Pro Landscaper Africa August 2018

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

August 2018

PASSING THE TEST THE PRODUCT TESTING INSTITUTE IMBONO FJA ARCHITECTS & COUNTRYLINE HORTICULTURE

MEET THE FUTURESCAPE SEMINAR SPEAKERS

30 MINUTES

Agenda:

WITH TKLA

WOMEN'S MONTH

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN WITHIN THE INDUSTRY

Ann Sutton, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: A SOUTH AFRICAN PIONEER

LEADER

Concept to Delivery

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

DESIGN, BUILD, AND MAINTAIN

PASSING THE TEST THE PRODUCT TESTING INSTITUTE IMBONO FJA ARCHITECTS & COUNTRYLINE HORTICULTURE

Welcome to the August Edition of Pro Landscaper Africa 2018. certainly worth giving each of these events a visit. As August is Women’s Month and because it is something that should be celebrated around southern Africa, we are showcasing influential women within our green industry in this edition.

I

t certainly is quite a busy month for us as we approach the build-up to our inaugural trade event where we are setting the wheels in motion to unite our industry under one roof. Please do have a look on page 16 as we introduce some of the seminar speakers who will be presenting on this day- tackling the future of landscaping. We have also been very busy launching a FutureScape website which will be a great source of information leading up to the event. You can visit this site for seminar information and times, exhibitors and most importantly- to register your attendance.

Be sure to register as we want to ensure we can accommodate our whole industry at the LookOut, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town.

Speaking of trade events, the South African Nursery Association (SANA) and The Cape Green Forum will both be hosting their spring trade shows this month, SANA on the 8th and The Cape Green Forum on the 22nd, so

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August 2018

This is highlighted in our Agenda section where we look at women who have influenced various trade members careers and carried through into a feature which pays homage to the late Ann Sutton, an industry pioneer and renowned influencer who certainly belongs within our pages in this edition.

We also catch up with another great woman, Tarna Klitzner, director of TKLA and celebrate TKLA’s recent 10- year anniversary within the industry, looking at some of their highlights and reflecting on their journey thus far.

Visit our Landscape Architect's Journal titled “Reformation Landscape: Re-cultivating the Historic Landscape of the Bothshabelo Mission Station.” This is a remarkable dissertation by Master of Landscape Architecture student, Stephanie Nel.

MEET THE FUTURESCAPE SEMINAR SPEAKERS

30 MINUTES

Agenda:

WITH TKLA

WOMEN'S MONTH

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN WITHIN THE INDUSTRY

Ann Sutton, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: A SOUTH AFRICAN PIONEER

national heritage site. We then visit 2 nodes within the Century City Precinct, The Mayfair and Mayfair Square designed by Planning Partners for their client Rabie.

We then visit the multibillion rand Multichoice City development to have a look at Insite Landscape Architect’s work on this site, not to mention the phenomenal interior landscaped arena with implementation by Life Landscapes. We round off our projects this month with a piece by IMBONO FJA Architects and Countryline Horticulture at the Product Testing Institute in the Eastern Cape.

Our nurture section this month is quite inspiring with a lovely piece on Treescaping: Concepts and Challenges by Trees SA’s Dag Willems. We also inform with Pawel Gradowski’s feature on Soils for Optimal Water Efficiency in Urban Landscapes and take a look at Over the Garden Wall’s Designer Plants feature.

Visit www.futurescapeevent.co.za to register for our trade event and join us as we discuss and promote the future of landscaping.

Our portfolio section visits 4 projects from around southern Africa in this edition.

We begin with Maropeng’s Stone Park, recent winner of a trophy award at the 2018 SALI Awards of Excellence and built on a

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CONTENTS

49

18

46

11

54

17

7-9

News Shed & Association News Industry news from around South Africa and updates

by ILASA and Life is a Garden

PORTFOLIOS 32

Stone Park: Maropeng by Four Seasons Property Services (FSG)

11

The Agenda Considering Women’s Month, we ask some of our industry professionals about the woman or women they feel have inspired their careers thus far!

37

Century City’s Newest Editions: The Mayfair & Mayfair Square by Planning Partners

16

Introducing FutureScape Africa Trade Show Meet the Seminar Speakers

42

Where Magic Lives by Insite Landscape Architects & Life Landscapes

18

Company Profile Pro Landscaper meets up with Bata Industrials to find out more on their range of protective footwear for our industry members

46

Passing the Test by Imbono FJA Architect’s & Countryline Horticulture

NURTURE

20

Landscape Architect’s Journal Reformation Landscape: Re-cultivating the Historic Landscape of the Botshambelo Mission Station

50

Treescaping: Concepts and Challenges A look at case studies by Dag Willems and Trees SA

22

Ann Sutton, Landscape Architect: A South African Pioneer

52

Designer Plants: Over the Garden Wall’s Mia Marsay creates an estate entrance in Centurion, Johannesburg

27

30 Minutes with TKLA An interview with Tarna Klitzner. Tarna talks us through TKLA’s decade of involvement within the industry, their journey and their plans for the next 10 years

54

Soils for Optimal Water Efficiency in Urban Landscapes Insights from Pawel Gradowski

57

Why I #Love Horticulture Lucas Steyn, Urbanic Landscaping

58

Little Interviews

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NEWS

NEWS The Pro Landscaper “Faces of the Future” Campaign Are you a young up-and-coming industry influencer? or do you know someone who is?

Then this is for you!

In a bid to pioneer a youth movement and to acknowledge, applaud and celebrate the youngsters making waves within our green industry, we are launching a new campaign this 2018 titled Faces of the Future. The idea is to place emphasis on the profession, degrees & diploma’s surrounding the profession and to appeal to firms and smaller consultants to take on our budding youngsters into

Nelson Mandela Day 2018 & Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ)

their practices. Any member of the industry from landscaping to horticulture, design to contracting can enter (or nominate a colleague) to win this accolade. The only stipulation is that you were 30 or under on the 1st of January 2018. Winners will be announced in the October edition of Pro Landscaper Africa, so get in touch now to enter.

Email media@paperplanepublications.co.za with the subject line: Faces of the Future Nominee www.prolandscaper.co.za

is to encourage people all over the world to give 67 minutes of their time to make the world a better place in which to live, in honour of Madiba who spent 67 years in politics.

JCPZ used the centenary celebrations to build social cohesion, address food security concerns and support a clean and litter-free environment.

While Regional events were hosted all over Joburg, the main event was in Thokoza Park, Soweto, where the former President planted a tree on his 90th birthday in 2008. The tree has been declared a provincial heritage site last year.

Nelson Mandela International Day 2018 was significant as the former President and global icon would have celebrated his 100th birthday on 18 July.

JCPZ has been celebrating 18 July as Nelson Mandela Day annually since the United Nations declared this day as Nelson Mandela International Day in 2010. The aim of this day

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At the event in Thokoza Park, JCPZ hosted elderly residents in Soweto, who were treated to entertainment and refreshments. The City of Johannesburg’s senior citizens choir and the Ghetto Revolution dance group delighted the audience and brought smiles and tears.

A beautiful new black-and-white mosaic mural was unveiled by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Cllr

Nonhlanhla Sifumba. This mural is sure to become a landmark in Soweto and a backdrop for many a selfie! Cllr Sifumba was assisted

by The Ward Councillor Ronald Phamodi, Regional Director, Ms Salome Mogotsi and JCPZ Managing Director, Bryne Maduka.

Prior to the event, the JCPZ delegation made a quick stop at the eMathonsini Old Age Home that has 23 senior citizens in their care.

The residents were spoiled with gifts, snacks, scarves that were crafted by JCPZ employees, and necessities for the Home.

The smaller Regional events included tree planting, developing and rehabilitation of food gardens, clean-up campaigns, installing and painting of benches and playground equipment at various institutions and painting of selected care facilities.

JCPZ thanks all its sponsors and partners who helped to make a difference in the lives of many people – together we can ensure that the legacy of Nelson Mandela lives on.

NEWS

South Africa Wins Big at the Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) 2018

At a ceremony at the Gardens yesterday, Mr Lim, 63, scooped up the Best of Show, Gold and Horticulture Excellence awards in the competitive landscape gardens category.

Social and Family Development Minister Desmond Lee gave out awards to Mr Lim and other designers in the competitive landscape gardens, fantasy gardens, floral windows to the world and balcony gardens categories.

A garden that celebrates the beauty of wayside plants has bagged one of the top prizes at the Singapore Garden Festival (SGF).

The Wild and The Restless, an 80 sqm garden by Malaysian landscape designer Inch Lim, features a tall bamboo screen and a selection of mostly native wild plants or exotics that migrated from places such as the Americas to become common wayside plants in South-east Asia.

It is now on display at the biennial festival, which returns to Gardens by the Bay until the beginning of August, with a variety of displays by acclaimed garden and floral designers.

The 28th International Garden Festival Theme of the 2019 Competition: Gardens of Paradise

Call for Applications: For the 28th Chaumont-sur-Loire International Garden Festival, the Domaine de Chaumont-surLoire is holding an international competition for 20 plots of around 210 m2. Theme of the 2019 competition: Gardens of paradise.

This call for applications is open to landscape architects with a specialised school or university qualification or who are members of the of the EFLA [European Foundation for Landscape Architecture] or another recognised landscape organisation for countries outside Europe, – to multidisciplinary teams, comprising for example architects, engineers, designers, set designers or artists, preferably with a landscape architect or a botanist within this team, – to students from landscape, architecture or design schools, who can provide evidence of a landscape option and 8

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

"I am pleased to know that SGF continues to attract top landscape and floral design talents," said Mr Lee. "This year, we are proud to host some 40 designers, who are among the best in their profession. These include 15 prominent local designers."

Singapore would look like as a biophilic City in a Garden in the next century".

Besides the competitive displays, highlights include an Orchid Extravaganza, Asean Garden, floral jamming sessions and a marketplace.

The festival's seventh edition features two new offshoots: The SGF Orchid Show, which ran at the National Orchid Garden and other parts of the Singapore Botanic Gardens in April; and the SGF Horticulture Show, which will be held next year at Jurong Lake Gardens.

The main show at Gardens by the Bay is spread over 10ha, and more than 600,000 visitors are expected this year.

This year's festival, organised by the National Parks Board and Gardens by the Bay, was conceptualised as a tropical rainforest garden with simulated valleys, mountains and open plains. It features more than 70 displays by designers local and international, professional and amateur.

South African designer Leon Kluge, 38, won Best of Show, Gold and Horticulture Excellence in the fantasy gardens category. Aloes, impala lilies and olive trees are some of the plants in his African Thunder display. It tells the story of rain coming back down in Africa when the land is in between the dry and wet seasons.

The festival's creative director Derek Chan said that the show is an "interpretation of how

“The public will hopefully feel the heartbeat of Africa”, stated Kluge.

whose teacher will be the team’s agent.

The following people are excluded from this call for applications – designers who have already created a garden at Chaumont-sur-Loire during the last three years – members of the jury and their close family Guests: the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire reserves the right to invite selected guests to take part outside the competition. The call for applications dossier can be downloaded from this website www. domaine-chaumont.fr after completing the registration beforehand. It comprises: • The specifications present the theme in detail and the technical constraints associated with the design of a garden on the Chaumont-sur-Loire site (soil, aspect, visitors, plants, etc.). • The regulations lay out the process for the call for applications and itemise the rules for taking part in the competition. Administrative evidence (information form, legal status and qualification or membership of the EFLA) will be placed in a first envelope. The tender project will be placed in a second envelope which will only be opened if the administrative documents are valid on the date the bids are opened. Financing: no payment is planned for taking part in this call for applications. Payment of designers chosen for the 2018 festival, along with the budget allocated for creating the gardens, are fixed in the call for applications dossier.

Closing date for receiving the garden projects: Thursday the 19th of October 2018 before 5:00 pm Contact: Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, 2019 Competition – Rue des Argillons – 41150 Chaumont-surLoire, FRANCE Elizabeth Mettling / Tél : +33 (0) 631 553 766 / Email : concours@ domaine-chaumont.fr NOTABLE DATES IN AUGUST: August 8th – The South African Nurseries Association (SANA) Spring Trade Fair.

Join SANA for their bi-annual trade event.

Time: 08h00 – 16h00 Venue: SANA Plot 14 Summit Road (R562) Knoppieslaagte Midrand Entry Fee: R40 p/person (cash, credit card, Zapper) www.sana.co.za or gerdie@sana.co.za for prebookings.

August 22nd – The Cape Green Spring Trade Day 2018 Two Cape Green Trade Days are held during each year, they coincide with Spring and Autumn. These days allow suppliers to the nursery industry the opportunity to promote their products and services directly to their customers. Visitors include retailers, growers, landscapers, landscape architects, estate managers, municipalities and other allied businesses.

Time: 09h00 – 15h00 Venue: SunExhibits at GrandWest Casino, Cape Town. www.capegreenforum.co.za

www.prolandscaper.co.za

NEWS

A S SO CIA TION NEWS ILASA NEWS

A word from the president, Eamonn O'Rourke With the ILASA 2018 Conference fast approaching, ILASA's energy is increasingly being focussed on delivering a successful event in August. ILASA is starting to reap the rewards of efforts to build closer relationships with allied professions and practitioners in the building and green industries. The ILASA 2018 Conference which takes place on the 13th & 14th of August at Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg will for the first time be hosted in collaboration with the Land Rehabilitation Society of South Africa (LaRSSA). On the 14th ILASA and LaRSSA delegates will be able to attend sessions from both conferences. This is expected to be the

LIFE IS A GARDEN IN ASSOCIATION WITH SANA

We would like to introduce our readers to life is a Garden.

We are always trying to stay ahead of the game, talking about things which are trendy and available in the landscaping world. We’ve really made big strides in 2018. Examples include: •

We’re reaching almost 52,000 people via our social media channels, with fresh, seasonal gardening content (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest).

•

We also reach around 26,000 people via our website each month.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

first of many shared events where practitioners from both disciplines can mingle. With a shared passion for working with the land and landscape, interdisciplinary partnerships can form to open up new business opportunities. Partnerships based on the synergy between experts in spatial planing & design working hand in hand with experts possessing a deep understanding of land rehabilitation.

ILASA recently joined SAGIC, the South African Green Industries Council, and this year officially attended the SAGIC / SANA 2018 Convention as a member organisation. A group of landscape architects from Cape Town and Gauteng, many of whom were guests of Rainbird International, strengthened existing industry relationships and rubbed shoulders with delegates from the broad range of green industry segments; landscape contracting, plant cultivators and wholesalers, irrigation suppliers and installers, and suppliers of soil enhancers. The possibility of co-hosting the ILASA conference with the SAGIC convention in future was frequently discussed.

Upcoming campaigns Garden Day - 21 October This is the third year that we will support the Garden Day campaign. GCA garden centres are encouraged to support by creating their own campaigns, and to then enjoy the additional exposure!

LIAG Major Campaign Watch this space to see how we’ll be helping Food and Trees for Africa in the coming months.

New byline In order to grow Life is a Garden, SANA, and the green industry as a whole, we’re using a new byline in the articles we send to the press each month to communicate to consumers, the link between Life is a Garden and SANA. We're always trying to grow the awareness of SANA and Life is a Garden's role in the South African green industry, and we feel that this byline will assist us in doing so, particularly by highlighting GCA Garden Centres. The new byline is as follows:

The process of renewing ILASA's status as a recognised Voluntary Association of the South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP) is drawing to a close. At a recent meeting between the ILASA President and the SACLAP registrar, possibilities were discussed for the two bodies to share knowledge resources to improve awareness of the role of landscape architecture especially within government.

And finally, while still at a nascent stage ILASA's Transformation champion is investigating options through government to expand ILASA's mentoring support for students and the possibility of establishing new student bursaries. www.ilasa.co.za

“Life is a Garden is the marketing division of The South African Nursery Association (SANA). SANA is a member-driven, nonprofit organisation, which strives to promote gardening as a hobby in South Africa for ALL South Africans. To ensure the highest standards, SANA's garden centre members form part of the Garden Centre Association which strives to continuously improve the quality of products, knowledge and customer service within garden centres. These GCA garden centres can be identified by yellow and green GCA flags, present at garden centres and home stores, nationwide.

For more information visit our website www.lifeisagarden.co.za or join the conversation on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lifeisagardensa

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

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AGENDA

It is South Africa's Women's Month this August and we are celebrating the inspirational women who have contributed to the progress of our green industry. Pro Landscaper is thus focusing its Agenda section on the brilliant women within SA's green industry.

We ask some of our industry professionals which woman or women they feel have inspired their career thus far...

CHRISTA OTTO Professional Landscape Architect & play enthusiast The green industry – that forms a part of the construction industry is a complex and multifaceted world, built on cycles of economy and work, growth, leases and life.

Economy and ecology comes from the same word Eco - originally oikos that means home/ house. As people working in the green industry this means keepers of the environment or home and maintaining the home...

Ten years ago I would have gladly answered the professional career woman that climbed the green economical or ecological ladder, or good designer like Martha Schwartz, but now as with so many things…we grow and our perceptions change.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Today, the women that really inspire me in the green industry are the people that teach the future generations of growth, economy and ecology…or in other words mankind’s symbiotic relationship with the earth.

On a practical and local scale this will mean mamas, teachers and caregivers educating people about how and where we play, and what we get and receive from the earth and green environment.

Women that give an honest and realistic view of a hopeful future… bringing and nurturing the change that they want to see.

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

11

AGENDA

MARYKE VAN DER MERWE

4.

Candidate Landscape Architect – OuterSpace Landscape Architect

Dr. Gwen Theron has been and continues to be an inspiring individual. I’ve worked for her for a couple of years and I am currently working with her, as part of a team of Consultants, on conducting a 'Landscape Character' assessment on the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. As an employee you gain immense respect for your employer when you witness how they successfully steer their ship under the immense pressures of the building industry, whilst also working tirelessly. It’s quite inspiring when you get an email at 2h00 in the morning, knowing that after a whole day of meetings, she conducted further desktop work, before and after spending time with her family and somehow manage to catch the new Game of Thrones release – which happens at 3h00 in the morning. This really happened. She was in the office at 8h00. It’s possible to study abroad, obtain your Ph.D., work in academia and then continue on to build up a company – Gwen is living proof. (There is also never a dull moment).

2.

3.

HANNES VAN DER MERWE

Landscape Architect & Director at Home Grown Studios (Pty) Ltd. One of the women that inspire me is Karen Marais, from The Ochre Office (Pty) Ltd.

12

GILL HIGGINS

in Johannesburg, whilst balancing work and family life. She is a kind hearted individual with a strong design ethic. This has enabled her to build a respectable client base and a diversified portfolio or works.

She has been a mentor and a long-time friend that I have had the privilege of working for and with on a range of exciting and innovative projects.

Her knowledge and expertise with regards to architecture and structure, allows her to seamlessly integrate natural and sustainable elements into the built environment, providing a human and nature centred connection within the architectural context.

As a wife, mother and registered professional, she has been able to build a successful landscape architectural practice

She is a young, creative and successful female entrepreneur with a bright future within the industry.

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

Cand. Landscape Architect Uys and White Landscape Architects I would have to say that three female landscape Architects that I value for their contribution to Landscape Architecture and not only look up to, but revere are the works of Martha Schwartz, Kathryn Gustafson and Andrea Cochran.

Martha Schwartz specialises in urban and city centres and civic plazas that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. As core beliefs her work brings playfulness, identity and enjoyment into urban life and she champions the human need for connection. Her landscape designs thus result in highly effective and well used public spaces. The projects that I admire are Fengming Mountain Park in China, Saint Mary’s Churchyard Park in London.

Kathryn Gustafason has incredible design flair and understanding of public spaces.

Some of the projects that define her work are the Diana Princess of Wales memorial Fountain, National Museum of African Culture and the Robert & Arlene Kogod Courtyard City Centre, DC. Andrea Cochran’s spatial understanding and outstanding lines define her work. She uses simple plant palettes and proportion that relate intimately to the Architecture.

Somehow she manages not to make large open spaces feel impersonal and her designs are always in harmony with the contours of the site allowing functional design and privacy. Some of the works I most admire are The Nueva School CA, Energy Biosciences Building CA, Helen Diller Civic Centre Playground.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

AGENDA

5.

SIYASANGA YENZELA

Production Assistant at SAMGRO Wholesale Nursery

As we approach the month of August we remember that this is the month of the celebration of national Women's Month in South Africa.

First of all we at Samgro believe that in the green industry there are a quite a number of women who rightly should be highlighted for their contribution to the industry.

We at Samgro would like to take the opportunity to highlight Gaye Thorpe of Shadowlands Wholesale Nursery for her contribution to the industry. Gaye has been involved in the green industry for a number of years coming from a corporate background; she has been running Shadowlands Wholesale Nursery to new heights over the past several years. Under her leadership Shadowlands Wholesale Nursery has continued to grow bigger and continues to remain as one of the leading wholesalers in the industry. Gaye wears many hats in our industry not only is she the director at Shadowlands Wholesale

Nursery but she is also the vice-president at the International Plant Propagators Society Southern African region which not only encourages members to share knowledge together but fosters the youth with great horticultural knowledge at the start of their careers.

We give a huge commendation to you Gaye and we hope you keep up the good work you are doing and we hope that many can take after the standard you are setting.

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AGENDA

7. ROSE BUCHANAN

RAINER ENGBERTS

Architect, Landscape Architect and Sole Proprietor of Rose Buchanan Landscape Design

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In the past, mostly men have dominated the discussions around landscape philosophy, design and horticultural practices, however, it must be highlighted that women have also made significant contributions in these respective fields. This must not come to us as a surprise or presumed to be the result of shifting paradigms towards a ‘more’ progressive society.

Landscape architects and garden designers such as Gertrude Jekyll, Beatrix Farrand and Herta Hammerbacher are just a few names of inspirational women that come to mind when thinking about individuals that have cast the foundations for future generations within the green industry.

In the 21st century, the likes of Kathryn Gustafson and Martha Schwartz can be described as some of the most influential landscape architects of their time, creating beautiful and healthy landscapes around the world. More particular to the South African context, the influences and work of Joane Pim will have lasting impacts on the local landscape industry and most importantly, her vast knowledge has significantly contributed to the shaping of the landscape architectural profession in this country.

Pinpointing a single source of inspiration to my career is challenging, since the influences of multiple women have provided unequivocal impressions and insights on the daily activities of a Landscape Architect. Undoubtedly, women will continue to influence, shape and evolve the green industry in years to come, as some would say that the ‘fairer sex’ has a softer, more nurturing touch as well as a greater sense of responsibility to the environment, inclusive of the humans dwelling in it. This must be celebrated.

14

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

Let’s be honest, the construction industry isn’t always the easiest place as a woman.

We’ve all stood on site in the pouring rain, eating our hair in the wind while trying to explain a drawing to an elderly male engineer. We’ve all had to scream louder than our male counterparts and go to the ends of the earth to prove that “yes, believe it or not, we do actually know how that structure thingy attaches to the other structure thingy”. Throughout my career as an architect and landscape architect, I’ve witnessed women either dutifully fading

8.

into the background of their CAD screens or painfully clawing their way through meetings to be heard. And then there are the women who have done neither: they have simply trusted their own judgement and ideas and presented themselves as professionals who just happen to be female. These women have not only shown me the beauty of feminine design, but have demonstrated the subtle art of gaining respect without down-playing their femininity. Their strength lies in their ability to produce good work and handle projects while embracing unflattering site boots, ignoring sexist comments and refusing to be undermined. As woman designers we bring a very unique understanding to environmental, social and structural aspects of any project and if anyone can multi-task our way through this, it’s us!

SARAH VERMAAK

Managing Director - Acton Gardens

The landscape industry is one of the few industries in the agricultural sector of South Africa where you’ll find more woman ‘running the show’, than other more ‘traditional’ sectors. Where strong hearts and strong heads can outshine and overcome ‘brute-force and boerewors’.

Names that instantly come to mind are Tanya Visser, our late Margaret Roberts, Terry Muller, and some personal friends, namely Sonita Young (YLDS) and Ida-Marie Strydom (Life Green Group) – all of which, have made names for themselves as strong, passionate and

dedicated role players in their fields.

To be honest, I wouldn’t be able to pin-point any of these ladies as individual inspiration, but more as what they represent as a whole.

Having been in the industry for 12 years now, I have met many inspiring women on my journey, and I find the general consensus of passion and drive to be my driving force.

Thriving on us being more than ‘just pretty flowers’ and instead fore-fronting ingenuity as the back bone of sustainable futures.

We as woman, in most cases, have a lot more to juggle than the average male colleague - mother, wife, daughter, and business owner. Doing all this and still making a difference in an industry where our goals and ambitions very often affect the environment around us. An industry built on growing life.

Visit www.futurescapeevent.co.za to register for our inaugural event.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

LGH Pro Landscaper Quarter page May18.pdf

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2018/04/24

WHOLESALE GROWERS AND SUPPLIERS TO THE LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY FOR OVER 20 YEARS.

One Destination, Endless Possibilities.

021 903-0050 | sales@shadowlands.co.za www.shadowlands.co.za

18 Waterval Cres, Woodmead, Open Saturdays 9am-12pm www.livingstones.co.za

*Delivery to JHB North only

08:47

F E AT U R E

THEA WENTZEL

How can AutoCAD work for the Landscape Architect?

Meet the Seminar Speakers MANFRED BRAUN

MARK SAINT PÔL

Green Buildings and Sustainable Cities – a path to transforming our cities.

Designing for urban ecologies: the power of plants in design.

JACO JORDAAN

MARIJKE HONIG

Resilient Hard Landscape Design, Specification, Detailing and Supervision.

Identifying Guiding Principles for Resilient Landscaping.

NATHAN IYER

OSCAR LOCKWOOD

Making Better Places: Urban Design & Landscape Architecture.

GREG SEGAL

Where landscaping has come from and where it’s going in the future!

TARNA KLITZNER

Landscape lighting, the HUMANCENTRIC way.

The Hydrological Process as an Integral Design Informant.

DUNCAN MCKENZIE

Water Conservation in the Landscape Irrigation Industry.

www.futurescapeevent.co.za

JEREMY STEWART Safety in Public Parks & Public Spaces

media@paperplanepublications.co.za Tel: + 27 (0)64 464 2203

Making playgrounds safer...

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National Tel: 086 178 2789 E-mail: info@seamlessflooring.co.za www.playsafe.africa

COMPANY PROFILE

COMPANY PROFILE

What is the full range of products you have available to the landscaping trade sector?

We have a full range of safety boots (premium to entry level) & gumboots which are perfectly suited for landscaping.

Are you available countrywide? Where are your head offices and how many staff do you have working on your premises there?

Yes, Bata Industrials is available countywide.

Although the headquarters for Bata Industrials is in the Netherlands, Bata Industrials Footwear is also produced locally at the KwaZulu Natal Loskop factory. The factory employs over 700 people. Our Head Office is located in the suburb of Pinetown in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. We have a large team to help us meet the demands of a bustling industry in need of top quality footwear.

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Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

When and how was Bata Industrials established & how has the business grown from then until now?

I don’t know if you are aware, but it is Bata who produced the world’s first ever safety shoe in 1934, So we are somewhat pioneers in this market. Bata Industrials has since sold over 200 million pairs of safety shoes and now being situated in over 40 countries, across 5 continents. This experience combined with the most advanced materials and techniques in bio-mechanics, allows Bata Industrials to continually lead the industry with innovations & technology providing a footwear solution for every industry, application and environment.

The Bata Industrials range includes safety shoes, safety boots and gumboots that are suitable for a variety of industries, including agriculture, landscape construction, engineering, mining

and many other “heavy-duty” environments. In essence, we dedicate resources and materials to ensuring that the landscaping construction and landscaping maintenance industries have an array of shoes to handle any challenge.

What would you describe as your bestselling shoe to our market and why?

This would be the Atlantic boot. This boot is proudly made in South Africa and is SABS certified and been designed with a broader fit to better suit the South African foot profile.

This is a general-purpose boot which is suitable for a number of different environments and sectors. This boot is offers maximum safety, durability & comfort and contains a number of Bata patented technologies which are the Bata tunnel system, Bata Vent-air technology as well as the Bata Easy rolling system.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

COMPANY PROFILE

All these factors combined have made the Atlantic a much-loved product and therefore our most popular product.

Do you have any new and exciting improvements happening regarding work boots and shoes that you want to tell our audience about?

One of the innovations that Bata Industrials footwear applies is the Tunnelsystem® that spreads pressure over a larger surface area preventing fatigue and the loss of concentration and so reducing accidents.

A lot of attention has also been devoted to the flexibility of the sole and the weight of the materials from which the shoe is made, resulting in The Easy Rolling System®. This is technology that supports the natural motion of the foot in the optimum way, saving energy and increasing comfort.

working lives. We look to evolve with particular industries and to assimilate our products to suit the needs of the professional who wears them.

What is your company ethos and what would you describe as your unique selling points to traders?

The vision of Bata Industrials is “Improving working lives”. Our selling points are that as a global business we have access to all the latest innovations across the world and are able to incorporate this into SA. Bata was established over 100 years ago so we have a huge amount of experience in the footwear industry which assist us in producing world class products which fulfil the customer’s needs. We also have a wide product offering which includes safety footwear, gumboot & uniform shoes.

Climate Management in the shoe is critical and by using breathable materials such as textiles or nubuck for uppers combined with moisture absorbing Bata Cool Comfort®, Bata VentAir®, Bata Air XTreme® and Dri-Lex® for the lining, the wearer is ensured of a soft dry and fresh feel while the moisture is transported to the outside of the shoe.

Secure footing is critical and Bata Industrial’s research has resulted in several types of outer soles, each with their own profile. In order of slip resistance, there is the PU light and flexible, the TPU anti-slip in all directions and the TriTech Plus®, a sole using three densities of rubber, that is extra wear resistant and offers maximum protection against slipping shards, oils, acids and heat (to 300°C).

In footwear design, safety and comfort are usually contradictory concepts. Bata Industrials has focused on developing the common ground between these two features resulting in shoes that are safe, sturdy, yet lightweight and comfortable.

Where do you see yourselves and your product range in 5 years’ time?

At Bata Industrials we continually try to innovate and in five years’ time we see ourselves being the household name in safety footwear with innovative new products which set the standard for the industry and improve

www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS JOURNAL

Landscape Architect’s Journal: Reformation landscape:

RE-CULTIVATING THE HISTORIC LANDSCAPE OF THE BOTSHABELO MISSION STATION Master of Landscape Architecture student, Stephanie Nel, explores a neglected Lutheran mission station established by the Berlin Missionary Society in 1865 situated 9 km outside the town of Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

GPS co-ordinates: 25o 41’ 09.07’’ S; o 29o 25’ 17.99” E

The proposed Ethnobotanical Garden and Organic Farm at Botshabelo Mission Station.

Brief: The Masters of Landscape Architecture year of 2018 began with the following statement: “A good dissertation begins with a good question.”

This question could take many forms, and thus there was no defined brief for the project, but rather an open-ended approach allowing students the ability to pursue meaningful and diverse topics of their choice. There were however a few general guidelines from the beginning of the academic year. Themes within which to work included ‘Environmental potential’, ‘Human Settlements’ and ‘Heritage and Cultural Landscapes’. The primary guideline emphasised that the success of the ideas, themes, and questions chosen were measured against their ability to be answered through a landscape design; topics were to be substantiated by thorough research, yet manifested in form and space, and refined to a detailed level.

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Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

Heritage & Cultural Landscape: Selected Theme and Site According to Müller & Gibbs (2011:2) “The concept of landscape connects people to nature by recognising their interaction with the environment and understanding their place within it”. Stefanie explains, "In my initial research, I began to understand that a landscape by its very definition consisted of an ongoing interaction between humans and their environment. Botshabelo Mission Station in Mpumalanga, one of the most successful Berlin mission stations in South Africa during the 19th century, was once a thriving community with a continuous interaction between the German missionaries, the local African communities and the land. Today it sits almost desolate, presenting a tense question concerning our heritage sites, namely, are we to preserve the past as a fixed moment in time, or rather do we aim to continue

a meaningful interaction between people and the landscape on a historic site?

I chose this specific project as I believe there is a devastating indecisiveness when it comes to many of our heritage sites such as Botshabelo.

The mission station, although remaining picturesque, consisted of dilapidated buildings and ultimately lacked a sense of what was. There was little to no reference of the former thriving community and the stories of those who once passed through its doors, a neglect of its rich intangible heritage was discovered. Botshabelo is a historically, physically and culturally layered landscape with a shared heritage and an assemblage of narratives. The dissertation became an exploration of two cultures of Botshabelo – the German missionaries and the local African community (mostly Pedi), and their embedded layers of impact, meaning and heritage

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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS JOURNAL

Capturing the essence of Botshabelo through analysis.

From research to spatial design

within Botshabelo’s landscape. The study looked at the immensely interesting local heritage of the Mpumalanga area, where it has been found that pre-colonial, local African groups once created intensive and highly advanced agricultural systems that took the form of irregular stone formations scattered throughout the landscape. The second study observed the German missionaries’ approach to the landscape which was too a productive one, encouraging the optimisation of fertile land for food production and agricultural education.

Upon looking at the two historic typologies, an interactive, productive landscape was introduced in order to retain the spirit of the place in our contemporary context.

The aim of the dissertation was to generate a design proposal which conserved the narrative of the landscape, and simultaneously revived

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Understanding the past through historic text

Re-interpreting the past through designed moments in the landscape (The Kraal Space)

a community and a lost sense of place. This investigation harnessed the potential of the productive landscape as a means to preserve what is found to be a fundamental part of both of the cultural groups that once occupied the site. The richness of our African botanical heritage was to be conserved, harnessed and celebrated as ancient African crops were studied and included, and the intentions of the German missionaries considering the landscape of Botshabelo were revisited through an educational lens. The proposal intended to mediate between notions of then and now, the global and local and ultimately serves as an intermediary between conservation and revival."

According to Schein (1997) landscapes with fixed static layers require “the presence of a human hand to create or re-create the imprints on the landscape tablet, whether intangible

Generating a response to the local context

Exploring existing thresholds & historic fabric

or physical. It is continuous human action and interpretation that creates the palimpsest of cultural landscape over time (Kjerrgren 2011)".

It became evident that through landscape architecture Botshabelo would never be restored to what it once was, yet that was never the intention. The aim to reinterpret a forgotten history into a contemporary model prevailed, and through the productive program, use of regional materiality, stories, practices, planting and a continuous back-and-forth cycle of research and design, the Botshabelo Ethnobotanical garden and organic farm was birthed.

References: Müller, L. and Gibbs, D. 2011. Reading and Representing the Cultural Landscape: A Toolkit.

Kjerrgren, L. 2011. Layers of Land: The Palimpsest Concept in Relation to Landscape Architecture. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences: Uppsala Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

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F E AT U R E

Ann Sutton, as featured in S.A. Garden and Home, March 1969

Ann Sutton (1924- 2011) was a remarkable and fascinating woman who is recognised as a pioneer of the Landscape Architectural profession in South Africa. She overcame personal physical challenges not only in the development of her professional career and sporting achievements, but also in her humanitarian concern for people and the environment, and the advancement of these causes.

Women have pioneered Landscape Architecture in South Africa. First there was Joane Pim (1904 -1974), and then there was Ann Sutton (1924 -2011). Joane Pim was a remarkable woman who lead town planning and urban design projects through Landscape Architecture long before these professions became differentiated; and authored “Beauty is Necessary” a seminal work, in 1971. Ann was a Landscape Architect who had studied abroad, in the absence of any locally available training, but successfully adapted her knowledge to suit local conditions and become pre-eminent in the field.

I knew of Joane Pim by reputation, but she died before I was born. However, I was privileged to know Ann Sutton, whom I encountered at ILASA meetings and events during the early 2000’s. At that stage, there were fewer than thirty Landscape Architects practicing within the Western Cape. I was then one of the most junior members of ILASA, having barely started out; whereas Ann of course was one of the most senior members, having long-established her career (most illustriously) decades before; and having cofounded the institute itself during the 1960’s.

Ann Sutton, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT; A SOUTH AFRICAN PIONEER

Considering Women’s month, Pro Landscaper is publishing an excerpt from the works of David Gibbs, in association with his colleagues Clare Burgess, Lianna Jansen and more recently Marike Franklin on the biography of one of our industry’s most inspiring woman and an absolute forerunner, David, Clare, Liana and Marike hope to finalize the draft manuscript later this year. We will be waiting…

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Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

The more involved I became within the institute, the more I learned about Ann from her colleagues. I was greatly inspired, and deeply humbled by her achievements and perseverance. Ann had been deaf since her birth, yet never allowed this inconvenience to hinder her in any way. In fact, Ann seemed to use her deafness to her advantage, concentrating with intense focus on her work without distraction. In later life, Ann also suffered a leg amputation. This seemed, to Ann, but a minor inconvenience.

She had represented South Africa several times at the World Congress gatherings of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) and had championed the establishment of landscape architectural education at the University of Pretoria during the 1970’s, (long before I was born), and even longer before the University of Cape Town established a postgraduate programme in Landscape Architecture. www.prolandscaper.co.za

The Vineyard Hotel - restaurant terrace

The Vineyard Hotel - pathway paving detail The Vineyard Hotel - Liesbeek River walk

The Vineyard Hotel - courtyard water feature

F E AT U R E

Ann seemed tireless and still remained active in professional practice matters, as well as within Institute affairs, well into her 80’s.

I recall her gentle presence at year-end gatherings and meetings of Landscape Architects. She was friendly and welcoming; and somewhat mischievous too: when the AGM deliberations became a little too long and boring for her liking, Ann would engage her nearest neighbour in a quiet game of noughts and crosses, played out on her copy of the agenda. Rightfully, in 2011, the members of the institute celebrated Ann Sutton as a South African Icon of Landscape Architecture, acknowledging her remarkable lifelong contribution to the development of the profession.

Ann’s contribution to the profession still continues. Within her Last Will and Testament, Ann Sutton bequeathed to the Cape Regional Committee of the Institute of Landscape Architects of South Africa her library of professional books on Landscape Architecture, as well as photographs and drawings of her many projects to be used at the committee’s discretion. In addition, Ann bequeathed a cash sum of R 75 000 to the institute, for the establishment of a bursary for a deserving student.

ILASA-Cape gifted Ann’s bequest of drawings and photographs to the University of Cape Town for academic research, analysis and teaching purposes. Having learned valuable lessons through the established Ian Ford Archive (UCT’s first digital repository of Landscape Architectural

Landscape Sketchplan for Portland Park 24

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

work) I was able to apply for additional funding through UCT’s ‘HUMANITEC’ Special Collections programme to commence the digitization of Ann’s pioneering Landscape Architectural work, and to establish the Ann Sutton Archive.

‘Humanitec’ is a cross-disciplinary project that has drawn research from various and diverse departments to develop a digital archive - designed as an immersive, interactive experience. This project has provided a wonderful opportunity to augment the landscape architectural collection already begun, and to pay tribute to a remarkable woman who overcame personal disabilities in the advancement of Landscape Architecture in South Africa. The material is available online as a teaching and learning resource, and contributes to the curatorship of our cultural heritage.

ILASA selected a young woman, UCT master of landscape architecture student Thozama Mputha, as the recipient of the Ann Sutton bursary. As a condition of the bursary award, Thozama was required to assist with the Ann Sutton Archive Project, and I was requested to act as her mentor.

Through the process of unrolling, scanning, scrutinizing and documenting each drawing, we have come to know Ann Sutton a little better, and to admire her even more. Her detailed and thoroughly annotated drawings communicate so much information and reflect much of her personality. She was indeed a pioneer who continued to innovate throughout her career.

Working with Thozama on this project has been a pleasure and I have been thoroughly impressed by her thoughtful and insightful response to the project. Her astute appraisal of the material under

scrutiny and the interpretation of Ann’s work that she has discerned, have been invaluable in the generation of metadata.

‘It’s unfortunate that we’re not taught about her in our curriculum,’ Thozama says. ‘We tend to focus on landscape architects from America and Europe or gardens from Asia… Meanwhile here in South Africa there’s so much to draw on. So this project has been very interesting for me.’ ‘Landscape architecture tends to be a male dominated profession, so it’s great to have a female role model. It also inspires me that she worked on projects nationally in all communities – both in Cape Town and Johannesburg – and even in Soweto. She also worked on such a broad range of projects for different clients – public and private – parks, botanical gardens, wine farms, townhouses. So the scale varies.

I always thought I had to focus on one area – community or corporate – but she’s given me the feeling that I that I can delve into any project at any stage.’

The Ann Sutton Archive and the Ann Sutton Story have become interrelated projects, in which tremendous synergy has been achieved. Towards the preparation of this book and together with Clare and Liana, I have been privileged to meet with Ann’s colleagues, clients, friends and family.

Thozama has again assisted me in the gathering and digitization of biographical information for the book. Through Thozama, I see Ann's legacy at work in a real and tangible way. This is perhaps a powerful continuation of Ann’s story; one in which we ourselves have become characters, and have been enriched by the telling.

The Vineyard Hotel - found object: a granite column uncovered onsite during siteworks excavations now integrated into the landscape experience. www.prolandscaper.co.za

F E AT U R E

Looking back…

Ann at home

(Elizabeth) Ann Sutton was born in Johannesburg in 1924. Due to her congenital deafness, she was educated privately, but she participated in Art and Sports at Kingsmead College, Johannesburg and became a keen dancer and competitive horse-rider. She became interested in horticulture, and was encouraged by Joane Pim to travel to England to Study at the Swanley Horticultural College in Kent. She gained a Diploma in Horticulture with Honours in 1945, and joined the Women’s Land Army during WWII. Thereafter she qualified in Landscape Architecture at the Polytechnic School of Architecture in London under Dame Sylvia Crowe and Brenda Colvin, two iconic Landscape Architects. Ann spent six months working in the office of Dame Sylvia Crowe before returning to South Africa after the war.

When she started her own practice under the mentorship of Joane Pim, her mother initially acted as interpreter when meeting clients. In 1963 Ann co-founded ILASA - the Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa (then the Institute of Landscape Architects of South Africa) and served as Honorary Secretary for 8 years.

Thereafter she served as President and Past President, and represented South Africa at the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) in congresses held in Zurich, Lisbon, Montreal and Istanbul.

The Vineyard Hotel - garden suites

In 1970 Ann helped to establish the Landscape Architecture degree programme at the University of Pretoria. She later invited two of the programme’s first graduates, Peter Dayson and Johan de Villiers into a partnership that grew into a thriving practice commissioned to work on a several government contracts. This was the first time that the Landscape Architectural profession was recognized by the authorities.

She is also acknowledged for her astute business skills, having achieved success as a woman entrepreneur long before women received the recognition they deserve in South Africa.

Ann stood her ground alongside architectural giants (including Revel Fox) on many significant projects and historic sites, transforming their interpretation. The gardens of the Vineyard Hotel are perhaps her most renowned work, and are an enduring legacy to her vision.

In 2011, at the age of 87, Ann Sutton passed away, leaving her library of professional books together with her collection of photographs and drawings of her many projects to the Cape Regional Committee of ILASA, to be used at their discretion. ILASA in turn gifted this material to UCT for teaching and learning purposes. As part of UCT’s HUMANITEC Special Collections archive, Ann’s drawings have been digitized and an electronic database has been created, harnessing this ‘raw material’ for research and reflection in recognition of an inspiring body of work and an admirable woman.

Looking forward…

The concept of developing a biographical account of Ann’s life had been mooted by friends and family. Clare Burgess, Liana Jansen, and I have collaborated in the task of producing a fitting tribute to Ann's life and work, with the support and encouragement of Ann’s friends and family - notably her brother, the preeminent Architect Michael Sutton, and cousin Julia Albu, the intrepid octogenarian who has driven her Toyota Conquest through Africa and Europe from Cape Town to London - and is now on her way back…. Following several years of research, including extensive interviews, the task is well underway and we hope to have a completed manuscript ready for publishing quite soon.

In 1980, Ann left Johannesburg for Stellenbosch, and joined Wim Tijmens in practice, working at various scales from domestic gardens to wine estates and provincial projects. After Wim resigned to focus on his work at the University of Stellenbosch, Clare Burgess joined Ann Sutton in association.

The Vineyard Hotel - garden suites www.prolandscaper.co.za

Ann spearheaded contextual landscape architecture and planning, prioritizing indigenous plant species and locally-sourced construction materials long before these became the ‘standards’ of sustainable practice. Her design ability in capturing the essence of place is remarkable and unmatched.

Conceptual sketch plan; Franchhoek garden Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

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WELCOME TO RAMBRASS INTERNATIONAL

Established in 2000, Rambrass International custom designs, manufactures, installs and maintains a full variety of play equipment for parks, schools and public areas.

For 20 years we have worked closely with clients from planning and design right through to manufacturing and final installation of custom fabricated equipment. Our current operations are primarily located in South Africa, but we are structured and able to deliver a comprehensive range of services throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

We also recently opened a branch in Cleveland, United States of America

082 417 7397 |

076 062 0405 | www.rambrass.co.za | info@rambrass.co.za

INSTALLATION OF: Gabion Baskets (various rock types & colours) Dry stack rock walls Stone Pitching Sandstone Cladding Rock Features Retaining walls

SERVICES: Site Clearing Excavations & Earthworks Demolishing On Site Crushing Mobile Crushers & Screening Truck & Plant Hire

PRODUCTS: Sand & Stone Natural Stone Gabions Semi dressed Sandstone Topsoil & Compost

Contact Jean: 082 821 3604/021 854 4918 www.jktrocks.co.za

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MINUTES WITH TKLA

Women’s month is here and we are paying special attention to inspiring women within the industry - in this instance to a firm, TKLA, lead by an inspiring woman, Tarna Klitzner. This year TKLA celebrates 10 years of thriving within the industry and so, with their vision of green, appropriate, relevant, inclusive, facilitating, delightful, fun, accessible and design integral to City Making- Pro Landscaper chats to TKLA to find out about their journey through the past decade and their plans for the next 10 years.

Liberty Life Umhlanga Roof Garden Sketch Plan grandfather with his roses, gardenias, granadillas and mielies, and a grandmother who loved gardenias, roses and rhubarb. I have always loved to draw – the only certainty I had about what I wished to do with life was to be creative and hopefully add value.

When it came time, what did you study to prepare yourselves for this field (I see you have studied in Pennsylvania?) What was it like studying abroad and then moving back to SA to begin your career?

Have you always known you would end up in landscape architecture? What did you want to be growing up?

I grew up in Oudshoorn where life is dominated by the landscape of the Little Karoo, where rain and water are revered, gardens lovingly nurtured and the sunrises and sunsets magnificent across wide open spaces. Context and environment certainly moulded my interests, with a father who built and a creative mother, a gardener

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I studied architecture which I am still passionate about and stumbled upon landscape architecture. Johan van Papendorp and Bernard Oberholtzer (OvP) exposed me to the possibilities of landscape architecture and encouraged me to study further.

I was fortunate to be awarded scholarships to study at the University of Pennsylvania, my mentors were, Ian McHarg, Anne Whiston Spirn and James Corner amongst others.

The exposure to landscape as process, landscape as integral, landscape of wonder and the possibilities of landscape, awakened an excitement in me for landscape architecture in South Africa.

Landscape Architecture as a profession was still very young in South Africa and especially Cape Town in the early 90’s, we did not have a landscape architecture department at UCT – it only commenced in 2000 with Bernie Oberholtzer at its head. There were a handful of landscape practices in Cape Town, approximately 5 practices. Compared to the USA where landscape architecture was beginning to be recognised as part of the discourse in understanding the development and design of settlements and landscape architect’s contribution to design theory was emerging, with the writings’, of Anne Whiston Spirn, Laurie Ohlin, James Corner etc.

When did you decide to open your own company and why? Who has been working with you since the inception of your business?

My return to Cape Town – saw my return to OvP until the birth of my First child. From 1995 until 2002 I worked from home juggling child rearing and a practice. In 2002 Megan Anderson and I formed KALA (Klitzner Anderson Landscape Architects), a practice we shared for 6 years. In July 2008 TKLA in its present form began consulting. It certainly has been a collaborative journey.

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

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INTERVIEW

Rosary House Springfield Wynberg Sketch Plan

Kathrin Krause and I have worked together in TKLA since its inception when we opened the office at 130 Campground Road 10 Years ago.

The highlights have been the delight we have found in the engagements with various clients (public, private, individuals and communities), consultants and contractors which have resulted in sometimes surprising projects. Whether it be interpreting botanical reports and engaging in search and rescue initiatives, implementing SUDS systems, collaborating with mosaic artists, participating in children’s play workshops, engaging with community forums, facilitating skills transfer through design, choosing roses….

You name it.

What would you describe as your firms design aesthetic?

Our projects aesthetics are informed by their contexts and we do for the most part endeavour to use locally sourced materials. The contextual influences include natural, urban, heritage and social informants. We try to design landscapes that engage with natural processes, encourage positive engagement and include elements of delight and play. Therefore, there is no definitive aesthetic, rather an intention for space making that facilitates engagement with the environment.

Which area does your practise favour in terms of design, is it domestic/commercial/ public etc. and why?

We have such diverse projects, and each project is unique- I have come to realise and it has become a mantra – ‘as long as we are learning’ – it does not matter how small a project isand that lesson could be, environmental, social, spatial, aesthetic, structural, material, ethical, etc. We do however favour projects where we can overtly address the issues prominent in our environment, both social and environmental and find ways to design and make spaces, that are both relevant and filled with delight.

How many employees to you have working with you and how do you usually collaborate on projects? Who is generally responsible for what?

As mentioned the consistent base line has been Kathrin and I, although Gabi who works long distance now has been part of TKLA for five and a half years, Eva for two and a half years and Tessa is the newest member at almost a year.

Rosary House Springfield Wynberg

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Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

None of the projects would happen if it were not for the TKLA team – everyone has

INTERVIEW

Film Studio Cape Town

within the metropole. The relationship between environment and development are often viewed as opposing rather than interdependent.

Who would you say has influenced your company and why?

The various people who work and have worked within TKLA and the feedback and lessons learnt from various projects have moulded and continue to mould TKLA. Potentially its not who influences us, but what influences us? We would like our projects to contribute positively to people’s lives and the broader environment, which means that peoples, aspirations, cares, and needs within the environment are what influences our thinking.

Being woman's month- what message do you have for young women in the industry both in architecture and construction?

Film Studio model projects they are responsible for; however, they are not expected to resolve and manage them on their own, we are all available to assist, share responsibility, guide and debate. Our projects simultaneously bare the stamp of the designers who worked on them as well as reflect the concerns TKLA have for proactively engaging with the concern of water, making safe environments, encouraging community participation, and creating spaces for positive interactions and promoting biodiversity at all scales.

We collaborate with a number of clients (individual, corporate, community) and consultants (architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyor, irrigation designers) specialists (environmental, artists, growers, botanists, freshwater specialist, ecologists, etc) and contractors on our projects, who all contribute to a variety of understandings and add to the richness of the projects.

Listening and interpreting are skills we are all constantly developing.

What has been one of your most rewarding projects to date as a company and why?

As mentioned previously the measure of the rewards we receive from our projects is in the measure of the lessons we have learnt, it is

therefore difficult to choose one project above the others. I would like to address this question by thanking all our clients, fellow consultants and contractors for the opportunities they have given us to work with them on projects and through this enable an exploration of ideas and alternative ways of envisioning spaces.

What would you describe as one of the biggest challenges facing our industry?

As designers within the environment, we work within contested space, whether it be political, environmental, economic or social, we are required to address combinations of these issues within our projects. The issue prevalent currently, is the issue of resources i.e. water, timber, land etc.

What is becoming very prevalent in our experiences is the lack of understanding the role of ecological systems play within the city as a resource to creating a healthy natural- and therefore healthy urban environment. As the pressure for land for development encroaches on our natural and agricultural landscapes (as a result of the manner of the development), we are eroding potential areas of biodiversity, urban agriculture and positive public space within the city, as well as restricting the opportunity to address the historical divides

We live in a society where women are often viewed as other, which is not a problem when it gives us the space to explore and address issues in alternative ways, but it does pose a problem when our value as professionals is questioned purely because we are woman. This unfortunately does put the onus on us to be more aware, attentive and knowledgeable in what we do. It is hard to rise above such comments as ‘landscape architects are nice to have’, yet its very rewarding when a few weeks later you are told ‘landscape architects are integral to the design process’ and you realise that this switch in thinking happened because of your team’s ability.

The message is trust your instincts, cultivate an enquiring mind, confront prejudice but don’t let it rule your thinking and actions, rather let your positive belief in yourself and your knowledge enable you as a key participant in the team.

When your team aren’t busy creating fantastic environments what are some other interests?

Knitting, walking, swimming, cycling, drawing, sewing, pattern making, hiking, photography, cooking, gardening, painting, crocheting, family time, laughing, studying, traveling, teaching, doodling, As you are celebrating 10 years within the industry it only seems apt that we ask…

Where do you as a company hope to see landscape architecture and design in 10 years’ time?

Green, appropriate, relevant, inclusive, facilitating, delightful, fun, accessible and integral to City Making.

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

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INTERVIEW

Thank you Tarna Klitzner, Kathrin Krause, Gabi Jordaan, Eva Nemcova, Tessa Toerien, Katie Rennie, Gael Scott, Amanda Wula, Bonnie Fletcher, Ankia Bormans, Cor Nepgen, Charlotte van Zyl and Lizette Verwoed for the parts you play and have played in TKLA during the last 10 years.

Questions of reflection are interesting, I realise that I don’t consciously pursue a -Route- - but work intuitively, responsively and consciously.

Now when I reflect on what I am involved in and what and who I was exposed to in my early landscape years. I realise that Anne Whiston Spirn had a profound influence on me. Anne was head of Department at PENN when I went to study therein ’89. As part of our acceptance letters Anne sent all of us a copy of her book, Granite Garden. A book which has become a core reference especially when I teach, about the ecology of the urban context. As a student I worked for Anne as a student assistant , drawing diagrams and sketches for her ‘West Philadelphia Landscape Plan’. This project I realise must have seeped into my bones, as it resonates strongly with some of the work I am involved in now, in, imagining Urban, Social, Ecological networks in marginalised communities. In addition Anne picked her teaching staff which is how I was taught by, Ian Mcharg, James Corner, Lawrence Halprin and Laurie Olin. Lecturers who inspired my peers and myself and inculcated a pursuit for understanding context in all its complexities in order to delight and nurture through the design of landscapes.

Freedom Park Chicago Paarl Public Space Valkenberg Historic Core Entrance Forecourt model

Pro Landscpaer is certainly excited for the next decade of this company’s journey and to documenting its success.

Questions of reflection are interesting, I realise that I don't consciously pursue a - Route- but work intuitively, responsively and consciously.

Valkenberg Historic Core Entrance Forecourt

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P R O J E C T

O N E

STONE PARK

Timeline: 15 weeks (contractor) Size of development: 4248m2 Location: Cradle of Human Kind

MAROPENG

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site covers an area of over 47,000 hectares and overlooks the Magaliesburg and Witwatersberg mountain ranges. Maropeng is the official visitor centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Maropeng, which is a Setswana word meaning ‘returning to the place of our origins’, takes visitors on a fun and informative discovery expedition using spectacular methods to tell stories of the evolution of life and the origins of humankind. FSG Property Services (FSG) were responsible for the implementation and the on-going maintenance of this site. Here we focus on the implementation & maintenance

by FSG, winner of the SALI Trophy of Excellence.

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Tumulus Building designed by GAPP Architects & Urban Designers & MMA Studio

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PORTFOLIO

FSG won the tender to implement Stone Park, a node within The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The brief called for the creation of a picnic ‘open area’ that could also be utilised as a wedding venue. The park also contains sculptures, benches, exposed aggregate pathways and smaller picnic areas so that visitors can interact within the space. This is set against a backdrop of indigenous planting, where mature trees are planted behind the granite ring to create dappled shade for users.

The juxtaposition of the endemic planting against the cast pathways and granite adds texture to the space. Foundations also had to be implemented within this build so that the site could withstand an excess of two tons of weight from stone sculptures commemorating our ancient forefathers.

Planting There is a strong link to endemic planting onsite. Prior to planting, an ecologist came to remove certain plant species which were

then kept at a holding nursery and replanted towards the completion stages of the project.

Technology previously reserved for agriculture was used to ensure the successful growth of the plants onsite. FSG was briefed by an archaeologist on what to do if they should make any important discoveries onsite as well. The top layer of the soil was removed and stored as well, to be replaced back onsite during the final stages, ensuring natural elements of the site were kept and reused, not removed. Water retention agents and microbes were introduced into this sensitive ecosystem to ensure the optimal re-establishment of vulnerable and protected plant species that were placed back into the soil from the holding nursery.

When it came to planting, only specific plant species could be used, mostly those indigenous to the area. The challenge here was that some plant species are not typically grown by suppliers and so needed to be grown from seedlings for this project specifically.

Plant List: Helichrysum cymosum Bulbine abysinica Eumorphia prostrate Chasmanthe aethiopica Chasmanthe duckittii Leonotis simba Dierama igneum Plectranthus hadiensis Plectranthus melmoth Felicia filifolia Hypoxis hemoracollidea Anchusa capensis Tetradenia riparia Scabiosa columbaria Ceratotheca triloba Berkheya purpurea Tripteris aghilana Eucomis autumnalis Hypoxis rigidula (plant from salvaged stockpile) Gladiolus crassifolius (plant from salvaged stockpile) Aloe transvaalensis (plant from salvaged stockpile) Eucomis autumnalis (plant from salvaged stockpile) Haplocarpa scarposa Sporobolus stapfianus Eragrostis racemose Eragrostis capensis Harpochloa falx Trees list: Acacia karroo Dias cotinifolia Nuxia floribunda Heteropyxis natalensis Heteropyxis natalensis Celtis africana Cussonia spicata Buddleja saligna Buddleja salviifolia

The rehabilitation of salvaged soil and plant species will give visitors the impression that the picnic site has been established for centuries, while FSG’s ongoing site maintenance will ensure the area remains pristine and neat.

Construction & Challenges FSG had to construct a mount in the form of an embankment. Visitors can sit and marvel at the surroundings from this point, with a birds-eye view of the granite ring (created by GREENinc), accommodating about 200 people as an indication of its scale. The Artevia exposed concrete pathway has been constructed to weave through the site and to blend in as naturally as possible. FSG achieved this by making use of the sandstone colour. www.prolandscaper.co.za

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Drinking water fountains, benches and dustbins were also installed alongside the pathway to aid in the usability of this space as a park. Challenges included sourcing enough ‘fill’ to create the embankment and of course minding the natural elements such as snakes, looking for artefacts and the extremely dry weather and wind. The strong winds onsite wreaked havoc, damaging the branches of some of the new trees planted.

Architectural plans had to change occasionally when extremely large rock plates presented themselves onsite. Rather reminiscent of the challenges faced by our forefathers in the stone age, FSG was greeted by the spirit of Maropeng and has embraced each challenge the land has presented, working respectfully with nature and adapting accordingly. Interesting rock types the team came across include Dolerite and Quartzite, which was rather exciting because those are the same rock types most commonly used to make stone tools by our human ancestors.

Over 200 custom designed and cut granite blocks, each of a different size had to be carefully placed with precision to achieve the desired seating and each individual block was a challenge on its own, so preparing the surface correctly was critical, to create the correct levels and the perfect compaction.

Maintenance FSG have a 12- month post completion maintenance plan built into their contract to ensure everything is well looked after and establishes itself in good order.

Maintenance will consist of the mowing off all manicured lawn, trimming of all edges, raking rubble, watering, removal of garden refuse, cleaning and sweeping of the pathway and cleaning of drinking fountains, dustbins and granite blocks.

Fertilizer will also be added seasonally for healthier growth and mulch to retain soil moisture is imperative onsite.

areas will ensure this site can hold the capacity it has been designed and constructed to.

Michael Worsnip, Managing Director at Afrika Leisure Pty Ltd explains that. “Parks are special places. Most of us live in highly urbanized environments where space is limited and the most of what we see around us is concrete.

Maropeng is also a very special place, where we celebrate human achievement and development from our earliest known ancestors to our present.

It is thus fitting that Stone Park is now part of the menu of options which we are proud to present to the public. It represents everything that is beautiful in nature, but it also represents, symbolically, what great things human beings can do. A serene semi-circle of hewn Rustenburg granite presents the visitor, in a subtle and artistic way, with our human impact on the environment and how we have, down the millennia, turned natural places into functional spaces. Two giant granite stone tools at the entrance to the park, speak to us of human endeavour and human industry. There is undoubtedly a direct connection between these primitive tools, and our cellphones - that is the extraordinary story of human development and how we craft our environment to suit our needs. Stone Park is a beautiful space. A space to relax, to unwind, to celebrate, to party, to listen, to laugh, to enjoy.

A space to contemplate our connection with the incredible span of human impact on our environment, for good and sometimes for ill. It is a multi-functional space, to be used for picnics, for concerts, for weddings, for gatherings, for festivals. for anything that human beings get it into their heads to do. We, as Maropeng, the official visitor Centre to the Cradle of Humankind, are delighted and proud to be able to add such a wonderful new offering to our many existing ones. We congratulate FSG and the remarkable team of creative thinkers that came up with the concept and the design for Stone Park. We cannot say we are surprised because it is in the nature of human beings, to do great and wonderful things.”

SUPPLIERS EOG trees Treeriggers - 082 564 2929 Planting Random Harvest - 011 957 5354 Plantz Central - 083 284 3186 Sun Gardens - 011 462 1872 Wild Flower - 082 801 1741 Lawn Evergreen Turf - 011 948 9728 Topsoil & Compost Andriese Sand - 014 576 1299 Pathway Concrete Lafarge Artevia Exposed Aggregate 011 657 0000 Sub-Contractor Con-creation - 082 602 3059 Lighting Regent Lighting Solutions - 011 474 0171 Sub-Contractor OPelectrical - 082 854 7575 Granite Work Ohlhorst Marble & Granite 011 026 6282 Drinking Water Fountains Tra Valgar Plumbing - 011 021 4112 Images GREENinc

The SALI judges commented that this project was phenomenal in that it interpreted the intent of the design and making practical improvements, facilitated fantastic construction on completion.

The level of the soil preparation was commended as well as the meticulous tree staking construction. The plant pallet drew attention as it is not only inviting for guests but has also attracted an abundance of bird species. The good drainage and compaction of the sloping grassed

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PORTFOLIO

Concrete fins designed by GAPP Architects & Urban Designers & MMA Studio

ABOUT FSG PROPERTY SERVICES (FSG)

FSG is a turnkey solutions company offering property management services, including cleaning and hygiene products and services, property development and landscaping. Having built this business up by delivering excellent service, FSG services commercial and corporate businesses across the Gauteng province. They are known for their solid, home-grown values, incredible expertise and professionalism. www.fsgpropertyservices.co.za

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PORTFOLIO

P R O J E C T

T W O

CENTURY CITY’S NEWEST EDITIONS: THE MAYFAIR & MAYFAIR SQUARE

The Mayfair & Mayfair Square are two of Rabie Property Developer's recent developments at Century City. The Mayfair is a residential node and is ideally located in a tranquil spot just a few minutes’ stroll from Canal Walk Shopping Centre.

The development features units with balconies & terraces overlooking beautifully landscaped internal gardens with water features, streams and meandering walkways. Mayfair Square houses 6 blocks of office buildings and is a development positioned towards commercial buyers and investors. Planning Partners, the Landscape Architect’s commissioned by Rabie, together with construction by Intebe Landscapes, created a series of naturalistic water gardens attracting Cape Town's discerning residential and commercial investors.

Size: 4366m² Four Phases over a 14 Month Period: R3.9 Mil. Location: Century City, Cape Town

PORTFOLIO

The Brief The Mayfair site has roads on three sides and occupies a central position within the renowned, Century City. This development consists of a series of low rise office blocks and an adjoining high density residential component of interlinked apartment blocks. The individual components of the project are organized around a network of pedestrian routes and courtyards. While these elements are used to integrate the different use types, they are structured to retain security and privacy.

Mayfair Square, the office component, is sited along the south-eastern boundary adjacent to Century Way and the residential component is located along the north-western portion of the site. This arrangement ensures that the offices shield most of the residential units from the busy street as well as the prevailing summer winds.

At the same time the residential units enjoy the benefit of an optimal solar orientation. These outdoor spaces will provide safe places for children to play and adults to gather as well as green space relief.

To further reinforce surveillance of the public realm, the lower floors of the office blocks are, where possible, positioned to be on the same level as Century Way. This contrasts with many contemporary commercial developments where blank walls or security features dominate the street. Parking for the offices is provided in a partly-central courtyard and halve super basement structure, located below part of a pedestrian mall.

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The residential component of the development is based on “the courtyard model”, which is typical of many successful high density urban environments and offers the best combination of density, security and privacy. A secure pedestrian entrance admits entry into a central street or “woonerf” and thereafter via a series of landscaped walkways to the various vertical circulation cores.

To either side of the central “woonerf” are two interlinked courtyard apartment blocks. Within each of these U-shaped blocks frames is a large courtyard in which the planting will occur directly into natural ground. The north-eastern and south-western edges of the site are to be populated by a further two apartment blocks, both of which are to be orientated outwards towards the street.

Whilst the “woonerf” spaces are hard surfaced, generous landscaping and a natural water feature create a congenial atmosphere. The principle function of this green spine will be to provide a buffer between the Mayfair site and the adjacent Oasis development.

Landscape Philosophy The landscape design philosophy for the residential component was driven primarily by the concept of linking the landscape gardens as directly as possible with the first floor (Ground floor) units. All of the residential units sit on a super basement lifting the entire residential component one floor up from the garden

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PORTFOLIO

level. The architectural layout of a U- shaped building with balconies overlooking the two courtyards, made it important to bring the landscape level closer to the first-floor units.

Additionally, the Client requested that a water feature be included in the garden because they felt that this feature will add value to the project. With the site being relatively flat, the idea of raising the courtyard level allowed for the level change that is necessary for a water feature. The proposal called for a structural hard landscaping element in the courtyard for additional pattern to be visible from the higher level residential units. The two courtyards are linked by a green spine along one boundary of the development. The green spine not only acts as a link between the courtyards but, also acts as a buffer zone allowing for a landscaped berm screening of the adjacent property.

The Courtyard The Courtyard level change was achieved by using retaining block walls, raising the level of the landscaping to be on a similar level as the balcony along the edge of the U-shaped building. The retaining walls step down along the courtyards sides to tie in with the level of the green spine. The landscape space in the courtyards is flat for 50 % of the areas and then sloped downwards at a 1:3 slope towards the green spine to tie into that level.

In the design, a combination of structural diagonal lines and shapes were used in cojunction with natural shapes to tie the various

elements together. Utilising stepping stones of various sizes and stone chips of various colours, a structural, hard landscaping pattern was generated at the higher level in the courtyard, interspersed with custom timber seating benches to create an informal contemplative seating plaza.

SUPPLIERS

Project Information Anette Meyer Landscape Contractors Intebe Landscaping - 082 786 4219

A naturalistic shaped water feature was placed next to this plaza with an equally natural sinuous shaped lawn. This higher level of the plaza and lawn area are linked to the green spine with pedestrian footpaths that diagonally tie into a sinuous shaped pedestrian footpath in the spine. The pond at the higher level of the courtyard cascades small waterfalls down a system of streams and ponds into a central pond. The main “woonerf” pedestrian street forms a central element in the architecture and links the first residential level from the entrance potted plaza via a staircase down to the central pond and deck, giving access to the landscape areas. Secondary “woon erf” pedestrian streets on either end of the building also links potted plazas via a staircase to the landscape garden.

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The “woonerf” pedestrian streets are located next to cut-outs in the super basement allowing for planting at the lower basement level with trees and ferns. On the first residential level, entrances to the unit along the “woon erf” streets are river pebbled with pots and ferns to enhance the “woonerf” concept.

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Office Component The architectural concept for the office buildings was to directly link the office space to the street level. This was achieved with a colonnaded pedestrian walkway along the road.

The landscaping integrated this façade with the street level, utilising transplant palms at the entrance accent as well as street trees. With the site levels falling off toward a traffic circle, the colonnade path levels were maintained and additional landscape space was created as a front porch to the office building near the traffic circle. This elevation of the building allowed for more privacy from the traffic island and the levels were integrated with building planters and intermediated gabion planters. The office parking area is behind the office building as a buffer between the commercial and residential components of the development. Part of the office parking changed into a basement parking was created for exclusive basement use by the adjacent office building.

Environmental Ideas This is a green field site with no environmental issues. It should be noted that Century City utilises Grey water for irrigation systems and Mayfair is connected to this Grey water supply for irrigation. In this time of drought in the Cape Region, the initial planning of Century City to utilise grey water for irrigation has helped a great deal in keeping Mayfair’s landscape alive.

Planning Partners undertook every aspect of the hardscaping for this project. The soft landscaping was undertaken with a view on water wise plants as well as indigenous plants from the overall Century City planting palette.

More structural planting design was done for the raised courtyard to define the space and highlight the linear hard landscaping elements.

The planting is therefore simplistic in the courtyard and flows into more informal organic planting along the riverine spine with a more varied planting pallet ranging from marginal wetland species to screening shrubs along the boundary.

pots with Revelstone stepping stones, Worcester Sandstone stone chips and Boland Rover pebbles. The "woonerf" pots are Lacotta and are in various sizes with small boland river pebbles.

The natural water feature utilises Bentonite Geo Mat water proofing with Boland river pebbles and boulders constructed by Room To Grow.

Custom made balau benches, balau post and rail and balau timber deck were constructed by Town & Country.

Residential Component The pedestrian paths and mowing edges in the residential landscape consist of Corobrik De Hoop Red Pavers and were installed by Intebe landscaping. The structural diagonal patterns in the courtyards consist of Revelstone charcoal stepping stones of various sizes with Worcester Sandstone stone chips and Contamanskloof grey Granite stone chips. The Potted Plaza consist of Lacotta Charcoal Mille

Office Component The Parking area was paved in Inca Exposed Sandstone Aggregate Interlocking pavers with edge header banding in Corobrik De hoop Red pavers. The pedestrian paths and plazas used Inca sandstone polished pavers as infill material and Corobrik De Hoop Red as banding and detail patterning. Intebe installed gabion planters utilising plastic covered gabion boxes and Contamanskloof Grey Granite stone.

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ABOUT PLANNING PARTNERS

With an extensive portfolio of completed projects both locally and internationally, Planning Partners aims to provide added value to every project as part of collaborative conceptual and design process. Their track record over 40 years has delivered restored cultural and historical gardens, commercial and institutional landscape master planning, detailed design and implementation as well as landscape management and inputs into environmental planning and management. Their team of 12 comprises 5 Professional Landscape Architects, Landscape and Architectural Technicians and Horticulturists.

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FEEDING SOILS IN TIMES OF DROUGHT IS CRITICAL. LIKE MAYFAIR & MAYFAIR SQUARE, ALL GARDENS NEED HEALTHY FOUNDATIONS TO FLOURISH. CONTACT US TO GROW BEAUTIFUL SPACES TOGETHER!

P R O J E C T

T H R E E

WHERE MAGIC LIVES MultiChoice, South Africa’s premium broadcast provider, boasts an exquisite campus in Randburg’s CBD. This site holds a Green Building Council 5 Star Design Certification and is poised on the prominent corner of Bram Fischer and Republic Roads. Insite Landscape Architect’s joined a brilliant team at the helm of bringing a unique design to life for their client.

PORTFOLIO

Size: 4200m2 Includes verge landscape of 700m2 Location: Sandton, Johannesburg Cost: 1.8million (soft and hardscaping exterior)

The Site The site comprises four parking basement levels and four office levels of approximately 35 000m², all positioned around a stunningly striking atrium, which effectively draws the exterior in and creates the desired ambiance of a central indoor meeting place that defies the typical exterior placement.

Design The curvilinear design façade is easily distinguishable as the glass swoops to create movement and texture flooding the interior with light in on the Bram Fischer frontage.

Indigenous gardens at the entrance enhance the sense of arrival and provide both human scale against the backdrop of the building and a much-welcomed breath of green relief against an otherwise hard building and surrounding cityscape, The absolute showstopper is once you walk through the entrance into the heart of the building and are greeted by a multi-story atrium. Around the atrium are several pause areas where visitors and staff can animate the space, bringing its design to life.

Insite Landscape Architects brief from the Client was to reflect in the design and implementation, the diversity of DSTV which has been especially applied in the harsh landscape. Linear shapes reflecting barcodes are seen within the pergola structures and indeed within the hardscaping.

The Hard Landscaping Approach It was decided that the use of concrete cobbles in combination with clay bricks as a paved walkway surface would be utilised, mostly due to the earthy qualities and long-term durability and nature of the product.

As designers, Insite explain that they were challenged by the fact that a seemingly wide range of colours is possible in cobble (variable colours and tones) whilst, choice was limited to a few small number of colours, in clay paving.

The end-product was satisfactory to achieve the variable tone effect and symbolises the pixilated effect associated with the broadcast and media display world.

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Soft Landscaping The soft landscaping Appears mostly on deck area, which spills out from the main building. This offers employees a space to relax during office and tea breaks. The idea behind the planting here is to create a natural and informal feel with decking and seating pockets. Rainwater harvesting systems have been employed to irrigate the exterior and verge plantscaping and to further enhance the sustainability potential.

The interior landscape showcases trees planted level with the atrium floor, to further emphasise its play on the outdoor space indoors and to call on the outdoor connection of the “atrium street”.

It is a tree-lined, carpet lawned ‘fun park’, in the middle of what might be seen as a very corporate environment, offering staff and visitors freedom to choose where to work, meet, play and relax. It encourages creative thinking, chance encounters and spontaneous interactions.

Some of the challenges that faced this project include: Site (conditions) and challenges regarding drainage on the eastern roof garden deck.

SUPPLIERS

Planting and Planting medium Tshala Plant Brokers - 082 415 0165 Culterra - 011 300 9913 Artificial Turf Belgotex Grass - 033 897 7500 Hardscaping Contactors Hard Landscape Enterprises - 083 623 5656 Paving Stone Sensation - 086 176 7777 Bosun - 010 594 0942 Corobrik Clay Paver - 031 560 3111 Images GLH Architects

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PORTFOLIO

ABOUT INSITE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Insite Landscape Architects is a large and highly successful Landscape Architect Practice based in South Africa, specialising in all aspects of landscape design; from initial landscape concept design, to detailed design, budgets and site inspections during and after construction. Over the past 18 years Insite has gained world class experience in: • • • • • • • •

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Corporate and commercial projects Retail projects Estate, hotel and resort projects Master planning projects Parks and public open space projects Contemporary landscapes Residential projects Roof gardens and urban design projects

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P R O J E C T

F O U R

PASSING THE TEST South Africa’s new Product Testing Institute is a far cry from what we expect in a laboratory type setting. What we have come to know as a sterile, cold and artificially lit environment has been turned on its head to deliberately defy design notions. The Product Testing Institute’s campus is used to facilitate research and innovation in the field of product lifecycle and recycling (with particular focus on the tyre industry). With brilliant design by Imbono FJA Architects and implementation of softscaping by Countryline Horticulture, this building has earned a six- star Green Star rating- with the Green Building Council of South Africa, the first in the Eastern Cape. This rating solidifies its intention of pushing the sustainable envelope.

Size of building: 4200m2 Project Timeline: 11 Months (May 2016 – April 2017) Landscaping timeline: 2 months Total Project Value: R75 Million Soft Landscaping: R340 000

PORTFOLIO

T

he Product Testing Institute is situated in the automotive and tyre-manufacturing grouping within the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) just outside of Port Elizabeth.

The office building onsite has been designed around a rather “green” courtyard, which offers protection from the region’s infamous wind as well as adds to the positive working environment. With the creation of both winter and summer gardens in this space, visitors and staff get the cool shade under the wooden pergola, puddles of winter sunshine under the acacia trees and a water feature to alleviate noise pollution.

All landscaping is xeriscaped, including the earth mound roof garden leading out from the boardroom, which, due to thermal mass, moderate’s temperatures in the auditorium directly beneath it. The clients need for fencing which can often damage vegetation was reevaluated to include a pond around the premises which acts as a boundary marker onsite.

Because this is a Coega IDZ Zone, Landscaping onsite had to comply with the Coega IDZ planting palette, in which only endemic plants to the Coega IDZ could be used on the site.

Approval for the landscaping is required before

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any works begin and this is done by submission of the BOQ, planting plan, plants list, along with sourcing and a methodology for the landscaping works. The buildings that are built in the Coega IDZ area often strip the natural vegetation. Thus, new builds are required to undergo a search and rescue operation of the natural habitat before construction starts.

Endangered plant species were removed to a nursery at Coega and then made available to Countryline Horticulture, who kept some of the natural vegetation onsite as part of the landscaping. Pebbles and stones seen in the courtyard are also harvested from the site.

Running water has also been introduced to soften the harsh sounds of the N2 highway as well as to create a tranquil work environment.

All of the water is harvested from underground tanks.

Challenges and Notable Information: The Acacias needed to be lifted, by crane, over the roof into the courtyard for planting. Acacia Karoo are also difficult to source in the Eastern Cape, especially such large specimens.

All topsoil had to be wheel barrowed through the building for the courtyard area. The roof garden topsoil and grass had to be lifted onto the roof, using a tele-porter, which was time

SUPPLIERS Timber Decking & Pergola’s Touch wood - 041 450 1805 Stainless steel & reclaimed timber R&R Aesthetics - 041 484 3845 Natural Pond & Water Harvesting System Green Overall - 082 771 2062 Landscaping Countryline Horticulture - 071 641 4842 Plant Suppliers Trees SA - 021 842 0003 Mystree - 082 550 1646 CSM - 083 654 5764 Elands Nursery - 041 955 5671 Fertiliser GreenFingers - 041 364 0288 Lighting Lighting Innovations - 041 374 0111 Paving Bosun Brick - 011 310 1176 Shukuma Bricks - 041 372 1013 Images: Rob Duker - 041 373 5341

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consuming, it had to be done in layers, levelled out by hand and allowed to stand for compaction, before final levels and grassing could take place.

The use of the white pebbles, in the beds, gave a nice clean contrast to the brown pebbles on the walkways, which also assisted with topsoil not swirling around in the courtyard on a windy day, along with providing a mulch to limit water evaporation.

Plant selection had to be carefully considered, as Port Elizabeth has water restrictions and no hoses or irrigation systems can be used for watering.

In order to reduce the heat island effect with the construction of a large open concrete hardstand, the architects mapped out the vehicle movement lines and turning circles. From this study the negative spaces were outlined and the natural vegetation retained to introduce some greenery to what is usually a hard and unsightly installation.

ABOUT COUNTRYLINE H O R T I C U LT U R E Countryline Horticulture (Pty) Ltd is a landscaping and irrigation installation and maintenance company based in Durban. It was established in 2007 and it has since grown from strength to strength within the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape regions.

Countryline’s mission is to provide clients with a finished project that exceeds their expectations, combining the best quality workmanship, with prompt, friendly and efficient service at a competitive price.

A B O U T I M B O N O FJ A ARCHITECTS IMBONO FJA Architects CC was founded in February 2004 when FJA Architects merged with one of the first Black Empowerment companies in the Eastern Cape, Imbono Projects Solutions CC. Imbono FjA Architects has four offices across the Eastern Cape in East London, Mthatha, Port Elizabeth & Queenstown. Their clients are the life blood of the firm and as such they focus their actions and activities on meeting clients’ needs and aspirations. Imbono FJA Architects successfully balance the “art of architecture” and the “discipline of management”. www.imbonofja.co.za 48

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NURTURE

TREESCAPING: CONCEPTS AND CHALLENGES CAN YOU IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE THERE ARE NO TREES? NEITHER CAN WE… WHAT DO WE MEAN BY “TREESCAPING”?

We all know that trees form an integral part of our landscapes and, more than often, they are the main attraction to a landscaping design.

The art of selecting, installing and successfully transplanting a large tree for any given type of garden, has become a specialist field in itself.

The combined knowledge of Arboriculture and Landscaping is needed to create what we call “TreeScaping” – a specialization within the discipline of Landscaping.

tree selection, site conditions, tree installation or relocation, and tree monitoring.

The concept of TreeScaping emerged out of the new era of large container-grown trees that became available in the market of South Africa during the past 10 years. The fact that there were opportunities to purchase or move mature trees to new locations, meant that landscapers could transform gardens overnight. The use of Arboricultural knowledge to transplant a large tree was usually the difference between the success or failure of a project. A new set of pioneering skills in the relocation of mature trees had to be established during this time.

However, the desired species need to also be suited to grow in the particular site conditions.

It is not always easy to keep the balance but selecting correct species for the correct site, can mean the difference between success and failure. Some examples of conditions to be considered are soil type; drainage; climate; wind; coastal tolerance; frost; snow and shade.

Key aspects of TreeScaping The TreeScaping concept involves 4 key aspects:

Whether it is for a Contemporary-, English-, Mediterranean- or Tropical Garden design, selecting the correct tree for its purpose is half the job done, and the first aspect of TreeScaping. A knowledge of tree species and a keen eye for design will together result in a range of options for the client.

Then putting the first two aspects together, the third part of the TreeScaping picture, is the practical part – can it actually be done?

Knowledge of various tree species and how they react to transplants in an assortment of site conditions as well as the skill to apply

a crane and manage a team of riggers is critical in order to succeed. Considering a specimen for relocation depends on various properties associated with a particular tree, as well as the logistics and the art of rigging required to a move a tree from point A to point B. One requires both the knowledge of trees and the skill of rigging and moving mature trees to make it all “come together”.

Lastly, after the tree has been selected, the site conditions assessed, and the installation done and dusted, the final aspect of TreeScaping is the tree monitoring. It takes 2 to 5 years, pending tree size and species, to become independent from artificial watering. Hence aftercare monitoring by treescaping specialists is imperative to the successful establishment of large and mature trees.

The SUCCESS of a TreeScaping project CAN ONLY BE ASSESSED at the time when the tree has once again become independent from artificial irrigation.

Case studies of three unusual sites posing extreme Treescaping challenges

SLANGHOEK IN THE KAROO – EXTREME CONDITIONS AND ACCESS Having no trees on the property, the purpose of the tree selection was for shade and aesthetic quality. The selection of tree species needed to be suited for the very cold nights and very hot days of the Karoo landscape. The installation required the use of 2 x Superlink trucks, 2 x 8ton crane trucks, 1 x 8ton truck and trailer, and 1 x bakkie and trailer.

We had to navigate a 14km 4x4 track to get to the final destination. A total of 173 mature trees were installed in just 4 days and going back 8 years later, the TreeScaping project was deemed a success as all the trees have become independent from artificial watering, completely transforming the landscape!

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Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

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NURTURE

ELDORADO NATURE AND GAME RESERVE IN THE KAROO – EXTREME HIGH-ALTITUDE This was a super extreme project in terms of the tree selection and 1450m above sea level site conditions. Considering the snow conditions in the winter, the extreme heat conditions in the summer, and that the animals should not be enticed to browse the trees, it was quite a challenging project to select the correct species suited for the site. It took 3 trucks, an 8 meter lowbed trailer, a 4 meter trailer and two bakkies, traveling more than 900km in 4 days to plant 25 trees weighing around 28 tons in total.

500m of irrigation pipe was used and a special solar powered irrigation pump and controller was installed. A mere 8 months post planting, and the trees are subjected to heavy snow, and thriving!

BAVIAANSKLOOF FOREST – CHALLENGING SITE CONDITIONS Going through rocky river beds, sandy slopes, steep inclined 4x4 tracks with a full load of trees was by far one of the most challenging site access conditions. A total of 76 mature trees were installed over 4 days to instantly create a forest TreeScape!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dag Willems, a professional Ecologist and Arborist (BSc Forestry US), first held the position of Regional Manager of indigenous forests for the Western Cape Department of Forestry until 1999. He is currently the owner and founder of Trees South Africa – a business which specialises in the production and relocation of large trees. Even though Trees SA are less focused on trees in their natural habitat and more on ornamental trees, often times, in the most unnatural urban and semi-urban environments, science always remains firmly rooted in their approach. Currently stocking over 45 000 large & mature trees of 200 different species, you can be sure to be in good hands for your next TreeScaping project. www.trees-sa.co.za www.prolandscaper.co.za

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

51

NURTURE

Soils for optimal water efficiency in urban landscapes Considering the necessity for water conservation, we need to use water wisely and maximise its efficiency in urban landscape. Top soils (with organic components that support plant life) together with the subgrades (soils located below the planting soil) naturally form complex hydrological systems that affect all landscape formations on the ground. However, soils in cities undergo various transformations due to the nature of built environment. The valuable top soil is often mixed and relocated, while subgrades are reconfigured and compacted to support construction needs. Consequently, the delicate and complex hydrological balance that nourished the preconstruction, natural life on the land disappears. The health and longevity of the alternative landscapes in urban environments must then rely on a completely altered hydrological condition. Understanding how water behaves within a particular soil formation can help us improve existing or manufacturing soils that respond to our horticultural needs and optimise water efficiency in urban landscapes.

Soil structure Soils in general terms are composed of three

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Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

elements - solids, water and air. Solid substances can be organic or mineral-based materials that create a structure of voids between rigid particles. These voids are filled with air and water, depending on site-specific circumstances. The size of these voids is the main physical factor that determines moisture content in the soil. In typical sandy soil, countless tiny channels between the grains of sand hold water by means of ‘capillary forces’. If these voids are too big (coarse material), water flows away. If they are too small (silt and clay), water may not be able to penetrate through the soil or when it does, be bound so strongly by these forces that it may become ‘hygroscopic’ and unavailable to plants.

From the plant life perspective if there is not enough moisture in the soil, plants face drought conditions. If there is not enough air, plant roots may suffocate, as they need air to breathe. If there is not enough solids, soil will not provide stable conditions for plants growth. The best structure of soil for urban planters contains approximately 50% of solid materials, 25% of water and 25% of air.

For the optimal moisture content, the composition of solids in soil should be as follows: Material Class

Size in mm

% by volume

Fine Gravel

2.00 to 8.00

0-3

Very Coarse Sand

1.00 to 2.00

0-7

Coarse Sand

0.5 to 1.00

25-30

Medium Sand

0.25 to 0.50

30-50

Fine Sand

0.105 to 0.25

15-40

Very Fine Sand

0.053 to 0.105

10-15

Silt and Clay

below 0.053

0-3

Vegetation grows poorly in soils with too many silt and clay particles (A) that eliminate air from the root zone and bind water to a ‘hygroscopic’ state. A well-balanced soil structure (B) assures healthy growth of vegetation, while coarse soil (C) with moisture deficiency badly support plant life

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NURTURE

Soil Depth The majority of plants develop up to 90% of their root system within the upper Âą 30 cm of soil where they have good access to water, air and nutrients from decaying organic materials. The optimal planting soil depth for lawn is 15 cm, low shrubs and groundcovers is 30cm, for bigger shrubs is 45cm, and for trees is 60 cm or to fit the size of the root ball of the relocated plant.

Ground Water The level of the ground water table (moisture naturally accumulating in the subgrades) is affected by not only the types of soil or frequency and intensity of rain. Built structures that require excavation below the water table, locally lower the level of moisture in the soil. Buildings that have deep underground foundations or storm and sewer lines situated under the roads often push the water table several meters below the ground. In addition, compacted subgrades adjacent to roads and buildings significantly limit the ability of water to migrate vertically or horizontally, as well as the spread of the root system. Therefore, ground water may not be accessible to the plants installed beside big buildings or along streets.

Similarly, any planting located on top of a concrete slab (underground parking) or within the building structure (roof garden), have no access to natural ground water. These plants may rely only on rainwater falling onto the planter surface or an irrigation system.

Water Management Water surplus in a planter should be able to migrate through the soil and be harvested for future use or drained away. In urban environments, pockets of planting are often surrounded by impervious materials and compacted soils that significantly reduce

Compacted and dense soil (A) restrains root growth.

Vegetation with shallow roots that cannot access ground water becomes defenceless during dry spell. Well-structured soil (B) promotes root growth deep into the soil, increasing plants drought resistance. www.prolandscaper.co.za

Ground water accessibility, within the urban environment, depends largely on the location of plants. Vegetation can obtain sufficient soil moisture when the water table remains within the root zone (A) or is at least partially reachable (E). Plants isolated from the ground water (B,C,D) must rely on irrigation and drainage systems that are necessary to maintain optimal moisture content.

infiltration of rainwater from the planter into the subgrades. Planters without a suitable drainage system, trap water that may displace air from the soil, subsequently suffocating the root system and potentially killing the plant.

On the other hand, if the planter cannot naturally maintain the required moisture in soil, it needs to be irrigated.

Plants with an extensive root system are more drought resistant; therefore, stimulating growth of roots into the lowers section of the top soil improves plants survival. Filling the planter with well-structured soil assures sufficient allocation of air and water at its bottom section. Irrigating that planter with a properly calculated volume of water distributes the required moisture throughout the entire soil. This solution reduces surface evaporation, stimulates root growth into the deeper sections of the soil and decreases the volume of water needed for irrigation.

Conclusion Soil structure plays a major role in water management for urban landscapes. Plants that develop a substantial and healthy root system grow vigorously, are less prone to damages by extreme weather and allow utilising fresh water much more efficiently. Installing plants in wellbalanced sandy soils, combined with rainwater harvesting may be the best way of developing healthy landscapes in urban environments.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pawel Gradowski (BLA, SACLAP, BCSLA, IFLA) practiced landscape architecture in Canada for over 25 years. He operated his own design-build firm in Toronto (19891997) and practiced in a private sector as a Registered Professional Landscape Architect in Vancouver (1997-2016.) working on a number of commercial and residential projects. Pawel became a partner at Durante Kreuk Ltd in Vancouver (2008-2016). In 2016, he relocated to South Africa and established LASquare – Landscape and Aquatic Architecture in Johannesburg. His South African experience includes a number of designs in the private and public sector.

His vast portfolio of projects includes water feature design, rainwater harvesting, and landscape design for urban and suburban developments, housing projects, streetscapes, commercial and industrial developments, vacation resorts, shopping malls, city parks, sports fields and recreational facilities.

Pawel may be contacted on 072 655 0911 or email Pawel@LASquare.org

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

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W H Y I L O V E H O R T I C U LT U R E

WHY I My name is Lucas Steyn and I run Urbanic Landscaping from Linden, in Johannesburg. I am infatuated with horticulture for the simple reason that I can work with living things. I love to create spaces that are not only always changing, but that are biodiverse and create spaces that draw birds and animals into urban environments.

MY JOURNEY INTO HORTICULTURE! My grandmother , Adelle Steyn, first inspired me to begin growing plants.

She lived on a farm next to a river with plenty of viable water and she loved gardening. She also paid me to help her prune roses, divide plants or be her gardener after school or over weekends. In those younger years, just seeing seeds grow from nothing inspired me!

After my schooling I went to England for two years to explore and when I returned to South Africa I did not have work. My grandmother again stepped in and had a hand in my future endeavours by organising work for me at a seedling nursery where I learnt to cultivate seedlings of hundreds of different flower cultivars. At the nursery I was given the responsibility of feeding and managing all aspects of growth in the germination rooms and seedling propagation. www.prolandscaper.co.za

LOVEHORTICULTURE

LUCAS STEYN, URBANIC LANDSCAPING

Seeing how the seasons and day lengths affected seedlings in their different physiological stages, certainly intrigued me.

MY INFLUENCERS While studying through Unisa, Sarah Nel, who was then doing a PhD in cherry rooting, also played a huge part in my horticultural education.

Sarah taught me how to propagate a multitude of plants from cuttings. Keith Kirsten was another massive influence. Keith assisted me with a bursary and I volunteered at the South African Exhibition at the Chelsea Flower show in London at which he was involved with.

Additionally, I did research for a revised version of one of Keith’s books, Gardening with Keith Kirsten, where we focused more on the role of indigenous plants than we did in the first edition. The obsession with the indigenous was still new in those days but paved the way for how conscious growers approach sustainable gardening today.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THIS INDUSTRY MOVING WITHIIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?

merger between the urban and the botanic/ organic. I want to bring back the organic and botanic into the city. I want to see how gardens change people’s lives. Gardens have to be practical and not only have a diversity of plants, which attracts wildlife and pollinators, but must provide food for families. I also want to bring ponds into the mix more often when the site allows for it. I think all gardens must be beautiful, pratical and have an element of design at the same time.

I think the industry will see a rise in gardens that combines aestheticts with food gardens such as aquaponics and food production in domestic settings, also more vertical and roof gardens for the city dwellers.

Currently we are seeing a trend move towards designer vegetable gardens, which we are implementing for our clients, as the public is becoming more aware not only of a changing climate and how it affects things like water scarcity, but also because food security is at the forefront of everyone's minds.

I cannot see myself not being involved in landscaping, but sustainability has to play a much greater role. My company's name, Urbanic, is a

Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

55

Plant Palette

Designer

PLANTS

Over the Garden Wall's Mia Marsay creates an enchanting estate entrance in Centurion Johannesburg.

The client for this project was Irene Village, Centurion, Village View Estate. The brief was to create a design including the following: Road visibility for both incoming and outgoing cars; Visibility of existing signage; Pedestrian safety and new garden design.

The estate entrance is off a busy, high volume single carriage road and traffic visibility was of paramount importance. It was also imperative the existing wall mounted signage was not obstructed in any way. This meant that the average plant growth height was a maximum of 50cm surrounding the signage. Pedestrian safety, both exiting and entering the estate had to be considered, hence no thorny plants were planted on the walkways.

For the garden layout the plant material had to fulfil the following criteria: waterwise;

•

Aloe spicata

•

Aloe arborescens

•

Bulbine fritescens

•

Bolusanthus speciosa

•

Crassula capitella

•

Crassula ovata

•

Cotyledon orbiculata

•

Cotyledon oblongata

•

Dietes grandiflora

•

Echevera

•

Helicrysum splendidum

•

Potulacaria afra

•

Salvia namaensis

•

Senecio ficoides

colourful; low maintenace; perennial and hardy.

The client requested symmetry on either side of the entrance and a sustainable design that would withstand gardening trends. Mia predominantly chose succulents and hardy perrenials that have a mix of different coloured leaves, different shaped leaves with the added bonus of some of the plants flowering. It was also important to have an element of formality and this was evident in the hedges we created between the pots. Part of the success of the garden was to start with good quality compost and organic fertilisers. Over the Garden Wall mulched the beds post planting to conserve the moisture in the soil and minimise the need for extra water.

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LITTLE INTERVIEWS

LITTLE INTERVIEWS

B I A N C A H E AT H Candidate Landscape Architect @ Uys & White

GILLIAN HIGGINS Candidate Landscape Architect @ Uys & White

JC MOOLMAN Owner of Shen Mi Yuan Garden Designs

What is your favourite landscaped area in South Africa?

What is your favourite landscaped area in South Africa?

What is your favourite landscaped area in South Africa?

Greenpoint Park - Cape Town.

Simbithi Eco-Estate

How is Sustainability embedded into your business practices?

How is Sustainability embedded into your business practices?

It’s definitely not “landscaped” but Obesa Cacti Nursery in Graaf-Reinet is one of the most incredible places I’ve been to

Within our office environment we recycle paper, print on ‘scrap’ paper and reuse ‘found objects’ in creative ways.

Paper saving; energy saving lighting; battery system runs our office.

What is one item you cannot live a day without?

Anything sweet.

Who/What is your biggest professional influence and why?

Steve Martino (Landscape Architect) – I admire his colourful contemporary design aesthetic that demonstrates extensive knowledge of materials.

He has the ability to contrast man-made elements within the natural environment.

What is the moto that you live by?

What is one item you cannot live a day without?

My sense of humour.

Who/What is your biggest professional influence and why?

Christopher Alexander – people centred design

I live to travel

Who/What is your biggest professional influence and why?

One piece of advice for the landscaping industry?

I am a born-and-bred Namibian and am mostly influenced by Namibian colouring; the contrasts of the various desert areas with the variety of grasses and the textures and shapes of the rocks.

Because of the drought the Cape is experiencing at the moment, it’s become very fashionable to bring in various aspects of this into the garden.

One piece of advice for the landscaping industry?

Top Plant?

All Anthuriums

What is one item you cannot live a day without?

My team & my mobile phone.

Look at the bigger picture and allow all systems to function not in isolation but as a whole.

Top Plant?

We use as much of the existing plants in a garden as possible and with permission from the client, I make it a habit of “paying it forward” by replanting plants in other gardens where the client's budget may not allow for certain types of plants / trees. Hard-landscaping is my preferred medium to work in, so water-wise is part of my DNA.

What is the moto that you live by?

Attitude makes all the difference!

Never do tomorrow what you can do today – Charles Dickens.

How is Sustainability embedded into your business practices?

Lithops

What is the moto that you live by?

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and ability to affect those around him positively” One piece of advice for the landscaping industry?

Create and design with passion. We work with God given miracles daily but the minute we forget that and it becomes about the bottom line, there is a visible difference in what one delivers.

Top Plant?

Aloe Dichotoma

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Pro Landscaper Africa | August 2018

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