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ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE

Wahlenbergia spp came in naturally, amongst leaves of Kniphofias.
Photo: Carol Knoll

Broad-leaved bristle grass is shade loving and
thrives with extra moisture.
Photo: Carol Knoll

Flower) species of Gauteng’s grasslands the care of the natural areas, particularly with the veldgrasses and herbaceous
has been seeded by birds or brought in the grass species. species, the lawned viewing areas hold
along with the grass seed. Aloe cooperi is water and release this slowly down the
a pale orange to yellow summer-flowering As part of Phase 1, the tree roots of the slope. A soak-away has been installed at
aloe, while the other aloes flower in old trees were opened up and brick the lowest point of the sports area and,
winter. Chlorophytum krookianum (Giant edged circles covered with a gravel fix Lansdown explains, attention to levels
Chlorophytum: with its star-like white spread with gravel were installed to allow and placement of planting at design stage
flowers and extended anthers) will grow for water permeability in the previously has contributed effectively to stormwater
tall and is also favoured by Carpenter bees. compacted soils under the trees. Along control. LSA
Crinum graminicola is a local lily of our
grasslands with stunning pink and white
striped tubular flowers making a strong
display in spring.

Amongst the numerous grass species,
supplied largely by Wildflower Nursery,
are the bright green, clump-forming,
shade and moisture loving, Setaria
megaphylla (Broad-leaved Bristle Grass)
positioned under the old trees; while
another clump-forming species, Aristida
junciformis (Ngongoni Three-awn), is one
of the grasses that needs to be cut back,
seasonally, and is an excellent soil stabliser
with the ability to capture rainwater. There
are seven Eragrostis (Love Grasses) in the
gardens; the shimmering Andropogon
eucomis (Snowflake Grass) and two Melinis
species with their purple and white
lustrous seedheads. Des Young of Life
Landscapes will be giving the school’s
landscape maintenance crew advice on
Crocosmia aurea in a natural garden.
Photo: Carol Knoll

28 Landscape SA • Issue 93 2020