Page 28 - Kyalami Issue 2 2025

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26
3.0 Folder (Inner)
GARDENING

Water xeriscaping Krantz Aloe

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

28 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 2 • 2025