Local is LEKKER TANYA VISSER WORKS HER MAGIC TO CREATE A CHARMING LITTLE GARDEN IN THE BEAUTIFUL EMBERTON ESTATE

from The Crest 97

by famouspublishing

Sweet & STICKY

Local is LEKKER

TANYA VISSER WORKS HER MAGIC TO CREATE A CHARMING LITTLE GARDEN IN THE BEAUTIFUL EMBERTON ESTATE

Story - Katrine Anker-Nilsson

Pictures - Mbali m photography

Our 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 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 inge nious polymer has been used in the timber industry for years, and is now available to the home gardener – it is a game-changer,” says Tanya. The granules are prepared by adding water which is absorbed into them, making them swell and retain the moisture. “The gel is placed at the root zone of the plants, thus when the plant is needing moisture it simply extracts it from the gel,” explains Tanya.

A weathered piece of hardwood driftwood forms the main feature in the garden. “Surrounded by the pincushions, succulents, agapanthus and rocks it sets the scene for this garden – which will be home to many a butterfly and bee,” says Tanya.