Pro Landscaper August 2020 SALI Awards Issue

A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 - S A L I AWA R D S O F E X C E L L E N C E

TA K E YO U R P L AC E

SALI SHIELD OF EXCELLENCE WINNER 2020

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LEADER

Welcome to the August Issue of Pro Landscaper Africa

W

e are thrilled to be publishing the South African Landscapers Institute Awards of Excellence for 2020 between our pages this month.

Covid-19 has taught us many things as industry professionals, some of which include being resourceful, being problem solvers- reinventing practices and finding new ways of connecting to colleagues and clients. In many ways this has enabled us to do new and exciting things which is why when group gatherings were cancelled due to Covid-19, we were thrilled to hear of the Awards of Excellence being taken to an online platform, where even more professionals could tune in from across South Africa to celebrate and applaud the successes of the contracting industry. This is no doubt a channel that will be explored post covid for many events.

Proud suppliers of paving to V&A Waterfront

We congratulate the SAGIC, SANA and SALI organisers on a brilliant virtual event, and we look forward to many more collaborations in the future. To all of the winners, Well Done!

We won’t keep you much longer‌

The Awards await.

Published by

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Proud Landscape Contractor of Bosjes Chapel 021 447 1369 | info@interplant.co.za | www.interplant.co.za Landscape Construction | Landscape Design | Irrigation | Maintenance

CONTENTS

64

34

10

10

Interview with Bertha Wium of Bertha Wium Landscape Development

12

Introduction to the 2020 SALI Awards of Excellence

14

Meet the Judges and the Executive Committee

16

Awards Forewords from SALI National Judge Johan van Rooyen, SAGIC Chairlady Annemarie van der Westhuizen and SALI Chairlady Norah De Wet

20

SALI Awards list Merit, Bronze, Silver Gold and Double Gold award winners

Pro Landscapes July 2020.pdf

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2020/07/06

2:52 PM

70

56

34

Trophy Award Winners & Shield of Excellence Winner

62

SALI National Judge and SALI Chairlady Discretionary Awards

64

Pro Landscaper’s Picks

NURTURE 68

The Defynne Guidebook to the upcoming season

by Jacky Goliath

70

The Composting Process by Red Tractor Compost

Q: Where was Bertha Wium Landscape

Development (BWLD) born from? And what has spurred your decision to start your own firm?

A: My entry into the landscaping market was

born from a passion for the creative part of landscaping – incorporating my love for plants to develop the design by utilising plant species and growth form to reach the envisioned design.

My passion for plants started from a young age, leading me to select botany as my main focus during my degree.

The inspiration to start my own firm was spurred on by meeting the perfect partner, with this partnership remaining in place during the establishment and growth phase of her earlier company.

BWLD was established in September 2006 based on my vast personal experience in the landscape industry. My experience was the outflow from my previous company – founded in 1983 and sold in the mid-2000s. My experience of 37 years is based on developing and management of an integrated practice of landscape architecture and contract installation for turnkey landscape projects, in both my original company as well as in BWLD.

Q: What are Bertha Wium Landscape Development’s core values?

A: We pride ourselves on integrity, attention to detail, innovative design, high-quality design and installation, and exceeding our clients' expectations.

Q: As Bertha Wium Landscape Development is a turnkey service, when do you get involved in a project?

A: To deliver the best final product, we prefer

to be involved from project concept phase throughout the relevant input and execution phases on both consultancy and contracting level.

Q: What types of professionals make up your team? And how big is your firm?

AN INTERVIEW WITH

Bertha Wium

In light of Woman’s Month, we thought we would catch up with some of the green industry’s inspiring women making waves within the community.

A: We have a diverse set of professionals

involved at BWLD, starting with myself as a botanist and the company principle. We then have professional landscape architects, qualified horticulturalists, site managers, specialist labour crews and of course, the behind the scenes administrators and accountants. Turnkey projects necessitate a close collaboration of landscape architecture and horticultural management, with high quality installation and maintenance achieved with specialist labour - the above professionals being absolutely essential to our success.

INTERVIEW

Woodlands Boulevard

Mall of the North

Q: Do you prefer working on residential, retail,

A3 Architects, Lood Studio, GLH Architects, VDO Architects and Peter Cohen Architecture.

A: All types of projects are rewarding and

We have also had the honour of working with developers such as: Hyprop Investments Limited; Growthpoint Properties Limited; Flanagan & Gerard – property development and investments; Abland; and Redefine Properties. Some of our landscape architect associates include: Cornelia King; Bapela Cave Klapwijk; and Red Landscape Architects. Working with design coordinator and interior designer, Stephen Falke, is worth mentioning.

or commercial developments? And why?

challenging in their own way, presenting project specific inspiration. The goal is to make each project unique. Commercial and retail design is centered around the architectural design, blending the aesthetic impact with the required functionality.

Residential development design is based on characteristics and preferences of the individual or the collective, the garden reflecting the owner’s personal identity.

Q: Which projects have been highlights for you?

A: Mall of the North – flagship retail; Stan Road

– high-rise opulence; Woodlands Boulevard Play Area – food court excellence and regeneration; The Capital Hotel Group – market-leading splendour; and Park Lane West – corporate urban landmark. These projects represent some of our most inspired work.

Q: Who are some of the key architects and developers you have worked with?

A: We have worked with key architects such

as: MDS Architecture, Boogertman + Partners,

Q: How has COVID-19 affected the Bertha

Wium Landscape Development team? And how do you see yourselves bouncing back?

A: “We test negative and we stay positive”.

Q: As Bertha Wium Landscape Development

turns 15 next year, what can we expect to see from you in the near future?

A: We aim to remain a leading turnkey landscape firm committed to offering quality work and design flair to all our valued clients. Exploration into custom and unique children’s play areas forming the heartbeat of existing and new developments is definitely something on our agenda, as well as the incorporation of green initiatives to upgrade existing unutilised spaces,

like rooftops, to become integral parts of a green urban fabric.

Q: As we enter Women's Month, it is rather

fitting as you are a woman in business – what are some highlights of your professional career?

And what is some advice you can share with younger women in the industry?

A: Some of the main highlights during my

professional career include the breakthrough into the bigger commercial market during the early 90s, with the design of office park formal gardens in Johannesburg. Formal gardens, to this day, still inspires me. The opportunity to be a front runner in retail gardens, with many memorable flagship retail garden designs throughout the country. The first retail work was initiated in the late 90s and has continued through BWLD into the future.

The completion of every high-quality design and installation project developed to exact display is a continuous inspiration to me.

Advice for women in the industry – follow your heart, work with your passion, add perseverance, and you will be successful in your professional career.

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T H E S A L I AWA R D S O F E XC E L L E N C E

JOANNE HILLIAR

JONATHAN FOLEY

Landscape designer at Joanne Hilliar Landscape Design

Head of Horticulture at Durban University of Technology

CAPE

Judges

KZN

MEET THE SALI 2020 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

ANTOINETTE DE BEER

HILDA STANFLIET

ROBYN SPOLANDER

Landscape architect and Cape Peninsula University of Technology lecturer

Horticulturist at Master Organics

Landscape architect at Aspect and University of Cape Town lecturer

GAUTENG

Landscape architect and director of ARLA

DIRK SMIT

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ANDREW HANKEY

CAROL KNOLL

CHRISTA OTTO

HENK BUITENDACH

Horticulturist for SANBI

Landscape photographer

Landscape Architect and Director at COTTONTREE

Golf course superintendent

DR. IDA BREED

KAREN BOTES

KAREN MARAIS

KARYN RICHARDS

Landscape architecture lecturer at the University of Pretoria

Landscape architecture lecturer at University of Pretoria

LEON SCHOLTZ

PAUL ODENDAAL

Horticulturist and owner at Bristle Cone Nursery

Landscape designer at Paul Odendaal Design

prolandscaper.co.za

Landscape architect and director at Ochre Office

Editor

ROY TRENDLER

SBU DLADLA

Author and Owner at Wild Ways

Landscape design lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology

MEET THE SALI 2020

GAUTENG

Executive Committees MIKKI ROXMOUTH (CHAIR)

DEZ PIMENTA

MIA MARSAY

MELANIE BELCHER-VOSGES

RYAN HILL

SBU DLADLA

KZN

MUSA NDLOVU

GUGULETHU MSEZANE

SIHLE SITHELA

CHRIS MARAIS

RUDI JONCK

RYAN PEMBROKE

JONATHAN FOLEY

WARREN HORSLEY

ALISTAIR MCWADE

SYBRAND EKSTEEN

MUSA GOBA

GAFLEY CARELSE (CHAIR)

DOMINIQUE LAMOUR

HILDA STANFLIET

LAUREL CADLE-BARBER

NORAH DE WET (NATIONAL CHAIR)

ROGER CODRAI

CAPE

MARCUS GOVENDER (CHAIR)

prolandscaper.co.za

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LET’S HEAR IT FROM

Johan van Rooyen, National judge of the SALI Awards of Excellence 2020

A

s we find ourselves at yet another end of the SALI Awards of Excellence cycle, we can look forward to recognising the outstanding work done by the industry.

lockdown be withdrawn from the Awards.

While the regional judges were able to visit all the sites, I had to digitally evaluate 80 of the projects during the national lockdown.

I personally would like to thank the SALI executive for putting their faith in me and appointing me as the national judge – A task that I regard with much personal honour and hope to have performed to the best of my ability.

A huge thank you goes out to all the regional judges for the time spent making my job a lot easier, as well as the SALI administrators around the country for compiling the paperwork and making sure that the process runs smoothly.

As national coordinating judge, it is my duty to ensure unbiased, uniform adjudication based on the Rules and Regulations of the Awards of Excellence.

2020 saw a slight decrease in the total number of projects entered from last year, down from 145 to 117 projects entered.

This year, COVID-19 and the government lockdown regulations severely disrupted our planned judging schedule and related activities that would have ordinarily have taken place. The SALI National Committee and I arbitrated that all ‘out of town’ sites not judged prior to

16

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During this year’s judging, I was truly amazed at the diverse range of disciplines that are required from a SALI contractor. The amount of specialised hard landscaping – that fringes on civil engineering work – that is increasingly required to stay competitive, needs to be recognised and applauded. It is important that the industry acknowledges this and continues to develop themselves by embracing new operational practices and embraces ecologically sound practices that will keep them one step ahead in an ever-changing industry.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this process – an honour I take to heart by trying to help improve the standing and standards of this very special industry.

Congratulations to all the award recipients.

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

Annemarie van der Westhuizen, SAGIC chairlady

L

ife changes all the time, but none of us attending the 2019 convention could have anticipated the changes that we’ll have to navigate around this year. Every single person in the green industry’s life was permanently turned upside down on 26 March 2020, when president Cyril Ramaphosa announced the first stage of the COVID-19 lockdown. Like everybody else, I also heard about the pandemic being on the verge of hitting South Africa, but I didn’t comprehend the effect it was going to have on our everyday lives.

In a short space of time, everything grinded to a halt and activities we normally see as everyday necessities were suddenly prohibited.

The impact of this prohibition probably only hit us at the second phase when lockdown was extended, and then extended again, and then only slowly being phased out with the different lockdown levels. At that stage, it became apparent that the green industry would have to start fighting for the opportunity to start with at least some activities. I can ensure you that SAGIC, together with SALI, used every opening possible to get the “powers that be” to hear us and allow our members to work again. Although this only happened at Level 3 with certain restrictions, it at least allowed companies to start working again, and most of the landscape sites that have been cared for so meticulously before – which then had to be left to nature – could now be maintained again and we could return to some form of economical normality.

One of the things that always strikes me at the SALI awards ceremonies, is the pride that every company and contractor presents their sites with. One can see that no stone is left unturned to make every site perfect. It is this pride that will keep the industry alive, no matter what obstacles are placed before us. Getting recognition for the hard work to establish and maintain these sites is necessary to show that the hard work is not in vain.

Although this year will not be the same as the years before, we all have to adapt to the new “status quo” and make the best of what life presents us with. I sincerely hope that the industry will be able to regain momentum as time goes by, and although it might not be the same as always, be able to go from strength to strength.

Congratulations to all the award recipients, and I hope we’ll be able to see each other again at future SAGIC Conventions.

prolandscaper.co.za

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SHARE THE WONDER “We who are alive and understand what is happening are called to restore the earth’s natural systems.”

John D. Liu

LET’S HEAR IT FROM

Norah De Wet

National Chairlady for SALI

T

he South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) recently celebrated their Awards of Excellence culminating in the Green Industry Awards held on the 5th of August, where the SALI Trophy winners and the National Shield winner was announced.

For the past 36 years, the Awards of Excellence held annually at the SAGIC Convention, SALI has recognized members work throughout South Africa. Together with other green industry associates, quickly restructured the event to an online platform. Norah de Wet, the SALI National Chairlady, said: “Taking our National AGM and Awards of Excellence to an online platform made it possible for members across South Africa to join us in celebrating their successes and be a part of this exciting event.”

“We are incredibly pleased to announce the revised SALI Landscape Standards (Construction) document launched at the National AGM. This document has been compiled through the input of various individuals and companies in the landscaping industry to ensure the standards applied to quality landscaping. We have revised the standards to reflect methods of landscaping that address environmental concerns by including sustainability principles for developing resilient landscapes and minimizing damage to the natural environment.

Tel: +27 871 1595 | Fax: +27 872 3136 sales@justtrees.co.za | www.justtrees.co.za

SA L I AWA R D S

SPECIALISED LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION TREES SOUTH AFRICA

TSWELLAPELE PLANTS T/A PLANTWISE

Project: The Grand Parade Region: Cape

Project: Future Africa: Phase 2 – Additional Parking Region: Gauteng

VULA ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES (PTY) LTD

TSWELLAPELE PLANTS T/A PLANTWISE

Project: Houtbay Dune Rehabilitation

Project: Parkdene Ext. 6

Region: Cape

Region: Gauteng

LANDSCAPE AND TURF MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING AFRICA Project: Rondebosch Oval Lifestyle Estate Region: Cape

BIDVEST SERVICES (PTY) LTD T/A, BIDVEST TOP TURF Project: LDM Group Region: KZN

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION Project: La Vie Nouvelle Retirement Estate and Wellness Centre

BIZA IAFRICA CONSULTANTS Project: Dube Tradeport Region: KZN

ROTHE PLANTSCAPERS (PTY) LTD Project: African Leadership Academy Region: Gauteng

TURFTECH Project: Aston Manor Prep Region: Gauteng

Region: Gauteng

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LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST

Project: Hilti Africa

Project: Le Domaine Estate

Region: Gauteng

Region: KZN

prolandscaper.co.za

ANTOINETTE DE BEER “Robyn Spolander and I reviewed the projects in Cape Town North. Being landscape architects, we had to constantly check that our decisions were not influenced by the project’s landscape design but was based on the work done by the landscape contractor – something that does not come about naturally to us! Three things were clear from all projects: Soil preparation is key. Every project that did well included excellent soil preparation – i.e. amount of compost, depth to which it was worked into the soil, and a generous layer of mulch. This was evident from the soil profile as well as the success of plant maturation.

Water conservation is a necessity, not optional. Specifically in the Western Cape, one can and should not use potable water for landscape irrigation purposes anymore. It is simply too valuable since the 2016-2018 drought. It was interesting to see how each project took on the problem- from using stormwater to using no water at all.

Plant knowledge makes a difference, although this is not always left up to the landscape contractor’s discretion.

Using site appropriate plants makes a big difference in terms of the amount of water and maintenance required, as well as the maturation success of the plant.

Lastly, for a project to succeed, all the role players need to work together – from the client, to the designer, to the contractor, to the maintenance personnel on the project. That is what makes it so difficult to submit an award-winning project: you need a great team.“

prolandscaper.co.za

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SA L I AWA R D S

LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST

Project: Wilgers Hospital

Project: The Cobbles Estate at Eye of Africa

Region: Gauteng

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: Tokai Estate Region: Cape

BIDVEST SERVICES (PTY)LTD T/A, BIDVEST TOP TURF Project: Bidvest Waltons KZN Region: KZN

Region: Gauteng

BIDVEST SERVICES (PTY) LTD T/A, BIDVEST TOP TURF Project: Remgro Limited Region: Cape

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: The Cellars Hohenhort Hotel Region: Cape

LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP

GVH LANDSCAPES

Project: Janic House

Region: Cape

Project: House Harris

Region: Gauteng

LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP Project: Clear Choice Builders – Rietvlei Residence Region: Gauteng

OH MULTI GROUP Project: Hurlingham Close Region: Gauteng

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BIDVEST SERVICES (PTY) LTD, T/A BIDVEST TOP TURF Project: Dimension Data – Mashie Course Region: Gauteng

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: Department of Basic Education Region: Gauteng

SA L I AWA R D S

ECO BALANCE LANDSCAPES Project: Manor Estates Region: KZN

MCWADES LANDSCAPES Project: Greek Orthodox Church of Germiston Region: Gauteng

LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP Project: Clear Choice Builders – Head Office Region: Gauteng

LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION

COUNTRYLINE AFRICA

Project: Stone Ridge Office Park Region: Gauteng

Project: SAPPI Head Office Region: Gauteng

BIDVEST SERVICES (PTY)LTD T/A, BIDVEST TOP TURF

E BLUE LANDSCAPES

Project: State Protocol Lounge

Project: Westend Office Park Region: Gauteng

Project: Ballito Gardens Region: KZN

Region: KZN

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: Hemmingways Hotel and Casino Region: KZN

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION Project: Brooklands Residential Estate Region: Gauteng

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION Project: 138 Eagle Canyon Golf Estate Region: Gauteng

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: Standard Bank CVOP Region: Gauteng

prolandscaper.co.za

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HO

GRO

WN

ME

S c a n t h i s co d e t o s ta r t a W h a t s A p p chat with us.

For the love of the African landscape

DE SIGN

CONSTR UCT

MAINTAIN

C o n t e xt s p e c i f i c r e s i d e n t i a l , co m m e r c i a l a n d p u b l i c l a n d s c a p e s a t a n a ff o r d a b l e p r i ce .

w w w. l a n d s c a p i n g . a f r i c a

|

info@landscaping.africa

Water Wise ConstruCted Wetlands

More than 50% of South Africa’s wetlands have already been destroyed.

These are vital habitats for many plants and birds, and other smaller creatures. A wetland is an area of waterlogged soil where only watertolerant plants can grow. The rich diversity of waterbirds in southern Africa (totalling 130 species) is the result of the many wetlands spread across the subcontinent. A constructed wetland is a man-made system that mimics the natural functions and processes of a wetland. It can be constructed as a horizontal or vertical system and uses indigeous plants and filtering materials such as gravel and stones to treat and clean greywater.

Constructed wetlands can be used to treat greywater to a standard suitable for use in landscape irrigation. They will also encourage biodiversity into the landscape and reduce the demand for municipal water for irrigation. Indigenous plants that are suitable for use include Juncus oxycarpa, Crinum bulbispermum, and Zantedeschia aethiopica.

Water Wise has developed a simple, cost-effective, DIY constructed wetland that can be implemented in gardens and landscapes to treat greywater for use in irrigation. Go to the Rand Water website and click on the Water Wise logo for a free, comprehensive guideline on how to build your own wetland.

The wetland can be modified to suit a home garden, school yard, or office landscape, as well as the volume of greywater produced. Tests on the quality of treated water have shown that the wetlands produce water that is suitable for use in landscape irrigation. In fact, coliform bacteria levels were significantly reduced after treatment with the wetlands. As always, take care when working with greywater.

www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water Wise logo FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WATER WISE, PLEASE CONTACT US ON: 0860 10 10 60

SA L I AWA R D S

ECO BALANCE LANDSCAPES

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST

Project: House Owen Sharp Region: KZN

Project: House Murphy

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST

Region: KZN

DOUBLE GOLD

Project: Pearls of Umhlanga

Region: Gauteng

Project: House Wiehahn Region: Cape

DOUBLE GOLD

GVH LANDSCAPES

DOUBLE GOLD

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Region: Gauteng

LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP Project: Waterfall Equestrian Estate Region: Gauteng

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: FNB Stadium Region: Gauteng

prolandscaper.co.za

DOUBLE GOLD

Project: House Rich

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

MCWADES LANDSCAPES

Project: Borgo de Felice Region: Gauteng

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION Project: Grovenor Corner – Growthpoint Region: Gauteng

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: Sandton Sun – Rooftop Garden Region: Gauteng

LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP Project: Waterfall Mature Hills Estate Region: Gauteng

SA L I AWA R D S

SPECIALISED TURF CONSTRUCTION

Project: Laerskool Kruinsig Region: Gauteng

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

TURFTECH

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

Region: Gauteng

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

Region: Gauteng

Region: Cape

Project: Laerskool Wierdapark Region: Gauteng

TURFTECH

TURFTECH Project: Laerskool Lynnwood

Project: Lavender Hill High School Softball Field

TURFTECH

TURFTECH Project: Huddle Park

CONTOURS LANDSCAPES (PTY) LTD

Project: Aston Manor Prep Region: Gauteng

ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE WORK CONTOURS LANDSCAPES (PTY) LTD

ATLANTICSCAPES

Project: Stikland / Kuilsriver

Project: The Somerset Lakes

Region: Cape

Region: Cape

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST

LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP Project: St Mary's School

Project: Bryanston Country Club – Urban Waterway Restoration Project

Region: Gauteng

Region: Gauteng

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VULA ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES (PTY) LTD Project: Upgrade on N7 Section between Atlantis South & Kalbaskraal Region: Cape

DOUBLE GOLD

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: University of Pretoria Hartebeesspruit Ecological Restoration Project Region: Gauteng

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

SA L I AWA R D S

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: University of Pretoria: Strubenkop Restoration Project Region: Gauteng VULA ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES (PTY) LTD Project: Houtbay Dune Rehabilitation Region: Cape

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION WITH DESIGN BY OTHERS FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION

HEIMO SCHULZER GARDENS

Project: La Vie Nouvelle Retirement Estate and Wellness Centre Region: Gauteng

Project: Higgovale Forest

LANGVERWACHT LANDSCAPING (PTY) LTD

TREES SOUTH AFRICA

Project: Hazendal Contract 3 Buffer Area Region: Cape

HEIMO SCHULZER GARDENS

Project: CT International Airport Region: Cape

E BLUE LANDSCAPES

Project: Higgovale Paradise Region: Cape

Project: Pebble Beach Region: KZN

LANGVERWACHT LANDSCAPING (PTY) LTD

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST

Project: Hazendal Contract 1 Parking Area Region: Cape

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Region: Cape

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Project: Ocean Dune Region: KZN

SA L I AWA R D S

CONTOURS LANDSCAPES (PTY) LTD Project: Battery Park Region: Cape

ATLANTICSCAPES Project: Gordons Bay Mall Region: Cape

INTERPLANT HORTICULTURE CC

MCWADES LANDSCAPES

Project: Bantry Hills Estate

Church of Germiston

Region: Cape

Region: Gauteng

Project: Greek Orthodox

DR JONATHAN FOLEY

“I had the privilege of being a SALI Provincial Judge for KZN in 2020 together with Joanne Hillier. Overall, we saw a high standard of workmanship and creativity, especially amongst the smaller independently owned entrepreneurs in the design and build category. It was encouraging to see well-constructed rock features using a blend of tropical and local plant material in the traditional housing estates, as well as some corporate landscaping making use of local rock and a well selected indigenous plant palette (House Dyer and Executive Suite on the Ridge). Domestic landscaping in the eco estates was also well represented with some excellent projects making good use of cut and fill to create a sheltering forest glade in a small space (House Bauerstock). Another highlight for me was the excellent use of mature trees and swathes of ground cover planting providing appropriate scale and impact for roadside planting at the entrance to Sibiya Coastal precinct. In terms of lawn grass maintenance, some projects excelled notably the Pearls of Umhlanga that produced an immaculate lush green turf under harsh coastal conditions. Challenges facing the industry are water shortages – many clients have issued a ‘no watering’ directive – and financial constraints now made more acute by the COVD-19 pandemic.

KAREN BOTES

“Common design trends that were prevalent in the categories 'Landscape construction with in-house design' and 'Landscape Construction with design by others' were the focus on locally indigenous species.

These landscapes are more resilient, and deliver ecosystem services such as food production, habitat creation, soil retention, water purification, and stormwater and climate regulation. Another interesting trend of the 2020 entries was the increase in hard landscaping including paving, built structures and outdoor furniture which form part of the scope of works of landscape architects and landscape contractors.

This emphasizes the important role of landscape architects and landscape contractors in placemaking, with spaces that collectively add up to much more than the sum of its parts. Entries in the category 'Landscape and Turf Maintenance' were dominated by landscapes which require high energy usage, with high maintenance in terms of plant species that require pruning and high water requirements. It is vital for the green industry to play a leading role in mitigating the urban heat island effect, saving our resources and implementing the long-term benefits of incorporating green principles in developments.”

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FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION Project: University of Pretoria – Engineering – Forest Rehabilitation

Project: Erand Creek Region: Gauteng

Region: Gauteng

ATLANTICSCAPES

MCWADES LANDSCAPES

Project: Kingfisher Terraces

Project: House Shotland-Rhodes

Region: Cape

Region: KZN

ATLANTICSCAPES

BIDVEST SERVICES (PTY) LTD, T/A BIDVEST TOP TURF

Project: The Lakeswale

Project: Oxford Parks – Phase 1

Region: Cape

Region: Gauteng

COUNTRYLINE AFRICA

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION

Project: Groenhuis

Project: University of Pretoria – Law Building

Region: Gauteng

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Project: Applegarth Estate Region: Cape

SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: University of Pretoria – Javett Art Centre Region: Gauteng

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DOUBLE GOLD

INTERPLANT HORTICULTURE CC

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

Region: Gauteng

LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP Project: Houghton Hotel and Phase 4D Region: Gauteng

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION Project: Ferndale Mall on Republic Region: Gauteng

Project: Park Central Region: Gauteng

BIDVEST SERVICES (PTY) LTD, T/A BIDVEST TOP TURF Project: One on Whiteley – Apartment Courtyard Region: Gauteng

DOUBLE GOLD

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

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Region: Gauteng

INTERPLANT HORTICULTURE CC Project: Bosjes Estate Region: Cape

DOUBLE GOLD

Project: Discovery Headquarters

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

COUNTRYLINE AFRICA

Project: Private Residence – Waterfall Region: Gauteng

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

ACTON GARDENS

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION Project: Park Central – Park Region: Gauteng

BIDVEST SERVICES (PTY) LTD, T/A BIDVEST TOP TURF Project: Barloworld Logistics Region: Gauteng

BIDVEST SERVICES (PTY) LTD, T/A BIDVEST TOP TURF Project: Private Residence – Waterfall Region: Gauteng

COUNTRYLINE HORTICULTURE Project: Later Day Saints Temple, Izinga Region: KZN

TSWELLAPELE PLANTS T/A PLANTWISE Project: Parkdene Ext. 6 Region: Gauteng

DOUBLE GOLD

IDUBE LANDSCAPING Project: Sibaya Coastal Precinct Region: KZN

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LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION WITH IN-HOUSE DESIGN ROTHE PLANTSCAPERS (PTY) LTD Project: African Leadership Academy Auditorium and West Wing

EDEN CORPORATE SERVICES CC T/A EDEN LANDSCAPING Project: Stadsig Wellington

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Region: Gauteng

LANDSCAPING AFRICA

Project: House Bettina Region: Cape

Project: House Gage Region: Cape

GVH LANDSCAPES

GVH LANDSCAPES

Project: House Allen Pavillion Region: Cape

Project: House Wiehahn Region: Cape

BERTHA WIUM LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT Project: Woodlands Boulevard Foodcourt Upgrade and Play Area Region: Gauteng

GARDEN GATE LANDSCAPING Project: Van Loggenberg – Gertrude Jekyll Region: Gauteng

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION

OVER THE GARDEN WALL

Project: 108 Heidelberg Kloof Nature Estate Region: Gauteng

BERTHA WIUM LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT Project: House in Sandhurst Region: Gauteng

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DOUBLE GOLD

ATLANTICSCAPES

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

Region: Cape

Project: House Jansen Region: Gauteng

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION Project: Grovenor Corner – Growthpoint Region: Gauteng

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION Project: 588 Eagle Canyon Golf Estate Region: Gauteng

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

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SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Project: Sandton Sun – Rooftop Garden Region: Gauteng

DOUBLE GOLD

Project: House Dyer Region: KZN

Project: 138 Eagle Canyon Golf Estate Region: Gauteng

BERTHA WIUM LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT Project: House in Glenhazel Region: Gauteng

MCWADES LANDSCAPES DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

MCWADES LANDSCAPES

FSG PROPERTY SERVICES LANDSCAPING DIVISION

Project: The Executive Estate Region: KZN

DOUBLE GOLD

HINGHAM NURSERY Project: House Baverstock Region: KZN

KAREN MARAIS

“As a judge new to the scene, my way of understanding the business of landscape installation and of landscape management was challenged and re-catalogued. I found the process of listening, looking, engaging, and interpreting to be wonderfully rewarding, and, for the most part, getting to view projects from this perspective gave me a renewed and meaningful energy and respect for our industry. Be they wide open spaces with sweeps and swathes of highveld grasses and stretching tree canopies, or intimately detailed private “rooms”, I consciously and purposefully simplified my assessments to consider the projects in terms of landscape tasks undertaken, challenges faced and the standard of management set to meet these. And where a project excelled, it was the passion and commitment from the landscaper’s team that clearly took it there.

The common trend through all landscapes judged was most definitely the conscious journey in a waterwise direction. New installations leaning strongly toward indigenous and locally-suited planting palettes, and existing established gardens mindfully transforming, portion by portion, into celebrations of succulent colour under the care of their maintenance teams. Clients are strongly on board with this – the benefit of long-term cost-saving being the proverbial (and sensical) carrot. Congratulations to all prize-winners and thank you to SALI for the opportunity and honour of judging.”

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SA L I AWA R D S

01

BEST NOVICE ENTRY

Awarded to OH Multi Group for Hurlingham Close JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “SALI would like to congratulate OH Multi Group on its first time entering the awards! It is great to see a new company entering the awards with so much enthusiasm. OH Multi Group has put in good effort in maintaining a difficult site with very little resources. This, in turn, encourages a creative response to landscape maintenance. Projects of this nature are always difficult, especially when dealing with a body corporate as well as individual owners. The judges hope to see more projects in the future. Congratulations.”

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

MOST INNOVATIVE AND ORIGINAL USE OF PLANT MATERIAL Awarded to Over the Garden Wall for House Jansen

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“A well-deserved Trophy! A great display of landscape and horticultural knowledge in the design solutions provided on site as well as the selection of plants. The innovative plant selection combined with exceptional plant positioning creates an 'out of the ordinary' visual effect. The site is on a mountain and surrounded by natural grassland, which the design has complemented instead of competing with. The planting is not just aesthetic but functional too; slope stabilisation and stormwater is well managed through innovative material utilisation. The overall design is also sensitive in terms of circulation versus slope, make for a breath-taking experience. All the before mentioned ensures that the client brief was beautifully executed and far exceeded.“

2441 Over the garden wall Truck door.indd 1

2019/08/29 10:45

Acton Gardens is comprised of people who share a love and passion for exterior design and beauty of creating a paradise for each client’s individual needs. Since 2006 we have enriched many lives by creating outdoor paradises where one can relax and enjoy nature in the comfort of their own homes.

Acton Gardens’ structure and unique capabilities proves our flexibility to confidently handle projects of varying sizes and types.

www.actongardens.co.za info@actongardens.co.za | Tel: 083 444 6337 @actongardens

OH Multi Group specialises in Landscape Design and Installation, Landscape Maintenance, Specialised Turf Maintenance, Environmental Services and more. info@ohmultigroup.co.za // www.ohmultigroup.co.za 0711143776

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BEST USE OF COLOUR IN THE LANDSCAPE Awarded to Bertha Wium Landscape Development for House in Glenhazel

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JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Delightful, peaceful and relaxed." The client's brief for a colourful landscape was interpreted well. The result – a beautifully designed and installed garden, well-suited to the style and feel of the house. The calming shady meadow garden adds a lovely touch that is appropriate to the overall informal concept.

High-end finishes that are installed to perfection.

Size: 1,029m2 Timeline of development: March 2018 to January 2019 Location: Glenhazel, Johannesburg Budget: R2m (plus)

A

vibrant colour display announces the driveway and arrival court, providing ample planting between the functional driveway and recreational residence. Massive feature Jacaranda ex-open ground transplants were incorporated into the arrival courtyard, contributing and carrying the core flowering effect design theme throughout the garden.

Shrubs and groundcovers have been planted in bands and layers, creating various garden rooms spilling out from rooms facing the arrival area.

Strong visual axes have been developed between the house and garden, and upon entering the front door, the lines created in the garden draw the viewer through the open plan interior onto the main patio, extending over the lawn terrace to the feature wall at the swimming pool terrace.

The main lawn area is flanked by tree groupings which create a three-dimensional depth to the garden, surrounded by mass colour displays in the lawn adjacent garden areas. Matured, sculptural grape vine plants supplied by the client were incorporated into the garden, displayed as a remanence of a vineyard through staggered timber and steel cable supports.

MEET THE TEAM Architect: Peter Cohen Architect Interior architect: Stephen Falke Landscape contractor: Bertha Wium Landscape Development External design input: Cornelia King

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SA L I AWA R D S

Boundary to boundary patio and terrace steps were designed to separate the sukkah/patio terrace and lower lawn and garden terrace.

A forest walk leads from the patio and terrace steps, with linear stepping stones replicating the strong linear effect of the terrace steps. The introduction of evergreen creepers onto the stair risers integrates the garden into the patio and upper terrace.

As a strong architectural item, the sukkah was blended into the surrounding garden through the use of feature trees, layering of flowering plans and pot groupings.

The swimming pool terrace has been secluded through the use of Bougainvillea screens and mass colour Bougainvillea in pots and planters.

No trees surround the pool area, allowing for maximum sun exposure. On the lower level by the swimming pool, the pool house and outside seating area have been surrounded with dense tree planting and complementing bold shade plant groups.

The client for this exquisite project requested the import of an abundance of ex-open ground trees, placed in groupings throughout the garden with the inclusion of specific feature trees such as Jacaranda mimosifolia. The brief also included the extensive use of mass colour in the planting

areas, incorporated through loose flowering gardens within a geometric structure.

The architectural necessity required extensive steel and mesh screens for an engaging Bougainvillea colour display, as well as privacy screening from adjacent properties. The vibrant colour display from the gardens was requested to be extended through to hard surfaces with the incorporation of pot groupings. Bertha notes that there was a high level of involvement from the client, allowing for an exciting and interactive process.

The project took place on a continuous installation basis and BWLD was solely responsible for the design and installation of the full landscape project, offering input to the garden lighting design and installation process as well.

PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS THAT HAD TO BE OVERCOME: The maintenance of the ex-open ground trees, bought by the client at an early stage, included the moving of specimens to various holding positions to allow the construction of the residence. Tree planting of ex-open ground specimens, the large Jacaranda Trees, was done by manner of a 90t crane over the high-pitched three-storey rooftop of the completed house structure. The mobile crane was rigged in the arrival court area for this purpose. Tree planting in the lawn terrace

area took place with the use of a crawler crane, combined with a 90t mobile crane. The crawler crane was used due to restricted space to move through the constructed ground floor of the house before installation of the windows and sliding doors. The tree planting of the ex-open ground trees by the lower level swimming pool was done by hand haulage, and in the sukkah area, was done at an earlier stage by use of a TLB. Lack of drainage due to compacted fill of the lawn terrace area necessitated the installation of agricultural drains to link with a planned and newly constructed storm water system. Coordination of hard landscape design pattern at the arrival court with the building contractor required an intense detailed site decision and supervision.

The team at Bertha Wium Landscape Development returns for seasonal visits for detailed shaping and pruning to achieve the intended design goals of the garden.

SUPPLIERS Tree Traders – 083 677 2121 Nurseries: Malanseuns – 012 549 2128 Jan Blok – 082 455 4451 Heuers – 012 253 2097 Magenta – 012 807 0768 Stepping stones: Smartstone’s Ibanzi concrete stepping stones – 011 310 1161 Controlled irrigation – 011 608 0767 Product – Rain Bird

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SA L I AWA R D S

04

BEST WATER WISE Awarded to McWades Landscapes for The Executive Estate

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

O

verall, a pleasing design that is well executed with a high attention to detail – especially water conservation throughout. This waterwise garden, established by the entrance to the gatehouse, consists of well modelled berms with large rounded boulders, a simulated watercourse and a naturalistic water feature. The feature located in a high-profile area has significant impact and is boldly laid out with appropriate form plants, screening shrubs and a high density of perennial planting. The plants are well layered and suitably spaced, providing a consistent, tranquil and peaceful ambiance to the complex.

Height is provided by semi-mature Acacia sieberiana and A. xanthophloea strategically placed while Aloe ferox, A. van bahlenii and A. barberae specimens complete the picture. The colouring of the boulders complements the site and the ground has been naturalistically modelled and cleverly planted to allow pedestrian access behind the beds. Inside the complex, an island bed cut into grey and black marble is sensitively planted with Echeveria species.

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Trophy sponsored by

Maintenance • Landscaping • Irrigation • Rose Maintenance

E-mail: ally@mcwades.co.za |

Cell: 072 743 7506 |

www.mcwadeslandscapes.co.za

05 BEST SPECIALISED LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Awarded to Tswellapele Plants for Parkdene Extension 6 Trophy sponsored by

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “This is an excellent example of Plantwise’s specialised landscape construction ability and the ability to problemsolve and adapt. With water being limited, the design of the reticulation pond and filter system had to be masterfully reinterpreted. Soil levels, shaping and the installation of specialist play equipment makes for a project that was well executed. The boulevard area is another example of the company's ability to deal with construction challenges in a very creative way. A welldeserved trophy by Plantwise, again demonstrating good initiative and willingness to go the extra mile.”

Location: Parkdene Extension 6 (Urbika Lifestyle Estate) Timeline of development: Feb 2018 to March 2019 Cost: +/- R4m Landscape architect: Insite Landscape Architects

U

rbika Lifestyle Estate is more than just a residential estate. It is a community.

For this reason, it was designed with a placemaking philosophy in mind. When completed, it will be home to 1,099 units.

The developer, Similan, focuses on the entire lifecycle of property development, being involved from the design and development phase to managing the residents and building assets.

Interestingly, Similan was the first developer in Africa to receive an EDGE Certification (IFC) from The Green Building Council South Africa for one of its earlier developments.

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SA L I AWA R D S

SUPPLIERS Paving: Technicrete Double Bond Paving – 011 674 6900 Bosun Concrete Grassblock – 011 310 1176 Smartstone Hugenot Cobble and Cosmopolitan paver – 0861 762 781 Outdoor gym and play equipment: Microzone Trading 980 CC 011 953 4540 Irrigation: Rain Bird pop up Image credits: Similan

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Urban design in itself is one of the most unique characteristics of Urbika Lifestyle Estate. Every aspect of the top structure design and that of the public areas were designed to foster a sense of community, as well as to ensure there is connection which adds to feeling safe. The public areas were not placed in the estate as an afterthought, but rather as an integral part with homes and apartments overlooking playgrounds and the outdoor gym areas. This way, parents can be in their homes cooking and relaxing whilst their children can play safely with their friends.

Community connection was a key consideration.

Tied in with EDGE compliant construction, Urbika Lifestyle Estate boasts a full photovoltaic solar system (PV) which provides 30% of the estate’s energy. It uses no batteries, as excess energy is stored as hot water in centralised boilers, which provide immediate hot water to units thanks to a 'ring-system design' and negates the need to run the water for five to 30 seconds as is usually the case with traditional geyser installations. The gardens are irrigated via a grey water reticulation system with little to no use of municipal water, another unique feature of the estate. Four of the apartment blocks at Urbika Lifestyle Estate feed their grey water into a natural filtration system tied into the attenuation pond where stormwater from the estate is also harvested.

The brief Plantwise explains the client’s brief was for a space for the residents to be able to be outdoors and needed to provide appropriate activities for all ages. The design needed to address a mixed-use landscape development that caters for both residential and retail use as well.

Play areas needed to be in close proximity to residential blocks and areas for passive recreation and communal gathering spaces – including event space – needed to be large enough to cater for community meetings, small concerts and other relevant activities. Of course, these spaces needed to allow for sufficient seating and moments of pause for the residents and visitors.

With regards to the plant palette, the brief was that the site required little to no maintenance and that the palette needed to be kept as indigenous as possible. The developer was keen on the employment of green systems that will reduce operational costs for them How the project was implemented: This was a staged project, as the areas became available after the builders completed blocks for block apartments. The Plantwise team began with earthworks shaping. Gabions were then installed using natural rock from site to create retaining walls. These doubled up as seating areas, installing a coping on top of the gabions to

SA L I AWA R D S

create this feature. The Gabions where created completely by manually breaking boulders and rocks from site to create suitable size gabion rock. This formed part of recycling and greening initiatives.

The paved pathways were then installed to create a flowing walkway through the estate and also acts as a running track within the complex.

Automatic irrigation was then installed for each soft landscaped area. The landscape areas were then covered with topsoil, harvested and stockpiled by the main contractor, cultivating the space with relevant fertilisers and composts.

The beautiful trees were then planted, followed by flower beds.

The play and gym areas were created at the central club house of the estate. The area creates a central park for the complex where children can play and adults can exercise.

Lawn needed to be installed and hydro seeding done in the completed areas where low construction traffic was anticipated. In the final stage, the wetland ponds were created with a reticulate water system from the grey water and storm water harvesting dam.

Plantwise was involved in great detail from start to finish of this project, with responsibility for the whole execution right until it was finalised.

Plantwise had gone over and beyond what was required on the design to assist with storm water management. This was done by executing extensive additional shaping, sloping and earthmoving without compromising the integrity of the design or the feel of the site. Clever shaping was done as part of a skill Plantwise had acquired over the years and received great compliments for this. The design of play equipment was also advised as part of the team’s expertise.

Challenges: It was a challenging site as it had multiple slopes and rocks that needed to be blasted, and repurposed in the landscaping design. In order to keep the plants alive, Plantwise, together with Insite, the landscape architects had to be innovative with solutions whilst the water harvesting system was to be completed. As the landscaped areas grew in size as construction went on, it became increasingly harder to keep the plants, grass and hydro seeding irrigated and hydrated in order to establish, being that water supply was very limited.

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06

BEST LANDSCAPE AND TURF MAINTENANCE Awarded to Servest Landscaping and Turf, a Division of Servest for FNB Stadium

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JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Well done on your entry. This is a fantastic example of sports pitch perfection! Even considering the project constraints and damage inflicted to the field, it was very difficult to find anything wrong with this site.

There is evidence of a good feeding programme with great attention to landscape and turf maintenance details. Well done!”

Annual budget: +/- R1m Location: Nasrec, Johannesburg Timeline of maintenance: Ongoing contract (nine years)

F

NB Stadium is located next to the FIFA Offices in Nastec, Johannesburg. Designed as the main association football stadium for the 2010 World Cup, the FNB Stadium became the largest stadium in Africa with a capacity of 94,736. The stadium is also known by its nickname "The Calabash” due to the designer’s concept to have the stadium resemble the traditional African pot.

The turf construction for this world-renowned site was done by Servest Landscaping and Turf, a Division of Servest.. Onsite rainwater, harvested from surrounding roof structures and hard surfaces, is stored in underground water reservoirs and used for irrigation with great success.

Some of the most noteworthy constraints onsite are that with continual events like big church gatherings and international music concerts – one can imagine the upkeep required to return the pitch to pristine condition afterwards. Also, with the continued booking of the sought-after space for functions, day-to-day maintenance plans are hampered.

Servest has been involved with the FNB stadium for approximately nine years, with a dedicated staff of one supervisor and three maintenance crew to fulfil tasks of composting, turf feeding programmes, pruning, mowing and scheduled maintenance onsite.

Some of the daily routine includes: mowing rye at specified heights, watering, bi-monthly fungicide programmes, bi-monthly programme of wetting agents, nitrogen feeding schedules and, of course, regular meetings prior to Premier League Soccer games with match commissioners.

This is all in a day’s work for the team at Servest Landscaping and Turf, a Division of Servest, as it takes it in its stride to ensure the FNB Stadium is always at the standard of pitch perfection! prolandscaper.co.za

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07

BEST LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION WITH IN-HOUSE DESIGN Awarded to Hingham Nursery for House Baverstock

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A delightful indigenous garden was created next to the clients existing house on an adjacent parcel of land. The new garden was seamlessly linked to the existing garden by gravel paths flanked by a base planting of Aristida junciformis and Anthericum saundersiae studded with flowering shrubs such as Bauhinia tomentosa, Indigofera cylindrica and soft evergreens such as Croton gratissimus 'Lavender croton'. The design utilised economical cut and fill techniques to create a sheltering berm that encloses the visitor completely on all sides creating a new outdoor garden room for the client. A dry rock wall provides shelter for a firepit. Circular well placed gravel access paths allow entry from all sides and the changes in level are accommodated by short railway sleeper stairs.

Hingham Nursery, House Baverstock Location: Hawaan Forest Estate, Umhlanga Size: 840m2 Cost: +/- R350k

H

ingham Nursery was tasked with creating a forest on the vacant land next door to its client’s home. It was not a requirement to tie the two plots together, as they were happy to make their way through the trees to get there. The client wanted the trees to be positioned for privacy and for some sense of seclusion to be created for the firepit area.

The project commenced with earthworks to shape a flat piece of land. Next, came the planting and the creating of the pathway and stonewall for the firepit. Hingham was involved in the design, earthworks, planting and hard landscaping of this project and had a great deal of involvement from its client, with the client describing what he wanted but also leaving room for Hingham to show its creativity and professional flair.

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Trophy sponsored by

All images provided by Similan Properties

Tswellepele plants t/a Plantwise is an industry leader with over 29 years of industry experience.

TSWELLAPELE PLANTS T/A PLANTWISE Plant brokering | landscape rehabilitation | Landscape constrution | Exporting Tswellepele Plants t/a Plantwise Excelled at the 2020 SALI Awards of Excellence, bringing home 2 golds in the Specialised Landscape Construction Category: one for their work at Future Africa – Phase 2, and the other for their work at Parkdene Ext. 6. They also received a double gold and the coveted trophy for the Best Specialised Landscape Construction Category for their exceptional work on Parkdene Ext. 6. This is what the Judges had to say:

"This is an excellent example of Plantwises’ specialised landscape construction ability and the ability to problem solve and adapt. With water being limited – the design of the reticulation pond and filter system had to be masterfully reinterpreted. Soil levels, shaping and the installation of specialist play equipment makes for a project that was well executed.

The boulevard area is another example of their ability to deal with construction challenges in a very creative ways. A well-deserved Trophy win by Plantwise, again demonstrating good initiative and willingness to go the extra mile."

Tswellapele Plants CC t/a Plantwise | jenneth@plantwise.co.za | www.plantwise.co.za

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BEST SPECIALISED TURF CONSTRUCTION Awarded to Turftech (Pty) Ltd for Aston Manor Preparatory

Trophy sponsored by

SA L I AWA R D S

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

Aston Manor Preparatory Location: Kempton Park Size: 2,275m2 Cost: R2.5m Completed: August 2019

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"We had the privilege of seeing the school learners use the facilities which testified to the quality of the end product – international standard. The site is 1 year old and the facility still looks like it was built yesterday. A beautifully constructed multipurpose sports ground. The different materials used for different purposes were professionally laid and joint seamlessly.

Indeed – a very high-quality construction project.”

urftech multi-purpose pitch takes Aston Manor Primary School sports to the next level.

The 2019 school year was an exciting year for Aston Manor Primary. The school went through a lot of changes with the new pavilion, cricket nets and the artificial turf multi-purpose field for hockey and netball. Turftech's multipurpose sports pitch drastically improved the school’s overall look and feel, as well as its sporting potential.

“It has always been a dream of the school to have its own synthetic turf facility on the school grounds,” explained Werner Botha, the school’s headmaster. “Our hockey and netball performance have really developed over the years and the installation of a superior artificial pitch was desperately needed.”

For this installation, Aston Manor Primary School decided to partner with Turftech, the leader in natural and synthetic turf technology. During a three-month project period, Turftech specialists constructed a 2,240m² multi-purpose pitch for netball, hockey Rhino turf MT15 and fencing system. This advanced turf replaced the school’s existing four netball courts, providing a much more aesthetically superior, user-friendly playing surface. The school also made use of the opportunity whilst Turftech was onsite to upgrade its cricket nets.

“The reaction from parents, pupils and staff has been overwhelming,” continued Botha.

“The school is now home to a world-class sports’ facility that will effectively allow us to develop our children’s skills in a variety of new ways.”

In addition to the superior playing surface and enhanced aesthetics associated with Turftech’s products, schools benefit from long-term cost savings as well. Unlike traditional hard courts, the Turftech multi-sports’ facility does not have to be resurfaced every three years, with the new artificial surface only needing upgrading every eight to ten years. It also allows schools to accommodate multiple sporting codes while saving on space.

In addition to costs saved on maintenance, the pitch requires no water which, with the increased water scarcity experienced countrywide, is a real welcome for many schools. Turftech facilities, thereby, drastically increase property value while making the school more competitive.

“Modern school sports are incredibly competitive in nature and this is beginning at primary school

level,” explained Phillip Prinsloo, sales manager for Turftech. “For schools to be the best, they have to offer pupils the best and this is why so many schools are opting for Turftech’s artificial sports’ surfaces. Pupils are now able to practice for much longer hours and – for hockey specifically – there is more consistent ball roll and play, speeding up the game.” prolandscaper.co.za

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Turftech (Pty) Ltd is a specialist in the construction, development and maintenance of sport facilities including fields that have natural and artificial turf such as football and hockey fields, courts for tennis and netball and athletic tracks.

We are the official appointed agent for: Rhino Turf – an international supplier that has held to the highest quality standards and provides international guarantees. Rhino-Turf supplies synthetic hockey, soccer, rugby & multi use turf that meets professional performance standards Leader in Natural & Synthetic Turf Technology Telephone: 087 087 4168 Email: info@turftech.co.za

SA L I AWA R D S

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BEST LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION WITH DESIGN BY OTHERS Awarded to Idube Landscaping for Sibaya Coastal Precinct

Trophy sponsored by

SIBAYA COASTAL PRECINCT NODE 1 Location: Heleza Blvd, Sibaya Coastal Precinct Size: 9,000m2 Timeline of development: September 2018 to June 2019 Cost: R2m (plus)

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he Sibaya Coastal Precinct is situated between the Ohlanga and Umdloti estuaries, encompassing around 1,000ha of spectacular coastal landscape. The existing Sibaya Casino sits centrally within the seven nodes – which have been planned around it. The landscape design was to integrate the developments around the hilltops, preserving the valleys and coastal forest and connecting the different areas by paths, trails and green boulevards.

The contract was separated into three phases: Phase 1 – From the M4 highway to Circle 1 including entrance to Ocean Dunes residential and office building.

Phase 2 – From Pebble Beach to Circle 2 and Coral Point.

Phase 3 – From Circle 2 to Circle 3 Sibaya Signature.

The Sibaya Precinct aims at establishing a new form of urbanism based on the integration of a high quality of urbanism with a generous and purposefully designed open space and landscape network.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

“This landscape reflects a successful collaboration between landscape architect and the contractor.

Semi-mature trees have been selected and the Ficus bubu 'Swazi figs' are extremely effective and are set off with an underplanting of suitable succulents including Kalanchoe sexangularis, with its scarlet foliage and the striking lime green Euphorbia mauritanica. The tree aloes are robust, healthy and visually enhanced by a groundcover layer of flat sandstone rock carefully selected and layed. The landscaping of the road island continues up to the second circle and is well considered and executed. The earth is gently mounded in places and vertical accent is provided by large coral trees. The understorey planting is particularly striking where large colour blocks of low growing succulents and indigenous ground covers are used. These include Delosperma and Ruschia as well as various varieties of Crassula ovata and finely textured Portulacaria. Overall, a bold, striking and aesthetically pleasing landscape that uplifts the visitor.”

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SA L I AWA R D S

MEET THE TEAM A key feature of the precinct is Heleza Boulevard which is conceived of as a linear “park” that contains series of movement paths that meander through a lush landscape. The concept of a pathway through a forest was a key driver.

Distinct pathways for pedestrians have been accommodated and protected through generous planting zones.

Architects: Iyer Landscape architects: Uys & White Irrigation sub-contractor: Autoflow irrigation

To this end, the road carriageways are deliberately split into two distinct levels, separated by with central median. The intention here was to ensure that the cross section required to accommodate the road infrastructure could be morphed into the landscape rather than forming a scar in the landscape.

A key aspect of the boulevard is the introduction of traffic circles as calming devices and as focal opportunities for feature planting.

Streetlighting and furniture that have been implemented are based on a cleaner lines and as structured elements serving as counterpoints to the natural organic forms of the planting and the rectilinear lighting echoes the architectural language.

Image credit: Gray Braatvedt

Idube landscaping undertook aspects of the landscaping with the irrigation being subcontracted to Autoflow and the sub-contractor to Siwelela.

The Tongaat Hulett Development transformation agenda required the inclusion of at least 40% of the value to black, emerging contractors, which required continuous micro-management onsite.

Tongaat Hulett Developments has been the biggest role player in urban development in the greater Durban area, the North Coast and the Upper Highway area, so one big challenge for this project involved the company's financial crisis – exposed in 2018 – which brought further development to a standstill.

Image credit: Gray Braatvedt

Challenges Due to the inclusion of emerging contractors as sub-contractors with a 40% stake in the contract, this required intensive micro management from site establishment, communication, time lines, staff management and financial crises. As Tongaat Hulett Group was itself in a financial crisis, it resulted in the developer not being able to continue with its commitments for the development of the Sibaya Coastal Precinct as a whole. Idube Landscaping completed phase 1 and 2, but were prevented from completing the remainder of the project.

Image credit: Gray Braatvedt

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BEST ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE WORK Awarded to Vula Environmental Services for the Hout Bay Dune Rehabilitation

Trophy sponsored by

SALI SHIELD OF EXCELLENCE WINNER 2020

"THE PRESTIGIOUS SALI SHIELD OF EXCELLENCE FOR 2020 AND GRAND PRIZE WINNER GOES TO VULA ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR THE HOUT BAY DUNE REHABILITATION PROJECT."

SA L I AWA R D S

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:

“Vula has years of experience with the environmental landscape – resulting in a truly living project. There is evidence of the project being well researched and scientifically motivated, providing a full spectrum of innovation and rehabilitation, making a measurable and remarkable difference for the town of Hout Bay. This site did not allow for fine scale planning, but rather for adaptive management. The irrigation was switched off once the planting had established and set seed.”

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “A fantastic example of a remarkable environmental project, as well as an example of Vula's specialised environmental services and the ability to problem solve, research, monitor, and adapt. This site is a world class example of adaptive management. The initial function of the planting was to stabilise the dune and to change the soil dynamic for indigenous species to rehabilitate. This project adds value, not just to the site, but to the bigger Hout Bay area."

Image credit: City of Cape Town

SA L I AWA R D S

Size: 5.5ha Cost: +/- R2 million Client: City of Cape Town Timeline of development: 2016 to 2019 (seven phases)

aspects of the project. The City of Cape Town required a contractor that could interpret the recommendations as well as the bill of quantities and make the necessary approach adjustments during the implementation.

In terms of involvement in the project, Vula interpreted all aspects of the proposed rehabilitation plan and consulted with the client regarding adjustment on site to allow for the influence of a wide range of variables.

n response to the severe impact of windblown sand and shifting dunes on the surrounding properties and infrastructure in Hout Bay, The City of Cape Town (CoCT) commissioned a study in 2012 to find a longterm solution to the problem associated with the Hout Bay mobile dune system. Following the receipt of the Environmental Authorisation for the recommendation made by the sudy, the City of Cape Town appointed Vula Environmental Services to commence plant rescue and production.

Key aspects and skills required included: onsite adjustments to dune profiles during earthworks; adjustment of the programme to coinside with seasonal conditions; ensuring that the complex project transformed the remnant of a highly dynamic headland bypass dune into a stable and manageable environment that could be maintained in order to reduce cost and nuisance.

The CoCT Coastal Management Branch manages the coast line from Kogelbaai to Silverstroomstrand and identifies priority areas for interventions.

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The plan also detailed the use of specialised nets to manage the movement of sand and build the accumulation of sand seaward rather than landward.

This was the first of seven phases completed to date. Vula Environmental Services were was the main contractor for all aspects and provided guidance on conceptual as well as technical

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Staff selection, training and overall management of the project formed part of the implementation of the design that Vula and Coastal Management Branch proposed as contained in the management and rehabilitation plan for the Hout Bay Dunes in March 2013.

Because of the time lag between the publishing of the report and the implementation tender, adaptive management and guidance provided by Vula formed a critical part of the process. The CoCT and Vula worked in close collaboration during all the phases of implementation.

The Hout Bay dunes were identified as a problem several years ago, and in the early 1990s a Dune management program was inititated, this later failed. CoCT commissioned a study to determine the best cause of action to remedy the situation and obtained the budget for implementation of the proposed activities. Interaction and consultation on the part of the client are therefore ongoing on this project.

Some constraints and problems that needed to be overcome: Hout Bay, over time, was transformed from a Yellowwood harvest area and bay, safe from winter storms. However, due to poor town planning and a lack of understanding of the functioning of the headland bypass dune, this resulted in urban

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development in path of the natural flow of sand that fed Sandy Bay from Hout Bay. Large scale dune management was the only resolve in the early 90s. Due to a loss of intellectual capital and funding within the transforming municipality structures, the managed dunes collapsed, rendering the infrastructure vulnerable to the unchecked sand influx beyond 1998.

The frustration of the rate payers must also be noted, due to failures of a number of localised small-scale attempts to address the matter which resulted in hostility towards the proposed new plan and presented one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome when the 2013 study was presented and later implemented. The resistance gave way to support, once it became evident that the implemented interventions were effective.

PROJECT FUNDING: The management implementation would have been more effective, expedient and cost effective had the proposed single-phase intervention be implemented. The proposal addressed the entire beach from the public parking east at the entrance to Chapmans Peak to Mariners Wharf but the R22m+ cost was prohibitive.

The challenge was to then isolate the critical core of the project that could be implemented at around 10% of the budget that would achieve satisfactory results and serve as a proof of concept that could be used to leverage future funding.

VANDALISM AND COMMUNITY: Local community involvement was key from the start of the project and local staff were employed to rescue Ammophila arenaria 'marram grass' plants in preparation for reintroduction following earthworks. Initial high staff turnover later gave rise to staff receieving training - that resulted in a proud workforce, living within the community, spreading the word of the importance of the project for the town as well as the potential of long-term careers and seasonal jobs. This resulted in a near total reduction of vandalism and early warning of unrest in the local community.

"This was a a very dynamic project that spans several years and the Contractor’s knowledge and expertise can be said to be vital in the success of a project of this magnitude." prolandscaper.co.za

Image credit: City of Cape Town

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ONSITE ADJUSTMENTS The substantial time lag between concept and implementation required considerable consideration as the project unfolded. Theories were tested, monitored and adjusted to achieve best results. Wind nets were used as wind breaks, net angles and spacing, cross nets are constantly being monitored and adjusted as the dunes build up and the local dynamics change.

No models were done on the dunes, due to the cost and the number of variables that render the models inaccurate over time. The management proposal included adjustment of the reference setback line, which was done onsite, post Spring Equinox.

MAINTENANCE The City awarded a tender for the management and maintenance of Hout Bay Dunes to Vula Environmental Services in November 2019 to maintain the Hout Bay Dune Rehabilitation Project for the next three years.

During this three-year maintenance period, the City’s Coastal Management Branch will assess and plan the maintenance requirements moving forward, and how best to undertake this task.

Maintenance should reduce significantly once the dune is fully established, which is expected to be at the end of the three-year maintenance contract. The dune management project will only be able to function with judicious maintenance and community buy in.

‘We have invested significant resources in the implementation of this project. The EPWP team has been working on the dunes for the past 36 months and I am proud of their immense enthusiasm and dedication. They have also completed the training of the highest standard.

It was our intention that this pilot project and training programme would provide those who participated with the necessary skills to apply for employment that requires experienced people with specialised skills in dune and coastal rehabilitation. Future job opportunities could also include working in the horticultural industry and at nurseries, or by subcontracting to bigger companies to do specific dune work or plant propagation. "Thus, this project is also a life changing opportunity for the team," said Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt, the City’s mayoral committee member for spatial planning and Environment.

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"TO DATE THE PROJECT HAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE APPROXIMATELY 70,000M 2 OF MANAGED, REHABILITATED DUNE."

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NATIONAL JUDGE’S DISCRETIONARY AWARD 2020 Is awarded to Dr Gerhard Griesel for his contribution to landscape architecture education in South Africa.

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urrently, there is a huge demand to assist previously disadvantaged landscape students and help them achieve professional registration with SACLAP. Yet, there is a shortage of landscape architects, with the necessary background in academics to develop academic programmes and support students.

In 2018, Dr Griesel published his PhD thesis: A framework for enhancing the design skill sets of Foundation Programme Landscape Architecture students – and for the last three years – Dr Griesel, have been playing a major role in the transformation of landscape architecture in South Africa.

Working with the Department of Public Works (DPW), SACLAP, ILASA and SALI, he is running a mentorship programme, connected to funding and bursaries. The mentorship programme works with black female landscape students. These students could potentially feed into the SACLAP accredited masters qualifications and possibly, within the next three years, be the first black female landscape architects in South Africa.

Through the SACLAP, he has been actively involved to strategically develop academic courses at CPUT that respond to our national needs, help expand professional registration categories and to promote transformation. In his work, he has developed and oversaw many new lecturing solutions and large departmental projects from beginning to end. He serves as head of programmes and landscape architecture convener. He serves on the SACLAP Educational Committee, where he has been instrumental in conceptualising and strategically developing academic courses that respond to our national needs and help expand professional registration categories.

He has helped to begin transforming the vision for landscape architecture education and research in South Africa.

He is committed to contribute to the development of redressing past imbalances and to improve the participation rate of historically disadvantaged individuals in higher education.

His contribution will hopefully help to inspire the future landscape architects of South Africa.

THE NATIONAL CHAIRLADY’S DISCRETIONARY AWARD Is awarded to Eamonn O’ Rourke

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amonn is a registered professional landscape architect with over two decades of experience working as a design landscape architect, environmental manager, policy writer and, more recently, as a sustainability consultant. Over this period, he gained experience in a wide range of project types. His focus gradually shifted from pure landscape architectural design to increasingly include environmental considerations and sustainability issues.

Besides open space planning and design, he has worked on design or environmental projects in practically all development sectors; including power generation, mining, road infrastructure, residential, commercial and retail.

During the second half of his career, his focus was almost entirely on environmental

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management. In the last decade, his focus has shifted towards sustainable development to the extent where he took a mid-career sabbatical to complete a masters in sustainable development with the University of Stellenbosch.

His passion is in exploring ways to shift the thinking of landscape architecture and the built environment professions towards more ecologically and socially responsible practices.

At first, he sought opportunities to do so within individual projects. In 2008, the Green Building Council commissioned the first green rating tool. Eamonn was a member of the team that customised the first Green Star SA rating tool, the office construction and design for the South African context. Recently he worked with a group to pilot the Biodiversity Areas Standard, an international landscape sustainability standard, for use in South Africa.

During his recent term as president of the Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa (ILASA), Eamonn drew attention to sustainability within landscape architecture.

He actively sought opportunities to participate in built environment conversations through industry forums such as the Built Environment Professions Group and the South African Green Industries Council. He has represented ILASA together with colleagues in numerous industry consultation engagements hosted by the government towards national policy development.

Eamonn resides in Tshwane with his wife and three sons. When not involved in projects and industry discussions, he explores the potential of artificial intelligence and amateur electronics, practices Aikido, and maintains his organic vegetable garden.

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AgriSeta Funded Training to the Green Industry

THE COURSES: • Vary from a Learnership (8 months course) to short skills courses (few days/weeks) • Are conducted by trainers who are qualified facilitators & assessors We come to you and we complete all the admin involved on your behalf.

All you must provide: • Learners • Company details

Lifestyle College Training also offer horticulture courses and advice on horticultural work to companies of all other industries across South Africa.

Our trainers are qualified facilitators and assessors who are passionate about imparting their knowledge. Regular training programmes keep our facilitators up to date with new training methodologies and ensure that we set a high standard of training.

SHORT SKILLS COURSES & LEARNERSHIPS Horticulture 1. Fruit and vegetable growing 2. Mowing lawns 3. Gardeners skills course 4. Mowing lawns 5. Pruning 6. Winter lawn management 7. Horticulture 1 Maintaining a garden 8. Horticulture 2 - Propagation 9. Learnerships (i) Horticulture level 1 - learnership (ii) Horticulture level 2 - learnership (iii) Horticulture level 3 - learnership 9. Fruit tree pruning 10. Landscape design introduction

Mechanical Horticultural Equipment 1. Brush cutter operator 2. Chainsaw operator 3. Herbicide applicator Health 1. HIV / AIDS Awareness

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SA L I AWA R D S

Pro Landscaper’s Picks SERVEST LANDSCAPING AND TURF, A DIVISION OF SERVEST Sandton Sun – Rooftop Garden Double Gold in the Landscape and Turf Maintenance Division and Double Gold for Landscape Construction with In-House Design.

Aside from the exquisite rooftop view, this project is a great inspiration! A tricky selection of plants, but pleased the client as per the brief to the contractor.

Attention to the detail is well executed and maintained throughout the project. Installing a garden on top of a building will favour a very tough environment, as it is open to all the elements in their full aspect. All plants are very healthy and looked after with care. Quant private seating areas were created, canopied by steel leaf structures that offer privacy, shading and are beautifully aesthetic. The timeline for this project was a mere 48 hours for the installation to be completed, and was very well executed within the time frame. The rooftop had many challenges of course, like moving of material and access. Plant material is different on this project, but tricky plant combinations needed to be used as per client instructions. We love it for its innovative design and ‘no fear’ of using unusual plants, as well as its use of concrete mixer pipe to move soil to the top of the roof – all installed under extreme pressure.

Image: Tsogo Sun

Image: Tsogo Sun

INTERPLANT HORTICULTURE Applegarth Estate Gold and Silver in the Landscape Construction with Design by Others This site had extremely steep and very narrow roads.

Interplant worked with the natural flow of water and retained large trees. It had good interpretation of the planting plan with regards to species and quantities needed to be placed onsite. The landscape design ethos, which was to recreate a complex fynbos plant mixture, has been well extended and beautiful pathways created. Walking up the pathway, facing the mountains and being surrounded by fynbos gave a natural and relaxing feel. There was also great attention to detail.

MEET THE TEAM: Developer: Flagstone Property Developers Architects: COA Landscape architect: TERRA+ Landscape contractors: Interplant Horticulture

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SA L I AWA R D S

LIFE LANDSCAPES A DIVISION OF LIFE GREEN GROUP Houghton Hotel and Phase 4D Double Gold in the Landscape Construction with Design by Others The brief from the landscape architects and the choice of plants material was not an easy task. There were also challenges in accessing certain areas onsite, but the contractor prevailed and succeeded with the task at hand. Large trees had to be planted in inaccessible areas, especially the palms near the swimming pool, with very difficult access. Large cranes were needed for that, as well as spider cranes which were used to place huge rocks in the perfect positions. Very good street planting was executed. Many different sections and pockets on the site were observed with beautiful planting. Most planting took place on slabs, posing another challenge.

MEET THE TEAM: Architects: Boogertman + Partners Landscape architects: GREENinc Landscape contractors: Life Landscapes

BIDVEST SERVICES(PTY) LTD T/A, BIDVEST TOP TURF Barloworld Logistics Double Gold for Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Images: Abland

Overall, it is a very well laid out project and very well interpreted by the contractor. The judges were impressed with the hard landscaping, where a lot of attention to detail was given and high-quality construction was executed. Top Turf can be commended on the installation and interpretation of the landscape architect's plan.

The contractor has a complete understanding of the landscape architect’s design objectives, which is clear in every detail of the installation. Various waterwise initiatives have been implemented as per the landscape architect's specifications.

MEET THE TEAM: Developers: Abland Architects: Nsika Architecture & Design Landscape architects: Insite Landscape contractors: Bidvest Top Turf prolandscaper.co.za

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SA L I AWA R D S

COUNTRYLINE AFRICA Discovery Headquarters Double Gold for Landscape Construction with Design

by Others.

Once again, a rooftop, atrium, and landscaping were executed on one of the busiest corners in Sandton, open to all the elements and restrictions of building engineers and landscape architects. Plant material used was costly and the amount of labour to complete the project was enormous. The plant material has adapted well to the various conditions, as arid, aquatic, and temperate plant material all form part of the design. The glass faรงade of the building has caused a couple of issues, with the burning of plants like a magnifying glass or a great glass house effect. The quality of installation is excellent, with a difficult multi-levelled site.

MEET THE TEAM: Developers: Growthpoint and Zenprop Architects: Boogertman + Partners Landscape architects: African Environmental Design Landscape contractors: Countryline Africa

COUNTRYLINE

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LET'S RECONNECT

5TH MARCH 2021 C APE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE Developers | Architects | Landscape Architects | Designers | Contractors

NURTURE

Erica mauritanica

The DeFynne Guidebook to the upcoming season

By Jacky Goliath

D

e Fynne Nursery was started in 2001 when Elton Jefthas and myself decided to start our own nursery in his backyard garden just outside Stellenbosch. With only 1,000 units of three indigenous plant types – Coleonema, Phylica pubescens and Cyclopia spesies – the focus was on Fynbos and other indigenous plants in containers to serve the then current market.

Our mission is to provide a consistent supply of high quality indigenous plants to retail nurseries, landscaping and agricultural industries. Currently, we supply about 70% indigenous, and the remaining 30% consist of other horticultural and agricultural crops. These crops may include Protea, Leucospermum, Leucadendron, Erica, ornamental Buchu, Honeybush tea, Selago, Coleonema varieties, lavenders, figs, plum trees, apple, olives and blueberries.

As different plants flower during different seasons, it takes good planning to have a continuous line of crops for constant colour in and around your garden area.

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We tend to overlook plants with different leaf structures – for example grass shaped, needlelike, etc. – with colour – like grey, yellow, red, pink – that will brighten the garden area year-round.

Over the years, I became aware that most clients are confused when it comes to one of our main Fynbos plant family, namely Proteaceae.

Proteaceae are made up of different generas with different species. People are mainly interested in species that have a significant flower such as proteas and pincushions, but forget those plants with colourful leaves such as Leucadendrons – better known as conebushes. Leucadendron plants have such beautiful features with their different leaf colour and texture. With some of them growing to different heights and widths, they will be easy to in cooperate in larger gardens or landscapes. Keeping in mind that the Fynbos normally does not like clayish soil, it is important to note that Leucadendrons are hardier and adaptable to soil with a bit of clay. A hard pruning after flowering will keep these bushes in shape, unless you want them as fillers and screens in your garden. Occurring naturally in the Western

Cape, they adapt well with our Mediterranean climates. Plant them in full sun to keep their different natural leaf colours.

Although we currently have good rains, we should still plan to make use of plants that are water-wise and hardy for future drought seasons. Some products produced by De Fynne that have proven themselves as winners against drought conditions, are listed below. They are spring to summer flowering and attracts beneficial insects like bees, butterflies and other insects. Occurring naturally in South Africa makes them the best products to plant.

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Acmadenia obtusata is an aromatic shrublet that grows to about 30cm in height, with flowers the majority of the year – this is a common overlooked gem.

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Agathosma cerefolium, A. cilliaris, A. serpyllacea are ornamental buchu plants that bears clusters of white, pink and mauve flowers on aromatic shrubs.

NURTURE

A. Cilliaris

Leucadendron Safari Sunset

Leucadendron Inca Gold

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Coleonema alba and Coleonema pulchrum with their aromatic needle-like leaves and masses of small flowers, is well known as Confetti bush. Coleonema 'Sunset Gold' with its low spreading growth habit, small pink flowers and golden leaf colour, and is a 'must have' to create year-round colour in any garden.

Erica gracilis, E. Mauritanica and E. sitiens are evergreen heaths that are compact shrubs with mid-green, needle like foliage. Masses of small bell-shape flowers in shades between light and dark pink covers these small bushes.

They thrive in acidic soil.

Leucospermum bolusii and L. calligerum are natural occurring species of Pincushions.

Growing to a height of 1,5m to 2m, these shrubby-looking specimens are very rare.

Phylica ericoides with its masses of minute white flowers and leathery needle-like leaves, flowers almost any time of the year. This tough compact shrub does well on deep

sands and coastal slopes. Its decorative look is a perfect match for any water-wise and Fynbos garden, as is Phylica pinea which could grow to a height of about 3m.

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Protea cynaroides 'King Protea', P. eximia, P. Magnifica 'Queen Protea', and P. repens are some of the most stunning cut flowers from natural occurring species. With leathery leaves, these small trees are slow growing, but once flowering, attracts various pollinating animals, birds and insects. Also known as the “Sugarbush” due to the amount of sweet nectar within the flower head, these specimens will feature as a beautiful focal point in large gardens or landscape areas.

If it is masses of flowers with the attraction of insects like bees and butterflies that you fancy, then you do not need to look much further than your Lavandula Stoechas, known as 'Spanish Lavender'. Lavenders are part of the few species we have as exotic plants that we grow.

With the 2017 drought period we had, Lavandula Stoechas astound us with the hardiness and limited use of water. They are well known for their purple varieties, but these days, shades of lilac and pink are also available.

These plants already start flowering in mid-winter, but entertain us with so much glorified colour right until late spring. Remember to prune them back after flowering so that a neat and fuller bush will be ready for flowering for the next season.

With winter more than half way passed, with nice moist soil and the warmer weather lurking, there's no better time to start planning and planting for Spring. Let’s flood gardens with bursts of colours.

With choices to make between plants with different leaf colours, indigenous and water-wise, Fynbos, including natural occurring species and flowering plants. Let’s keep our gardening souls happy by making the right choices.

Happy gardening!

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NURTURE

THE COMPOSTING PROCESS Pro Landscaper wanted to know exactly what it takes to create a bag of Red Tractor Compost from start to finish. Here, we catch up with Werner Schneider, Red Tractor’s compost guru, to find out just how it all works.

T

he secret is finally out, how Red Tractor Compost became such a success in a short period of time.

Passion, planning, monitoring, dedication and consistency are just some of the words to describe the hard work of the Red Tractor team and all the effort that goes into a bag of compost. It all started in 2012 when Gerhard Conradie, director of GLC Group, invested buckets full for equipment, infrastructure, and preparation of land to comply with environmental regulations. It took 10 months to put everything in place before the first compost was produced. With Conradie’s valuable business experience and his desire to produce something with recycled material, compost was the perfect fit and Red Tractor Compost was born.

The compost process starts with a consistent supply of raw materials. Most of the raw material mixture is chipped garden waste from municipality recycling facilities and kraal manure collected from a local farm. It is important to support local farms and keep the carbon footprint as low as possible.

The raw materials get mixed with front-end loaders and gets placed into windrows. The ratio of the mixture is unfortunately a trade secret, but has not changed since 2012 when Red Tractor Compost was established. The next step is to add plenty of water – that is why we only use recycled water to secure our valuable fresh water supply for other needs.

Once water has been added, the temperature will rise within 24 hours to around 50-65°C. That is when the compost process starts. Each compost windrow needs to be well monitored, especially in the first four weeks of production. It is important for the raw compost to reach these temperatures to ensure all weeds and seeds are eliminated, as weeds will get killed at around 47°C. The problem is not to reach these temperatures – as it is a natural process – but, the difficult part is keeping the windrows below 68°C, otherwise the micro-organisms will go into a dormant state.

inform us of what compost rows needs to be watered or turned to reduce the heat in the stockpile. We use compost turning machines and front-end loaders depending on quantity of rows that needs turning. As the weeks progress, the temperature of the compost will decrease to room temperature at the end of the cycle. It normally takes eight weeks for compost to reach the maturing point. We let our compost mature for at least three to four months to ensure a good quality end-product. The temperature control is important with the finish product as it is a clear indication that the material is not still busy decomposing. Accompanied by this, the compost will be dark brown in colour and must be odourless. If one of the above does not meet the requirements, the specific windrow will be kept in the production process until all requirements have been met.

As soon as the compost is ready for use, all compost gets screened into various sizes for specific needs. These different screened stockpiles will get sold by truckloads or will be blended into different mixes for different uses.

Around 50% of our material gets bagged for the retail market. By aid of a semi-automated bagging plant the exact amount of compost is filled into every Red Tractor Compost bag.

Packed, wrapped, and stored in one of four warehouses, bags will be delivered to garden centres, nurseries, hardware stores, landscapers and developers. Throughout the entire process from raw material to a neatly packed stockpile of compost bags at a garden centre, the secret is our attention to detail. It is the little things we do that makes the difference.

The billions of micro-organisms are the main instrument in the compost process and the breaking down of materials. Temperatures and moisture content of the compost windrows get taken daily, 365 days of the year. The data will

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