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PROJECT

*irrigation installation in private and
common areas;
*plant selection, planting and installation of
all landscapes within the complex,
including flower beds, lawns and trees;
*a three month maintenance period after
each of the eight phases was completed.
The above scope of work was the same
for all eight phases, however each phase
had its own challenges such as seasonal
changes and working day limitations.

Hillstead has a green belt located next to
the complex and between its north and
south areas. This makes pests and weeds
more prevalent, especially in those gardens
located close to the boundaries of the
complex. The garden group had to deal
with this issue without compromising
the green belt areas and during the initial
landscape installation, they ensured that
the gardens were treated for pests and Hillstead North entrance with Kniphofia rooperi in bloom
weeds.
Soft landscaping and planting
Hillstead’s gardens comprise indigenous
plants, grasses and trees, with striking
Aloe marlothii species planted sporadically
throughout the complex. Mulching has
been used to conserve water, and a
planting gel was used during installation
for periods when the plants had to go
without water.

Water-wise plants such as Crassula
multicava produce beautiful flowers in
winter, whilst Crassula capitella creates
lush green carpets during summer, turning
bright red in winter.

Purple and white Agapanthus, together
with Kniphofia, add a splash of colour
between the bushy Aristida grasses in front
of the Freylinia hedges.
Hard landscaping Layering of grasses, with Aloe marlothii, Crassula capitella and Freylinia tropica hedges between indigenous
When the landscapes were installed, Acacia sieberiana trees
the garden group took advantage of
materials that were already available on the
construction site. These included stones,
topsoil and large boulders which were
used in the flower beds and other areas
of the landscape. The building contractor
was also helpful in allowing them to use
their equipment for moving topsoil and
shaping parts of the landscape, as well as
moving the large boulders. This not only
helped to keep costs down but also had
environmental benefits such as reducing
pollution from transportation and reducing
waste generated during the construction of
the units.

irrigation
Automatic Rainbird irrigation systems,
complete with rain sensors, were installed
at both entrances, as well as in common
areas such as play parks. The systems were
also installed in the show houses to ensure
that they were properly maintained and Robust, single-stemmed Aloe marlothii are found throughout the complex n

14 Landscape SA • Issue 122 2023