Page 14 - Landscape SA 101

FEATURE

A Balinese inspired garden with Frangipani and shade loving Render showing a contemporary design with a mix of low water
varieties beneath them. Although a very small garden, it is a requirement plants including Olive trees , ornamental grasses,
tranquil space that can be used for relaxation or entertaining. Agapanthus and various shrubs to provide privacy and screening

RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE

The Cairn Design Group is an amalgamated group of companies, two of which include
Artfully Rooted and UD Studios. An aligned passion and interest in design has allowed
the group to expand its service offering to incorporate interior design, landscape design
and project management. They provide a full turnkey solution for both residential and
commercial interior and exterior spaces, undertaking renovations as well as new builds.

hen stepping onto a site for the also save the plants since many are killed Aesthetic considerations for plant
first time, director Jacky van Wyk through over-watering. So even if one is selection include:
Wsays she assesses the client’s not trying to save water, it makes sense to
needs and wants for the space, taking into segregate "thirsty" plants from those that • growth habits, i.e. pyramidal, columnar,
account the existing plants and deciding want far less water. spreading, etc.
what will best work for the design within • season and colour of blooms
the allocated space. Choosing the “right plant for the right • foliage color, texture, and shape
place” is an important consideration • winter interest of bark, fruit or structure
She says that generally, clients believe for all types of landscaping. Ignoring • benefits to wildlife
waterwise plants are limited to drought this guideline may lead to increased • autumn color
tolerant varieties such as succulents, maintenance, a failure of plants to thrive, • longevity.
cacti and other dry garden varieties. This and sometimes the death of installed plant
is however not the always the case. “We material. Low-maintenance landscaping does not
prefer to use a wider variety of plants but mean that no maintenance is required,
insist on measures that will help conserve Careful planning and site evaluation are as all plants require some routine care
water, such as grouping plants with similar the first steps in applying this concept. in order to thrive. In addition to plant
water requirements together.” Not only Trees and shrubs vary considerably in their selection, proper planting practices
does this practice save money, but it can ability to tolerate different site conditions and the grouping of trees and shrubs
and it is critical to select plants to match according to their needs for water,
the existing growing conditions of the site, fertiliser and maintenance will go a long
A succulent garden that goes against in addition to their ornamental value. way to ensuring good plant health. With
the norm – it is soft and lush while still good site evaluation and plant selection,
being waterwise Some site conditions to keep in these plants will thrive and enhance the
mind when selecting landscape landscape for many years to come.
plants include:
Van Wyk says: “We like to remove the
• light availability, intensity and duration guesswork by offering our clients hyper-
(full sun to deep shade) realistic 3D renders of their projects, along
• water availability, both quantity and with mood boards which combine finishes
quality and furniture. This offers them a specific
• exposure to wind and temperature visualisation of the space which can be
extremes used for both the installation process as
• soil type, drainage, compaction well as the costing thereof. LSA
• hardiness zones
• competition from existing vegetation Text and photos by Jacky
• adding mulch to retain soil moisture van Wyk, director of the Cairn
• regular fertilisation of plants will ensure Design Group
health and reduce overall maintenance. www.cairndg.com

12 Landscape SA • Issue 101 2021