Page 8 - LandscapeSA Issue 106

PROJECT

ecobrick garden at Angama Mara Glimpse of the mara through a window in the granadilla entrance arbor

melons and baby marrows); these enclose the arbour and tunnels the shamba reservoirs) and find themselves at the calabash garden.
and are seasonally rotated. Companion plants such as tarragon, mint Whilst this section of the garden is named after the shape of its raised
and marjoram are planted around the tunnels and arbour. Avocado, beds, the design was inspired by the growing conditions of broccoli.
papaya and mango trees have been planted in bundles (mini forests)
along the perimeter of the tunnelled zone. In order to increase plant access and visibility, raised beds were built and
a pergola was designed to create dappled sunlight, whilst not blocking
The objective of this project was to create a sense of intrigue and the views of the mara. In time, the pergola will be covered in green vine
mystery. Entering the shamba, visitors walk through the pumpkin plants, creating a soft, green dappled roof over the raised beds.
tunnel, obscuring views of the mara and the rest of the shamba. The
entry tunnel leads into a raised, circular calabash arbour serving as a The lookout deck
welcoming space for visitors. Small openings or windows within the This is built from timber and a metal frame in an oval shape, and is
arbour walls offer a glimpse of the shamba and mara beyond, and strategically situated to take full advantage of the spectacular views
from here they can either follow a short tunnel towards the next focus of the great Rift Valley and the entire shamba. It is built around two
area of the shamba or enter through a snake-shaped tunnelled path to ancient trees and has been designed as a dining and relaxation
sacred spaces and then out into the open, onto a path where they can space. Steps leading to the bottom of the deck take visitors down a
finally see the entire shamba. They can then make their way across a hill towards a fragrant blanket of Penny Royal groundcover.
bridge overlooking a larger dam, towards the citrus labyrinth.
Healing garden, manyatta and herb spirals
Citrus labyrinth Towards the bottom of the shamba, Dommisse decided to dedicate
This consists of lime and orange trees planted closely together in an area to a healing garden where visitors can participate in a
a spiral. Once the trees are fully grown, they will form a spiralling medicinal plant workshop, learning about the various healing
wall obscuring the view of the shamba when entering the labyrinth properties of plant species, as well as touching and smelling them.
(a path that weaves around itself and eventually leads out, the idea
being to function as a meditative experience). Right at the bottom of the shamba, a manyatta was built. This is a
circular version of the traditional Kenyan shelter, which is more
The colour red is very important to the Maasai people and in the beds rectangular. The circular shape of the hut serves as the termination
surrounding the citrus labyrinth, red flowering plants and red, fruit- of the final axis within the shamba. The roof is made of grass and
bearing companion plants have been planted on a rotational basis. windows have been carved into the hut wall, ensuring that one of
them is in line with the path leading up to the shamba deck space.
Calabash garden
Leaving the citrus labyrinth, visitors cross a few more swales (servicing INfORMATION AND PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY IAN DOMMISSE

Landscaper Ian Dommisse Flower meadows and the lookout deck, which has The bug hotel is a structure offering a home to all types of
been built around two ancient trees and takes full beneficial insects, many of which are pollinators.
advantage of views over the Great Rift Valley

6 Landscape SA • Issue 106 2021