2 minute read
A Touch of Africa
from A Sense of Space
by TD Garden
ABOVE Timber capping on the raised planters provides additional seating in the area leading off the kitchen. A mature Acacia siberiana presides over this space with layered plantings beneath it of Aloe ferox, Aristida junciformus and Chondropetalum tectorum.
OPPOSITE MAIN Sculptural aloes convey a bushveld ambience with the softer indigenous olive, Olea europea subs. africana in the background and a low planting of Juncus krausii to complete the scenario.
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This was an existing garden that Jan was commissioned to redesign. The area of concern
was overgrown with a plethora of palms and azaleas, and a lawn that was permanently
damp and muddy. The clients had seen Jan’s other work in the complex, and wanted a
similar quality in their garden.
CLIENT BRIEF To redesign the area leading off the kitchen in order to gain more space
and incorporate indigenous plants into the design that would reflect their love of the
African bush.
The central feature of this small garden is a gazebo with a plunge pool on either side of it.
A moat surrounding the gazebo creates the impression that the gazebo is afloat.
In the area of concern, Jan has replaced the entire lawn with a hardwood deck so that
the open-plan kitchen can now flow effortlessly to the outdoors, providing a superb al fresco
entertainment area.
Raised planters lend a strong framework for layers of indigenous plants that are
reminiscent of a bushveld landscape. Thick timber capping on these raised planters doubles
as additional seating.
The area is filled with evocative textures from Africa. Slivers of slate create an unusual
cladding for the planters that contain sculptural aloes and elegant, slender grasses. Smooth
terracotta pots filled with frilly bougainvillea add a spash of bright pink to the understated
colour scheme. A majestic Acacia siberiana dominates the area with its feathery, pale
green canopy.
Jan decided upon a natural plaster finish for the boundary walls in this garden. The natural
patina of the walls provides the perfect burnt-orange backdrop for the African theme.
OPPOSITE TOP Subtle lighting highlights the essential architectural elements outdoors.
OPPOSITE BOTTOM RIGHT The Tree Aloe, Aloe barbarae, is underplanted with Aloe ferox and Aristida junciformus against the furthermost boundary wall. Identical, raised, sandstone-clad water features act as a backdrop to each of the plunge pools.
