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PROJECT

The guidelines state that there is no
specific design style required for temple
landscapes, except that this should
be appropriate for the site, its climate,
location, cultural conditions and skills
available in the area. Concept designs
should be graphically simple with regard
to the location of landscaped areas such
as lawns, trees and flower beds. The overall
site design and layout should be planned
so that congregants feel a sense of order,
peace and reverence. Landscaping should
reflect the culture and image of the region.
Decorative elements are not permitted.
These include statues, fountains, artworks,
botanical, memorial or learning gardens,
vegetable gardens, sports fields, active play
areas, uplighting of trees.
General planting requirements are that
landscapes should:
• be pleasing to look at;
• conserve water and ecological resources;
• enhance architectural features and
entrances to the temple;
• encourage reasonable maintenance and
promote long-term cost savings.
Responding to current needs
Landscape architect Johan Barnard explains
that in terms of the design philosophy, the
landscape had to respond to the current
move towards sustainability “without
ignoring the requirement for a beautiful
backdrop of flowers throughout the year,
and an evergreen landscape structure”. The
garden also had to open up views to the rock
outcrop, and exotic shrubs were replaced
with a ‘highveld’ garden containing grasses
and aloes. Many more indigenous species
were incorporated than was specified in
the original design, including a ‘highveld’
section along the rock outcrop.
Kikuyu lawn was removed and replaced
with All Seasons Evergreen.
Barnard says that the existing garden
influenced the new design as follows:
• trees were retained;
• the existing rose garden was lifted and
replanted;
• perennials such as Clivia and Agapanthus
were re-used as much as possible;
• formal hedges were retained and reinstated
where damaged due to waterproofing
repairs against the building;
• Trachycarpus palms were retained closer
to the building to shield the large glass
windows.
From an environmental point of
view, Barnard considered improved
maintainability, therefore less annual
planting areas and incorporating more
indigenous species for flower and colour.

Landscape installation
This was undertaken by Bertha Wium
Landscape Development. During lifting
of the existing rose garden, plants were
re-bagged for storage and replanted
according to Ludwig’s Roses specifications
for soil preparation and organic additions.
A ‘highveld’ garden section with grasses and Aloes was installed along the rock outcrop. Rose re-planting was done in formal

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