Page 7 - LandscapeSA Issue 106

PROJECT

Gardener William with a variety of freshly harvested produce The pumpkin field at first light

The master plan is based on the theme of exploration and curving tunnels of vined pumpkin, melon and other plants, not
Dommisse also took into account the environment, climate, culinary knowing what lies beyond, and soon after emerging from them, they
requirements of the chef and the water supply for the food garden. get a better view of the shamba. The meandering pathway then leads
Channelling the water that fell onto and adjacent to the site was to the second part of the garden, a spiralling lemon tree arbour. From
key, and he implemented a series of pools and swales which would here they are led to a sheltered calabash garden, which is raised and
create a microclimate and reserve water for harsh, dry spells. Swales was inspired by the principles of plant rotation. Finally, they pass
follow the contour lines and divide the shamba into five sections, through a medicinal garden to the lookout deck, from where they can
forming a central feature of the design. survey the Great Rift Valley or stroll down to the manyatta.

Given the five demarcated sections, the garden lends itself to an Within the shamba, companion planting and permaculture influence
organic plan contributing to five oddly shaped zones, each with a the design aspects.
dominating feature. Adhering to both the functionality of getting
from one zone to the next as quickly as possible (for the gardener), Pumpkin tunnels
and also allowing for a wandering guest, pathways were designed in These were constructed using five metre sturdy and flexible offshoots,
a ‘snakes and ladders’ arrangement. Guests can either take the most sourced from a local forest. They were bent accordingly, their bases
direct route, zigzagging their way through the five zones, or they can coated in tar and they were placed in metal cylinders which were
embark on a winding journey of mazes and labyrinths that reveal the buried into the soil, solidifying the structure to combat rotting. The
secrets of the shamba. Direct paths connect each zone for easy access. raised circular arbour is three metres in diameter and 2.3 metres
in height. The tunnels and arbour support vining members of the
When entering the shamba, guests are immediately lead through Curcurbitaceae family (plants related to pumpkins such as squashes,

sketch of the calabash garden in zone 3 of the shamba Maasai traditional garden with the manyatta (hut) and indigenous healing herbs

Landscape SA • Issue 106 2021 5