Pro Landscaper July Issue 2019

Concept to Delivery

July 2019

Featuring the 2019 SALI Awards of Excellence

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LEADER

Welcome to our July edition of ProLandscaper Africa.

W

elcome to the July issue of Pro Landscaper Africa.

We are thrilled to be showcasing the highlights of the 2019 SALI Awards of Excellence and the winners of the various categories in this dedicated issue.

It is also with great joy that we announce the opening of our 2019 Faces of the Future Campaign: The Next Generation. This initiative is one which we launched last year in line with Youth Day and due to its success in highlighting the youth within our industry, have decided that this will be a regular occurance moving forward.

We are certainly looking forward to what the 2019 entrants have to offer!

Our plans for FutureScape Africa Trade Show are well underway and we are proud to announce the launch of our FutureScape Africa 2019 Website. Be sure to visit our website www.futurescapeafrica.co.za and sign on to attend our riveting seminar packages. Join us in connecting the industry on the 25th of October at the CTICC. We are so looking forward to the months ahead, to the ILASA Awards of Excellence to come and to FutureScape, where we have set the stage for the show of the year!

Enjoy the read.

@ProLandscaperAfrica

Cover Image, Somerset Lakes by Atlanticscpes (design by Planning Partners).

Download our app to read the issues for free. Search "Pro Landscaper" in the app store.

CONTENTS

NEW INTERACTIVE LANDSCAPE

HESSIAN

F I R E TREATMENT

2 POST3 MONTHS

(DEPENDING ON S E A S ON)

3

POST4/5 MONTHS (DEPENDING ON S E A S ON)

LIGHTING AREAS UP, WHICH NEEDS REJUVENATION

T H E C H A N G E I N S E AT I N G A E ST H E T I CS

F I R E A S ST I M U L AT I O N A F F E C T

1 1500mm

HE CHANGE IN THE SURROUNDINGS

STEEL FRAME STEEL MESH

1

N E W STEEL SEATING

150

0m

m

2

POST+/- ONE YEAR

3

POST+/- TWO/ THREE YEARS

THE PROCESS OF THE CHANGE IN THE SEATING

16

50

13

9

News Update & Association News Industry news from around South Africa

13

Company Profile This month Pro Landscaper Catches up with Lifestyle College, to find out all about their diverse offerings to the green industry.

16

Landscape Architect’s Journal Dirk Smit shares his Master of Landscape Architecture Dissertation: Connecting with the Touchscape.

19

Faces of the Future: The Next Generation 2019 Launching the 2019 Faces of the Future Campaign.

Have you got what it takes?

24

Introducing the newly appointed SALI National Judge: Johan van Rooyen

26

The SALI Awards of Excellence 2019 The highlights, winners, discretionary awards and everything in-between.

54

PORTFOLIOS 42

House Marshall by Enviromental Studios

46

House van der Merwe by Garden Gate Landscaping

50

Hertford Office Park by Connie Pretorius Landscape Design and Bidvest Top Turf

54

Steenberg Green by Peninsula Landscaping

58

Loftus Park Recap by Greenacres Landscaping

60

Maintaining Philip Morris by Life Landscapes

63

Mpumalanga Traffic Training College by Likhutsa Projects

NURTURE 65

How to successfully Transplant a Mature Tree Dag Willems, Trees SA

Congratulations to all the SALI Awards of Excellence and SANA Awards 2019 winners.

The passion shown during the celebrated SAGIC SANA Convention is testimony to the commitment and successful project execution that is a characteristic of the South African horticulture industry. We wish you many more years of extraordinary achievements!

- Bruce Stewart, TREEpreneur, Prime Trees.

65

NEWS

NEWS CPuT’s 3rd -Year Landscape Architecture Students Impress at their Finals Exhibit written by Onele Msutu (3rd Year student)

After months of attending classes, critiques, presentations, and burning the midnight oil working on computer programs, the 3rd year landscape architecture students at CPuT, Bellville campus, wrapped up the first semester with their final presentation. As a tertiary institution, one of the roles it plays in the lives of students is preparing them for the professional world and industries that students will one day head to after obtaining their qualifications.

The 3rd Year Diploma in Landscape Architecture Exhibit, held at the Design Building on 29th May 2019, was an event for the students to showcase their work and build networks with their potential employers prior to the WIL (Work Integrated Learning) period. Students pinned up their final work and industry members had the opportunity to view and chat to the students about their work. It was helpful to students who were specific about their aims and interest in developing their landscape work experience.

It is essential for institutions to have good and healthy relationships with industries, and the network that constitutes of students, institutions

and industry must be kept as active as possible.

Hopefully this is the first of many expos of its kind.

One's work is a representation of their own abilities, and this year students had the fair advantage to speak and market themselves during the networking event. Industry members from companies such as OvP, Planning Partners, Groundworks, Petro Landscapes and ARLA were present and contributed to the success of the event. After the exhibit, a presentation was delivered by the Head of the Horticulture Department, Professor Charles Laubscher, on his recent visit to the city of Seoul in South Korea.

The city of Seoul boasts one of the biggest landscape urbanism projects in the world: a huge transformation that changed the greenery of the city. Apart from other landscaping projects in South Korea, the Cheonggyecheon river transformation serves as a great example and inspiration in urban design. The river was previously an open sewer and a dump that was often by people as it was a threat in terms of health and safety. To cover it up, a highway was built over the dump, hiding it from people of the city and tourists.

Korea, and it has a total of 24 000 plants. The transformed highway offers views to the city and serves a great inspiration to other countries that green is the best way to go.

Over a period of 29 months the solution to a city's health hazards was solved through an interdisciplinary project that was driven by landscape architectural expertise. If it’s one thing that every profession has in common, is their belief in finding solutions to problems. The afternoon was summed up by a word of thanks to those who attended by landscape lecturer Gerhard Griesel, and the best of well wishes and co-operation from students upon the upcoming WIL period.

Thank you also to ILASA for helping to coordinate the event and to Tshala Plant Brokers for sponsoring the catering. www.cput.co.za

Currently the new landscape design of 3.6 miles of river receives 60 000 visitors daily. The project features parallel walkways and plays a major role in storm-water management in the city. Trees, shrubs and benches are some of the landscape components found in the public space with paintings on either side of the walls and lightning to accommodate visitors who come at night. The sky garden is another public park that makes use of 50 plant families that are indigenous to

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The Mower deck height-of-cut adjustment and Single-touch deck lift system is easy to use and the best in its class. No tool required for adjustments, dial-in knob used in conjunction with push button to change the height of cut, easy-to-use design for increased productivity by allowing change of cutting height from the seat.

With a 24 months/1500 hours warranty promise, its 45.4-liter fuel tank and comfortable suspension operator seats, the Z997R Zero Turn will keep you mowing all day! www.johndeere.co.za

COROBRIK’S BURGUNDY PAVERS CREATE VIBRANT DESIGN AT ELALENI COASTAL FOREST ESTATE pavers (840 m2) were selected for the roads and walkways throughout.

KwaZulu-Natal’s latest estate development – Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate – is premised on an ethos of sustainability which includes the incorporation of natural elements in construction.

To minimise the impact on natural surrounds and achieve a design that integrates with the coastal forest, of Corobrik’s Burgundy pavers (10 440 m2), Burgundy Cobbles (185 m2) and Graphite

10

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

Designed by Landscape Architects Uys & White with construction done by North Global Group, Corobrik’s pavers were used throughout this naturally styled estate. Developers of the estate encourage giving back whatever is taken from nature, with an overriding environmental conscience that seeks the use of sustainable building products.

The Burgundy pavers were used along all the main boulevards with intermittent lines of concrete used to break the red aesthetic. Near the estate entrance is an iconic circle known as the Infinity Forest Circle which includes a stainless-steel structure designed by Lucas Uys, representing the different tree life cycles in the

forest and nature.

“The Eternal Forest Circle is designed to encourage the residents, and children, to develop an appreciation for the forest biome, with the sculpture becoming part of the estate’s landscape as opposed to being in conflict with it, representative of living as one with nature,” explained Uys. Enveloping this sculpture, the landscape architects chose to use a mixture of Corobrik’s Burgundy Cobbles and granite cobbles, creating a naturally aged impression. Corobrik’s Graphite pavers were used for the Msinsi culde-sac, providing a neutral tone which blended well with the surrounding vegetation and structures.Credit Chris Allen Photography. www.corobrik.co.za

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COMPANY PROFILE

COMPANY PROFILE: LIFESTYLE COLLEGE

C O L L E G E

Pro Landscaper catches up with Lifestyle College to find out more about their journey through the industry, their offerings, and plans for the future.

with staff who are qualified in the skills that are required to execute their work correctly.

Education sector of the College requires a matric or equivalent certificate/s.

On any given year we could have 200 learners working on different qualifications at the College.

What sectors within the landscaping industry do you cover?

Tell us about Lifestyle College’s beginnings?

How was the business born and what needs within the industry does it service?

Who are your courses best suited to and what type of certification will an industry member have once completing one of these courses?

Lifestyle College started in 1992.It started out as a need from keen gardeners who wanted to know more about Landscape Design. Since then, it has grown into developing Landscape Designers, Horticulturists, Irrigation designers and installers as well as up skilling employees in the Industry. The College supports two divisions; The Educational side that teaches and trains Landscape Designers, Irrigation, Horticulturists and has an astounding Intern programme for Horticulturists.

Training for the Industry courses are all registered with the “South African Qualification Authority”, they range from a level 1 to a level 3 Horticultural qualification. These courses are best suited to employees within the Industry

Then we have the Training division which focusses on providing quality training to Companies within the Industry. Courses offered in Horticulture vary from 12-month learnerships to short skill courses tailored made for the company over a few months or a once off. It is vital for us to uplift the skills within the Industry so that we develop a more professional industry www.prolandscaper.co.za

Education is in the progress of registering a level 4 and 5 in Landscape Design. This course is aimed at school leavers, people looking for a career change, keen Gardeners and the DIY designer.

If a company wanted to enrol their employees into one of your courses, are there any prerequisites for individuals or groups enrolling?

Training sector of the College requires different prerequisites per course. Courses are available for employees who have a Grade 10 to matric certificate.

• • •

Horticulture Landscape Design Irrigation Design and Installation

How do Lifestyle College’s lecturers/ course co-ordinators and facility managers keep up to date with technical know-how, software programmes, etc?

Passion is the key ingredient to the success of our Facilitators. Loving what you do daily comes across in the lectures and makes the transfer of knowledge easier. The ability to transfer knowledge cannot be done by everyone, it takes a certain kind of person to be able to impart knowledge to another.

All our facilitators are still running their own businesses. This allows them to be exposed to new ideas, products and technology. Quarterly all facilitators meet to discuss developments within in “South African Qualification Council”.

Training is also carried out to update facilitators on new technology.

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

13

COMPANY PROFILE

Lecturers are qualified as facilitators, assessors and subject matter experts. The College also has two registered moderators who ensure that our assessments are fair and relevant.

We see that you do quite a bit of practical work along with theory, do you feel that your practical courses are the strongest aspect of the college? if not, what would you describe as the biggest strengths?

Practical’s always help reinforce the theory taught in a classroom. Often, learners who do not do well in theory, flourish in the practicals.

We can assess learners holistically.

Our practicalss are aimed at developing specific skills that are needed for the various courses.

Our philosophy at Lifestyle College is that you need to have done the task to be able to instruct someone else to do it. This allows you to develop an understanding of how difficult the task is.

Practical’s vary from pruning, lawn management, propagation to installing landscape designs.

14

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

Anyone wanting to be in this Industry needs to get their hands dirty at some stage.

school leavers joining the Landscape Design Course offered at our Institution.

With Youth Day having been celebrate mid-month, what initiatives does Lifestyle College have to upskill the youth within Southern Africa and what do you think we as an industry could be doing to absorb youth into the profession?

As one of the leading institutions for Landscape Designers, where do you see Lifestyle College progressing to in the next five years and how would you like to see the industry expanding?

The youth unemployment in South Africa has been declared a national crisis and its up to each company to assist with this calamity. Every year we take 20/30 unemployed youth and empower them with tools in the Horticultural industry.

This allows them to have a certificate behind their name which makes them more employable within the Industry. It also provides them with the necessary tools and knowledge to become entrepreneurs.

We have seen an increase in enrolments from

The biggest focus in the next few years will be in developing an online portal to service large groups.

Many learners struggle to travel to the College and having an online portal will allow them to learn in the comfort of their own home and, at their own pace.

Meeting the requirements of the Education Department and Seta’s will always ensure that we offer a professional service. ~ Richard Gibb, Principal, Lifestyle College. enquiries@lifestylecollege.co.za www.lifestylecollege.co.za

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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS JOURNAL

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS JOURNAL:

Connecting with the touchscape 4

2 THE PROCESS OF THE INTERACTION -

DESCRIBED THROUGH SYMBOL CHARACTERISTICS

The symbols mostly refer to this method and expresses specific relations to what will be tested.

Distribution of plant material

THE PROCESS OF

DESIGNING FROM IMAGE The blocks from the images has been well developed into a method for design.

The testing method is well expressed through the symbols and cybernetic L-system which guides its the process of change. The change in landscape appearance interacts directly with the individuals consciousness and

Depleted nutrients in soil

memory of the landscape.

A F F E C T

Micro organisms to replenish nitrogen

Nitrogen fixing nodule roots

Muddy depleted soils

EXPLORATION D E S I G N M E T H O D

P L A N T

Method to use of the I m a g e process

Burning of bulbs and other plant material

CAPTURE 1.2 HOW PEOPLE THINK

START POINT

FEEDBACK LOOP

RESPONSIVENESS

Control Deviation

HOW ECOLOGY WORK

THERMOSTAT HEATER I M P R OV I N G T H E R E L AT I O N S H I P Temperature controlled by thermostat

ROOM SENSOR

ANY LIVING ORGANISM OR MACHINE CAN BE SEEN AS CYBERNETIC

S T O M A T A

Feedbacks moisture levels, which determines if it will be open or closed

CAPTURE 1.1

Introduction This Landscape Architectural dissertation project is focused on strengthening the relationship between mankind and ecology. This is done by using the ‘research through design’ method, which structures the project as a methodology of process in design – The process project takes you on a journey through a series of design methods which strengthens interaction between mankind and ecology. This will be better explained throughout the article, but for now let’s say: ‘Touch would be the most important sense – causing the affect evokes an embodied feeling, 16

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

ANNUAL, GEOPHYTE AND GRASSE

which in return can effect the outcome of the emotion towards ecology. Hence the fact that it is called ‘Connecting with the Touchscape’.

From the human perception, it is affected through the sensorium of touch and from the plant perception, it is affected through growth over time- which effects the nature of the designed landscape.

The sequence of the journey is told through four main aspects of the project, all affecting each other along the process of moments in time.

The project is seen through four crucial processes of design thinking: The Theory Part The theory starts the process from the base line, which carries in the methods and design approach. The process of the project is argued through the theories of: James Lovelock; Gaia Hypothesis; Gregory Bateson; Cybernetics; the

I N T E R AC T I N G W I T H T H E CO N T I N U E S C H A N G E O F S E AT I N G

SYMBOLS KEY The blocks of change is one of the key features in this concept.

C Y B E R N E T I C S

OF PERCEPTION , LEADING TO AN DEEP AFFECT

STEEL MESH

Dirk Smit: Masters of Landscape Architecture Dissertation.

Sensor feeds back temperature

HUMAN AFFECT - THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE

ROOT SUPPORT AND COMPETITION SITTING = STIMULATION

REHABILITATION OF SOILS

HESSIAN COVER SIDE AND TOP

PEOPLE BRUSHING PAST, DISTRUSTING SEEDS

25mm WASHED HORFELS

OVERALL STEEL FRA M E

MUDDY SITUATION, EMBRACING THE INTERACTION

CAPTURE 1.3 theory of ‘Affect and effect’ as well as the 5 senses of the sensorium.

Dynamic Interactive Methods Bridges the theory with the design and sets the tone for the design process to initiate.

Designing Interactions Involves the overall design and the engagement process of the project.

Evaluating the Process Sets the manifesto for the project and re-evaluates from step one, how the new interactive landscape would perform.

Dissertation Process The Theory Part There has been much discussion around mother earth being in a drastic downfall and a serious environmental crisis. This project takes you on a unique journey, by imagining what a new form of a landscape could be. Focused on

www.prolandscaper.co.za

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS JOURNAL

3 MONTHS

(DEPENDING ON SEASON)

T H E C H A N G E I N S E AT I N G A E ST H E T I CS

1500mm

BECOMING CONSCIOUSLY AWARE OF THE CHANGE IN THE SURROUNDINGS

F I R E A S ST I M U L AT I O N A F F E C T

WALKING WITHIN THE NEW INTERACTIVE LANDSCAPE

and from the plants perspective it is seen through STEELThis FRAME is approached growth and change over time.

HESSIAN STEEL MESH by using the four Interactions methods namely 1 1 – Railing Growth; Blocks of Change; Espalier Patterns & Stairway Growth. It involves the F I R E TREATMENT process of the affect and effect N E W and moves STEEL m 2 0 m the between the research and SEATING design through 150 feedback loop of Cybernetics (See Capture 1.1).

POST2

By using this method of approach, we can strongly 3 engage with the moment in time and what people view as aesthetic from thePOSTperception. One of the POST+/- ONE 4/5 MONTHS YEAR design outcomes can be viewed in ‘Capture 1.3’.

(DEPENDING ON SEASON)

L I G HDesigning T I N G A R E AInteractions S UP, WHICH NEEDS REJUVENATION

3

This stage explores the four Dynamic Interactive Methods in more detail, showcasing how growth POSTcan have an affect on the experience of the user. +/- TWO/ THREE YEARS This, bridging the gap between the theory and the design implantation stage of the process in THE PROCESS OF THE the project.

CHANGE IN THE SEATING As seen in ‘Capture 1.4’, the method of burning and using seating which will degrade, results in the change of aesthetics and growth over time.

These ‘Designing Interactions’ are particularly formulated in order to create maximum interaction as well as to develop spatial growth effect over time. For example – ‘Walking in between the tree maze’ was designed with the ‘Espalier Patterns’.

With the intention of regulating and controlling tree growth – opening and closing certain walkways through strategic pruning.

CAPTURE 1.4 designing methods to strengthen the connection between mankind and ecology.

I have recently become very interested whether people are conscious about their surroundings in outdoor spaces. Through observation I have found that the relationship is not strong enough and argued from a new conscious interactive landscape between humans and ecology.

This is substantiated with James Lovelock’s GAIA Hypothesis which claims that; ‘The earth is a coherent self-regulating organism.’ Everything is connected, from me to you, to the tree outside, to the small living organisms we can’t see - Everything is important in order to keep the system in balance in the context of this project, which means that if there is a change in the relationship, there could be either a positive or negative effect in the change of relationship.

Dynamic Interactive Methods The theoretical component grounds the projectdesigning interactive methods by using four approaches. This is substantiated and argued www.prolandscaper.co.za

through the theories of Gregory Bateson, who said: “People normally think differently from how ecology works”. Hence the fact that the project is called ‘Connecting with the Touchscape’ and that it attempts to consciously strengthen the connection.

The ‘Dynamic Interactive Methods’ engages with the existing site man-made and ecological elements. The design approach is viewed from a different perspective, through capturing a photograph and designing directly from it (As seen in Capture 1.2). Giving a particular perspective view of the space, designing in the perception of the moment - Rather than designing from plan.

The design is only worked back to plan after a valid design effect is achieved through the embodied experience of the user.

The process of this stage in the project, is achieved by using the regulation and control functions of the Cybernetic L-system - Mainly concerned with - Collision; Colonization and Competition. From the human perspective, it involves the sensorium

Evaluating the Process – A Manifesto for the Interactive Landscape The manifesto considers at least four key points in terms of the process project: • We can use growth as a material of change • We can use plants to affect people’s behaviour • We can calibrate the visual effects with the nature of perception • We can connect people and ecology through the effect of growth The process reveals various important factors around how we can design in landscape architecture and how designers are sometimes blinded by designing from plan. Ecology as most of us know, doesn’t need the humankind. It will adapt and form new connections and relationships if we break them. In the short term it is important for us as mankind to understand and strengthen these relationships. The connections and conscious interactions with plants are vital.

The touching, interacting and feeling of plants are extremely nourishing to the Soul: improving mental- and physical health.

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

17

Future Africa Campus

Cosmos Circle Park

Katjiepiering Park

Leeubekkie Park

Noordgesig Plaza & Colin Drive Intersection

Tswellepele Plants cc was established in 1991, and over the years has expanded its capacity in its field as plantbroker / exporter and consultinglandscaper to include other areas in landscaping design, such as fencing,paving, construction and irrigation, amongst other products and services on a large scale.

CUSTOM MADE PLAY EQUIPMENT / PLANT BROKERING Swings | Slides | Seesaws | Jungle gyms | Rubber Matting Roundabouts | Custom made fences | Park Furniture | Landscaping Tswellepele Plants cc excelled at this years SALI Awards of Excellence bringing home 5 Gold Awards in Specialised Landscape Construction, A Double Gold Award in Environmental Landscaping Work and a Silver and 3 Gold Awards in Landscape Construction with Design by Others. Their work was praised by the National Judge's with particular reference to Future Africa Campus where it was said that "This is a ground-breaking project in terms of plant selection, water conservation, sustainability and suitability of material to SA! The quality of the construction is exceptional and innovation in the approach can be commended."

Regarding the Parks, it was said that these were displays of project excellence and a perfect example of using small spaces and putting them to good use. Brilliant installations, revamping of old equipment, use of colour and steel and concrete work done to the highest standards. Meticulously installed paving and construction work with rubber surfacing.

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FACES OF THE FUTURE

OF THE

W

e are thrilled to be pioneers within the green industry, supporting a youth movement and heading a fantastic campaign titled Faces of The Future: The Next Generation.

We launched this initiative in line with Youth Day last year and due to its success, we are looking forward to the applications we are going to be receiving in 2019. From landscape architects to designers, architects to horticulturists, technicians to site managers, aspiring developers & town planners to growers- even entrepreneurs within the industry, we want to hear from you!

The only requirement is that each candidate is/was 30 years of age or younger on the 1st of January 2019.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

2019

faces Faces of the Future highlights the fantastic work the youth within our industry are involved in, giving them a platform to influence their peers, present themselves to industry leaders and gain the recognition they deserve. This is about creating connections and supporting the next generation, not to mention the awesome prizes your candidates stand in line to win this year!

If you are an industry Face of the Future or have an Apprentice/ Candidate/ Employee that you feel is worthy of this title, please get in touch to enter!

Email media@paperplanepublications.co.za for an application form.

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

19

FACES OF THE FUTURE

APHELELE CENGIMBO

CANDIDATE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Winner of the Samsung Galaxy Notebook 9 and Faces of the Future Campaign 2018 I studied my Masters of Landscape Architecture (MLA) at UCT and graduated in 2018.

My Dissertation was titled: “Appropriating Infrastructure. Learning from informality to deprogram apartheid planning. Nyanga freeway Interchange” •

Introduction to Spatial Design (ISD), UCT, 2017

•

Bachelor of Technology, Landscape Technology (BTech), CPUT, 2016: Research tittle: “Existentialism, interrogating my personal experience in the urban spacies through existentialism philosophy ideas” Final project tittle: “Sea Point promenade ugrade, Rockland beach”

•

National Diploma, Landscape Technology (NDLTech), CPUT, 2015

Since the campaign I am currently working for the National Department of Public Works which is very rewarding.

What made you originally pursue your BTech, followed by the Masters of Landscape Architecture degree at UCT?

Well, I learnt that with my national diploma qualification I can only practise as an assistant landscape technician. I don’t think anyone should settle for that! When I started the course, I was not fully aware of the long journey to being a landscape architect. In 2015 I graduated with a 20

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

diploma, and at this point I knew I wanted to be a landscape architect. Fully aware and willing to go through that journey.

will and should always be design. I believe I can play a major role in any situation I find myself in, as long as my primary scope of work is to design.

With that being said, I also knew well that my skills could be improved to be a better designer. I was very fortunate that my bursar was willing to fund my post-graduate studies, and where I come from turning down bread offering is disrespectful.

What is your biggest asset within the profession?

Since/ During your studies, what were some of the firms you learned from to hone your talents in design?

“It is safe to say my life’s journey started from a farm boy, landscape contractor to a landscape architect.”

I learnt a lot from manual labour from home live stock and food farming growing up and a bit about construction and project management as an intern at Room To Grow. Through the hard work and effort I put into my BTech thesis and studio project in 2016 at CPUT, I was fortunate to be hired by Terra+ Landscape Architects. I cannot agree more with you, that these firms have honed and improved my design skills.

What would you describe as your favourite sector within landscape architecture?

I consider myself, a designer. In each of the sectors, a landscape architect’s core competency

I am a hard worker! I believe this is because of my three blessings in disguise…..”Laughing” Firstly; I don’t consider myself very smart and that drives me to work twice as hard as the smart heads. Secondly; I always feel like I am running out of time. Sadly at this point I am, however that also makes me very productive. And lastly, failure is my greatest fear, that followed by heights.

I would also like to think I am a good designer. I am comfortable and I crack most problems when I am drawing my concept roughly by hand. School of design has also armed me with numerous tools that have genuinely improved the way I communicate my ideas.

What was it like being named our Industry Face of the Future in 2018?

I was excited and grateful for featuring on the campaign, winning was a bonus. With that being said, I would like to sincere acknowledge David Gibbs for nominating me to be one of the candidates. In the built environment industry and in African context, where landscape architects are fighting for recognition on a day to day basis. www.prolandscaper.co.za

FACES OF THE FUTURE

We should all acknowledge and support Prolandscaper for their great work.

What message do you have for young members of the horticulture/ landscaping community that are looking to follow this profession?

graduates should constantly invest in their craft.

We hear that you are working with the DPW at the moment? How is this going, & where do you see yourself within the profession in 5 years’ time?

Fake it till you make it….”laughing”….

If I can go back to being a student, I would invest more on myself. I think both students and young

Yes I am currently working with the National Department of Public Works. It is actually the first time the department has had qualified

Pro Landscaper Catches up with some of our featured 2018 Faces of the Future, to find out all about their current projects, plans for the future and words of motivation for the up and coming youth within our green industry.

The current climate of the built environment faces instability as a result of political and economic pressures. It is therefore easy to become despondent about the built industry and its associated professions. The importance of carving a niche as part of an endeavour to combat these market fluctuations is more important than ever.

CHARLDON WILKINS

Our passion for conservation and reviving the human connection with nature forms an integral part of our approach? projects. We are fortunate to have clients, peers and academics that share this passion and who are willing to experiment and push the boundaries of what is currently viewed as the norm in architectural and landscape architectural projects.

We are privileged to share some notable ongoing and completed projects since our inclusion in Faces of the Future 2018: eThekwini Primary: A shared vision between Cotton On Foundation and Fieldworks resulted in the introduction of new school buildings and classrooms, renovation of existing classrooms, together with a water harvesting strategy, tank banks and an edible landscape. These interventions provide a sustainable platform to empower youth within the KwaMashu district of eThekwini.

ALBERT SMUTS DIRECTORS OF FIELDWORKS DESIGN GROUP

www.prolandscaper.co.za

candidate landscape architects on board. It is a new unit of 5 candidates, who are very fortunate to be mentored and supervised by Frans Van Wyk (Professional member and Vice President at South African Council for Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP)).

• • • •

improving air quality, providing greening and softening of interior spaces, allowing a connection between man and nature, and providing Mix with useful (edible) plants.

The first phase of this planting strategy is the manifestation of two green walls, housing indigenous plants with edible qualities. These plants are harvested by the resident Mixologist and used to make kombuchas and compliment drinks offered by the bar.

30 Keyes Show Unit and Trumpet Atrium: Tasked to design the exterior spaces for the 30 Keyes development in Rosebank, the Fieldworks team and our installation partners designed and installed a series of soft- and hard-landscape interventions in the Trumpet Building on Keyes avenue. The installation consists of an atrium fit-out and green walls using locally indigenous plant species, normally growing outdoors in shaded areas. This installation compliments The Keyes Art Mile landscaping vision that conveys the story of landscaping with locally indigenous plants and is aimed at changing social perspectives on local planting palettes, while promoting nature conservation and biodiversity within the urban environment.

We are currently involved with an array of exciting architectural and landscape architectural projects in various transects, ranging from rural to highly urban. We are positive that our contributions will bring about positive change in these environments, whilst addressing real world issues, such as housing, job creations and nature conservation.

Mix Bar edible walls @ Mesh Club: Fieldworks Design Group was approached to assist with a greening strategy for Mix Bar and Mesh Club in Rosebank. A planting strategy for interior planting was proposed which adds value to the space by:

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

21

FACES OF THE FUTURE other Landscape Architectural firms. I have been volunteering for the Federation for a Sustainable Environment (FSE), actively participating in the cause for improving the environmental degradation found within the Gauteng Mining Belt. One of the proposals still being developed is the transformation of the cyanide-laden mine dumps found in the West Rand, integrating the derelict open spaces by rehabilitation and instigating socioeconomic growth through a significant heritage trail. It is rewarding when realising your knowledge contributes to the improvement of human health.

Kainos Landscape Architects also selects one Pro bono project annually which benefits communities.

HELOÏSE PIETERSE

What does it mean to be one of the leading youths within the industry?

To be an industry leader to the youth, is a title

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Where are you currently working?

I am the Managing-Director of Kainos Landscape Architects. We have valued clients which provides business on a consistent basis. Kainos Landscape Architects has also independently embarked on small as well as larger projects.

Furthermore, I have also performed work for

yet ‘unworn’ to me, as one of Kainos meanings relays. One most successfully leads when it is from behind. That is achieved by inspiring and motivating others to become far more and above their own expectations. As a young professional, it may be a daunting experience to work in the corporate industry. It is very important to build lasting relationships with companies and organisations. Endeavour to be an asset and not a liability to a company or client. To further gain

I am currently working at cndv landscape architects.

What does it mean to be a leader within the industry?

Being raised in a generation where social media has made it possible for trends to be almost anything being a youth leader within the industry is a big deal to me as we understand our generations trends not only socially but also culturally and economically.

SINIKIWE ‘JUJU’ JUJUJU

Being a youth leader does come with it’s fair share of challenges as senior leaders tend to (more often than not) seek advice from their follow peers. Yes, they need advice from mature, more experienced fellow professionals.

However if your team in an organisation does not consist of at least a few people 10-20 years younger than you, you as a senior leader are not positioning your organisation for future relevance.

knowledge and skills, volunteer work is a great and fun way of knowledge transfer, which also benefits the wider community.

What motivational message do you have for youngsters wanting to enter thedesign, build or maintenance sectors?

Technical excellence and determination.

Be technically excellent in that one aspect where you excel. In other words, be very good at what you do. Also, develop the areas wherein you are struggling.

Be critical of the details in built projects. This will form part of your active learning process.

Remember the reasons why you choose the built environment and let it continue to be an inspiration to you as you come across difficulties.

Self-discipline and endurance. Remember your working career is not likened to a sprint, but rather to a marathon. Do not overwork yourself, it might result in discouragement.

Never doubt your abilities. Always develop your knowledge and skills, therefore be open to learning. You will also continue to learn when developing in your career of choice

Young leaders do not want their job to be just a job. We are essential as we bring enthusiasm and optimism to our work. Young leaders inherit the vision, missions and values deeply and in essence we are the succession plan.

So, Personally to be one of the leading youths within the industry means that I am in a position to make a difference within and for the greater good of the industry as I understand the core values of my profession as well as the role I am able to play as a young person in the advancement of my profession.

“To all young people wanting to enter this industry I’d like to say that even though it might not seem all that “glorious” the work we do plays such an important role not only now but also for future generations to come.“

LANDSCAPE TECHNOLOGIST 22

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

www.prolandscaper.co.za

FACES OF THE FUTURE PRODUCTION MANAGER AT SAMGRO WHOLESALE NURSERY FACES OF THE FUTURE TOP 10 WINNER IN 2018 WINNER 2018 Currently, I am working as a production manager at Samgro Wholesale Nursery. I deal with the propagation of succulents and the growth of the division. I love my job!

Being part of the youth within the industry presents its challenges, however it is quite rewarding in that there is a lot of opportunity

SIYASANGA YENZELA

At the moment I am studying my Masters in Landscape Architecture at the University of Pretoria which I am really enjoying.

Being a Face of the Future means being forward thinking, driven and being able to inspire and support other youth with the industry. It also means maintaining a level of integrity which anyone would respect.

for growth and to become a formidable horticulturist in the green industry.

Anyone who is starting out or is hoping to make a start in the industry should realise that patience and hard work is something important as in any other industry. You will get out what you put in. It may not come easy and fast but one has to persevere and realise what it is that they want to achieve.

My message for the youth of our industry...

“Step way out of your comfort zone. It can definitely be daunting at first, but it can greatly enrich one’s knowledge about the outdoor built profession and about oneself too.”

RUTH MANDA

WWW.FUTURESCAPEAFRICA.CO.ZA

SALI AWARDS

We Welcome Johan van Rooyen as the New National SALI Judge

Briefly what is your background, and involvement in the industry?

I am a landscape architecture lecturer - working in both South Africa and Ireland. I obtained numerous awards, including the prestigious Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa (ILASA) - Best Landscape Architecture Student, while graduating from the University of Pretoria with a professional master’s degree.

My lecturing experience includes other builtenvironment fields and includes lecturing architecture and interior architecture, part time, at the University of Johannesburg, Inscape Design College and the University College Dublin respectively. After graduating, as a candidate Landscape Architect - I was involved in various design studies, urban planning, residential estate development, tourism and recreational projects. Currently I am a full time academic at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. I am an active participant in recognised industry groups and served on professional accredited councils for various green industries. I am an active member of the South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP) Educational Committee and an honorary member of The South African Landscapers Institute (SALI).

Through the SACLAP, I have been actively involved to strategically develop academic courses that respond to national needs, helping expand professional registration categories, promote transformation and develop career paths in landscape architecture and landscape construction management in our country.

The Honourable then Minister Nxesi, of the Department of Public Works has recognized my work and identified me as a positive roleplayer for the advancement of the landscape architectural industry and education.

24

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

Currently I am enrolled for further doctoral studies in Horticultural Sciences at CPUT.

industry to update and expand landscape design and construction standard.

How has the Criteria for the SALI Awards changed within the past 5 years, and what are some new sets of criteria you would like to see implemented moving forward?

Similarly, during previous years of regional judging - I was truly amazed at the diverse range of disciplines that are required from a SALI contractor. The amount of specialised hard landscaping, that fringes on civilengineering work that is increasingly required to be undertaken by contractors in a competitive market place. As this type of work increases it might be necessary for SALI to broaden their scope of the minimum specifications document to include guidelines for this ever-increasing scope of work.

As the important issue of water usage has once again been highlighted by the drought - changes in the judging criteria in the recent past has already seen that the previous standalone category of “Water Wise” which has been a voluntary entry in the past, be included as an automatic entry in all categories except specialised landscape construction.

The improved judging criteria acts as in indicator that what had been considered a water wise practice five years ago is now regarded as a common landscape standard. I imagine that the industry will greatly develop on this in the near future. There will be a focus on best practice – rather than minimum standard. Water audits and the continuous water budget monitoring will soon have to become standard practice.

The increase seen in the number of entries in the In-house design category is encouraging as it is in this category that we often see the most creative work being undertaken. I certainly hope that this is an indication of a future trend where the selection of plants are first of all functional but also aesthetically pleasing. This is a vital part of landscaping helping us expand the diversity of our flora.

The practice of “Conservation through cultivation” should be a priority when drawing up suitable plant lists.

How important are the SALI Awards of Excellence in terms of setting a president for what can be deemed “a level of excellence” And how have these awards helped to elevate the industry?

It is prudent to remember that the awards are not only a way of showing clients the outstanding work being done, but that they act as a barometer to the contractors of how their work stacks up within the industry. The SALI Award of Excellence should cultivate a focus on best practice. In some ways the The SALI Award of Excellence is an excellent tool that will help

Well done on your selectin as the new National Judge for the Awards, … What do you think will be your biggest strength to bring to the table and what are you most looking forward to with regards to this big responsibility?

I have a passion for nature, culture, the environment and people. It is a privilege to be able to combine these passions and to experience a snapshot of the constructed South African landscape. My responsibility, as national judge, has to ensure landscape systems that are sustainable and that can function in a political, physical and social environment that is diverse - a space in which multiple publics exist and are competing for resources and opportunities.

Are there any categories you think should be added to the agenda for upcoming awards?

Living Integrated systems – a category to demonstrate and make visible how the landscape was designed and constructed as a living system.

Lastly what is a quote you live by and some professional inspiration you can share with us?

Landscaping remains a multidisciplinary field: requiring a wide array of expertise and a very specific skill set to remain competitive. It is important that the industry acknowledges this and continues to develop themselves by embracing new operational practices and embraces ecologically sound practices that will keep them one step ahead in an ever changing industry. www.prolandscaper.co.za

GOLF DATA WIN MULTIPLE AWARDS AT 2019 SALI AWARDS INCLUDING THE TROPHY AWARD FOR LEOPARD CREEK

LANDSCAPE & GOLF COURSE design | construction | maintenance Johannesburg Phone: +27 82 382 0121

Website: www.golfdata.co.za Email: reception@golfdata.co.za

Cape Town Phone: +27 21 851 2193

The SALI Awards of Excellence 2019

SALI AWARDS

It was a great pleasure to attend the SAGIC Convention and the SALI Awards of Excellence last month at Arabella Golf Course. Pro Landscaper is thrilled to be featuring the highlights of this prestigious event and would like to congratulate all of the SALI members who won an award at this event.

It was encouraging to see entries by somewhat new contracting firms along with strong entries by established firms, all contributing to a brilliant awards ceremony. It was also great to see an increase in the number of projects submitted overall! The introduction of new categories is refreshing and can only mean good things for the years to come!

FOREWORD MornĂŠ Faulhammer, SALI National Judge, will from this point be handing over the reins to Johan van Rooyen, who we are confident will be a fantastic National Judge in the coming years.

We wish MornĂŠ well on his future endeavors and on this bittersweet note, hear for the last time, his foreword for the 2019 Awards of Excellence.

It was a pleasure to once again be part of this inspiring process that culminates in the SALI Awards of Excellence ceremony held at the SAGIC convention.

I am always amazed at the variety of disciplines that are practiced by SALI contractors and how versatile they have become to be able to implement the range of demands put on to them by their clients. Contractors have also been able to adapt to the changing demands put on them by the industry and learn new skills that have enabled them to survive in a competitive market.

It is with great pride and that I have been able to represent SALI for the last four years and I can truly say that not only have I enjoyed the process www.prolandscaper.co.za

immensely but that I will miss the interaction with all the people that I have had the privilege to meet on the various sites.

Even in this short period it has been encouraging to witness the personal growth of landscape technicians, supervisors, contract managers and area managers that I have come into contact with.

In the past four years we have managed to improve the process of the Awards of Excellence in the following ways: The quality and comprehensive nature of the portfolios have improved significantly, partly through assistance from the SALI office as well as through the offering of regional workshops on how the members can take better photos of their landscapes. Through the use of available technology, the submission of aerial drone footage of a site is now becoming more common.

The inclusion of the water wise category into all the judged categories except Specialised Landscape Construction has not only made

it possible to award the coveted - double gold award - but has also helped raise the awareness of using water wise plants and practicing better water conservation.

More emphasis has been put on the checking and control of irrigation systems and the testing of at least one irrigation line, where relevant infrastructure has been implemented.

We have also managed to include as part of the entry form for the awards, strict guidelines as to the control of alien invasive species.

This includes the assistance in helping the contractor to draw up a management plan for areas under their control that are heavily infested by alien invasive species.

We have instituted a better scoring model that makes it more inclusive for any category to win the much sought after SALI Shield. The fact that the last three years’ winners have all come from various categories attests to the success of this model.

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

27

SALI AWARDS For the 2019 evaluation we sent out all the judging criteria to the principle members to make the awards process as transparent as possible.

Morné Faulhammer

Of the 145 entries received this year a total of 71 projects were evaluated during the national round.

With this in mind I will be proposing to the executive body a few more possible changes to help improve the overall system moving forward.

Some of the proposals will be:

The largest number of projects was entered into the Landscape and Turf Maintenance category with 42 entries.

1.

The adjustment of the evaluation scale.

2.

The creation of a separate score sheet in the category Specialised Turf Construction, for synthetic lawn instillation.

3.

The insistence that all new projects have water meters installed on the irrigation systems.

4.

That the Landscape and Turf Maintenance category has an element that deals with health and safety, as well as machinery maintenance, storeroom and workshop management.

This once again shows the importance of having a strong developed team of personnel that can offer SALI client’s top class all year round site maintenance.

The overall number of entries received in 2019 in the other categories were as follows: •

I would like to share some of the observations that I have made during the last years evaluation process.

•

There has been a huge change it the planting palettes used across the country – often necessitated by the lack of water. It has been encouraging to see that the availability of these type of plants in large enough quantities has happened relatively quickly.

• • •

Too often projects are entered prematurely.

You have a better chance of doing well in the evaluation if the project has settled in. This is due to the criteria “overall impression” score given.

Maintenance contracts that are won by tendering at under cost pricing ultimately results in below standard results. Don't let your standards slide due to bad costing.

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Landscape Construction with Design

by Others: 35 (28 entries in 2018) (42 in 2017) Landscape Construction with Inhouse Design: 40 (24 entries in 2018) (35 in 2017) Specialised Turf Construction: 7 (2 entries in 2018) (7 in 2017) Specialised Landscape Construction: 17 (16 entries in 2018) (27 in 2017) Environmental Landscape: 4 (6 entries in 2018) (13 in 2016)

I am glad to announce that this year there are 64 gold awards which will be handed over, of which 29 are the coveted double gold awards.

A special word of welcome to your newly appointed National Judge Johan van Rooyen. I wish him all the best and hope that he enjoys interacting with the SALI members as much as I did.

Congratulations to all the award Pro Landscapes July recipients.

2019.pdf

Total entries for 2019

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SALI AWARDS

The SALI Awards of Excellence 2019 CONTRACTOR

PROJECT

CATEGORY

REGION

CERTIFICATE

WATER WISE CERTIFICATE

SPECIALISED LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Green Earth Landscapes

House Dunkirk

Specialised Landscape Construction

KZN

Silver

Golf Data

Steyn City School Play Area

Specialised Landscape Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Tswellapele Plants

Future Africa

Specialised Landscape Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Green Earth Landscapes

Lifestyle Centre

Specialised Landscape Construction

KZN

Gold

Tswellapele Plants

Construction of Noordgesig Plaza and Colin Drive Intersection

Specialised Landscape Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Green Earth Landscapes

Lynnwood Bridge

Specialised Landscape Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Trees South Africa

Mature English Oak Relocation

Specialised Landscape Construction

Cape

Gold

Tswellapele Plants

Cosmos Circle Park

Specialised Landscape Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Tswellapele Plants

Leeubekkie Park

Specialised Landscape Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Greenacres Landscapes

Loftus Park

Specialised Landscape Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Trees South Africa

Stellenbosch Historical Tree Rescue

Specialised Landscape Construction

Cape

Gold

Greenacres Landscapes

Club 2

Specialised Landscape Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Green Earth Landscapes

Fernwood

Specialised Landscape Construction

KZN

Gold

Tswellapele Plants

Katjiepiering Park

Specialised Landscape Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Trees South Africa

Mature Coral Tree Rescue

Specialised Landscape Construction

Cape

Gold

Trees South Africa

Tokara Swamp Cypress Rescue

Specialised Landscape Construction

Cape

Gold

LANDSCAPE AND TURF MAINTENANCE Cape Rain

Tanzanite West Montague Park

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Cape

Silver

Burgess Landscapes

Pran Boulevard

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

KZN

Silver

Bronze

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Church of the Latter Day Saints

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Cape Rain

Montague Park Line Shops

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Cape

Silver

Countryline Horticulture

Ridgeside Lawns

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

KZN

Silver

Silver

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Golden Horse Casino

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

KZN

Silver

Bronze

GvH Landscapes

House de Bruin

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Cape

Silver

Bronze

Leitch Landscapes

Izinga Phase 2E : Izinga Parks 1 & 2

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

KZN

Silver

SIlver

Turftech

Ashton International College

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Montecasino Bird Gardens

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Life Landscapes a division of Life Green Group

Shoprite Checkers

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Likhutsa Projects

Mpumalanga Traffic College

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Silver

Bronze

FSG Property Services - Landscaping Division

Redefine Commerce Square

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Silver

Bronze

Life Landscapes a division of Life Green Group

DB Schenker

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Silver

Bronze

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Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

29

SALI AWARDS

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

NWU Rugby Stadium

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Bidvest Services (Pty) Ltd, t/a Bidvest Top Turf

Isidingo Security

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

KZN

Silver

Bronze

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

St Stithians College

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Life Landscapes a division of Life Green Group

Menlyn Maine

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Stone Ridge Country Estate

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Olive Crescent Retirement Village

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Bidvest Services (Pty) Ltd, t/a Bidvest Top Turf

Inanda Greens

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

St Dunstan's College

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Bidvest Services (Pty) Ltd, t/a Bidvest Top Turf

Telkom Park - Centurion

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Centurion Country Estate

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Bidvest Services (Pty) Ltd, t/a Bidvest Top Turf

Inanda Club Landscaping

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

UFS Rugby Fields

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Woodlands Office Park

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Life Landscapes a division of Life Green Group

Philip Morris

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Dainfern Valley Estates

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Peninsula Landscaping cc

Steenberg Green

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Cape

Gold

Gold

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Silverstar Casino

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Wesbank

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Hazeldean Office Park

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Department of Environmental Affairs

Landscape and Turf Maintenance

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

SPECIALISED TURF CONSTRUCTION Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort Campus, Construction of new Cricket Nets

Specailised Turf Construction

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Turftech

Laerskool Anton van Wouw

Specailised Turf Construction

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Turftech

Ashton International College

Specailised Turf Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Golf Data

Leopard Creek

Specailised Turf Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Turftech

Curro Building Blocks

Specailised Turf Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Turftech

Ligbron Academy Construction

Specailised Turf Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Sol Plaatjies Municipality - Skilpadsaal Renovations - De Beers & Galeshewe Stadium

Specailised Turf Construction

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE WORK Leitch Landscapes

Fairmont Zimbali Resort

Environmental Conservation Work

KZN

Silver

Silver

Tswellapele Plants

Future Africa

Environmental Landscape Work

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Servest Landscaping & Turf, a division of Servest Pty Ltd

Simbithi Eco Estate

Environmental Conservation Work

KZN

Gold

Gold

30

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

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SALI AWARDS

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION WITH DESIGN BY OTHERS Life Landscapes a division of Life Green Group

Rosebank Link

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Tswellapele Plants

Cosmos Circle Park

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Silver

Bronze

Greenacres Landscapes cc

Loftus Park

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

GvH Landscapes

Skyvilla

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Cape

Silver

Silver

Greenacres Landscapes cc

Club 2

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Burgess Landscapes

Pran Boulevard

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

KZN

Silver

Silver

Landtech

WACO

Landscape Construcation with Deisng by Others

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Alan Dawson Gardens

Garden Cohen - Upper Garden

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Cape

Silver

Merit

Life Landscapes a division of Life Green Group

Table Bay Mall

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Silver

Bronze

Trees South Africa

Nooitgedacht Village

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Cape

Silver

Bronze

Laue Landscapes t/a Paarman Landscapes

House Skinner

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Cape

Silver

Silver

FSG Property Services - Landscaping Division

Apartments on William

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Tswellapele Plants

Construction of Noordgesig Plaza and Colin Drive Intersection

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Bidvest Services (Pty) Ltd, t/a Bidvest Top Turf

Hertford Office Park - Dam Area

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Amaloba Landscaping

University of Pretoria: Jasmyn Ladies Hostel

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Bidvest Services (Pty) Ltd, t/a Bidvest Top Turf

Private Residence - Bryanston

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Atlanticscapes

Somerset Lakes Forest Swale

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Cape

Gold

Gold

Life Landscapes a division of Life Green Group

Shamwari Riverdene Phase 1

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Greenacres Landscapes cc

The Blyde Riverwalk Estate

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Green Earth Landscapes

Fernwood

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

KZN

Gold

Gold

Tswellapele Plants

Katjiepiering Park

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Idube Landscaping

Cornubia Retail Park, Cornubia

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

KZN

Gold

Gold

Tswellapele Plants

Leeubekkie Park

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Atlanticscapes

Somerset Lakes Clubhouse

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Cape

Gold

Gold

Greenacres Landscapes cc

Lynnwood Bridge

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Peninsula Landscaping cc

Steenberg Green

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Cape

Gold

Gold

VIP Gardens

Ackermans Head Office

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Cape

Gold

Silver

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION WITH IN HOUSE DESIGN Golf Data

House Le Roux

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Life Landscapes a division of Life Green Group

44 Englewold Saxonwold

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

DDS Landscaping (Pty) Ltd t/a DDS Projects

Village Garden

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Silver

Bronze

Golf Data

Steyn City School Gardens

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

The Green Zone

House Scheepers

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Country Place, Cedarwood St, Goedemoed

Silver

Silver

Life Landscapes a division of Life Green Group

Melrose Arch

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Alan Dawson Gardens

Garden Youngleson

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Silver

Merit

GvH Landscapes

A11, Pezula Private Estate

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Silver

Silver

Trees South Africa

Slanghoek Karoo Moutain Retreat

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Silver

Gold

Green Creations Landscaping

House du Plessis

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

Rothe Plantscapers

Sasol Ukhozi Lodge

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Gauteng

Silver

Silver

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Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

31

SALI AWARDS Trees South Africa

Eldorado Wildlife Farm

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Silver

Bronze

GvH Landscapes

House Meacher

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Silver

Silver

Countryline Horticulture

Cornubia Mall

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

KZN

Silver

Silver

Enviromental Studios

Excelsior Farm - House Green

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

KZN

Silver

Silver

PR Landscaping

House Bahna

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

KZN

Silver

Silver

Enviromental Studios

House Watt Pringle - Gowrie Farm

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

KZN

Silver

Silver

McWades Landscapes

House Nathoo

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

KZN

Silver

Gold

Enviromental Studios

85 Ninth Avenue

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

KZN

Silver

Silver

DDS Landscaping (Pty) Ltd t/a DDS Projects

Slee Garden

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Silver

Bronze

Keith Kirsten Horticulture International

Norval Foundation Art Museum and Sculpture Park

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Silver

Silver

DDS Landscaping (Pty) Ltd t/a DDS Projects

Winery Garden

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Silver

Bronze

Future Growth Landscapes

Malachite Trust

Cape

Silver

Silver

Bidvest Services (Pty) Ltd, t/a Bidvest Top Turf

Private Residence - Ruimsig

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Green Creations Landscaping

Thompsons Travel House

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Garden Gate Landscaping

House van der Merwe

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Gauteng

Gold

Gold

Garden Gate Landscaping

Houe Rosema

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Gauteng

Gold

Silver

Enviromental Studios

House Marshall

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

KZN

Gold

Gold

McWades Landscapes

House Potts

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

KZN

Gold

Gold

Alan Dawson Gardens

Garden Davis

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Gold

Silver

GvH Landscapes

House de Bruin

Landscape Construction with In-House Design

Cape

Gold

Silver

Winner Of The SALI Trophy for Best Landscape & Turf Maintenance

In 2019 Life Landscapes received: 3 Gold SALI Awards, 6 Silver SALI Awards, 2 Bronze SALI Awards.

Full of life.

Life Landscapes is an award winning landscaping company specialising in landscape construction and corporate garden maintenance.

We focus on xeriscaping and sustainable garden practices. www.lifegreengroup.co.za

GREEN GROUP

Johannesburg 011 959 1000

Cape Town 021 850 0764

Pretoria 012 644 2152

johannesburg@lifegreengroup.co.za

capetown@lifegreengroup.co.za

pretoria@lifegreengroup.co.za

Thanks to everyone who rooted for us.

With 4 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze Awards at the 2019 SALI Awards, we’ve got a lot to be proud of.

Our award-winning expertise in growing, relocating, delivering, planting and maintaining mature trees for over 30 years, combined with our range of 45 000 ready-to-plant mature trees make us perfect for any domestic or commercial instant landscape transformation.

trees

the mature tree expert Call us now to buy trees from our wholesale nurseries, or visit www.trees-sa.co.za to learn more about our wide range of expert services.

HEADQUARTERS: info@trees-sa.co.za 021 842 0003

SOUTH AFRICA

GARDEN ROUTE BRANCH: gardenroute@trees-sa.co.za 082 786 3071

SALI AWARDS

TROPHY WINNERS 2019

THE SALI SHIELD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPING THE OVERALL AWARD: Bidvest Top Turf for Hertford Office Park – Dam Area

THE JUST TREES TROPHY FOR THE BEST LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION WITH DESIGN BY OTHERS WAS ALSO AWARDED TO: Bidvest Top Turf for Hertford Office Park – Dam Area

This is a project that was not only brilliantly executed but did so by masterfully interpreting the design, a design that called for a complex interplanting palette of primarily indigenous species.

Bidvest Top Turf must be commended for interpreting the intent of the design and making practical, on site improvements to facilitate a better completed construction. A difficult site, 34

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

sandwiched between office buildings and a threestory underground parking facility, made access and soil preparation difficult. Judging from the growth of the plants, the quality of the soil preparation combined with the required earthworks and drainage was done to the highest standard. The design called for an interesting selection of plant species which the contractor obviously went out of their way to source, where an alternative species needed to be found it was done with the foresight

to ensure that it would not compromise the design. The quality of the overall construction is of an extremely high standard. The garden is enjoyed by the people working in the office park and even the grassed areas handle the high volume of foot traffic well. The use of captured rainwater for irrigation on this site is done on a huge scale. It is encouraging to see that this practice is becoming part of the design at implementation.

www.prolandscaper.co.za

SALI AWARDS

THE TSHALA PLANT BROKERS TROPHY FOR BEST ENVIRONMENTAL LANDSCAPE WORK

A truly deserving recipient of this year’s environmental award reflects not only the dedication that the contractor shows to the high standard of managing this estate, but also the close working relationship they have with their client. The dedication shown on this project in trying to maintain and improve the rehabilitated site that was previously used as sugar cane fields is exemplary. To the untrained eye the maintenance and development of a natural landscape comes across as uncoordinated and chaotic. This can be no further from the truth.

To maintain such a landscape so that it looks natural takes a coordinated approach and an indepth understanding of the site’s natural cycles.

This is being done both by using documented management protocols as well as observing the various triggers that nature provides. The well-trained team working on this site and their incredible knowledge of indigenous plants must be commended.

Servest Landscaping for Simbithi Eco Estate

THE BC LANDSCAPE TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY FLOATING TROPHY FOR THE BEST LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION WITH IN-HOUSE DESIGN:

Enviromental Studios for House Marshall

www.prolandscaper.co.za

enviromental studios

gary cox n.dip landscape tech

073 3346 744 gary@enviromentalstudios.co.za www.enviromentalstudios.co.za 23 Seeking Drive, Hilton, 3201

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

35

SALI AWARDS It is evident that Enviromental Studios was involved on this project from an early stage.

The planting palette uses a mixture of indigenous and exotic species in an array of grouping that provides a feast of colour and texture throughout the year. The earthworks on this site incorporated swales that make use of the natural drainage to create natural wetland areas.

The different levels that have been achieved with the earthworks around the garden help to create the illusion that the garden is far larger than it actually is. The selective use of mass planting on the site in just the correct ratio to complement the house was done with pre-planned accuracy.

The contractor has managed to use many of the elements that were present in the original garden and use them in such a way as to help create the ""old world feel" that this garden achieves. The

design includes excellent pathway construction that encompasses a variety of base materials.

The main entrance pathway helps to pull the visitor through the garden on a meander to the house, as the collective planting and space utilization is distracting and a visitor to the garden can lose their way and be easily distracted along their journey. The ratio of lawn area around the house is in perfect proportion to the overall size of the garden and helps to enhance the views. The fact that the lawn area was designed around the existing mature trees, so it is not hindered by an abundance of shade, shows a good understanding of the local microclimate by the contractor. The outer boundary areas of the garden manage to blend in well with the surrounding farmland without creating a definitive line.

THE EVERGREEN TURF TROPHY FOR THE BEST SPECIALISED TURF CONSTRUCTION

Golf Data for Leopard Creek

The unique design and construction of this redesigned golf course is highlighted by the fact that the entire revamp was done under six months. With variable topsoil levels and the course surrounded by natural bush, it added to the complexity of the construction. The result is an innovative construction that dealt well with the challenges to retain the flow of the course as well as to introduce a higher skill level required by players. It is evident with the high level of usage that this course is subjected to during the summer 36

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

months, that without the correct construction principles being applied, the turf would not be in such good condition. The correct selection of turf variety that has been tried and tested on their practice facility for three years has helped in using less water on the site. The earthworks that have been utilized, enhance the natural slope to aid the drainage of the turf area and is to be commended as no additional subsurface drainage was incorporated on the site other than on putting greens. www.prolandscaper.co.za

SALI AWARDS

THE LAWNMOWER CLINIC TROPHY FOR THE BEST LANDSCAPE AND TURF MAINTENANCE:

Life Landscapes for Philip Morris

Attention to detail is the best word that can be used to describe the maintenance of this site. The overall quality of this garden attests to the proper feeding program and pest control that is applied.

The garden is subject to high volumes of foot traffic throughout the year. Correct management of the irrigation system has improved the water usage in the garden and water savings have been achieved by systematically changing the plant species. Few contractors can attest to this high level of attention to detail. The garden situated in and around a factory complex is a true oasis for the employees to enjoy. The maintenance staff should be commended for their dedication and outstanding quality of work.

THE RELIANCE COMPOST TROPHY FOR THE BEST SPECIALISED LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION WAS AWARDED TO: Greenacres Landscapes for Loftus Park

This project has managed to incorporate some first-time technologies with tried and trusted design innovations. Not only did Greenacres Landscapes manage to comply with the design brief, but they managed to overcome numerous design constraints to complete a world class www.prolandscaper.co.za

project. The use of dropped in steel containers to provide growth points for all the trees on site so as to do away with the construction of raised beds have been seamlessly implemented. The overall interpretation of the design is flawless and the detailing on the paving is outstanding.

The contractor clearly had to make many on site decisions that were not anticipated at the onset of the project. This they accomplished to create a project that has world class finishes. The multiuse space created leaves a lasting impression on a visitor.

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

37

SALI AWARDS

When the basic principles of water wise gardening are evident in the design and implementation of a garden construction and maintenance, it must be commended. The correct plant selection and groupings have been successfully combined to create a sustainable garden. The utilisation of storm water runoff that is directed into the garden to help recharge the ground water, as done in this garden should become the industry norm where the design allows of its use. Proper grouping of plants that have the same water requirements have minimised the use of the non-potable irrigation. It is evident that the soil preparation on this site was of the highest standard.

THE RAND WATER TROPHY FOR THE BEST WATER WISE ENTRY:

Peninsula Landscapes for Steenburg Gardens

THE BRISTLE CONE FLOATING TROPHY FOR THE MOST INNOVATIVE AND ORIGINAL USE OF PLANT MATERIAL:

GARDEN GATE LANDSCAPING

Garden Gate Landscaping for House van der Merwe

This garden has been created and maintained by a true horticulturist. In many ways this garden represents an explosion of ideas and creativity. The contractor is obviously not held back by conventional design principles and is not scared to introduce the client to new plant

www.prolandscaper.co.za

variations and combinations. In many respects this is refreshing to see. The living pergola and combination of trimmed duranta, murraya and portulacca hedges is as colourful as it is innovative.

With an obvious eye for detail this contractor deserves this accolade.

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

39

SALI AWARDS

THE MAYFORD SEEDS TROPHY FOR THE BEST USE OF COLOUR IN THE LANDSCAPE:

Atlanticscapes for Somerset Lakes Clubhouse

The art of using colour in a garden to enhance but not overwhelm the landscape has truly been captured on this project. Plants will only perform at their best when provided with the correct combination of growing conditions. It is with this statement in mind that the contractor obviously has an in-depth understanding of the microclimate associated with this site. Atlanticscapes has eloquently substituted some of the plant species that have helped enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the site. The garden is

dominated by a large expanse of open water that allows uninterrupted views of False Bay. The use of vibrant colour on the edges of beds as well as mass planting of pastel shades only helps to define and enhance these elements.

This garden shows that the use of bold flower and foliage colour in a minimalistic, yet well planned way can lead to spectacular results and that indigenous plant species in the correct combination is anything but boring.

This novice recipient deserves recognition for a challenging project at a remote location. The way in which the contractor managed to overcome many obstacles and still provide his client with an impressive garden needs to be commended.

We look forward to future entries by this SALI member and hope that he continues to push the boundaries of his chosen profession.

THE BEST NOVICE ENTRY: Likhutsa Projects for Mpumalanga Traffic College

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Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

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SALI AWARDS

Honorary Life Membership because of the specific criteria; The contribution should be tangible/ measurable for inter alia award-winning projects, length of service to the industry (10 years plus), support of SALI, support through media, environmental contributions and so on; This year the National Chairperson's Award is going to someone who from an early age has nurtured an affinity for plants; His grandfather was the curator of the Betty’s Bay Botanical Garden and his father was the curator of the Lowveld National Botanical gardens.

THE NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON’S DISCRETIONARY AWARD: Leon Kluge This Award is intended to recognise and reward those individuals who have excelled themselves and/or have made significant contributions to the landscaping industry. The criteria on which the Award is based is: to an individual for his/her contribution to landscaping and not necessarily only SALI; To individuals who are excluded from

On completing his degree in landscape technology in 2002, he worked in Israel. From there he progressed to become the head landscape designer for Societe Nel Import and Export Company in Mayotte, Comore islands. After his return from the Comores, he started the awardwinning Fever Tree Nursery in Nelspruit where his unique landscape designs started to attract interest globally. He has been invited to create his unique landscapes throughout the world: Mozambique, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, United States of America, Japan, South Korea, Israel, United Kingdom, France, Comore Islands, Zimbabwe and South Africa – and I have probably missed a few …

He is the only landscape designer from Africa that

The second SALI National Judge's Discretionary Award goes to a person who I first met in 1993.

As a young novice industry member, I was immediately drawn to her warm personality. This unchanged personality makes her the much loved and respected individual she is today.

When we look back at her 26-year association with SALI and the green industry, those that know her and have had the privilege to work with her will tell you that her unwavering commitment to the South African Landscapers Institute was exemplary. She will also be regarded as a person who was the life and sole of the association in the Western Cape.

NATIONAL JUDGE’S DISCRETIONARY AWARD Mary Vincent

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She has always had the ability to galvanise SALI members in times of turmoil and bring to order the unruly bunch of landscapers that have made up her committee's over all these years. For those of you who have been around long enough to remember the likes of Gunter, Allen and Dennis you will appreciate the tough circumstances she was exposed to. Organising the meetings at the

has ever won the Gardening World Cup held in Nagasaki Japan, He is the first designer from Africa to win Gold at the biggest design show in Asia, the Singapore Garden Festival, and also the New Zealand International flower show.

He has done gardens for Disney, The United Nations, Hollywood celebrities and for governments all over the world. His love of using unusual plants in his designs led to him being appointed to represent SANBI /Kirstenbosch at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show show for a period of 5 years – 2 of which have been completed – bringing home Gold each time.

He has installed many permanent gardens and floral installations throughout the world and his work can be seen in the Sachene Botanical Gardens in SouthKorea, Chaumont in France and in Eden, Sydney Australia.

His projects have been portrayed in countless magazines reflecting his absolute passion, knowledge and love of plants. He calls himself the Rebel Gardener – however he is a very humble landscape artist of international stature who represents South Africa so well. The recipient of the National Chairpersons discretionary award 2019 is Leon Kluge.

German club in Cape Town was a stroke of genius and helped to bring the members to order – even if it was after a few beers.

Always looking forward she was instrumental in organising that the SALI national judge briefed the regional judges in the Westen Cape before the SALI Awards of Excellence got under way. This practice has now become the norm for the awards process. Her organisation of the awards process has always been seamless and has paved the way for the smooth running of the other regions as the Western Cape is always the first to start.

This year’s recipient … was born in Cape Town in 1945. She was married to her husband for 51 years who sadly passed away 2 years ago. She has three daughters and two sons as well as two grandchildren.

It is a great honour and privilege to Award this year's National Judge's Discretionary Award to Mary Vincent.

Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

41

PORTFOLIO

P R O J E C T O N E

HOUSE MARSHALL

Size: 3ha Location: Mooi River, Kwa-Zulu Natal Cost: 750 000 Timeline: phased: 4 years

The area of this garden that was developed looks at the rehabilitation of the old house site which sits below the new house site. Due to the Inchbreakie floods, The Marshalls relocated their residence on an existing plot to higher ground.

The first steps of this project were taken in summer 2013 and the phased and seasonal installation went through to summer 2016 and tailed off in 2017. The garden is serviced and continually worked as it matures and evolves into the landscape. An organic approach has been taken to ensure this garden develops beautifully.

The Brief Sue Marshall’s brief to Enviomental studios was first and foremost to keep as many of the existing trees as possible. The client also wanted to rescue as much of the old garden as was necessary which would in turn allow the new home to blend into the existing landscape and to create a diverse and beautiful garden using a mix of indigenous and exotic plant material. The new house also needed to sit flat on the land.

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Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

What was clear to the contractor was that the client is a lover of gardening, nature, and the spirit of the earth. With this in mind, the garden had to be just that, a garden.

The client did not want any straight lines and wanted the exterior to feel as though it’s always been there.

This brief was delivered to Gary Cox of Enviromental Studios whilst he was sitting on the riverbank overlooking the Inchbreakie falls, snacking on crackers, cheese and wine with a couple of fresh strawberries for good measure.

The garden was to be a true reflection of the clients needs.

Sourcing Materials and Installation.

The commission of this project came about as a result of the construction of the New Springrove Dam. The existing home was situated on the banks of the little Mooi River overlooking the Inchbreakie waterfall ,a cascading vibrant waterfall

that was about to be flooded and so the client had to move up the hill .The Existing Garden was a well-established mostly English styled garden with ,Oaks, Birch, Cherries, Vibernums, Camellias, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Gunnera, Salvias and a multitude of herbaceous perennials.

So many of the trees and shrubs were saved which was a great start to the project. A nursey was created and all plant material that was wanted, was relocated to temporary storage whilst the house was being built.

Gary and the team had mature Acer Palmatums, Vibernum oppulus, Camelia and large azaleas to move. These were done in correct season and formed a nice bulk to the new garden.

Massive boulders and tonnes of rock were brought up from the river valley as they were soon to be flooded. These formed the backbone of the garden. Placing hundreds of boulders took place through dry winter months, this included www.prolandscaper.co.za

PORTFOLIO

PORTFOLIO

SUPPLIERS

Plant material: Holyoak Nursery Balgowan - 082 579 8979 Nkosi indigenous nursery - 033 330 5857 Tanglewood nursery Hilton - 033 343 4203 Simonspride nursery - 083 639 1113 Gwahumbe indigenous nursery 082 678 1329 Shalwyn nursery - 031 781 1945 Midlands garden centre - 033 267 5025 Petersgate Herbs - 076 412 1320 Burgess nursery - 031 266 8918 Topcrop Nursery - 033 569 1333 Lawn: Cynodon Specialists - 031 782 1003 Compost and fertilizers: Gromor Organics - 031 782 0002 Bricks: Reclaimed off original site Bricks for Africa - 011 443 6835 Large Boulders and natural stone: Rescued from river prior to it being flooded Wooden round pavers: Recycled from deodar tree that was felled

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Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

building stairs, stone walls and rockery retaining the banks (In cold areas rocks are the nurseries in the landscape retaining warmth into the night.) The planting grew up around these rock placings, depending of course on their location.

Watercours were created to take away drainage and thus the garden became the indigenous Ouhout forest and grassland interspersed with summer flowering bulbs and aloe species.

Helychrysum species were used on mass.

Under the existing Oaks, the garden became a shade garden supporting many of the Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Agapanthus, camelias and other plants.

There are definite zones to the garden as well.

1.

The arrival zone where the driveway strips were rerouted to curve down through existing Oaks and planted into Planes: liquidambers and Pin Oaks (parkland space).

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PORTFOLIO 2.

The gravel drive is a viewing platform over indigenous grassland and thicket.

3.

There is the semi-formal path to the front door; It’s a tunnel of varying Vegetation to transport the visitor into the house, from Acers, Cherries, Heteromorpha, Herbaceous borders, lavender and Hydrangeas under a pergola of Wisteria and various budding and beautiful roses.

4.

The other informal path winds through an informal tunnel of flowering cherries underplanted with an infused mix of indigenous and exotic shrubs

5.

The large wide wrap-around Veranda has two lawned areas for some relief from the vegetation and for one to spill out on narrow winding paths that take you down to two shaded sitting areas under old English Oaks. You then move out into sun again and the planting pallet goes strongly back into indigenous herbaceous dominated by Helechrysum splendidum.

The challenge of freezing winter temperatures, heavy summer downpours, lightning, hail and snow all come into play when landscaping in this environment. Gary Cox states “I think these conditions are why I love the midlands. Seasonal variation!”

If this garden is broken down to its core, It is an intense fusion of “exotic”, on, close to and immediately around the house, almost as though the house sits in a garden, linking every opening with plant life, flowers and birds. As you move into the landscape, the planting becomes more endemic, indigenous to fuse the garden with the surrounding rural landscape. This garden and home are also one where the homestead, garden and natural landscape have been merged together and have seamlessly fused.

Diversity and stability are existing to create a place with a peaceful and vital spirit. The most important ingredients in the creation of this Garden were love, laughter, nurtured creativity and Hard work.

MEET THE TEAM

Landscape Contractor: Enviromental Studios Building Contractor: Torro Contracting - 082 319 3057

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A B O U T E N V I R O M E N TA L S T U D I O S

enviromental studios

gary cox n.dip landscape tech

073 3346 744 gary@enviromentalstudios.co.za www.enviromentalstudios.co.za 23 Seeking Drive, Hilton, 3201

Enviromental studios is a landscaping company that focuses on creating custom gardens for their clients, designing, consulting and creating gardens to meet their needs. Gary Cox has been involved in landscaping in South Africa and abroad for 25 years and lives to create landscapes that will inspire those who will be moving through them. Nature is crying out for our help as are our urban areas with intense population growth, so the importance of helping to conserve, rehabilitate ,and elevate social conscience is at the fore of this company. www.enviromentalstudios.co.za

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Location: Pretoria Timeline: 4 phases over 16 months Size: total 300m2 Cost: +-R500 000

P R O J E C T T W O

HOUSE VAN DER MERWE

PORTFOLIO SUPPLIERS

Petal Faire Nursery - 082 482 0257 Floriculture Nursery - 083 495 6962 Random Harvest Nursery - 011 957 5354 Ludwig Roses - 012 884 4552 Malanseuns - 012 549 2128 Kilnerpark Kwekery - 012 333 4847 Pink Geranium Nursery - 021 8844 313 Tuberflora - 011 662 1954 Vrone Kwekery - 011 794 5000

This project is a complete revamp of a private garden. Private garden projects often rely on one team from design and paving, to planting, irrigation and painting. The small Gardengate team has an appointed expert for all the handyman skills. The garden was complete in 4 stages. The Pottage garden, the Café or front garden and the Pavement Garden. Lastly Gardengate created the Espalier garden.

The amount of design work and attention to detail the Gardengate team applied, is evident in the outcome. Private gardens are often challenging due to the many items on the homeowners wish-list. The Gardengate team rose to the challenge and found their reward in the final product and the delight of the client who will get to enjoy their new tailor-made outdoor living space.

The Brief: The client’s brief was exceptional in that she wanted a large functional area for entertaining.

Norma and Hederus needed an area where they www.prolandscaper.co.za

could set their long dinner table seating 10 guests outside in a picturesque garden. Norma needed a stylish display area for her many garden pots and ornaments. She also wanted an all year- round “fruit salad” of flowers. The team had to carefully consider the watering and garden maintenance schedule in the planting plan.

The existing garden had a small seated area and a lawn area, so the team decided to combine the two into one. This area was squared off with the existing lines of the house. The surface was prepared with compacted riversand bed and covered with a small stone chip topping. It is the perfect 3m x 10m extension to her existing under cover porch. Gardengate opted for gravel mainly to create a comfortable outdoor climate.

Cemented paving often reflects the light and heat so much that the area becomes uncomfortable.

The sand bed under the gravel stay’s water permeable and has a cooling effect when wet on a hot summer day. The light is ‘absorbed’ into the gravel, deflected from it instead of being reflected.

The surface choice makes the entire area feel

like garden and not patio. Exactly what the client wanted.

The garden surrounding the entertainment area was 3m wide and so it was decided to create a 1m wide pathway in the middle of it. This pathway would not only give easy access to the garden, but also serve as a display area for the pots and ornaments. This will ensure the ornament and pots are always surrounded by garden. The correct dimension of garden to ornaments will bring the needed calming balance or lush green backdrop to the ornaments.

Water & Planting To minimise the garden's water consumption, the team carefully zoned the plants together, according to their water requirements. In the high-water zone (400l per week over 14m2) Gardengate could plant the roses, day lilies and annuals. In shady area's of this high water zone, they could plant Fuchsia's, Azalea’s and Abutilon.

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PORTFOLIO

In the low water zones (24m2 200l/week) the team planted Lavender, Salvia, Lagestroemia, Anisodontea, Lobelia anceps, Pelargoniums and Orthinogalum in sunshine and Clivia's, Plectranthus and Briliantasia in the shaded area's.

Director of Gardengate Landscpaing Arné Minnaar expalins “Our award for unusual and unique use of plant material originates in my 25 years of professional horticultural experience. There is a saying that the more experience and knowledge you have easier it is to ‘guess’ right. The tried and tested combinations are often over used in commercial gardens, as they should be. But, In the private gardens we have more freedom to break the rules So than you to brave clients who make it all possible. We all enjoy our success together.

Hederus and Norma allowed us to build them a stunning London plane espalier. We loved doing it and is still loving our monthly visits to keep it on track.”

In terms of sourcing materials, the biggest worry was to find a Quarry who mined the right colour stone and shipped it into the correct size. The Quarries are scattered all around Pretoria and they mine different rock colours ranging from granite, pink, to charcoal. Gardengate knows them all and are used to driving in their 3 tonne delivery vehicle among the dust clouds of the 5 tonne mining tippers.

Arné travels a lot, visiting Wholesale Nurseries all over Gauteng. Arné explains that ”Every grower has their own style and assessment of what is needed in the industry. I am always looking for quality material at reasonable prices. Constantly making lists of desirable batches of plants that I like using."

A B O U T G A R D E N G AT E L A N D S C A P I N G Gardengate Landscaping migrated from the Boland to Pretoria just before the water crisis in 2014.

GARDEN GATE They rooted well and LANDSCAPING are only just starting to run with the big players in Gauteng. They specialise in private gardens which are often more challenging and interesting.

Gardengate is a small, owner run company. The team is passionate about their gardens and often revisit them to see progress while helping with an annual pruning or irrigation turn-up.

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COMPOST | TOPSOIL | LAWN DRESSING | GARDEN MIX | SUPERGRO | BARK CHIPS | PEBBLES | SOIL | POTS

Viewpoint Farming

Cnr Rondebult and Main Reed Road Comet, Boksburg sales@viewpointfarming.co.za 011 917 0493 | 011 9165904 | 0119165905 www.viewpointfarming.co.za

Somerset Lakes and its surroundings offer countless activities for visitors and residents alike and many amenities amidst an attractive and serene environment. The estate is proud to have Reddam House Somerset on site, which facilitates effortless living with easy access to education. Somerset West’s state-of-the-art indigenous nursery is a never-ending supplier of Somerset Lakes’ award-winning landscape. The five-star clubhouse, with sparkling swimming pool, overlooks the six-hectare lake, backed with the stunning scenery of the Helderberg. Planning Partners designed the landscape, with implementation of the gardens by Atlanticscapes. anthony@atlanticscapes.co.za | 083 289 2672

P R O J E C T T H R E E

HERTFORD OFFICE PARK – DAM AREA

PORTFOLIO Location: Waterfall, Midrand Size: 1434m2 Timeline of development: Nov 2017- Jan 2018

Hertford Office Park is an Abland development, ideally located on the corner of Allandale and Bekker Road. Hertford Office Park is set to comprise of approximately 70 000m² of rentable office space on completion of the development. The Office Park will have retail aspects and a well-known gym within the next 2 years. This leading development will be one of Abland's premium precincts in the Midrand Area, with A-grade offices being developed in phases to accommodate for smaller and larger users. We specifiaclly look at the Dam area in this article, with Design by Connie Pretorius Landscape Design (CPLD) and implementation

by Bidvest Top Turf. This phase has won Bidvest Top Turf the 2019 SALI Shield of Excellence which is given to the overall winner of the awards programme. The construction of this project formed a portion of a greater landscape installation on the property in Midrand.

The Brief Abland commissioned the design and implementation of the communal park-like landscape space within the Hertford Office Park. The earthworks and construction of the dams and stream then began, followed by the pond shell construction, paving, irrigation first fix, top soiling, irrigation second fix and planting.

The furniture and ancillary items were installed towards the end of the project. The design of this phase was done by CPLD and executed by Bidvest Top Turf.

The client required an attractive green landscaped area which was to be situated between 3 buildings in the park and for it to form an extension of the communal green space that surrounds the coffee shop to the East.

This node had to host a braai area designed by MWLF Architects and Gerrard Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers with a deck overlooking a water feature, providing access from all surrounding areas with connecting pathways, as well as seating for the staff members of the various tenants to spill out and enjoy the space.

The irrigation to the area had to tie in with the existing water saving tank farm system.

The Site The landscape area with a natural 2-metre fall from West to East provided the ideal opportunity to construct a dam that connects with the braai and deck area. The weir of this dam formed the overflow to a stream flowing into a dam at a lower level, in this green space.

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PORTFOLIO

The lower dam in this area and the top dam in the coffee shop area are divided by means of a road that crosses the office park from North to South.

The dams were designed to create the impression that they form a single dam that runs through, below a low bridge. As the green space at the coffee shop had already been completed in 2016, this new area that followed during the end of November 2017 and early 2018 saw the dams and streams to either side of the road and ‘bridge’ being treated as two different systems.

The Sourcing of Materials and Other Relevant Information From the inception of the project, the design intent was to mainly use water wise, indigenous plant material and to ensure that these are well suited to the winter temperatures in the Midrand area.

With the dams and stream mainly running through the centre of the landscape space, it was important to find a balance by providing mounding, both planted and in other locations planted with lawnThe pathways in turn, meandering around and through the undulating space. The edges of the dams and especially the stream were planted heavily to emphasise the water as a feature in the space and to provide it with a more natural veldlike look and feel in comparison to the rest of the planting. It also highlights the stream when looking at the area from the surrounding buildings.

SUPPLIERS

Landscaping and Water Feature (Dams and stream): Bidvest Top Turf - 087 286 5625 Irrigation Design: Controlled Irrigation - 011 608 0767 White Sandstone: Nicolas Plants - 011 704 5172 Plant material: Tshala plant brokers - 071 683 1177 Stainless Steel Frame & Balau Wood Finish bench: Badec Bros - 086 132 2332 Concrete Benches: Wilson Stone - 011 615 6212 Paving: SmartStone - 086 176 2781 Lighting: Pathway Lighting Regent Lighting Solutions - 011 474 0171 LED and Strip lights at Braai Area: Lighting Innovations - 011 444 1168

The tank farm located between the dam area and the building to the North of this landscaped space required screening. The tank farm is at a lower level to the natural ground level and has been screened by means of a wire mesh structure. Plant material had to be chosen to cover the mesh and grow relatively quickly, in order to visually screen the tanks.

The result of this overall space, is a well-used and functioning, colourful and peaceful spill-out area.

The developer was a keen participant within the process with weekly feedback being given following the consultant's meetings which always makes for fantastic communication between all parties.

Bidvest Top Turf indicated that access to the site was challenging as it was surrounded by completed and functioning buildings when construction of the landscape commenced. Multiple services also run beneath the developed area, networking the surrounding buildings together which required suitable planning. The office park's water harvesting system, having to remain functional throughout was another challenge successfully met.

The Landscape has settled and developed quickly after completion and appears to be a popular place for the office tenants. A fantastic project.

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PORTFOLIO

P L A N T M AT E R I A L U S E D

Trees: Combretum krausii, Noltea Africana, Dovyalis caffra, Dombeia rotundifolia, Euclea crispa Shrub planting Diospyros lyciodes, Buddleja salviifolia, Carissa macrocarpa Groundcover Planting Plumbago capensis, Agapanthus praecox, Agapanthus nana, Hypoestes aristata, Tecoma capensis Lutea, Dietes grandiflora, Kniphofia praecox, Barleria obtusa Stream area Juncus effusus, Melenis repens, Chlorophytum comosum, Cotyledon orbiculata var. flanaginii Marginal Planting to Dams Cyperus prolifer, Cyperus alternifolius nana, Juncus effusus, Lobelia anceps, Plantago longissima ABOUT CONNIE PRETORIUS LANDSCAPE DESIGN (CPLD) CPLD was established in February 2009. It has been the focus of this company to provide clients with committed and passionate service and input; to understand client needs and to research sustainable landscaping possibilities - To present innovative long- term solutions. A successful landscaped space is one where there is no urge to single out only certain items – it is rather the space in its entirety that renders people with a feeling to return to the space.

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P R O J E C T F O U R

STEENBERG GREEN SUSTAINABLE LUXURY LIVING

Location: Zwaanswyk, Tokai Timeline of Development: Nov 2016- Jan 2017 Maintenance period: Feb 2017 – end Jan 2018 Size: 9900m2

PORTFOLIO Steenberg Green is poised to become the ultimate residential address for those who want to live a lifestyle offering endless possibilities.

Located a mere 30 minutes away from the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Cape Town, Steenberg Green offers the very best in extraordinary country living right on the edge of Zwaanswyk, Tokai, bordering Table Mountain National Park. This beautiful project won Peninsula Landscaping the Rand Water Trophy for best Water Wise entry at this year’s SALI Awards of Excellence.

Prior to development, the property was barren with a combination of low nutrient sandy soil offering little water retention properties and deep bands of clay with little drainage. Added to this, the land was previously used as a recreational area for horse rider’s, which resulted in deeply compacted areas. Within one-and-a-half years this property was transformed into a haven and natural habitat for earthworms, insects, birds, bees, snakes, field mice, ducks and many other beautiful creatures that thrive in this eco-system naturally.

Peninsula Landscaping worked alongside OvP Associates, with landscape design by Sarah Chang and Darryl Pryce Lewis.

Peninsula Landscaping was appointed to the landscaping and irrigation contract. The sophisticated irrigation system was designed by Controlled Irrigation and Peninsula Landscaping subcontracted the installation of the irrigation to CIS (Pty) Ltd. Civils 2000 were the main contractors on site responsible for services, roads and pathways. This was the dream team involved in bringing this project to life.

OvP Landscape Architect's provided an overall plan of the site with designated areas for grassy mix, tall thicket planting, low thicket planting, fynbos, shrubs, groundcovers and seasonal wetland. Another prerequisite was that all plants on the site needed to be indigenous.

Level 3 water restrictions were in place from the beginning of November in 2016, right when Peninsula Landscaping's team began planting on site. The automated irrigation was only available after mid December. This meant that planting took place in the middle of a summer drought, with water restrictions and limited watering times. (66% of shrub plants comprised of plugs, 6 packs and eco trays).

Many plants specified were not standard species kept by growers, so, substitutes needed to be grown for the project. Some plants grown for the project were only available in June the following year, which included some of the less common www.prolandscaper.co.za

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PORTFOLIO SUPPLIERS

Tree suppliers: Habitat Nursery - 021 855 4400 Just Trees - 021 871 1595 Trees SA - 021 842 0003 Shrub suppliers: Arboreta Nurseries - 021 864 3857 Boshoff Nursery - 021 703 2737 Cape Flats nursery CapeScapes Nursery - 082 379 4452 Fridhem Farm Nursery - 082 804 2241 Garden King - 083 658 0750 Good Hope Nursery - 060 509 4288 Granny Green Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 021 799 8783 New Plant nursery - 044 889 0055 Nonke Nursery - 021 887 6972 Shadowlands Nursery - 021 903 0050 Plugs: (many of which were grown for the project) Samgro - 021 873 4377

grasses and restios (Ehrarata erecta, Ehrararta calcycina, Hyparrhenia hirta, Penisetum carourum, Plecostachys serpyllifolia, Pseudopentameris macrantha, Restio bifurcus, Themeda triandra).

The team substituted, planted, transplanted and grew plants from cuttings on site throughout their maintenance period which has been extended, which means to-date, they are still involved with this site's maintenance.

Trees used on this project ranged from between 10Lt bag size to 500Lt bag size, all of which needed to be planted by crane. Three different nurseries supplied the large trees.

Trees used on site: Afrocarpus latifolius Brachyleana discolour Diospyrus whyteana Erythrina caffra Olea europaea subsp. africana Rapanea melaophloes Tarchonanthus camforatus 60% of the shrubs and groundcovers were specified as plugs. Due to the large quantities required, most of these were grown specifically for this project. Grasses were either grown for the project or supplied open ground.

Some of the plants used include: Athanasia crythmifolia, Athanasia dentata, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Brachyleana discolor, Buddlea saligna, Dierama pulcherrimum, Elegia nuda, Ehrharta erecta, Falkia repens, Ficinia nudosa, Gnidia oppositifolia squarrosa, Hyparrhenia hirta, Monopsis unidentate, Leucodendron sp., Lobelia anceps, Moraltia metior, Plecostachys serpyllifolia Polygala myrtifolia, Psolalea pinnata, Putterlickia pyracantha, Stoebe plumose, Watsonia sp.

Water Use On Site During the planting and establishment phase, the team alternated borehole watering cycles to irrigate half the site on alternate days. This together with a thick layer of wood chip mulch allowed deeper water penetration with less evaporation. The irrigation system was turned off during the winter months and operated manually as required.

During establishment, the irrigation controller was set according to the different planted areas, with all lawn areas on their own cycle once a week. Shrubs and wetlands during summer and initial establishment phase opperated on a three times a week cycle. There is a rainwater sensor connected to the automatic irrigation system, the team however manually manage the controller during winter.

Veld & Fynbos - 082 877 9838 Grasses: (some grown, some open ground) Vula Environmental Services 022 766 1206

BEFORE

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PORTFOLIO

The site has been designed to capture rainwater with berms and swales directing the the water to the central part of the site. Once this second pond fills and if flooding occurs, the water flows down a Cynodon planted channel into a deeper detention pond closer to the entrance of the site. The water culvert on the side of the main entrance road, also directs water to the detention pond on site. During the heavy winter rains experienced last year, the rainwater ponds on site were sufficient to hold water and none of it was lost to stormwater.

Peninsula Landscaping established a compost heap on site and all grass cuttings and pruned material are composted on site. Minimal use of chemicals has seen natural habitats form for nesting birds, ducks in the rainwater ponds and the varied choice of plants attract bees, birds and butterflies throughout the year.

ABOUT PENINSULA LANDSCAPING CC Founded in 1994 Peninsula Landscaping CC has worked closely with landscape architects, developers, architects, municipalities and homeowners, working on projects as diverse as their clients. Projects undertaken include commercial & retail complexes, residential / retirement developments, public open spaces within developments, school campuses, etc.

Peninsula Landscaping was established by Colin and Norah (Phelan) de Wet who continue to own and manage the business.

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F E AT U R E

LOFTUS PARK PRECINCT

Greenacres Landscapes was appointed by Daniel Rebel Landscape Architect’s for the landscape implementation of the Loftus Park Development, in Arcadia, Pretoria. The fantastic work done on site earned Greenacres a coveted SALI Trophy of Excellence for this project. The site is situated in a culturally and historically important precinct with the iconic Loftus rugby stadium being situated adjacent to the development. The development serves as a catalyst for the surrounding precinct and saw the implementation of four axes, namely the cultural axis, the historical axis, the sport axis

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and the education axis. These four elements form an integral part in the design of the development and enabled integrating it within the precinct.

Greenacres installed all paving aspects and finishes which were commended by the SALI panel as well as installation of planting, where the colour schemes used within the planting palette of the landscape design reflected the context in which the development is situated. Even the trees planted reflect the social identity and history of the precinct. Drip Irrigation was also installed and

rain sensors and soil moisture additives were incorporated in the design and construction of the project in order to reduce the water requirements of the soft landscape installation.

Sculptures, A terraced water feature, pergolas, bespoke street furniture, engraved tree rings, stainless steel bicycle racks are all elements that bring the precinct to life, acting as art pieces to enhance the theme of making use of art pieces throughout the development.

LYNNWOOD BRIDGE

THE BLYDE RIVERWALK ESTATE

THE CLUBHOUSE 2

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Landscape Construction with Design by Others

Specialised Landscape Construction

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C E L E B R AT I N G

30 YEARS

OF EXCELLENCE I N T H E I N D U S T RY

Design | Landscaping | Maintenance Water Features | Hard Landscaping | Irrigation +27 14 576 1925 | info@greenacreslandscapes.co.za | www.greenacreslandscapes.co.za

PORTFOLIO

P R O J E C T F I V E

MAINTAINING PHILIP MORRIS 60

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PORTFOLIO Kate Morris and Cleopas Mwakurudza are part of the Life Landcapes team in charge of maintaining this SALI Trophy Winning project.

Pro Landscaper catches up with Kate and Cleopas to find out more...

The Philip Morris site is a relatively small industrial garden tucked away in amongst the warehouses of Boksburg. The client is exceptionally environmentally conscious and encourages any and all green initiatives when it comes to their site. They have a policy of NO chemical pesticides or fertilizers being used in their gardens, and the team only makes use of natural products such as compost, Vermicast and the weeds are manually removed by hand. Their canteen successfully utilises a Bokashi system, which is a system that recycles all food waste, this is added to the on site compost heap and creates pure weed-free compost which is then returned to the gardens.

In Springtime each year the lawns are dressed with a combination of Vermicast and topdressing; resulting in a year- round lush green spongy lawn.

The site is managed by ESS and together with Philip Morris are passionate about their gardens and is actively involved and works closely with the Life Landscapes team; which helped the team to achieve the highest accolade of a Gold award and the Trophy for the “Best Landscape and Turf Maintenance Award” at the 2019 National SALI Awards.

The exterior is unassuming with mainly kikuyu lawns along the streets which are cut regularly on a Monday morning by the team's roving mowing team under the supervision of Neels Blignaut. At the entrance to the carpark, there are a few small beds filled with waterwise indigenous flowering plants such as Tulbaghia violacea, small Agapanthus africanus “Nana” and Crassula “Campfire”.

These beds offer the first splash of colour in the otherwise hard environment and are kept neat, tidy and free of weeds.

The gardens are cared for by one full time gardener, Senzo Mahlangu and he is overseen by the roving supervisor Owen Rambanapasi and Area Manager Cleopas Mwakurudza. Under the guidance of Kate Morris, the Operations Manager, the team works hard to ensure the garden is maintained at the highest level.

deadheaded regularly to encourage flowering and trimmed back carefully to ensure a neat and tidy lines. The bed leading to the office block is filled with white gravel interplanted with Kniphofia praecox, Aloe spp, Othonna carnossa, and Gazania ripens. The gravel is hand weeded and raked and kept level. The garden has a semi-formal wild look with mostly indigenous plants. Buddleja shrubs line the back of some of the beds and are trimmed carefully to maintain their shapes but are not hedged.

The fence line between the building and car park has star jasmine growing along the base.

The tendrils are threaded into the fence mesh on an ongoing basis so that in time it will create a solid green natural wall. Any wayward growth is trimmed back so as not to impede persons using the passageway.

Dump rock has been used as a decorative addition and is laid along the old railway lines that would have transported the trolleys in and out of the factory. Old factory metal pieces pop up in amongst the wild grasses to add a sculptural aspect to the gardens. These rocks are kept clean and weed free. A strip of Dwarf Papyrus lines the edge of the stormwater drains, the browning stalks are cut back sparingly to maintain the wild feel of the gardens. In amongst them are planted a variety of tall Aloe marlothii and other aloe species. They receive little or no care and are left to fend for themselves, even the dead leaves are left until they fall off on their own accord. A few small Portulaca grandiflora succulents are also in amongst the rocks. Cuttings are taken from time to time and used to fill up the gaps and bare areas in amongst the rocks. There is an assortment of indigenous trees including Podpcarpus, Combretum, Rhus species throughout the site that are maintained up to a height of 2 metres in terms of crownlifting. During the winter and autumn months the deciduous trees drop their leaves which are raked up and added to the compost system.

The garden is watered using a combination of an automated irrigation system and hand watering.

The client has recently also installed a rainwater harvesting which has also been connected to the irrigation system in an effort to reduce their water consumption.

On entering the premises, you are met with a lush green garden oasis. A sweep of assorted veld grasses flows through one of the beds and is cut back once a year in early autumn. The remaining beds are filled with assorted flowering groundcovers such as Tulbaghia, star jasmine and Plectranthus and Dietes species. These are www.prolandscaper.co.za

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GROWERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF INDIGENOUS AND EXOTIC FLORA FOR A GREENER FUTURE

Saxonwold Road, Klein Dassenberg 082 804 2241 | fridhemfarm@vodamail.co.za

Likhutsa Nursery is a thriving wholesale and retail nursery that propagates ornamental bedding plants, shrubs, groundcovers and trees, as well indigenous and exotic plant types. We are well versed in all aspects of our trade and take pride in providing all clients with our knowledge and plant information.

Y16B Yaverland Road, White River, 1240, Mpumalanga MR Thabethe: 083 689 9581 | 013 751 3030 www.likhutsa-co-za9.webnode.com

Vula congratulates Peninsula Landscaping for their achievement on Best Water Wise Entry deon@vula.biz 082 564 5748 | www.vula.biz

PORTFOLIO

P R O J E C T S I X

MPUMALANGA TRAFFIC TRAINING COLLEGE

Size: 106 033,39m2 Timeline of Development: Timeline of Development: 2015-2018 Location: Mkhuhlu, Mpumalanga

SUPPLIERS

Paving: Biaton Paving Bricks - 013 758 5001 Plant Material: Skhukhuza Indigenous Plants Nursery 013 735 4312 Likhutsa Nursery - 013 751 3030 Irrigation: Product - Rain Bird

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PORTFOLIO Likhutsa projects was awarded a contract for landscaping maintenance at Mpumalanga Traffic Training College in 2017. They were given the responsibility of pruning shrubs and climbers, trimming the trees, dividing perennials, irrigation inspection, maintenance of firebreak, removal of refuse, mowing lawn and veld grass, cleaning the pavement, cleaning parking areas and walkways, as well as weed and pest control. It was a big task, but the team was certainly up for it.

The college premises are kept neat at all times and the team at Likhutsa always ensures safety along the walkways, no hanging branches that may harm the people since it is a high traffic area with both trainees and lecturers. Safety is the first priority. The turf is always kept short and green and the irrigation system is monitored to ensure that it functions properly. The college landscaping is maintained by 9 general workers on a daily basis, who live in close proximity to the college.

The surrounding of the college is often manifested with snakes due to its proximity to the Kruger National Park. The Head of Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaisons requested that Likhutsa projects brainstorm a solution to keep away unwanted snakes on site. Tulbaghia violacea was planted at the edges of the garden as a solution, as this plant acts as a deterrent.

In 2018, there was a challenge of water supply at the college which led to a drought for approximately eight months. During the drought season, the landscaping maintained its optimistic appearance due to the use of water wise plants, indigenous plants as well as plants that are endemic to the area. The use of mulching around the garden came to rescue during the drought season since water evaporation was very low. The mulching used helped to keep the soil moist for a longer period, which made the plants survive throughout the drought season.

The college stakeholders were impressed with the maintenance even though water shortage occurred. It didn’t matter if water was available or not because the garden was in fantastic condition.

The Department of Public Works, Road and Transport embarked on a project to change the main entrance of the college. Likhutsa projects was requested to design and install this entrance.

The site was in good condition, so the team didn’t come across problems in harvesting or preparing it for vegetation which made site clearance a success. During the implementation of the design, the team came across some 64

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challenges as the college is surrounded by a village where you can find domestic animals. When they began plantation of the vegetation, cows came into the property and took out what was planted.

The next day the team would replant, which happened a few times, causing a delay.

The selection of plants for the entrance was based on the surrounding areas and the climate conditions. Mkhuhlu is hot, so selected plants needed to be water wise, indigenous and endemic plants. Plants included Terminalia sericea (sliver terminalia), Aloe ferox (bitter aloe) and also Sclerocaryan birrea (marula tree). The implementation of the college entrance took a month to be completed.

The entrance was designed in such a way that it attracts tourists passing the college and visiting the Kruger National Parks and the Village lodge close by. The former minister of Transport, Mr. Joe Maswanganyi was astonished by the entrance design and the general maintenance of the college which was a very rewarding compliment for the team. The other stakeholders such the Road Traffic Management Corporation and Safety and Security Training Authority were equally impressed with the state of the landscaping as they frequently visit the college for moderation.

The former chairperson of the Portfolio committee who is the current MEC for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Honorable Gabisile Shabalala enjoys a walk around the garden as she says the serenity and the sound of birds singing in the trees makes for a wonderful place of pause during an otherwise busy day. The addition of fruit trees has also seen more bird life on site. She sometimes even suggests conducting meetings at the college because of the beauty and new appeasing appearance of the college landscape.

P L A N T M AT E R I A L U S E D

Likhutsa Nursery Planting List Aloe barbarae Aloe wickensii Alternanthera dentata `Little Ruby Carissa macrocarpa Coleous spp.

Dietes bicolor Euphorbia tirucalii Pennisetum setaceum Plumbago auriculata Tecoma capensis Trachelospermum jaminoides Skhukhuza Nursery Planting List Aloe chabaudii Aloe ferox Bauhinia natalensis Cordylia africana.

Kirkia acuminate Knifofia Sclerocarya birrea Terminalia sericea

WINNER OF THE BEST NOVICE ENTRY AT THE SALI AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2019

Another exciting project Likutsa Projects was requested to get involved in, is to help with debushing the wetland. The team sent out a proposal to change the wetland into a dam and a park area, open for everyone in the college to use, especially the trainees. The college uses two boreholes for water from the wetland. The reason for the suggestion to build a dam, was because of the shortage of water that occurs more often than not at the college. During rainy season, the dam will be full and water problems will- in many senses- be resolved.

Likhutsa projects founder, Iswell Maxwell Thabethe is to be commended on a fantastic project of a great calibre and a big congratulations to his team. www.prolandscaper.co.za

F E AT U R E

HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY TRANSPLANT A MATURE TREE The relocation of large and mature trees has come a long way during the past 20 years in South Africa. We can now be regarded as world leaders in the relocation of large trees, specifically in the challenging Mediterranean regions in South Africa.

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The size of the tree. The bigger, the less viable and the longer the rehabilitation period.

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The tree species.

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The type of soil where the tree to be transplanted occurs.

But let’s first start off by defining the term “successfully transplant," Anybody that can apply the yellow machines and big cranes can transplant a tree or the remains of a tree from point A to point B. However, to “successfully” transplant a tree, the typical architecture of the species may not be altered, the full extent of the tree must stay alive, and the tree must thrive without the aid of artificial watering. Hence, success can only be determined two years post relocation in the case of a smaller tree and 5 years later in the case of the largest trees.

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The root distribution within the root ball zone – a result of soil type and soil moisture patterns, often influenced by irrigation in the immediate surroundings.

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The health of the tree.

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The age of the tree.

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The space available to prepare a minimum diameter root ball.

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Access for a crane truck/crane to establish and manoeuvre, on both the harvesting as well as the new location sites.

It should also be made clear that the art of relocating trees as discussed in this article, does not include the transplanting of palms trees, which is regarded as a relatively simple task for the yellow machines and low bed truck operators. It also excludes the transplanting of trees for which no minimum root ball is required for example baobabs and cycads.

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Any obstacles along the route to be transported.

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Reliable water availability at the new site.

Aspects to be considered when assessing the viability to transplant a tree are listed in order of most important to least important:

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Should the transplant be considered as viable, the following process and important techniques should be followed: •

The best time of the year should be determined, should there be no time constraints, which rarely is the case.

•

Prepare an appropriate size root ball in

Cup shaped rootball tied with hessian and ungalvanized 90mm hole size wire netting

relation to the size of the tree. A general rule of thumb for the root ball diameter is 10cm for every cm stem diameter.

However, there is a lot of variation from this rule based on very specific knowledge.

•

Excavating and shaping a root ball into a “cup” shape should be done by hand.

Big roots must be sawn with a saw.

Indiscriminate use of heavy equipment results in torn roots with lifelong unhealed root wounds.

•

The root ball must be bound firmly with hessian and ungalvanized 90mm hole size wire netting (international standards) that can stay on the root ball when the tree is planted in its new position. Plastic wrapping is a cheap and easy alternative, which is not recommended, but is sometimes better than no wrapping at all.

•

Except in the case of deciduous trees in full dormancy, trees should never be lifted (with straps) attached to the stem.

•

The most critical and hence the most challenging task is to keep the root ball intact during the process of lifting, transporting and planting in its new planting location.

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•

Shrink the canopy to reduce its size by tying branches in for transportation on public roads, rather than just taking the easy way out by cutting branches to fit the road.

•

During planting and backfilling ensure that there are no underground air cavities and ensure that the root ball cannot move during strong winds, else make sure to stake the tree firmly.

•

Water the tree appropriately resulting in the wetting of 100% of the root ball WITHOUT drowning the tree. For large trees it is of critical importance to install a computer controlled multi-drip point irrigation system

•

Combined use of hinging clamp and Newman frame

Specialist tree and soil moisture monitoring and corrective adjustments and care for up to five years in the case of the largest trees, is of paramount importance.

Outdated concepts and techniques, some of which are still being taught in horticulture: •

Trenching the root ball and back-filling as a form of conditioning for relocation is desirable in theory, but due to time and budget constraints, never happens in practice.

•

Reducing the crown canopy prior to relocation should not be done.

•

Sealing any branch cutting surface wounds with sealant does more harm than good.

•

It is not necessary to plant the tree in its new location facing the same direction as where it came from.

Soil moisture sample extracted from rootball with our patented Soil Track

Soil probe used to measure soil moisture in rootballs

Final remark: If you consider relocating a tree, do it the correct way. Any short cuts to save money will result in wasting whatever money you did spend, as well as losing the tree.

Dag Willems

(B.sc. Conservation Forestry US)

Owner: Trees South Africa www.trees-sa.co.za

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Pro Landscaper Africa | July 2019

SALI Gold Award winning project of a successful relocation of 13m tall Coral tree

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Head Office: 011-4772023 , 083-7817080 | Email: info@wof-sa.co.za