Page 20 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 4 2025

ESTATE MATTERS
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ESTATE MATTERS
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GARDENING
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Water xeriscaping Krantz Aloe

XERISCAPING EXPLAINED far-ranging or deep root systems for three different pot heights;
Pronounced zeer-e-skay-ping, this penetrating soil in search of water. • a high quality weed guard (not plastic) is
creative gardening technique is less of
a mouthful than it sounds. Simply put, it GUIDELINES TO SUCCESSFUL
is intentionally designing a landscape to XERISCAPING
minimise watering, reduce maintenance Follow these pointers to create a modern,
and optimise a garden’s seasonal environmentally sustainable and low
longevity. A common misconception is that maintenance garden feature or entrance:
this method is all about cacti, succulents • begin by deciding on the look and theme TOP PLANT PICKS FOR
and gravel, but in fact there is much more you want and then assess the current XERISCAPING
to it. Marionette Hoffman from Plant plants in your garden. Remove thirsty Spekboom, Golden Sedum,
Paradise in Pretoria explains: “This new plants and keep the drought-hardy, xeric Whale’s Tongue Agave, Jelly
‘lock up and go’ movement encourages ones; Bean Plant, Verbena species,
people to opt for this style as it provides • decide on a focal point and see which Rosemary, Blue Fescue grass,
a beautiful garden with lots of colour but existing pots or features will work with
less maintenance. the new design. Keep it simple and African Daisy, Desert Spoon,
minimalistic for great impact; Madagascar Palm, Tree Aloe.
Jargon check: Xeric plants are those which • accessorise focal points with grinding
have developed a number of possible stones, large rocks, water features, pots, In smaller gardens, make use
strategies for coping with low moisture statues or wall art; of smaller xeric plants that
environments such as reduced leaf size, • always work with height at the back are still colourful enough to
and shorter plants or make a strong impact. Go for
décor towards the front. bigger pots where a mixture of
Go for structure and succulents can be planted for a
minimalism; pop of colour.
• choose different
structures such as
wood, steel and
concrete together with essential, and will contribute to moisture
plants to make an retention in the soil. It will also help to
impact; prevent soil erosion;
• if your style is more • any soil covering or mulching is also a
formal, work with must to protect the roots of plants, help
symmetry and even with moisture retention and attract insects
numbers like twos or and wildlife;
fours. For more informal • plant low maintenance plants that are
gardens, work with odd hardy, evergreen and remain neat in
numbers, for instance winter and summer.
Good quality weed guard sheeting
18 DPL issue 4 2025