) in abundance frame the tiled steps to the front door.

A wide expanse of steps leads from the announcement garden to the swimming pool terrace where the All Seasons Evergreen Lawn terrace is bordered with low hedges and flowering shrubs – extending the formal gardens to this level. Podocarpus henkelii (Yellowwood Tree) form the backdrop on both sides of the terrace length, whereas the northern boundary wall is a flowering display of Camelia sasanqua hedging on stems, floating over lower hedging strips.

Two arched panels in the northern boundary wall form focal elements with pots on podiums, hedge patterns and Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ trees on either side of each pot.

The arched columnar structure to the swimming pool is framed with the backdrop of large Podocarpus henkelii trees in Classic Stone Pots, extending the linear use of the same species in the adjacent garden.

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

SUPPLIERS

Compost & Top soil Earthworm Organic Mediums 087 151 3374 Planting Malanseuns 012 549 2128 Tshala Plant Brokers 071 683 1177 Pots Vasco Stone 084 495 4435 Classic Stone 011 616 7129 Paving & Stepping Stones The Creative Stone Company 011 794 9737 Pool Hippo pools 011 963 0269 Project Architect Architect: Pellerade www.pellerade.com Contractor D-Kon Johan Koekemoer 082 948 2866

The communal garden is a luxurious velvet carpet of all Seasons Evergreen lawn under the majestic Combretum erythrophyllum (River Bushwillow) street trees, edged with hedging along the full length of the high and imposing boundary wall.

Upon entering through the grandeur of the gatehouse, the communal garden reflects hedge layers and Cycad and Cycas rhythm.

Ornate pots upon entering the communal garden at the entrance, continue the landscape vernacular from the outside boundary wall and tie the gardens together quite effortlessly.

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PORTFOLIO

ABOUT BERTHA WIUM LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT

Bertha Wium Landscape Development (Pty) Ltd represents an integrated practice of Landscape Architecture and Landscape Contract Installation offering a high level of Landscape Development, including quality Landscape Maintenance to achieve the design goals of each project. The Company was established in September 2006 and has been involved in the design, management, installation and maintenance of pristine landscape developments in South Africa.

Due to the Company’s attention to detail, projects evolve into aesthetic, functional and sustainable assets for its clients. www.bwlanddev.co.za

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

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PORTFOLIO

P R O J E C T

T W O

VESTRE FJORDPARK AALBORG, DENMARK ADEPT

T

he recently completed Vestre Fjordpark by ADEPT is a recreational learning and experience landscape that generously contributes to the full experience of its unique site by the Limfjord. It is the nuanced balance between the natural landscape, the activities and functions and the park’s many daily users that adds life and local character to the site.

The Limfjord itself, the largest fjord landscape in Denmark, provides the grand potential for Vestre Fjordpark. Here, water, birds, fish, fields, beach and meadows come together to provide the setting for a wide variety of physical activities and outdoor facilities related to both nature and the city.

The park is a 165,000m2 recreation area that supports a range of activities, including swimming, ball games, water sports and parkour. The area also features a multitude of social aspects, such

INTERNATIONAL

1

as playgrounds, cafés and barbecue areas, all surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the fjord.

It provides a gathering place for anyone – from those who wish to take part in adrenaline-pumping sports activities, to those who want to have a quiet coffee and enjoy nature.

The park, which is open 24 hours a day and is free to access, is separated into several key areas, including the beach and the Tang – a large sandy bathing area with a 50m pool and a climbing wall.

The area is open so that the sun can be enjoyed by those using the wooden deck.

There is also the Killen area, characterised by open grassland; this is an open space where people can play ball games or engage in other recreational activities. There is also a child-friendly cycle track built in the area, as well as an asphalt pier that is perfect for running on.

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

Collaborators GHB Landscape Architects, Orbicon Rekommanderet Photographer Rasmus Hjorthoj Coast Studio Project value Appox. 60m kr. (approx. £7m) Size of project 160,000m2 Build time 2015-2017 1 T he building is located between fjord and in-land pools 2 Hybrid of playground and stairs 3 Green roof and stairs connects the roofscape to ground level 4 The pools are a space for all sorts of water related sports 5 The building elements play with space and structure 6 The active roofscape adds an extra layer of life and play to the park 7 All paths lead to the isthmus and the build structure www.prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

3

5

6

7 www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

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Photography ©Rasmus Hjorthoj (www.coastarc.com)

4

PORTFOLIO

9

8 Finally, there is the forest area, which includes twisted staircases and towers with bird cages.

From a distance, it appears as a light forest of oak trees, creating an amazing view.

There are covered tables and benches in the arrival area, and several freestanding tables and benches throughout the development. Here people can enjoy the view from the 15m-high sculptural tower, created by the artist Thomas ‘FOS’ Poulsen.

The vision behind the project was to encourage people to have more contact with the fjord by

establishing better movement between land and sea.

At the same time, the project seeks to strengthen the story of the landscape with a multifunctional building structure that frames the many potential activities on the water. The precise cut between the two water spaces is defined by the isthmus, binding together landscape and built structure – the experiences of fjord, activities and park all become one.

10 8 The building blends into its surroundings 9 From the active roofscape there are views to the fjord beyond 10 Detail from green roof 11 Springboard diving is part of the daily activities

Vestre Fjordpark was completed in collaboration with landscape architect GHB, and was among the Danish Landscape Award 2017’s three finalists.

ADEPT

11

ADEPT is based in Copenhagen and works in the fields of architecture and urbanism, with a specific focus on the human scale in cities and buildings.

W: www.adept.dk

PORTFOLIO LO C AT I O N: Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape S I Z E: 550m2 T I M EL I NE: January 2015 - Oct 2016

T

he client’s brief included making maximum use of space for outdoor use, in the context of the small site plan. An additional objective was that the design was to reflect the architectural style as well as the use of materials in the landscape. Furthermore, the use of a unique sculptural element was also a part of the design criteria.

Outside of the client brief, the environmental authorisation required for the project under NEMA, required compliance for certain conditions relating to the development. These included the use of endemic plant material in the sensitive critical biodiversity area that the site is located in.

Hortcouture were further required to work closely with the project architects and in conjunction with them, to drive a workable and functional solution.

The Project: Hortcouture's appointment later in the project (during the construction phase) meant that little consideration to Landscape elements were provided prior to their appointment. The project required the maximum usage of space for outdoors, and for this space to be implemented as an alternative to the adjacent beach and river.

The environmental sensitivity of the site was a further consideration.

P R O J E C T

T H R E E

WORKING WITH THE

wind

Hortcouture were commissioned during the construction phase, which saw the build of an elegant yet understated family holiday home, making full use of the 180-degree views over the Bushman’s river.

The design is a wonderful example of utilising private space to make places for all weather and occasion use with the wonderful use of mixed materials further emphasising the sense of place on this site.

An important deliberation was also to follow architectural cues of the sleek modern style of the build. The wind in this area is an important factor so it was seen fit to provide a sheltered place away from the prevailing westerly winds.

Planning included additional excavation to the east of the house to create an area that could accommodate a pool, deck, entertainment area and garden on the living level of the house. As there are municipal height restrictions in place, no garaging was permitted, open parking thus being the only provision. A fence design with alternating strips of hardwood timber was installed along the street to accommodate the open parking and the slatted fence was further designed so as to allow for wind to pass through whilst still providing a screen.

As the height difference from the parking area was overwhelming, it was decided to raise the deck and pool to an intermediate level, as well as to employ a rim flow pool for safety reasons.

This resulted in a movable safety fence on the deck section only for pool access. The deck area features an engineered cantilevered pergola with hardwood slats, as well as utility counter. The pergola over the front entrance reflects-back to the deck pergola structure.

PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS Splash Pool Built by Cannon Rocks Home Builders 083 267 5198 Paving SmartStone Cobbles - 011 310 1161 Stepping Pads (Coprox finish) Creative Finishes Irrigation Irrigation contractor: Cacadu Irrigation - 083 376 2254 Planting Contractor: About Nature Scaping 082 372 2697 Plant Suppliers Elands Nursery - 041 955 5995 New Plant Nursery - 044 889 0055 The client's brief for a sculptural element was provided for on the northern side of the site with a very unique kinetic wall that moves with the wind. This kinetic wall surrounds an artistic living wall of alternating sized panels, mirroring the vertical plant panels on the entertainment deck.

The planting along the western side of the house was aimed at rehabilitating the slope of the dune and Milkwood forest and needed to be in line with the environmental authorisation. Endemic planting suitable to the area was thus utilised in the scheme.

Project issues: 1.

The site was small with little space for landscaping/feature work.

2.

Maintain views of the river and mouth.

3.

Maintain environmental conditions as set out in the Environmental Authorisation obtained from The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism of the Eastern Cape(DEDEAT) by CSS.

Etna Farms cc. - 043 732 1321 Lawn Oribi Lawns - 043 737 4244 Lighting Contractor: Unique Lighting Regent Lighting Solutions 011 474 0171 Spazio Lighting - 011 555 5555 Decking, Pergola and Fencing CosiHome - 046 624 1644

4.

Working on a project that was already in the construction phase with little prior consideration to outdoor space.

Structural steel (pergolas and stairs) R&R Aesthetics - 041 484 3845

5.

Wind.

Kinetic wall and light boxes Ken’s metal works

Project solutions:

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1.

Sheltered entertainment area from prevailing winds.

2.

Including a small splash pool which acts as a feature element.

3.

Sun control by means of louvers and pergolas.

4.

Maximising on green space and surfaces including vertical elements/surfaces

5.

Introducing sculptural elements to work with the wind.

6.

Consideration of suitable plant material in this Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA.)

www.prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

ABOUT HORTCOUTURE

Hortcouture have passionately been defining exterior spaces and places for the past 18 years on a variety of projects being residential, commercial, industrial and hospitality. Hortcouture works to provide innovative and aesthetically pleasing environments for people to enjoy, while ensuring that changes to the natural environment are appropriate, sensitive and sustainable. Hortcouture are a small sized consulting company, offering holistic solutions in the disciplines of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning & Consulting for the past 20 years. Undertaking a variety of specialised projects in the residential, commercial institutional and industrial spheres.

This company has competency in all aspects of Landscape Architecture, and Environmental planning and consulting.

They collaborate closely with landscape contractors, as well as other professionals, especially architects, town planners, environmentalists and people working in surveying and engineering sectors.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

37

TEL: +27 871 1595

FAX: +27 872 3136

SALES@JUSTTREES.CO.ZA WWW.JUSTTREES.CO.ZA

P R O J E C T

F O U R

R ET I RE ME N T

Retreat

Faircape Retirement Holding's Tokai Estate, with its unique architectural design, indigenous planting and peaceful boardwalks is set to be one of the most luxurious and rewarding of all retirement villages in the Western Cape, with breath-taking views of Constantiaberg, the Silvermine Reserve and Table Mountain, as well as first class health care, top security, and all the entertainment and cultural enrichment anyone could ask for. TERRA+ Landscape Architects were mandated by the Faircape Group, as part of the professional team to contribute to the realisation of this project.

LOCAT ION : Tokai Estate: Cape Town SIZE: Approx 9 HA

T IM ELIN E: Design: 2014 Construction: Jan 2016 – March 2017 COST: +- 4 million (Softscaping)

PORTFOLIO

TLandscape Architects, along with the he client's brief saw TERRA+

help of the appointed professional team, design and develop this parcel of land situated in Tokai. The plot of land was part of an existing farm and is bounded on the west by existing urban development and to the east a wetland and stream which forms part of the existing Dreyersdal Farm.

The intention was from the outset to develop a high-end retirement village with clubhouse and healthcare facilities. It was critical that the design should provide the end user with a product that would enhance their sense of well being and also provide a development with a strong community and unique identity.

The design was developed through quite an extensive, long process. The consideration of the end-user was always a driving force behind the decision made, bearing in mind that the outcome had to be a development with long lasting quality and beauty. To this end careful consideration was given to the types of materials and their lasting durability and quality. The use of such materials defines the end character of the development. Materials such as natural stone and clay brick were specified to ensure this design intent was met.

These materials also complimented the plant design and overall architectural finishes of the development as a whole.

In addition to the above-mentioned aspects, the environmental issues were strongly emphasized, with storm-water management one of the key elements which influenced the design.

The storm-water management design was an integral aspect of the overall design and to a large extent determined the internal green spaces and layout. In addition to the internal green spaces acting as detention facilities, the road system was utilised as a recharge mechanism for the storm-water on-site with a central storm-water “sock” under the roadway, "Environmental issues were strongly allowing for stormwater emphasized, with storm-water to seep back management one of the key elements into the soil.

A synergy which influenced the design." between the engineers and the design team allowed for these elements to become design opportunities with multi-functional elements incorporated into the layout/design. An example of such an element is the use of dropped “speed” valleys which act as stormwater catch-pits and traffic calming mechanisms at the same time.

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PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS Landscape Contractor Arrow Landscapes Paving Contractor Highland Paving Corobrik Cape Stormberg Pavers 021 888 2300 Decking Contractor Decks4Life Best Deck Composite Decking 083 444 0655 Saplings Timber Trading Timber Irrigation Contractor Cape Irrigation Systems Rainbird 082 440 3479 Large Tree Supplier Trees SA 021 842 0003 Stone Mason Stoneage Construction 021 875 5604 SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) Aurecon 021 526 9400 Architects COA (Craft of Architecture) Main Contractor Murray and Roberts Civil Contractor Martin and East Lighting Province Lighting 021 464 4661 Granite Tiles Sangengalo 021 907 1680 Urban Design Masterplanning Blue Green Planning and Design Imagery Supplied by COA & TERRA +

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Pro Landscaper Africa | March 2018

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PORTFOLIO

These in-turn offered the possibility to incorporate detail in the road surface which created additional traffic calming. All the principles of SUDS, as prescribed by the CoCT, were subscribed to.

TERRA+ was involved from inception with the design of the overall street layout, gentle curving of the street and re-alignment of buildings which also contributes to the general pedestrian safety on the development. The principle of “no pavement� where the street becomes the pedestrian walkway allows for vehicular movement to be secondary to pedestrian movement. Narrow streets and unconventional intersections also contributed to diminishing the dominance of vehicular movement on site. All the design considerations were with people and how people use the space was kept in mind.

The client also stressed the need for a development that would be resource effective.

This implied the use of mostly indigenous plant species and an extensive matrix of planting to increase biodiversity and interest in the development.

ABOUT TERRA +

Due to the size and programme an onsite nursery was established once building construction started. This allowed the landscape contractor to establish plant material and trees to acclimatise to the site conditions. The added advantage of this was that there was minimal plant loss once trees and plants were planted. Due to the increase of planting and diversity there was an increase of wild-life to the development with most notably the appearance of the rare endangered Leopard Toad and the visit of a Cape Eagle Owl. TERRA+ Landscape Architects were involved from inception in the overall framework development, hard-landscaping and soft-landscaping layout and design, as well as contract management.

"It was critical that the design should provide the end user with a product that would enhance their sense of well being and also provide a development with a strong community and unique identity."

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TERRA+ was founded in 2012

by Ankia Bormans, a registered Landscape Architect with over 5 years experience working in other firms in Cape Town before starting her own company.

Ankia Bormans received her MLA from the University of Cape Town, and has since worked full time as a Landscape Architect.

TERRA+ is a Landscape Architectural practice that works independently and in collaboration with other Landscape Architects and various disciplines to ensure that projects are environmentally responsible, resilient and sustainable. This allows for a wide range of projects across a wide range of scales and levels of detail design. Through expertise in the field and collaboration TERRA + offers the ability to deal with projects ranging from Masterplan development, both urban and rural, right down to landscape architectural detail design.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

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VISIT www.trees-sa.co.za to view trees for sale and more CAPE PENINSULA BRANCH: info@trees-sa.co.za 021 842 0003

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info@scanwood.co.za scanwood.co.za 0861 472 461 +27(0)12 803 0036

PORTFOLIO

LOCAT ION : Cape Town, South Africa SIZE: Approx 550m2

P R O J E C T

F I V E

THE LANDMARK Located in the leafy suburb of Higgovale, set below the iconic Table Mountain, this landmark development overlooks the city and harbour of scenic Cape Town.

Forty-seven years after receiving a medal for excellence, House Invermark, as previously coined by industry members, has been awarded a prestigious Commendation from the Cape Institute for Architecture (CIfA), in recognition of noteworthy contributions to architecture.

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PORTFOLIO

D

esigned originally for himself by respected South African architect Gilbert Colyn in 1969, it was inspired by two iconic modernist houses, namely that of Phillip Johnson’s 1949 Glass House and Mies van der Rohe’s 1951 Farnsworth House. The house was then purchased by architect Stefan Antoni, director at SAOTA, in 2013. By this stage it had reached a poor state of disrepair and featured numerous inappropriate alterations and additions totally out of character with the language of the building. Had it not been for Antoni’s intervention, it might have faced demolition as its heritage status as being a fine example of contemporary architecture was not recognised.

SAOTA’s careful and sensitive alterations and additions have returned the threatened building back to its original state, enhanced its overall composition and significantly refined the living experience to bring it up to date with contemporary living.

The Landscaping Brief The brief from the client was to strengthen and work with the magical forest that the house is nestled amidst. There are already two very large yellowood trees and a ficus amongst an assortment of others that have created this forest. More Nuxias were planted as accent trees along the main garden pond to balance the particularly gnarled feature Nuxia tree at the pool.

Questions for SAOTA’s Stefan Antoni: Why did you think it was important to buy this property?

It was a great design on an excellent site with lovely views and well positioned, providing ample garden and entertainment space- so its fundamentals were right. It was highly respected by the Architectural community but had fallen into disorder. Challenging of course as mid-century homes are more complex to work with than traditional homes where components are far more readily available.

What are the most significant changes you made to bring the building up to date?

The street interface was substantially redesigned. The garage was relocated to street level and stairs were placed parallel to the street forming a journey with landing ‘pauses’ along the way to the entrance gate - a black steel sheet puncturing the rough cast off-shutter wall.

The pool was repositioned from the darker mountain side of the house to the sunny street sea view side, providing much needed privacy from the street. This freed the courtyard to become a family garden planted with lawn and a row of Elderflower (Sambucus Nigra) trees.

Internally, superfluous walls were removed to return the house not only closer to its original design, but even beyond to the source of its inspiration - Philip Johnson’s 1949 Glass House. Entrance, living, dining and family areas are now all open-plan with the new two-sided fireplace forming a subtle division of the spaces.

What did Gilbert Colyn say to you about your efforts to restore the building?

I invited Gilbert Colyn and his wife to our (his) home at the end of last year. He was overjoyed!

In the decade that this particular house was built- and particularly in Higgovale itselfbecause of its own micro climate, Japanese style gardening was very popular.

So in reinventing the garden, the clients brief was to have a delicate Japanese flavour to the lush, low maintenance, layering, grouping style of gardening. Hence different grasses were used in mass under planting of areas with focal trees.

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PORTFOLIO

“The restoration and additions to the house, which I designed and had built more than 50 years ago, was indeed, in my view, a very successful operation.

I regard this building, with which I was awarded by the CIOA in 1970 for the best example of architecture in the Cape Province, together with the Conservatory for Music at the University of Stellenbosch as the best projects of my career.

The restoration of the outer concrete corner screen walls and the wooden ceiling to their original finishes was furthermore enhanced by the replanning of the open interior. Likewise, the new off-shutter concrete entrance and the pool deck on the garage roof, blends well with the original concrete, steel and aluminium exterior of the house.

Stefan’s work in not only retaining the original exterior, but also the yellow wood and ficus trees which I planted in 1967 is commendable.” ~Gilbert Colyn

What are the influences that inform your personal design philosophy and how is it reflected in this landmark home?

Great spaces, relationship to the exterior and the views, good indoor / outdoor living, simplicity, a layered experience.

How would you describe the home?

It is a wonderful family home; compact and yet spacious. The relationship between indoor and outdoor living is magical. While there are two main sides of the property - linked by the house set in the centre one moves around the house and garden according to your desires. Whether it be sun, games, living, lounging, fun raucous nights playing guitar and singing around the boma fire (while being challenged by the croaking frogs) or watching the squirrels doing their tightrope dash on the high wire connecting the trees.

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PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS Paving Boss Paving Architects & Interior Architects: SAOTA and Gilbert Colyn (1969) Project Architects: Stefan Antoni and Leah Johnson Quantity Surveyor: SBDS Consulting Engineers: Moroff & Kühne Main Contractor: Mansvelt Construction Interior Design: ARRCC and Home Owner Interior Décor: OKHA Artwork: Tanya Bonello, Marti Kossatz, Michaela Rinaldi and Anton Smit Landscaping: Nicholas Whitehorn

Lighting Martin Doller Designs Spazio Lighting 011 555 5555 Regent Lighting Solutions 021 552 7622 Project Photographer: Adam Letch and Stefan Antoni

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Pro Landscaper Africa / May 2016

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WE UNDERSTAND THE BUDDING NEED TO INFORM AND SUPPORT OUR GREEN INDUSTRY. PLACING EMPHASIS ON EXPANDING PLANT PALETTES, HIGHLIGHTING SOFTSCAPING PORTFOLIOS AS WELL AS CELEBRATING THE OPINIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY, NURTURE IS A SECTION WITHIN OUR MAGAZINE THAT AIMS TO GROW OUR INDUSTRY’S SOFTSCAPING PRACTISES. It is crucial as Landscape Architects, Designers & Contractors, to design spaces that show high resilience to changes in the rainfall & climate. Pro Landscaper has approached some of South Africa’s leading growers in this Nurture section, to present plants and varieties to industry members that they feel need to be included in our plant repertoire.

We focus on Drought Tolerant Plants in this edition.

CRASSULA CRASSULA CAMPFIRE One of our favourite choices for water stressed gardens is the Crassula Campfire.

A branching ground cover that grows up to 15cm in height with a spread of up to 90cm, means this plant is ideal for full sun and semi shade.

A great coastal plant!

The red colouring of the leaves is intensified by full sun and the cold nights of winter. Planted in well-drained soil, this plant needs little attention and can be used for many applications.

Crassula campfire is suitable for borders, embankments, rock gardens and pots. Easily propagated from cuttings, this plant brings a burst of colour all year round, topped off with clusters of white flowers in summer. sales@shadowlands.co.za

Shadowlands Wholsale Nursery

CRASSULA OVATA Crassula ovata “Red Edge’ is an excellent container plant and is proudly South African. It makes a true water wise garden specimen with its green oval shaped leaves and distinct red edge. These leaves are able to store water for drought periods making these shrubs extremely hardy.

Crassula ovata ‘Red edge’ enjoy a full sun position. They are wind and sea salt spray hardy making them good coastal gardening specimens. They make for perfect autumn flowering colour in a garden as light pink, highly scented flowers appear from May to June. They can reach a height of 1,5M when planted in the garden but also do well in any size pot where their height will be restricted.

Elands

In the Far East, Germany and the USA this plant is known as the ‘Money plant’ or ‘Dollar tree’. They are traditionally grown in square; lion footed pots and handed to business associates and friends to bring financial good luck. www.elands.co.za Random Harvest Nursery

TERMINALIA PHANEROPHLEBIA Lebombo Clusterleaf (E); Lebombotrosblaar (A); amangweampofu (Z) A gorgeous, deciduous, small to medium sized, upright tree that is frost hardy and fast growing. It has a rough, blackish, ridged bark. The interesting branching patterns give it a pagoda-like shape. Added features are the shiny purplish branchlets. The leaves are attractively clustered in a spiral at the tips of the branchlets making them look like green flowers.

These clusters of leaves are what gives this tree its common name. They have a soft, velvety feel to them and are an unusual olive-green colour.

In spring they are almost bronze. The upright candle-like spikes of clear white flowers rise in clusters above the spirals of leaves from October to February. The two-winged fruits are attractive and turn a pale, brownishpink when they dry and hang, once again, in clusters on the tree from January to June. This tree looks mystical in the dusk especially in winter, when the leaves become a dark Khaki-green colour. A decorative tree that is suitable for planting as a single specimen, in groups to create a forest, as an avenue or street planting. Plant in sun or semi-shade.

Size: 3 to 6m. Distribution: Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal. Natural Habitat: Bushveld, often on rocky hillsides, or along rocky watercourses. www.randomharvest.co.za

PELARGONIUM CAPITATUM ROSE GERANIUM

Nonke Plants

Pelargoniums are the most wonderful, rewarding plant, add to this that they are very drought and wind tolerant, and it is a match made in heaven in our current water situation. There are a number of varieties and they can always be relied upon to give us a lovely show of colour. Once established they require very little watering. They prefer lovely sunny spots in which to grow and are just as happy in a pot as they are planted directly in the garden. They bloom from Spring to Summer, they can also be grown in TerraForce.

We have the following indigenous Pelargonium, “Pelargonium Capitatum”, otherwise known as the Rose Geranium. This sprawling small shrub can grow up to 1M in height and it has the loveliest pink flowers. These Pelargoniums can be found in the Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape. www.nonkeplants.com

Just Trees

Images: Alice Notten

DROUGHT BRINGS OUT THE STRENGTHS OF CERTAIN TREES Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild plum), Olea europea sub Africana (Wild olive) and Celtis africana (White stinkwood).

The current drought conditions and water restrictions are certainly putting landscapes under pressure. It is in these difficult times, that certain trees and plants get exposed.

As far as trees go, the likes of Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild plum), Olea europea sub Africana (Wild olive) and Celtis africana (White stinkwood), are certainly showing their mettle. In our nursery, where water usage has been reduced by over 50%, these three species actually appear to be relishing in the new environment. Driving around the Western Cape, it is also apparent that these trees are coping superbly in the drier climate. Not only are they coping, but they continue to perform the function for which they were planted, be it the Harpephyllum proving dense shade, the Celtis beautifying and breaking the façade of a building or the Olive tree providing food and habitat for birds in a garden. www.justtrees.co.za

ECHEVERIA PEACKOCKII PEACOCK ECHEVERIA The Echeveria sp. originates from South America. The genus is renowned for its durability in arid desert regions. In South Africa there are a wide variety of species available to choose from.

The Echeveria peackockii is an unusual, attractive evergreen carpet growing succulent having silver-blue leaves. The plant forms beautiful rosettes that range from 10 cm – 15 cm. The plant produces flower stalks that are 8 - 10 cm tall and has orange to red flowers during the summer period.

The plant is well suited for areas that are in direct sunlight, and does best in free draining soil conditions. The plant has a shallow root system which indicates that it does not require to dig deep for water, this ability lends it to being one of the favourites to use in water wise gardening solutions.

Use the plant in group designs to achieve the best effect. The plants can be grown in pots and is also ideal for rock gardens or rockeries. The Peacock Echeveria can be a quite useful and striking planting in any garden design. www.Samgro.co.za

Samgro

TREECO’S BIG 6

TreeCo

TreeCo’s favourite trees for these dry times is this list of 6. Erythrina caffra, Ficus natalensis, Harpephyllum caffrum, Olea africana, Syzygium cordatum, Syzygium guineense. If you look at this list you will soon notice that not many of these are really suited to small and medium sized landscapes, due to either size when fully grown, or their aggressive root systems.

So that really only leaves the Syzygium guineense aka Waterpear. We love this tree as after the settling in period (first summer of being watered) they should be able to be self-sufficient, with minimal need for watering. Clients have also had huge success with the Waterpear in challenging areas like Sunningdale, Bloubergstrand and Campsbay.

So, wind, whilst challenging, is also not too much of a hinderance. In urban environments they make great screens when planted as a hedge as well as a sound barrier. They react very well to pruning so you can shape the tree to create a lovely form or create a nice shade tree, which comes naturally due to the thick foliage. As they are not known for an aggressive root system they can be used in smaller gardens, where their whitish bark adds something different. Birds and insects are also naturally drawn to the flowers of the Waterpear. www.treeco.co.za

Arnelia

THE BOUGAINVILLEA VARIETY Bougainvillea will provide your project with an explosion of colour throughout the year. They come in all shapes and sizes and in an array of colours – Sunny Yellows, Fiery Reds, Cheeky Pinks and Foxy Oranges.

Bougainvillea’s are drought hardy/Water Wise once established.

Bougainvillea thrive in a warm sunny spot or a shady area with full sun for some part of the day when planted in a pot. Soil needs to be well draining.

A rich, loamy soil is ideal. Bougainvillea prefers infrequent, deep watering.

Be sure to minimise root disturbance to see this plant thrive.

Mulch will help to: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Rijnstar ® White

Retain soil moisture, Reduce weeds, Reduce soil temperature, Keep the root zone moist until well established.

Taller growing Bougainvillea’s need strong support and need to be trained and tied. They can be trained on a trellis, on a fence or across a structure.

Lower growing varieties are suited to be hedges, also an excellent bonsai plant.

In Containers: 1.

2.

3.

4.

VeraTM Purple.

Choose a suitable container that is large enough for your Bougainvillea Bougainvillea do not need to be replanted often as the roots are not sensitive to being pot bound Make sure it has enough drainage holes Remember a container will need water more often – so check moisture.

Varieties suitable for container growing: Vera® Purple, Vera® White (Depending on the size of the container – Flame, Ruby, Rijnstar® White/ Lila/Pink) www.arnelia.co.za

BEST QUALITY. AMAZING SERVICE. TOP DEALS. EVERY TIME! Cordless for professionals from Stihl Portable.

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Pretoria

EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT THE POWERFUL STIHL SH 86-D PETROL SHREDDERBLOWER

Designed for professional users, the STIHL SH 86-D professional vacuum shredder-blower has increased vacuum power to efficiently pick up fallen leaves and clippings, with an impressive shredding performance that makes it ideal for clearing larger areas. A special shredder blade on the fan wheel reduces organic waste to 10% of its original volume, with shredded matter collected in a zippered bag for quick disposal. With standard accessories, this machine easily converts into a handheld blower for versatility and maximum convenience.

Powered by a fuel efficient 2-MIX engine, the SH 86-D is simple to operate and starts easily thanks to the STIHL ElastoStart system. Developed for users working for extended periods, the SH 86-D is lightweight at 5.6kg, and its anti-vibration system and low emission engine make it very operatorfriendly. Its low noise performance makes it ideal for noise-sensitive urban areas.

Not only is it cost effective to run, the highly effective HD2 filter keeps out fine particles for longer filter service life and reduced downtime.

Other features include an infinitely variable speed control, soft grip handles and a tube nozzle to get to hard-to-reach areas. Keeping large areas free of garden waste has never been so easy or convenient. www.stihl.co.za

THE ECHO BEAR CAT SC3265 CHIPPER/SHREDDER Available at Multi Power Imports ECHO Bear Cat proudly manufactures a vast selection of outdoor power equipment that can handle a variety of wood material and take care of leaf and grass debris with ease.

Whether you are a commercial landscaper, or a turf maintenance company on a bigger scale, ECHO Bear Cat machines will be able to fit your exact needs and get the job done. Many municipalities, park and recreation boards and city regulations ban burning yard waste. By utilizing an ECHO Bear Cat machine like the SC3265, biodegradable material is produced and used for mulch and compost, adding vital nutrients and minerals. The SC3265 chipper/shredder is powered by a 265cc Subaru EX engine.

The 27 lb. rotor operates at 3800 rpm at full throttle. Two reversible chipping blades and twelve reversible shredding knives provide the most efficient method of turning tree, yard and garden debris into nutrient rich, user ready product. www.multipowerimports.co.za

HUSQVARNA: WORLD LEADER IN ROBOTIC MOWING SINCE 1995 More than 20 years of research, innovation and lush, green lawns have made Husqvarna Automower® the world leader in robotic mowing. Husqvarna have sold more than a million around the world and their latest generation of robots are the most modern on the market.

Designed for functionality and durability, they work quietly, efficiently and autonomously to give you a better finish than any other mower.

Day and night, whatever the weather, Automower® gets on with the job, leaving you to focus on more important and fun tasks and enjoy a beautiful, perfectly cut lawn.

The basic premise behind Husqvarna’s robotic mower technology is to cut a little and often, which results in a healthier lawn. Boundary and guide wires are laid to define the area within which you want your Automower® to work. The mower is equipped with razorsharp blades that cut each blade of glass, resulting in a lush, green lawn that cannot be achieved by conventional mowing. When it’s time to recharge, your Automower® simply finds its way back to its docking station and charges itself until it’s ready to start mowing again. For next level lawn maintenance, visit www.husqvarna.co.za

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