Page 13 - LandscapeSA_116v2

The ablution building was designed as an architectural sculpture in the park, and apertures in the walls light up at night when the park is quiet

amounts of subsoil instead of topsoil. After three month post-completion maintenance as such. This allowed for indigenous species
the first spring rains, it was discovered that was undertaken. to be planted in order to improve the
the subsoil had a high clay content, and biodiversity of the site. In time, the new trees
Conmar had to change the plant pallet Soft landscaping will provide a green infrastructure to improve
accordingly. The clay was extremely sticky Hilton Maclarty of Progreen Designs says air quality, stormwater control and reduce
when wet and extremely hard when dry that plant material was chosen for its low air temperature. Maclarty says that green
and to mitigate this, Conmar rotovated vast maintenance and water wise properties. infrastructure is an important part of urban
amounts of lime, gypsum, compost and Some species were selected for their water- development to help provide ‘real world and
superphosphate fertiliser into the subsoil loving properties, as part of the site has time benefits’ to people and the environment.
in order to improve it for landscaping. natural drainage with a high water table. A further benefit to the environment was
Plants chosen need minimal input to look the inclusion of Portulacaria afra, chosen to
The irrigation system was installed first, good, providing the landscape with softness create interest in the landscape but more
followed by phased landscape installation and colour throughout the year. importantly, to provide the park with an
as and when ‘parcels’ were handed over efficient carbon-storing plant.
by the civils contractor. Thereafter, the On the environmental side, the first
children’s play area was installed, then the undertaking was the removal of alien weeds Text and photos supplied by Conmar Horticulture,
outdoor gym equipment and lastly, the and most of the existing trees were classified Nathan Francis Architects and ProGreen.

• horticulture • sportsfields • irrigation

• landscaping • maintenance • civils

of ce: +27 86 111 2020 mobile: +27 71 609 7337

email: info@conmargroup.co.za www.conmargroup.co.za

• GAUTENG • KWA-ZULU NATAL • EASTERN CAPE