Concept to Delivery
DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN
September 2015
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN Putting environment at the forefront
Landscaped garden The English influence
LA UN CH
EMPOWERMENT A female boss in a male-dominated landscape industry Using social media as a marketing tool LET’S HEAR IT FROM
ANTOINETTE
IS SU E
DE BEER ILASA PRESIDENT
CONTENTS
September 2015 Volume 1 Issue 1 6
News Shed
10
News Extra
12
Association News
Industry news from southern Africa
Out and about at Cape Green Trade Day
The latest from ILASA, SALI and SANA
OPINION 14 Responsible Design
24
ISGD principal Lee Burger looks at the key values of responsible design
15
Empowerment Jacky Goliath on being a business owner in a male-dominated industry
BUSINESS TIPS 16 Using Social Media
27
Digital guru Steve Bryant on making the most of social media as a marketing tool
INTERVIEW 17 Let’s Hear it From
South Africa’s leading landscape architect and ILASA president Antoinette de Beer on her career and future plans
PORTFOLIOS 21 Treasure Hunt
Cape Contours’ revamp of House Priestley
24
An English Garden
27
Iconic Beauty
21
10 22
Exquisite landscaping in a beautiful setting
AED renovates BMW’s head office
PRODUCTS 31 Outdoor Gyms 32
Green Walls
PEOPLE 34 Little Interview www.prolandscaper.co.za
15 Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
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WELCOME
September 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 1
Concept to Delivery DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN
September 2015
RESPONSIBLE DESI GN Putting environm ent at the forefront
WELCOME
EMPOWERMENT A female boss in a male-dominated landscape industry
Landscaped garden The English influence
LA UN CH
Using social media as a marketing tool LET’S HEAR IT FRO M
ANTOINETTE
IS SU E
DE BEER ILASA PRESIDENT
to the inaugural Pro Landscaper Africa magazine
During the past four years, Pro Landscaper has steadily established itself at the pinnacle of British landscape media. More recently it has expanded its name into the Gulf, and now into the heart of South Africa. With a great focus on promoting positivity and professionalism within the industry, it is no wonder this name has become trusted. Being South African, landscaping is interwoven seamlessly into our lives and we recognise the importance of such a magazine within our landscaping community, not only to inform but to unite. We intend to uphold this brand and replicate its success at Pro Landscaper Africa by providing content that is informative, entertaining and inspiring. We strive to meet the needs of the Industry by actively engaging with, and supporting, our trade in southern Africa. It is an industry-specific magazine so all content is carefully sourced and tailored to fit the needs of our audience. It is written by leading industry figures and influencers. Chanel 4
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
Besson is responsible for producing the articles, products, inspiring projects and news pages within the magazine and can’t wait to hear from you, our readers, about your exciting projects, news and interests. Our goal is to create a magazine that appeals to you, and so we appreciate your involvement. After all, where would we be without our readers? We are also on a mission to meet and engage with as many of you as possible. We have already been busy visiting trade shows, nurseries, association representatives and landscape architects, and we hope to grow our network tremendously. We will be at the ILASA awards in October and look forward to meeting you there. With your help and support we are confident we have a riveting monthly read and a product that is going
to become a forerunner in landscaping media. Keep an eye out for our October issue and enjoy this, our much-anticipated launch issue. Eljays44 is a family-run business, started in 2011 by experienced publisher Jim Wilkinson. Jim has worked for many of the top publishing
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WELCOME
companies in the UK, becoming publishing director of publications such as Construction News, Architects Journal and Middle East Electrical. He has a fantastic ability to produce magazines that are well-read and full of informative and inspiring content that also bring industries together. Jim’s wife, Lisa Wilkinson, is another director of Eljays44 and also has experience in the big publishing companies in the UK. Lisa is the key to Eljays44’s editorial success, driving her teams to create the most informative, entertaining and inspiring read possible. Working closely with Lisa is Joe Wilkinson, eldest son of Jim and Lisa, who is responsible for pulling the articles together into the correct style and working as a median between editorial and production. As a team, Lisa and Jim enjoy getting involved in the key conferences in the industry and thrive on getting out into the
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market to meet the needs of the readers. Jamie Wilkinson, Jim and Lisa’s youngest son, is responsible for all of Eljays44’s commercial activities. In his role as director and business development manager of the company as a whole, Jamie has created new ideas for the company by working out the gaps in the market that Eljays44 can fill. Jamie has also worked for one of the biggest publishing houses in the country. Jamie is a passionate young man, thriving on making good business decisions to help the markets he supplies. Jamie will work closely with Andre van der Merwe to promote the company’s commercial activities in South Africa. Enjoy the first issue. Please do send your feedback to chanel.besson@ eljays44.com.
Eljays44 Directors LISA AND JIM WILKINSON lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com +44 (0)1903 777 570 Business Development JAMIE WILKINSON jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com +44 (0)1903 777 588
Managing Editor JOE WILKINSON joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com +44 (0)1903 777 577
Commissioning Editor CHANEL BESSON chanel.besson@eljays44.com 021 410 8957
Sales Manager ANDRE VAN DER MERWE
Warmest wishes, The Pro Landscaper Africa team
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Editor – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: +44 (0)1903 777 579
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Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
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NEWS
NEWS SHED Mayor officially opens new park in Meadowlands, Soweto Johannesburg executive mayor Parks Tau officially opened a new recreational park in Meadowlands Zone 7 in Soweto, on 2 September. The park in Meadowlands features a large open space with a lush lawn and trees, a mini soccer field, a state-of-theart children’s playground with rubberised surfaces, special irrigation, spider-themed fencing, ornamental paving, sculptures, wall seats, and a braai area along with other outdoor furniture and signage. Mayor Tau said the park gave the residents of Soweto in general, and Meadowlands in particular, a venue for hosting social events. He said: “Soweto residents no longer have to drive all the way to the Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia to take wedding photographs, they can now do so on their own doorstep.” The park is a welcome addition to the growing portfolio of ‘green lungs’ in Soweto that include Thokoza Park in Dlamini and Dorothy
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Nyembe Park in Dobsonville. Residents will be given the opportunity to devise a name for the new Meadowlands facility at a later date. The mayor also planted a tree to mark the beginning of Arbor Month. In another green move in the province, on 1 September Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, with the assistance of community members and local school pupils, planted 800 trees at Kanana Park, south of Johannesburg. City Parks is on a mission to plant at least 3,000 trees across Joburg in Arbor Month, in line with the city’s mission to foster a green culture to boost the environment and residents’ health and wellbeing. www.jhbcityparks.com
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
Environmental lobby group calls for action against fake forests An environmental lobby group has put pressure on the world forestry conference in Durban to curb the growth of what it deems to be “fake forests”. The Global Forest Coalition, which represents indigenous groups from more than 40 countries who believe their land rights are being violated by government and corporations, petitioned the UN recently to have the definition of “planted forests” changed. According to Durban-based Timberwatch project coordinator Wally Menne, the Global Forest Coalition also hosted a counter-conference under the banner of the Civil Society Alternative Conference to coincide with the World Forestry Conference, which took place at the Durban ICC between 7 and 11 September. Menne said affected communities from the Midlands, Northern KwaZulu-
Natal, the Eastern Cape and the majority of provinces around the country attended the counter-conference. Using the Botanical Gardens as its base, on September 10 the Global Forest Coalition marched to the Durban ICC once more to “resist monoculture tree plantations”, where they handed over a petition to a delegate from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The FAO definition of ‘planted forests’ includes the commercial growth of wattle, eucalyptus or pine. The Global Forest Coalition believes these trees are an industrial crop and, therefore, the definition is wrong, in the
AGCO launches hunt for its next Africa ambassador AGCO, a global company involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, is seeking young African entrepreneurs with sustainable agribusiness concepts or innovative ideas to help develop the sector in Africa. The winner of its video
contest will become the next AGCO Africa Ambassador and represent African youth as host of the fifth AGCO Africa Summit, ‘Agribusiness in Africa – Inclusive and Sustainable Growth’, which will take place in Berlin on 18 January 2016. As well as hosting the AGCO Africa Summit, the next
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NEWS
AOCC opens plant breeding academy in Nairobi in bid to boost Africa’s food supply same way, it says, that you wouldn’t call a farm under sugarcane a grassland. According to the FAO, planted forests are “intensively managed for production purposes but can also be established for protection, conservation or socioeconomic purposes”. Menne said that while 1.5m hectares countrywide was under managed plantations, in KwaZulu-Natal an area “as large as the managed size” was under “feral plantation”. He said: “If you look in the KZN Midlands, there are thousands of hectares of wattle tree that has escaped. They were not planted but seeded naturally. This can be said for all over the province.” He added that the industrial plantations, what he termed “fake forests”, were incapable of doing “what real forests do – purify the air, provide water, shelter for species and medicine and food for people”. www.globalforestcoalition.org
The African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC) has opened the African Plant Breeding Academy to “help improve the livelihoods of Africa’s smallholder farmers and their families, reduce hunger and boost Africa’s food supply”. AOCC’s goal is to use the latest scientific equipment and techniques to genetically sequence, assemble and annotate the genomes of 100 traditional African food crops to guide the development of more robust produce with higher nutritional content. Located at the ICRAF research centre in Nairobi, Kenya, the academy will train 250 plant breeders and technicians in genomics and marker-assisted selection for crop improvement. The work will drive the creation of improved planting materials that will be offered to smallholder farmers in Africa, the AOCC said. At the academy, scientists and technicians will be able to sequence, assemble and
annotate genomes to help develop food crops with higher nutritional value and which can better withstand climate changes, pests and disease. Data will be made publicly available with the endorsement of the African Union through a process managed by the Public Intellectual Property Resource for Agriculture. The 100 targeted crops are the ‘back garden’ crops of rural Africa and improving them, the AOCC said, would greatly improve the diets of Africa’s children, helping to eliminate hunger and malnutrition. Baobab will be the first orphan crop to be sequenced, assembled and annotated at the academy. Baobab is
AGCO Ambassador will also represent the company at the International Green Week trade show (15-24 January 2016) in Berlin and at other events. Entrants are asked to create a video of themselves outlining their original business idea for inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa and explaining why they should become the next AGCO Africa Ambassador. Entrants can post their video on the AGCO Africa
Ambassador Facebook page, on the AGCO Africa Ambassador Twitter channel, or email it to information@ africa-ambassador.com. The contest runs until 30 October, with the winner announced on 27 November. AGCO has created the AGCO Africa Summit as a platform for international dialogue promoting agricultural development and mechanisation in Africa. This year the summit emphasises
sustainable and inclusive agriculture. Experts are invited to discuss the challenges of feeding the world and propose solutions for improving agriculture and related value chain businesses in Africa. Presidents and ministers of African nations, economists, academia, NGOs and executives of multinational companies attend the conference in Berlin every year. www.africa-ambassador.com
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known as the ‘wonder tree’ in Africa because its fruit has 10 times the antioxidant level of oranges, twice the amount of calcium than spinach, three times the vitamin C of oranges, and four times more potassium than banana. By sharing knowledge of the genome sequences of baobab and other African crops, scientists and technicians at the academy hope to inform plant breeders and farmers of species varieties that are more nutritious, productive and robust. www.africanorphancrops.org
Submit your news stories to Pro Landscaper Africa If you would like to submit any stories regarding African landscaping projects, floating tenders, contract awards and new trends in green design and build, please email them to chanel.besson@eljays44.com or tweet to @prolandscaperCB
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
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NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF Joburg scoops national Arbor City Award
Joburg beat the country’s seven other metro municipalities – Cape Town, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay – in scooping the Arbor City Award, presented to cities that “go the extra mile in greening their areas of jurisdiction”. www.jhbcityparks.com
Indigenous trees for city beauty drive
As part of Arbor week, Msunduzi mayor Chris Ndlela recently picked up a spade to help plant 50 indigenous trees. The trees were planted along the centre island of Bhambatha Road, Northdale. www.news24.com
Ethiopia enjoys horticulture boom
Ethiopia generated a total of $114m from flower exports during the first six months of its fiscal year, the Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency announced. From the total revenue, $90m was secured from the export of 289 million flower cuttings. www.theafricareport.com
Sea Point Promenade upgrade in full swing
In the next few years, the Sea Point Promenade will feature more trees and landscaped gardens, more public art, a new seawall with new paving, and improved facilities so it will become an even more popular and inclusive space for all Capetonians, the City of Cape Town announced. www.capetown.gov.za
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Greenpop looks to inspire with its treevolution Greenpop has hosted its second Reforestation Festival, where participants planted a range of indigenous trees to help restore the ancient forest at Platbos. About 250 people, aged from five to 65, joined Greenpop’s ‘treevolution’. The Reforestation Festival has proved popular, and this year Greenpop doubled the participants from its inaugural event. The ideal is to inspire a movement within the community and create a lasting effect on the environment. Trees were originally cleared in Platbos for agriculture and cultivation reasons, then alien vegetation took over posing a fire threat to the small indigenous forest that remains. The Trees for Tomorrow programme at Platbos – run by Francois and Melissa Krige – addresses this through forest protection and planting. The trees require little maintenance as this is reforestation and different to urban tree planting in that it
requires less maintenance. Trees are planted closer together, are smaller, and adapt quickly to the forest ecology. In terms of Greenpop and carbon offsetting issues, the movement’s thought is that there is a difference between planting trees to give back and planting trees to cover up harmful actions.
This movement is aimed at getting the community to reassess their lifestyles, to reduce consumption and change for the better. The work Greenpop is carrying out forms part of a large movement of projects and initiatives around the world. www.greenpop.org
Unisa creates a buzz at the Spring Festival Unisa blossomed at the 2015 Spring Festival at Garden World as its garden received a platinum award and came joint first overall. The garden was designed by Victoria Ing and Asavela Yashe from the Department of Environmental Sciences. ‘Nature’s Bounty’ was this year’s theme as designer gardens showcased indigenous plants and flowers. Unisa’s design for the ‘OHBEEHIVE’ garden was inspired by the honeybee. The Unisa
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
Show Garden represents a garden as an educational space, a hive of abundance, and a valuable space to
encourage life back into cities. The garden serves as an outdoor classroom and
laboratory, where users can interact with and study nature. Indigenous species planted in mass make a visually exciting food source for bees and other pollinators. Ing and Yashe said the garden was a great opportunity to showcase how much fun you can have in the field of horticulture. Ing said the defining moment of the garden for her was welcoming the masses of bees eagerly visiting the garden once all the plants arrived. www.unisa.ac.za
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NEWS NEWS EXTRA
OUT AND ABOUT
CAPE GREEN TRADE DAY Pro Landscaper Africa was invited to the much-anticipated biannual trade day hosted by the Cape Green Forum on 9 September. The event was held at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town and allowed suppliers a platform to promote their products/services directly to clients. Visitors were invited to browse the many spring-inspired stands and engage with the exhibitors. The event was well attended by retailers, landscapers, landscape architects, municipalities and, of course, Pro Landscaper Africa. After collecting goodie bags on arrival, perusing the colourful aisles and becoming familiar with all of the exciting products, it was time for the winners to be announced. The winners of the Plant Division were the ever creative Shadowlands Wholesale Nursery and winners of the Allied section were the African Biomass Company. There was also a category for most unique stand.
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1 Cape Green Forum’s spring trade day was a great place for suppliers to platform their products 2 This colourful exhibition stand was by Milkwoods Wholesale Nursery 3 Keith Kirsten’s PlantInfo team were happy to chat to any existing or prospective customers 4 Shadowlands Wholesale Nursery were winners of the Plant Division award 5 Elands Nursery staff at their stand 6 The Malanseuns Pleasure Plants team 10
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
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Association
ASSOCIATION NEWS
NEWS
SANA briefing Formed in 1947, the South African Nursery Association has seen many changes in the gardening industry throughout the years. Through the merging of experience and fresh, new ideas we have grown and remained an essential part of the industry. One of the main objectives of SANA is to provide networking opportunities to members and through these opportunities and events facilitate the sharing of ideas, information and suggestions. Keeping abreast of changes in legislation that affect our industry
– as well as negotiations with government on matters such as biodiversity, alien invasive species regulations, and water matters – is ongoing. We use the expertise of members to guide and negotiate on behalf of the industry to ensure fair and reasonable legislation. Keeping gardening relevant in a changing consumer market is a challenge our whole industry faces. SANA initiated a consumer marketing project, ‘Life Is A Garden’, about eight years ago. This campaign is aimed at growing gardening as a pastime. This information campaign is carried out via an online strategy that includes Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Regular articles are
ILASA report The Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa (ILASA) is involved at a national level with public and private sector industry institutions. ILASA has supported the
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Department of Public Works in its ongoing schools programme and has joined the JBCC technical committee, where it is proposing an addendum to the JBCC agreements that address
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
published in print media to support the online message and our website – www.lifeisagarden.co.za – is the centre of our campaign. We also boast the biggest Green Trade Fairs in South Africa, which attract more than 1,000 visitors. These shows, hosted at our office in March and August, have an average of 130 exhibitors and floor space of more than 4,700m2. They have become highlights in the industry’s annual calendar and we welcome visitors from all over South Africa and neighbouring countries. Another exciting project we are proud of is the annual
Garden Centre Competition, one of the main benefits to our retail members, with the aim of uplifting and maintaining high standards in garden centres. This is the perfect benchmarking tool and a great staff motivation opportunity. Participating members receive a grading of either Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum. In addition, departmental prizes include Best Staff, Best General Displays and Best Garden Care Department, as well as regional awards and the top award for garden centres and home store garden departments. www.sana.co.za
SANA standing committee: William Webb (VP operations), Peter Runkel (VP membership), Ryan Goodwin (president) and Tanya Visser (VP marketing)
the unique characteristics of landscape works in construction projects. ILASA branches focus on the issues and needs of the profession at a regional level. A strong focus of the Gauteng branch this year has been on sustainability and deepening relationships among ILASA members through a series of what we term ‘creative melees’. These ‘melees’ have explored the influence on the profession of alternative design approaches
and landscape assessment, while bringing members closer together through debate. Our creative melee on eco pools in September shared the personal experience of professionals who have designed, and have hands-on experience, of ecological pools. Recognising that the secret to sustainable landscapes is through integrated design, ILASA Gauteng has endeavoured to engage with practitioners from related
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
SALI outline The South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) was formed in 1984 by a group of progressive landscapers who believed the true potential of landscapers could only be realised if landscape contractors showed unity, produced excellent work and projected a professional image. Since 1984, SALI has grown with a national body and regional representation in Gauteng, Kwa Zulu-Natal and Western Cape. SALI members are screened and evaluated in terms of quality of work, company history, project history, client satisfaction and administrative, legal, tax and insurance compliance. SALI
disciplines through facilitated workshops. Two successful workshops were held earlier this year which explored the status and role of landscape architects in the areas of sustainable
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also offers to assist in mediating disputes between contractor and client, encouraging both the contractor and client to come to an amicable settlement with the interests of both parties being looked after. SALI offers the only annual landscape construction awards, ensuring the commitment of
the landscape contractor to the project and quality of work. The resulting award can be used for marketing purposes or simply for the knowledge that, through the partnership between contractor and client, a quality landscape has been created. SALI is at the forefront in training members and our staff. We keep abreast of changes in the industry and ensure members have access to current legislation and industry news. Ongoing training takes place in close conjunction with private accredited training providers and the University of South Africa, Tshwane University of
SALI training takes place in close conjunction with private accredited training providers such as Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town
landscapes, and wetland construction and rehabilitation. An upcoming workshop to be held in October will explore the existing and potential role of landscape architects in projects
applying for Green Star SA rating. The outcome of these workshops is expected to prepare the way for the ILASA 2016 Conference. The ILASA Cape branch has had an eventful year with a strong interest in innovation, where it has arranged events to expose the Cape members to a range of industry innovations. These events included technology, a talk on sustainable timber, and a guest speaker
Technology in Pretoria, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, and the Durban University of Technology in Kwa Zulu-Natal. SALI members offer a variety of services, including design, installation and maintenance, based on specific needs and requests. Our members are reputable and work with integrity, experience, knowledge and professionalism. They have agreed to comply with our Code of Conduct, which includes standard landscaping specifications, statutory obligations and contractual requirements. SALI remains the only standards body in the landscaping industry and offers architects, developers and clients peace of mind that the landscaper they have chosen has been preapproved by SALI and will therefore perform and deliver a quality end product. www.sali.co.za
from Turenscapes Landscape Architects in China. ILASA Cape will host the 2015 Corobrik-ILASA Awards Of Excellence in October, which will be a platform to showcase landscape architectural projects from all the regions in South Africa. www.ilasa.co.za
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
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OPINION
RESPONSIBLE DESIGN With environmental issues at the forefront of landscape design, principal lecturer Lee Burger looks at the key values of responsible design The aim is not to protect the environment, but rather to create an environment that does not require protection. Modern human beings have become so far removed from the food we eat and the land that produces our oxygen, energy and fuel, we regard them as standard – something that exists as a given. But the truth is that our lifestyle and failure to deal with environmental issues when we design gardens puts tremendous strain on our natural resources. Design has become such a part of life we do not think of things as being designed any more, until we see something that hasn’t or see the problems that design failed to solve.
People often ask what a landscape architect does. Saying we design gardens is an enormous oversimplification of the scope of work we are responsible for. It is in exactly this marriage between constraints, opportunities, ecology, environment, and aesthetic that landscape architects carve out or mould outdoor space to live in, keeping a multitude of factors and influences in mind. Just because someone planted a few plants or followed a few trends does not make them a garden designer, especially when the materials we use are mostly living. Garden design and landscape architecture not only require study in a particular field but also experience, passion
and, most of all, responsibility. Buildings are obedient to some extent but the landscape has hundreds, if not thousands, of processes, patterns, natural orders and components to consider through a range of climatic and environmental conditions, of which aesthetics are but a few. It is easy to think garden designers and landscape architects just make pretty plant combinations around a lawn, house or patio. However, apart from the environmental responsibilities, we also genuinely marry not only the needs of the client but their lifestyle with a site. Design is so utterly important because we spend our entire life in it. I have never been a fan of the “garden decorating” that the industry promotes without proper space planning and research. One must remember a site is also a client, albeit one without a voice. But if a site is not completely understood, the results can be catastrophic, not only visually but also functionally. Ultimately, having your garden designed is essential, not just to have a better-looking garden than the neighbours but because it adds value – financial value, environmental value and value to life. ABOUT LEE BURGER Lee Burger is principal and senior lecturer at the Irene School of Garden Design. He is an assessor for leading educational institutions and universities in South Africa and is a prominent consultant on a variety of projects, especially in design and architecture. Lee has written numerous books and articles and his company, ISGD, is responsible for an array of projects. He is a founding member of the Independent Gardener’s Forum for South Africa. www.gardendesignschool.co.za
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Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
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OPINION
EMPOWERMENT AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WOMAN BUSINESS OWNER
My company De Fynne is involved in wholesale potted and seedling plants for the horticultural and agricultural sectors, as well as the growing and exporting of plums. Initially, we started growing Fynbos plants (Protea, Pincushion, Buchu, and Erica) in containers as an additional income. Fortunately, we had expertise in working with Fynbos plants and knew exactly what was required for their production and growing. At that time, water restrictions were in force in Western Cape and nurseries in the region started promoting water-wise gardening and plants, which suited us well. As the business expanded I decided to be the ‘jockey’ of the De Fynne wholesale nursery, never guessing the business would expand from a backyard space into a 22 hectare agricultural farm in the space of 14 years. When I decided to run De Fynne, it never dawned on us to consider that I was a woman who was going to run this business in a
Erica cerinthoides www.prolandscaper.co.za
predominantly male industry. Business is business, so we thought. To be a successful business owner, the same business principles apply to all businesses – whether you are black, white, male or female. What I have learned is that female business owners have to be more vigilant, aggressive and assertive to achieve and obtain the same respect, work relationships and discipline with other businesses than men have to. As a (black) woman and farmer it wasn’t, and still isn’t, easy to operate in this maledominated industry. It took persistence and extra hard work to be seen and respected as a farmer by trade. When motivating women’s groups, I associate a business with a normal household. It’s all about managing budgets, organising, communication, leadership, conflict, respect, discipline, bargaining, delegating, etc. And guess who's predominantly running the
household? A woman! So who better to run a business than a woman? I believe women have shown themselves to be true leaders in all industries. Being a woman in business has brought many frustrations but also lots of joy. Being persistent in your quality of product, business operations and relationships has opened many doors for us. As a female in business I do find having a “softer side” is an advantage, it helps quite a lot with building good relationships with our most important business assets – our staff. De Fynne is proud to have a majority of females as employees in the business, with capacity being built on a continuous basis. Looking back at my experiences and the challenges and opportunities I've faced when growing the De Fynne business, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. ABOUT ABOUT XXXX JACKY GOLIATH Jacky Goliath is co-owner and MD of De Fynne Nursery in Cape Town. She has 25 years of industry experience and previously worked for non-governmental organisation ASNAPP. She has received many accolades, including the Most Influential Woman In Southern Africa award by Trade Sector in 2014 and an award from Making Markets Matter Inc for Agricultural Agribusiness Entrepreneur For Africa 2012. Jacky was also a finalist in this year’s Fairlady “Woman Of The Future” award and she also received an award from Agricultural Writers South Africa for New Entrant To Commercial Farming 2012 for both Western Cape and South Africa. www.defynne.co.za
Pro Landscaper / September 2015 15
BUSINESS TIPS
USING
SOCIAL MEDIA AS A MARKETING TOOL When it comes to the importance of social media marketing and content when promoting your business, there is no secret formula for success. And, as with most things, the more time you put in, the better your results will be. Why should you use social media? To reach a new audience To carry out customer research To improve customer service To increase brand awareness To establish your business as an industry expert and expand your professional network Because people are more receptive to content There are a number of tools you can use to promote your business through social media from Buffer, which will schedule posts to your social media networks, to IFTTT which will carry out various functions based on easy-to-set-up rules. For instance, if you tag your Instagram photo with #landscaping, it posts the photo to your Facebook page or blog.
Where do I start? Research. See what others in the industry are doing on social media. Join a few landscaping interest groups on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest to see what sort of content is being shared and where you could improve on it. Create a Facebook page for your business Start with work you have already carried out – before and after photos and plans. Be careful not to give too much intellectual property away. I would recommend developing a watermark overlay on the image. A Facebook page can have all the information you need on it – contact numbers, email addresses, etc. Create an Instagram account Frequently post photos of completed work and jobs being carried out and use hashtags (#) to denote context and subject. For example; #landscaping; #landscapingdesign; #gardening; #cacti. If you have a smartphone, it is easy to download Instagram and start taking photos. Create a Twitter account This is another platform that has evolved from trivial posts to 140-character content that can be searched by using hashtags in the same way as Instagram. Photos and short videos are very popular on Twitter and Instagram. Produce videos of your work YouTube is a great platform if you are going to produce videos. The videos can be short but sweet. When setting up a YouTube channel make sure you don’t allow adverts on your videos unless you want to monetise them, and ensure all the music has been used with the written consent of the original music owner or has been composed specifically for you.
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Look to Pinterest to share ideas You make your content searchable by using #hashtags and titles in your own posts. Set up boards and get sharing and liking content that you see. You have your own social media pages set up, now what? The less expensive way to start generating traffic to your social media pages is to get your friends, family and clients to start engaging with your page and content by liking it and sharing it. You could also run a competition on Twitter and Facebook to drive interaction with your page or accounts. There are a number of advertising options within Facebook and Twitter that are worth looking into. It is easy to start a social media presence and build on it as you go. Don’t be intimidated by it, be authentic and original, and publish content often. ABOUT STEVE BRYANT Steve Bryant started his career in digital marketing in 2004. He has worked with some of South Africa’s most loved brands and best digital agencies. Jobs have included senior campaign manager, account manager and digital strategist. Twitter: @steve_bryant
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INTERVIEW
Let’s Hear it From ANTOINETTE DE BEER For our first issue, Pro Landscaper Africa gets the scoop from South Africa’s leading landscape architect and ILASA president, Antoinette de Beer. She outlines the importance of landscape architecture as a profession, how it began, her career and what the future may hold for her business and association What attracted you to a career in the landscaping industry? When I had to choose a profession, or course I wanted to study, I browsed through the various Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) brochures and the landscape technology course caught my eye because it was based on a combination of science/biology and art. I’ve always been fascinated by science/biology and loved art – although I never studied art at school and wasn’t particularly good at it either! The idea of a course that combined those two interests was really attractive to me. I didn’t know I would become a landscape architect at that stage; that’s just how it progressed. When did you realise you wanted to be an architect? I started at CPUT with the three-year diploma in landscape technology. Once completed I wanted to continue with my BTech in landscape www.prolandscaper.co.za
technology but the lecturer was adamant we first had to work for a year before continuing our studies. This is when I heard about the profession of landscape architecture for the first time. But to be accepted into the postgraduate programme you had to have at least a BTech degree so instead of taking a gap year and to sidestep our adamant lecturer we did our BTech in environmental management. Up to and during my BTech I was mainly involved with landscape contracting. After my BTech I got the opportunity to start the Honours course in landscape architecture at the University of Pretoria (UoP) without completing a conversion year. The landscape architecture programme was more about positioning yourself theoretically before developing your design, while the landscape technology programme was more about developing a design that would work from a practical point of view. I had to step back and think ‘first position yourself theoretically and
thereafter answer all design development questions from that point of view’. I wasn’t used to that way of thinking about design and was something I had to work really hard at. Two years after I completed my Honours, I started my masters at UoP but did not complete it. I came back to Cape Town to finish my Master’s degree at UCT. However the course structure did not allow me to carry any of my credits forward from UoP so I had to start all over again. At that stage
1 Upington Referral Hospital is situated in a very arid region, with an annual average precipitation of less than 200mm. The intention of this 20m-long water feature is to provide some relief from the sweltering heat when staff, patients or visitors enter through the main entrance 2 Energy dissipaters were installed below all downpipes around the hospital and TB clinic to break the energy of the water before it spilled over on to paving or into planting beds before draining into the nearest catchpit Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015 17
INTERVIEW
I had no more reserve funds to study on a full-time basis and therefore had to continue my studies part-time. It wasn’t the end of the world for it was just before the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa and I found employment at OvP Associates, a landscape architectural company in Cape Town that was appointed for the development of the Green Point Common – the area surrounding the sports stadium as well as the urban park. I learned a lot while working on that project, especially with regards to the construction detailing I was expected to do that helped me in my final year of studies at UCT. As president of the Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa (ILASA), do you carry the weight and drive the vision of the association? It sure felt like a heavy weight on my shoulders but I had a fair amount of time and was up to the challenge two years ago. I quickly learned how much support is needed and that I would be unable to achieve everything I intended to do during my term. One of our current problems is we don’t have a strategic plan in place. After I attended a SACLAP Strategic Planning Session, I realised how important this was for an institute – that way the focus doesn’t change from president to president. We still haven’t started developing such a plan but hope to do so soon. How does ILASA positively affect the landscaping community? ILASA was established by a group of people that shared a passion for landscape architecture and were convinced about the important role it played, and still plays, within the South African environment. ILASA’s aim is to grow, promote 3
and advance the profession and we do this, for example, by organising an annual national event (either an Award of Excellence or a conference), organising regional events to stimulate discussion and debate and promoting the profession to schools or tertiary institutions such as expos and the National Department of Public Works’ Schools Programme.
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Arla Consulting is your own business, when and why did you begin it? After finishing my masters, I started working for Sally McNarland who owned EPLA Consulting.
NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE LANDSCAPE PROFESSION IN SA SO IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US TO GET PEOPLE INTERESTED When she decided to emigrate to America, she had some incomplete projects she had to hand over to someone and, as luck would have it, the month she emigrated I received my professional registration certificate. You can only take on landscape architectural work if you are professionally registered. The timing was perfect and I was ready to take the leap of faith and start out on my own. How has your company grown and what projects do you involve yourself in now? The first three projects came from Sally but I had to source my own projects – easier said than done! It takes time to build up a network of people you would like to work with. In addition, it can take two or three years before a project gets going. I was fortunate that many landscape architects referred work to me or asked me to assist on some of their projects. Currently I am working on a gateway in Vredenburg. It’s a steep sloping site with its associated stormwater and universal access challenges but it is a project I really enjoy. Of course it helps to have a visionary client and a talented consulting team! Aside from that, I also carry out a lot of visual assessments.
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That is quite varied. How many projects do you have going at the same time? Sometimes it can sound a lot but you must 18
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INTERVIEW
bear in mind they aren’t always active. I have a project that has been quiet for two years – we have to wait for certain approvals; so currently about four active projects. You have quite a variety of projects, from rural to urban and public to private. Which sector is your favourite? I would have to say urban. To me it is a little more complex but at the same time an exciting challenge – the use of space is much more intense. There is a lot to contend with, a lot of things you need to weigh up and then decide what is going to take preference. The focus of urban space is usually on people and maintaining or improving ecological systems, how can you use the one to the advantage of the other? You don’t always get it right, but when you do it is very gratifying. Would you be interested in international projects? I would love that – I think it would be a whole new challenge and experience. You need to understand the people, culture, climate, plants, soil, etc. Even the laws in a specific country may prevent you from implementing some ideas you have. It would be a steep learning curve, but one I would welcome.
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How would you describe your design aesthetic? I do not have a particular design style but am inspired by site, people and patterns. Not to superimpose a pattern but to be inspired by it, to have fun with it and to finally arrive at a “fitting” design resolution. How would you say you go about planning your projects? Is it more design and plan or practical implementation of ideas? It is a balance of both. I find I’m always inspired by something; if it is something I saw or a story I’ve heard or read but, you also have to take cognisance of your client’s requirements and do your research: read up about the area, the people, the local and regional policies etc. It is important to draw while thinking and deliberating about the project. How do you decide which industry professionals you are going to work with? We always prefer to work with contractors who www.prolandscaper.co.za
are members of the South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) and, when it comes to irrigation, Landscape Irrigation Association (LIA) members. One can expect a certain level of knowledge, experience and professionalism from these members. In addition, we prefer to work with contractors who can show they have experience in the installation of a certain type of project, just as our clients would like to see I have knowledge and experience in the type of project they are investing in. Do you work with a fixed budget or is it more fluid and ever-changing as the project progresses and digresses? It can be fixed or flexible. If the project doesn’t fit within the budget we usually suggest a phased installation. Usually you develop a cost estimate during the early stages of a design process and refine the design and estimate simultaneously. Describe your dream project My dream project is actually anything like the Vredenburg project I am working on. If you can design a space that inspires and empowers people in such a way that it also improves the integrity of the ecological systems, then you’ve designed a truly magnificent space. 3T he hospital’s water feature spills over three weirs before it overflows into a mentis grid covered sump 4V redenburg: Wesbank Gateway is an urban plaza that aims to connect the community of Louwville and others to the centre of town 5S tormwater drains toward the centre of the TB Clinic’s courtyard. It thereafter infiltrates the soil (where the Papyrus sp has been planted) and excess water will spill over into the catchpit in the centre of the planting bed underneath the river stone. All river stone was collected on site 6B ecause of the infectious nature of TB, all of the clinic’s outdoor spaces face inwards 7V redenburg: Wesbank Gateway Section A-A: this was designed in CAD and shows how ARLA dealt with the level difference between the parking area and the proposed sunken play space
ABOUT ARLA CONSULTING Arla Consulting PO Box 304 Sanlamhof Bellville 7532 Tel: 083 232 6555 Email: antoinette@arlaconsulting.co.za Web: www.arlaconsulting.co.za
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015 19
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TREASURE HUNT Water and indigenous gems feature prominently in Cape Contours’ revamp of the landscape surrounding House Priestley
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he story surrounding this landscape is one of marrying a clean, chic and modern home with an area of abundant natural fynbos. The property’s main view overlooks a man-made retention dam, with disturbed vegetation infested with kikuyu, no irrigation and fluctuating levels of water through the seasons. This created an additional challenge. The water level is lowest in summer, when the owners of the property are most likely to be
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in residence. As the water level falls, bare mud is revealed and the kikuyu dies seasonally for want of moisture. In other words, nothing to ‘write home about’ while one hangs out around the pool in otherwise spectacular surroundings. The project was tackled in three parts during 18 months. The first priority for Cape Contours Landscape Solutions, which handled the job, was to manage the level change designed as gabion retaining by the architect and engineer – an in-house speciality of the company.
Once that task was complete, the focus shifted to the areas immediately surrounding the house. Cape Contours needed to create a suitable setting for the home and water features designed by the architect. The planting beds have clean lines and the palette of strictly indigenous plants is pared back, with no more than three plant varieties in any given bed. Restios of the ‘spiky’ variety are a unifying theme throughout the garden, including massed planting along the top of the dam embankment Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015 21
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adjacent to the pool on either side. Water features prominently in four rectangular bodies – a feature of moving and cascading water opposite the front door, the swimming pool overlooking the retention dam, a central ‘indoor’ pond flanked by planting, and a long, reflective body of water that extends from the house across the garden under an avenue of trees. The lawn under these trees would suffer seasonal shade so a cool season lawn was seeded with irrigation adjustments to ‘syringe’ it during the summer afternoons to reduce surface temperature. The result is a garden that can only be described as modern, quiet and reflective. The second brief was to dress the lower embankment facing on to the dam. Cape Contours used the same concept of simple
lines, with massed ground covers in blocks which flower in consecutive seasons; but even when not in flower, the different leaf colour and texture distinguishes one block of planting from the other.
IT IS HOPED THE DAM WILL BECOME AN ECOLOGICAL HOT SPOT, ATTRACTING BIRDS AND OTHER CREATURES This still left the problematic dam view to dress and the receding summer water line. Walking along the dam wall, it was noticed there were many indigenous little gems trying to make it through the kikuyu. These hardy little survivors
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inspired Cape Contours to dress the wall in an effort to return the vegetation to something approaching its natural state. The approach was organic, which also happened to suit the tricky engineering issues of stability around the dam wall. Cape Contours didn’t take a blanket approach to site preparation. Clearing and soil preparation was carried out selectively, including ongoing efforts to eradicate the kikuyu. A drip irrigation system was installed on a rain sensor so it would only be operational during the dry season – for establishment purposes and to improve overall quality of plants in the hot dry summers. There is, however, one line of impact sprayers to deal with the ground that is seasonally exposed. A palette of indigenous plants was selected and only a rough concept of the desired outcome was proposed. After that, the design was effectively ‘made up’ on site as planting progressed. Part of the selection was to pick plants that could be planted below the wet season waterline so, as the water level recedes, it will reveal a band of green and grassy textures instead of dry mud. Waterlilies and waterblommetjies were also added to the deeper parts of the dam, which will improve the general water quality for other creatures. This is the most recent part of the landscape. Planted in May, it is only just enjoying its first summer. The plants will use this season to dress the ground plane as the higher-value plants breathe and stretch for space. The hope is this will become an ecological hot spot in the estate, attracting birds and other creatures while the owners enjoy their surroundings without any ugly views. Of course, there is the added benefit of a floral treasure hunt for all who amble along the dam wall. ABOUT CAPE CONTOURS Cape Contours provides a comprehensive landscape service to a wide range of clients. Its focus is on consultation, design and implementation of landscapes, construction of precision gabion retaining walls, and installation of living green walls. The company is based at the foot of the Muizenburg mountain range in Cape Town. Cape Contours is also happy to collaborate on projects. www.capecontours.co.za
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PROJECT DETAILS House Priestley APPROXIMATE INVESTMENT LEVEL R1.3 million (R267/m²) SIZE 4875m² CLIENT REPRESENTATIVE AND PROJECT MANAGER Property Development Projects ARCHITECTURE collaboration between TAARCH & SAOTA TREES Just Trees www.justtrees.co.za
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1 (Previous spread) A long, reflective body of water
extends across the garden below an avenue of trees supplied by Noorder Paarl-based Just Trees
2 Even the furniture at House Priestley fits in with the sumptuous surroundings
3 The central ‘indoor’ pond is flanked by plants and flowers
4 A feature of moving and cascading water opposite the front door
5 A pared-back palette of strictly indigenous plants was used in the areas immediately surrounding the house
6 House Priestley now perfectly suits its beautiful surroundings
7 Indigenous gems such as pincushions flank the property
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AN ENGLISH GARDEN We take a look at how fellow British landscapers e-scape landscape architects created a quintessential English country garden so a barn conversion would blend in with its surroundings
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n a beautiful rural setting in the English county of Kent, two Tyler asbestos and concrete-frame barns sat within a concrete farmyard, ruining the look of adjoining gardens and a farmhouse. The client's specifications to completely revamp the property included replacing the barns, farmyard, entrance and an adjoining tennis court with a new building; improving access, creating a kitchen garden and other gardens and linking them to existing gardens and paddocks; adding lighting throughout the garden, and converting oil-reliant buildings and a swimming pool to renewable energy sources.
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GETTING UNDER WAY E-scape decided to demolish the buildings and start from scratch. Following a prolonged planning process (the site was in a conservation area) approval was gained to replace the barns with a traditional two-storey oak frame and Kent peg barn, incorporating a gym, meeting rooms, storage and garage. Surrounding this, the area was divided into seven new spaces: ● Main courtyard and vehicle entrance gate ● Mediterranean-style culinary herb garden ● Formal rose garden with central armillary sphere enclosed by box, yew and clipped hornbeam
● Naturalistic grasses and herbaceous garden, with a rose arbor ● Formal kitchen garden with raised oak beds and large glasshouse, including triple soft fruit cage ● New chicken run with fruit trees ● Soft fruit espaliers, including peaches grown against warm walls, and lemons and oranges in large moveable pots. The kitchen garden was defined from the other areas by an ogee-arched clematis walkway lined by olive trees in pots and underplanted with Catmint nepeta ‘Walkers Low’. Cruck-framed oak arches fitted with LED www.prolandscaper.co.za
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downlights on sensors lead the way to the new glasshouse. Breedon gravel surfacing creates an informal working feel to the food production areas, with more formal areas defined in Indian sandstone and contrasting Belgian clay pavers. The main courtyard is highlighted with resinbonded gravel, which contrasts with the traditional oak weatherboarding and clay peg tile of the barn. Parking areas are defined in the strong colours of the clay pavers. The rose garden is planted in shades of deep reds, pinks and whites dominated by varieties Darcey Bussell, Munstead Wood, Anne Boleyn, England’s Rose, The Alnwick Rose and Maid www.prolandscaper.co.za
Marion, with four Mary Rose standards and various climbers completing the picture. It is enclosed by a braced oak pergola with clipped pleached hornbeams carefully framing the views across the Kent landscape. A series of pathways and vistas link the new oak barn to the old gardens and a covered walkway aligns the centrepiece of the rose garden (the armillary sphere) to a specimen ‘Wedding cake’ tree – the graceful Cornus controversa planted to mark a family event which was the project deadline. Other features include containers of Fascicularia bicolour in the courtyard (evergreen, spiky plants that will thrive
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The armillary sphere is the centrepiece of the rose garden
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The rose garden is planted in shades of deep reds, pinks and whites
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The informal grasses garden
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Pathways link the oak barn to the old gardens
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The main courtyard
in low winter temperatures and need no watering in summer). Less hardy, Astelia silver spear need protection and are taken into the greenhouse for the winter. These contrast with a billowing green ‘box cloud’ feature creating a focal point. A new curved brick wall encloses the other end of the courtyard, framing espaliered fruits and climbers. The informal grasses garden provides a counterpoint to the rigid formality of other areas. This is dominated by Allium and tulip bulbs in the spring before the early flowering maroon Cirsum start the season rolling, followed by blues of Catmint, Orange Erysinum, deep pink Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015 25
PORTFOLIO Lychnis and deep purple Salvias, mixed with blue and white Agapanthus. Miscanthus, Pennisetum, tall drifts of Verbenas, and feathery Stipas bring late summer and autumn flowering interest before the Hellebores show in the winter. Year-round structure is provided by the Hebe ‘New Zealand Gold’ and Buxus balls and box hedging. Taxus hedging compartments separate the spaces but lead the eye from
REPEAT CLUMPS OF SPECIES PROVIDE FORM AND COLOUR TO TIE THE GARDENS TOGETHER garden to garden. The kitchen garden and fruit areas are dynamic and productive; after which the visitor arrives at the herb garden – heavy in scent with its gnarled olive centrepiece. Repeat clumps of species provide form and colour to tie the gardens together, while strong architectural structure permeates the spaces. One of the most important elements of the scheme was air source heat installation, which provides the majority of warmth to the buildings, supported by solar panels. These all contribute to a large reduction in oil consumption. An existing swimming pool is also warmed by an array of south-facing solar panels. Further works included creating a large, graded turf lawn, a multi-bin composting centre
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DURING THE BUILD
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and surrounding the entire garden by 600mm deep rabbit-proof fencing. E-SCAPE’S TIPS FOR SIMILAR PROJECTS ● Have a clear, strong design from the outset – agreed with the client ● Ensure communication is clear and constant ● Choose an excellent main contractor ● Choose with care and not just on price ● Keep your eye on the ball – this was a multi-faceted scheme that took two years from inception to completion. Co-ordination of the phases and elements as well as multiple
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contractors ensured constant attention was a critical factor. E-scape chartered landscape architect John Simmons said: “We had great clients who trusted our thoughts on design and materials throughout, knew about gardens, were always positive and enthusiastic, didn’t cut corners on quality, and were easy to work for but committed to a high standard of delivery. “Once the scheme was in place, a team of two knowledgeable gardeners have been looking after the finished hard and soft landscaped areas to a high standard.” 6 A traditional Kent oast house (background left) was one of the original farm buildings
7 Preparation for the rose garden and barn base 8 A view of the previous kitchen garden before the works took place
9 Work begins on constructing paving for the rose garden
10 Panoramic view of the rose garden, armillary sphere and timber framing
ABOUT E-SCAPE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
E-scape Landscape Architects is run by chartered landscape architect John Simmons, specialising in major private garden design schemes in south-east England. It offers a friendly, efficient, experienced and creative design service in conjunction with a team of contractors to produce original bespoke landscapes. It aims to create harmonious gardens, tranquil spaces with practical solutions, personally designed with architectural flair and an eye for the bigger picture. www.escapelandscapearchitects.com
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ICONIC BEAUTY African Environmental Design took a modernist approach during its major redesign and renovation project with Boogertman + Partners of the iconic courtyard garden at BMW’s head office in Mitrand
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he BMW (South Africa) head office was designed by Halle Theron & Partners in 1984 but, since then, the courtyard garden had been both neglected and added to. When African Environmental Design (AED) was asked to become involved, the area had changed significantly from the original design. AED looked at the original archival drawings and wanted to retain some of the historical design elements and existing trees. This proved to be quite a challenge as it determined that some of the soil levels had to be retained within the new design. The structural integrity of the water feature had to be investigated and renovation works carried out that tied in with a historic and contemporary aesthetic. The archival material of this iconic masterpiece revealed a simple design that had became lost as maintenance gardeners carried out their own interpretations. The biggest challenge was to change how the landscape design turned its back on the building, with no visual or physical connection other that a wide central walkway. Specification A multitude of planters, small water features and retaining walls made the space cluttered. AED wanted to retain only one water feature,
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the original artworks and some of the trees. The modernist approach of the four quadrants depicting the BMW logo remained central to the design. On further investigation of the different levels, AED realised that most of the retaining walls and planters could be removed by working with the site and sculpting it to mirror the natural levels of the building. By introducing steps to the outer circulation route, the level change was dealt with to create two private garden spaces at the same level as the interior of the building. The central walkway was kept at an even slope for wheelchair access and, by sculpting the embankments on either side, visitors can look down to two more private spaces. The central intersection was kept at the height of the original artwork integrated in the paving design and, from this point, level access could be given to an exhibition space in the third quadrant. The chlorinated water feature in the last quadrant was changed to a natural bio-filtered pool and more plants and fish were introduced. When viewed from a certain angle, the sculpture on the water feature seems to float on the lawn of the exhibition space. Environment Understanding the original design was always going to be key to the success of the BMW renovation project. The project has been successful because the original simplicity of the project has been recovered without losing any of the authenticity. The designer’s natural inclination towards a modernist approach is evident in the simplicity of the material and plant selection. Extensive use of textured grasses define the design and refer to the Highveld context, as well as having low maintenance requirements. AED’s aim was to create conditions for life. The large water feature has successfully been turned into a natural system with plants and fish, and functions without chemicals. AED believes the landscape experience remains “highly sensory and to a large extent visual”, with the labyrinth providing muchneeded sensory stimulation within a corporate environment. The visual connection between inside and outside has been much improved.
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Typical section through courtyard
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CONTRACT TEAM Landscape Contractor: Plant Elite Projects Dina & Nick Lampbrecht Tel: 084 240 1680/082 444 2122 Email: dina@plantelite.co.za nicky@plantelite.co.za Fax: 086 606 2680 www.plantelite.co.za Water Feature: Sapphire Pools Tim Tilden-Davis Managing Director Diana Pools (Pty) Ltd t/a SAPPHIRE POOLS Tel: 011 786-6008/9 Fax: 011 786-7171 Major Suppliers: Paving: Bosun Paving Planting Nurseries: Bristlecone: 012 2079904 Random Harvest: 082 553 0791 Purple Palms: 083 610 1215 Growild: gretchen@growwild.cp.za Wildflower Nursery: 082 8011741 Irrigation: Controlled Irrigation 011 6080767
PROJECT DETAILS BMW (South Africa) Head Office, 1 Bavaria Road, Midrand
Photographer: Michael Schmucker Tel: 082 564 3558 Email: info@studio88.co.za
PROJECT VALUE R1.5 million COMMENCEMENT DATE December 2013
1 The BMW (South Africa) head office was
designed by Halle Theron & Partners in 1984
COMPLETION DATE December 2014
2 Some original artworks and trees were retained 3
The modernist approach remained central
4 The water feature sculpture seems to float 5 Extensive use of textured grasses define the design and refer to the Highveld context
ABOUT AED
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Established in 1997, African Environmental Design takes natural African landscape as its inspiration, using indigenous plants and landscape types as much as possible. AED tries to work within the African social context,creating work opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises within its tender proposals. AED’s designs include integrating architectural, botanical and civil aspects and should be simple yet effective, bold yet natural, artistic yet environmental. www.aedlandscape.co.za
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The best in UK landscape and garden design
T HE F U T URE OF L A NDSC A P ING
SAVE THE DATE: 17 NOVEMBER 2015
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PRODUCTS
CASE STUDY Living active lifestyles
Outdoor gyms rolled out throughout KwaZulu-Natal province
FOCUS ON OUTDOOR GYM Outdoor gyms are a new way to look at health and fitness and create a sense of community and wellbeing. Suitable for public parks or private property, they can withstand any weather conditions and are taking South Africa by storm
Steyn City Steyn City is a project with many public playgrounds and recreational nodes. This project has focused on ensuring the equipment stimulates all healthy aspects of a child’s life. Play areas are intended to blend in with the environment. A representative said: “Play areas have been located where the landscape is intriguing or unique and present an opportunity for children to experience and interact with the environment.”
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation is rolling out outdoor gyms throughout the province in line with the provincial government’s objective of encouraging people to live active lifestyles. The department has built 33 outdoor gyms at a cost of about R16 million in the past three years. MEC Sibhidla-Saphetha said: “This is part of the integrated strategy of the Province to create active and healthy communities.”
www.steyncity.co.za/children-teens.html
World Outdoor Fitness World Outdoor Fitness opened for business in 2011 and has gone on to become one of the leading providers of outdoor fitness equipment to public and private parks, schools, hotels, government agencies and municipalities. It has installed 90 outdoor gyms and designed 85 others, 95 water spray parks, and 75 items of playground equipment. Its equipment is ready to install from its warehouses in Laser Park, Honeydew – Gauteng.
www.outdoorgym.za
Green Outdoor Gyms Green Outdoor Gyms was established in 2008 with the objective of taking health and fitness to the masses, especially those who can’t afford commercial gyms. The company has made inroads into all provinces in South Africa to ensure every community gets an outdoor gym. Green Outdoor Gyms has developed a ‘reseller programme’ that enables entrepreneurs to start up their own outdoor gyms.
www.greenoutdoorgyms.co.za www.prolandscaper.co.za
Play On Art Play On Art is an owner-run and managed design group that offers its clientele an exclusive, personalised service. Its gyms are flexible and the company can design a full-body exercise programme to suit available space and specific requirements. Each Play On Art installation includes a consultation by a specialist from the Biokinetics Association of South Africa, who will advise on where pieces should be placed and which best suit a customer’s needs.
www.outdoorgyms.co.za
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PRODUCTS
FOCUS ON GREEN WALLS Vertical structures have been used to grow plants throughout history – from the Hanging Gardens Of Babylon to ivy on European country houses. Now we are seeing the movement for green walls revitalised in South Africa as an excellent way to add aesthetic appeal. Here are some of the leading companies offering green and innovative products to initiate the Green Wall crusade
Cape Contours Landscape Solutions Vertical Plantscapes Vertical Plantscapes offers architects, landscape architects and home hobbyists expertise from concept through to implementation and maintenance for living walls, vertical gardens and green roofing modular and non-modular systems. Its design consultation service can assist in plant selection and design, incorporating vertical gardens into water features, landscapes, buildings and intimate urban yards. The company said its vertical garden products are ideal for large and small-scale projects and are also easy to install for DIY enthusiasts.
Cape Contours Landscape Solutions’ focus is on consultation, design and implementation of award-winning landscapes, gabion retaining walls and installation of living green walls, the company said. Its Plant Pod System consists of modular pods which clip on to a separate backing plate. The pods can hold 12cm pots, cutting out the need to transplant. This simple system means pods and plants can be switched to produce a feature wall to display different patterns or colour themes.
www.capecontours.co.za
Bidvest ExecuFlora
www.verticalplantscapes.co.za
Established in 1979, Bidvest ExecuFlora supplies a comprehensive range of green wall products, from single wall units, mobile green walls and interior and exterior green wall solutions. Its Lemon Modular Green Wall system is made up of hexagonal pots that ensure minimal gaps between plants. Mature 15cm plants are installed into the modules to provide an instant lush effect. The vertical wall is controlled by a pump and drip irrigation system that is monitored remotely.
CASE STUDY Green walls in action
Cape Verde Hotel in Cape Town is an example of a green hotel
Hotel Verde’s indoor living wall is one example of how a vertical garden can add aesthetic appeal while helping filter and cool the air in an interior space.
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Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
www.execuflora.co.za www.prolandscaper.co.za
PRODUCTS
TRADING WITH RAIN BIRD
A privately held company founded in 1933, Rain Bird is the leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services. We caught up with Frank Hattingh, area manager landscape irrigation for Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, to talk about plans and how important the landscaper is to their business.
impact drive sprinkler (US Patent #1,997,901), which revolutionised the food production industry and ushered in a new era in irrigation worldwide. The original impact sprinkler was designated a historic landmark in 1990 by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Today, Rain Bird offers more than 4,000 irrigation products and services.
What is Rain Bird’s range of products? We offer more than 4,000 irrigation products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments and homes.
Why should landscapers and designers choose your products? Rain Bird is committed to The Intelligent Use of Water™. It is our legacy to design and manufacture only those products of the highest value and quality. We work for long-term, responsible partnerships with our customers and our vendors. This is who we are, and this is how we wish to be perceived in the irrigation industry and our communities.
What is unique about Rain Bird products for landscapers? Rain Bird has been awarded more than 450 patents worldwide, including the first in 1935 for the original horizontal action
Do you distribute to the whole of South Africa? Yes. We have distributors throughout South Africa, making Rain Bird available country-wide. What are your company’s future plans? Rain Bird’s mission is to be the industry leader by profitably providing defect-free, highvalue products and services that promote the intelligent use of water for worldwide irrigation applications, as well as achieving customer satisfaction by meeting or exceeding customer expectations. At Rain Bird, we believe it is our responsibility to develop products and technologies that use water efficiently. Our commitment also extends to education, training and services for our industry and our communities. The need to conserve water has never been greater. We want to do even more and, with your help, we can.
CONTACT Name Frank Hattingh Company name Rain Bird International Inc. Email fhattingh@rainbird.com Tel +27 (0) 82 801 9015 Web www.rainbird.com Name Donald Matthews Company name Rain Bird International Inc. Email dmatthews@rainbird.com Tel +27 (0) 21 979 3157 Web www.rainbird.com Name Pierre O’Driscoll Company name Stewarts and Lloyds Holdings Email pierreo@sltrading.co.za Tel +27 (0) 11 608 0155
www.prolandscaper.co.za
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015 33
PEOPLE
Pro Landscaper Africa asks a few quick-fire questions to gain an insight into the people who are lighting up our industry To feature on these pages in future issues, email chanel.besson@eljays44.com or call 021 410 8957
LETHO GAOLEKWE
WYNAND VERMAAK
Landscape architect, Loci Environmental
Co-owner, VVD Projects based in Cape Town
www.loci.co.bw
Your most referred to gardening book of all time Gaborone In Bloom by Doreen Wolfsen McColaugh. Most inspirational garden (worldwide) University of Western Cape roof garden(s). Piece of equipment you couldn’t live without Scale rule. Top plant Carissa macrocarpa.
www.vvdprojects.co.za
restrictions in an arid country so we tend to use indigenous species. We also recommend local contractors and materials to reduce transport. Biggest life influence Thuso Mazebedi. Describe yourself in three words Determined, versatile, workaholic. The three people you would invite to a dinner party Zaha Hadid, Nelson Mandela, Sir Alex Ferguson. A lifelong (sporting) fan of Manchester United, Mamelodi Sundowns.
How is sustainability embedded into your business? We design to meet water
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Favoured tipple Coca-Cola.
Pro Landscaper Africa / September 2015
Your most referred to gardening book of all time Gardens To Inspire by Keith Kirsten.
perennial indigenous plants and ensure all projects are executed to the highest specifications.
Most inspirational garden (worldwide) Babylonstoren garden, near Paarl, South Africa.
Biggest life influence Keith Kirsten.
Piece of equipment you couldn’t live without Secateurs. Top plant Echeveria elegans.
Describe yourself in three words Practical, creative, passionate. The three people you would invite to a dinner party Trevor Noah, Julius Malema and Angelina Jolie. A lifelong (sporting) fan of? The Springboks.
How is sustainability embedded into your business? We produce practical landscaping designs using
Favoured tipple Lucozade.
www.prolandscaper.co.za
PEOPLE
STEPHEN HETHERINGTON Designer and business owner, The Green Zone www.thegreenzone.co.za Piece of equipment you couldn’t live without My Wahl hair clippers.
Your most referred to gardening book of all time John Brookes Garden Design. Most inspirational garden The gardens at Versailles palace in France.
Top plant Any tree. How is sustainability embedded into your business? Honesty and attention to detail.
Biggest life influence My dad.
A lifelong (sporting) fan of? The Springboks.
Describe yourself in three words Shy, fit, funny.
Favoured tipple is… A good glass of red wine.
The three people you would invite to a dinner party Adam, Jan van Riebeeck, Princess Diana.
ERIC CHERRY
GINA SWITALA
Owner, Urban Landscape Solutions
Landscape Architect, Sprout Landscapes www.sproutlandscapes.co.za
www.urbanlandscape.co.za Your most referred to gardening book of all time Sappi Tree Spotting by Rina Grant. Most inspirational garden (worldwide) Amazon rainforest. Piece of equipment you couldn’t live without Computer. Top plant Indigenous fig trees from South Africa. How is sustainability embedded into your business? Accountability after setting standards.
www.prolandscaper.co.za
Biggest life influence Nelson Mandela. Describe yourself in three words Determined, positive and compassionate. The three people you would invite to a dinner party Cyril Ramaphosa, Brian Joffe, Desmond Tutu. A lifelong (sporting) fan of The Springboks. Favoured tipple Beer.
Your most referred to gardening book of all time It’s a website – PlantZAfrica.com. Most inspirational garden Babylonstoren garden, near Paarl, South Africa. Piece of equipment you couldn’t live without Google! Top plant I love succulents of all shapes and colours. How is sustainability embedded into your business? It is fundamental to my business.
Biggest life influence My dad, who sadly passed away last year. Describe yourself in three words Positive, gracious and nature-loving. The three people you would invite to a dinner party Evita Bezuidenhout, Somizi Mhlongo and The Naked Scientist. A lifelong (sporting) fan of? MTN Qhubeka cycling team. Favoured tipple Always Coca-Cola, but sometimes G&T!
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