Page 20 - Landscape-Issue128

PROJECT

Plant material was chosen for its colour, hardiness and architectural form, all aspects
that enhance the harsh, industrial environment in which the building is situated.

extremely built-up area, the ratio of green to create a path to the neighbouring and will hopefully encourage other
space to hardened surfaces creates very business, enabling easy access to the businesses within the area to take the
hot conditions, as it is predominantly a services along the boundary wall. initiative and invest; not only will this
‘concrete jungle’. aesthetically enhance the area, but it will
Maintenance contribute positively to the environment
Soft and hard landscaping The garden is maintained by Landscape by creating green spaces that are eco-
The client was particular in trying to Inspirations every fortnight, and every friendly. At the same time, it will impact
obtain a garden that was semi-mature and other day by the client who ensures positively on the mental and physical well-
specified that certain plant materials were regular watering and the general upkeep being of everyone using the area.
to be brought in at decent sizes so that the of the garden.
landscaping could be appreciated within a Asmal explains that this is a very difficult SALI Award
short space of time. area in which to landscape and maintain a Landscape Inspirations received a gold
With this in mind, the Acacia garden. “Light industrial areas carry heavy award for Starrate in the 2023 SALI Awards
xanthephloeas in 180L bags were vehicular traffic and since this one is a cul- of Excellence. It was entered in the category
approximately 3.5m in height, which de-sac, cars often park here. Drivers and of Landscape Design and Construction.
immediately changed the space and labourers tend to loiter within the zone, The judges commented: “This
camouflaged the boundary wall. and with a neighbouring food vendor, industrial and corporate landscape is
Aloe ferox, supplied and planted ex open those who frequent the spot have little or a template of what can be achieved in
ground at a height of 750mm, ensures no consideration as to the investment in greening a site. Plant choices are simple
good visibility of this architectural plant such a landscape. The constant littering and striking, with semi-mature trees
which provides a beautiful display of means that it is an ongoing battle to keep supported by indigenous grasses, aloes
flowers in winter. the area clean, but with the client’s daily and other carefully selected form plants.
Sanseveria cylindrica were supplied in routine and our maintenance visit every This landscape is water wise, hardy and
10L bags but were already at a mature second week, we have managed to keep presents a practical, sustainable face to
height. All other plants, namely Aristida the problem under control.” greening projects.”
junciformis and Carissa ‘Green Carpet’, were The introduction of an aesthetically
in 2L and 1L bags respectively. pleasing landscape within a harsh, built Information and photos supplied by Landscape
Charcoal concrete pavers were used environment has transformed the space Inspirations n

18 Landscape SA • Issue 128 2023