gardening*
O
ur much-loved local garden guru doesn’t need much to turn drab into fab. With her extensive knowledge, dedicated team and a gorgeous bunch of colourful plants from Blackwood’s Assagay, Tanya’s good to go. Truly an estate for all, Emberton has such a peaceful feel to it. Children play together in the streets on their bikes and skateboards, and parents enjoy the safe and secure environment for an afternoon run, a game of tennis or a swim. In keeping with the estate’s sustainability ethos and its focus on indigenous, water wise plants, this picturesque garden was created in just a day – showing you how easy it can really be to spruce up your own without spending too much. “I love it when I am presented with a blank canvas, it allows me to really get to grips with the look and feel that I finally wish to achieve,” says Tanya. “Here it was inspired by the beautiful indigenous plants which thrive in the Upper Highway climate, in
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TANYA VISSER WORKS HER MAGIC TO CREATE A CHARMING LITTLE GARDEN IN THE BEAUTIFUL EMBERTON ESTATE story katrine anker-nilssen pictures mbali m photography Plant List
• Crassula ovata • Kalanchoe thyrsiflora • Aloe Charles • Lampranthus • Agapanthus • Osteospermum • Sedum Golden Glow • Leucospermum ayoba orange • Leucospermum so sincere
particular pops of colour and structure from the lovely specimens of pincushions. These plants are remarkably tough and very giving. It’s only during the first few months that one has to be cautious of them drying out and not getting enough water.” To assist with this problem Tanya used Hydrocash water-retaining granules in the preparation of the planting holes. “This ingenious
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