Page 8 - Landscape SA Issue 107

FEATURE

in the parkland development need to conform to Steyn City’s them.” Residents are aware that they need to adhere to the landscape
specific landscape guidelines, as each private stand leads onto guidelines of Steyn City and one of Pimenta’s responsibilities is
green spaces which interface between the homes themselves and to ensure that they do so. He fully supports the estate’s design
the open parklands. This transition needs to be smooth and we philosophy and says there is great value in it. “It’s important to
need to ensure that this natural look is integrated from the buffer understand the full scope of the philosophy and not to deviate from
zones to the manicured wilderness of the parkland,” he explains. it,” he states.
Pimenta explains that at Steyn City, the focus is on attention to detail In addition to the above, Pimenta’s responsibilities include:
and achieving a high level of excellence. He says he was keen to • ensuring that landscaped areas are free of invasive species;
make a move away from the corporate environment in order to look • ensuring the team’s swift response to dealing with site problems;
at landscaping through a different lens. “I now need to approach my • identifying challenges, but more importantly, celebrating positive
work from the client’s point of view, whereas before I was coming achievements and encouraging staff members. The latter is
from the landscape contractor’s side, looking at what was needed sometimes done by means of competitions and one held recently
from that standpoint.” involved seeing which team could produce the best quality traffic
intersection. The winner was Derick Chauke, zone supervisor in
Richard Mitchell states that Pimenta’s biggest contribution to Steyn charge of the Cedar Gate entrance. Different initiatives take place
City is his environmental knowledge and his industry background, every month to enforce good horticultural practices, with a strong
both bringing the requisite skills to his new position. “It is this that emphasis on water wise principles.
enables Dez to assess our residents’ needs and how to accommodate
Since its inception, the overall design philosophy of Steyn City
has focussed on naturally endemic plant material, and landscape
architect Patrick Watson continues to play an active role in this
regard. At the outset, he established an on-site growing nursery for
the project and today, plant material required is still obtained from
it. He is currently working on the re-introduction of scadoxis into the
estate’s parkland areas.

Pimenta has fully embraced his new position and role, and is
committed to ensuring the ongoing success of all green spaces at
Steyn City by adhering to its landscape philosophy and guidelines.
His industry knowledge coupled with his calm and professional
demeanour makes him the ideal landscape manager for this large
2000 acre canvas of lush parkland.

It is difficult to grasp the beauty of Steyn City and to fully appreciate
the masterpiece sculpted by Golf Data and maintained by Pimenta
and his team through photos only. To truly be appreciated, the
public is encouraged to visit the estate for a game of golf or a meal
at the club house. n

Derick Chauke, zone supervisor, and Andries schonken, contracts manager,
Golf Data Photos supplied by Steyn City • www.golfdata.co.za • www.steyncity.co.za

6 Landscape SA • Issue 107 2021