Page 27 - Landscape-Issue124

PROJECT

Informal log seating The meadow pond and stream in winter 2021 The meadow in 2017

Spring flowers in the meadow

who have participated by contributing their Caitlin von Wit from Fynbos for Life, an An interesting point about this space
time, resources and expertise. organisation which educates the public is that the ‘blue’ component of the
Over the last decade, the NRA and City about indigenous vegetation and ecology. landscape is a mere 1% of the space that
representatives have worked together Last year, her team planted up a ‘forest the NRA works with, and yet it creates a
to develop the park by carrying out the circle’ in a small portion of the parkland, large impact on the ‘green’ space. “This
following projects: using locally indigenous plant species. is the exponential power of water,” says
• planting Afromontane tree species The fynbos forest circle showcases plants Burgess.
(Assegai, Rooi Els, Cape Beech, White which do not need irrigation in Newlands The Papenboom Meadow Project was
Pear, Cape Holly, Keurboom and White and which can be used by residents in the runner-up for best community-based
Stinkwood) to eventually take over from their own gardens. project in the #Cocreate Blue-Green Cities
the existing exotic Poplar grove, and The most successful outcome of all is Design Awards 2022.
planting Carissa bispinosa and Kei Apple that everyone can now enjoy the flowing (*) www.techtarget.com/whatis/
as a hedge to secure the park boundary; water. The power of community co- definition/broken-window-theory
and operation is seen in the meadow every day
• introducing hard landscaping such as as the number of dog walkers, mountain Information and photos supplied by Clare
informal log seating, steps, pathways, bikers, strollers, joggers, hikers, nannies, Burgess.
boardwalks, bridges, signage and shady workers and church goers increase daily.
picnic spots. The space is once again greatly valued by
The most recent role player is Dr. the neighbourhood. n

Landscape SA • Issue 124 2023 25