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PROJECT

Existing slopes and mounding were retained where possible by choosing Stormwater channels are comprised of natural, local stone and are
effective plant species softened by indigenous grasses and shrubs

Stone gabion walls were used as retaining structures and feature elements where The rare Cape biome was celebrated in the planting palette with
appropriate, to further enhance the vernacular character of the landscape approach various groundcover, shrub and grass species incorporated to allow
for seasonal variation

plant choices and Landmark Studios tree species relating to the natural or tree summer months; they provide their own
consulted with Lynda Muller, an heritage characteristics of Stellenbosch. straw colours to the landscape which are
environmental consultant, to assist with attractive in their own right. Over-watering
species selection and ensure that the Hard landscaping features can also result in bulb species rotting or can
overall look and feel related to renosterveld These included brushed, finished in-situ create a habitat where invasives thrive in
characteristics; this is a rare plant community cast concrete walkways meandering swale areas, such as kikuyu or typha, species
in the Cape biome and was previously through the landscape, timber decking and making maintenance difficult in future.
growing on the site and surroundings bridges crossing attenuation ponds and
before being used for agricultural purposes. swales, gabion structures for retaining soil, Maintenance
Muller proposed bulb species that could be and a roof garden. Fynbos and local indigenous species
incorporated within the veldgrass areas incorporated into the planting design aid
and stormwater swales to add to seasonal Irrigation system and water saving in minimising the long-term maintenance
variation in the landscape. aspects of the site. A formal planting design was
Plant species were divided into groups The current system installed houses not considered and an approach where
when the planting design was developed, 6 x 10 000L water tanks that are topped the plants seem grouped naturally with
namely groundcover fields, wildflower up with borehole water, supplying water areas of grasses in between groundcovers
swathes, low shrubs, tall shrubs, backdrop to the gatehouse and phase 1 of the and shrub clusters were introduced in
grasses, general groundcover species and development’s green spaces. The aim is order to mimic areas found naturally in
general shrub species not specific to the to have a central rain water harvesting the surroundings. Manicured lawns were
area but indigenous to South Africa. These dam that will be the main irrigation water minimised and only introduced in park
groups of species were then incorporated source, filled up with site storm water. The areas for functional purposes or in a few
into areas where they would serve a specific current irrigation plant will run as a backup ‘soft’ circulation routes in order to reduce
function within the landscape. Indigenous system in case of emergencies. the extent of hard surfaces.
species that could invade the area, such The sustainable strategy was also
as Osteospermum, Limonium, Dietes and incorporated to discourage ‘over’ watering Information supplied by Landmark Studios.
Tulbaghia, were avoided. of planting and grass areas, and celebrating Photos courtesy of Landmark Studios and Life
The only exotic species incorporated were species that become dormant or dry in Landscapes. n

12 Landscape SA • Issue 130 2023