Page 13 - Landscape-Issue134

FEATURE

Melinis nerviglumis flower Panicum natalensis flower

but scheduled and selective pruning to this project and starting on a blank height, removing all dead growth.
takes care of the grazing regime. canvas. The second is revegetating existing Indigenous grasses may be purchased
The other ecological aspect to land. In the last scenario you ‘manage’ the in plugs or bags. Alternatively, on a large
understand is the fact that grasslands are ecosystem by removing all invasive alien eco-estate or farm, ‘veld sodding’ may take
prone to succession by forests. In nature plants and allowing the plants from the place whereby sods are cut and lifted from
this occurs where indigenous woody natural seed banks in the soil to emerge. one location to the next, thus moving grass,
invaders or pioneers encroach onto the To develop the new garden, strip the herbaceous plants, local soil and attendant
grassland and shade out all competition. area of all weeds, dig deep for aeration seed banks in one operation. Ensure
This happens largely in high rainfall and incorporate only natural composts you have extracted sods to an adequate
areas such as the east coast which favour - not artificial fertilisers. Shape or model depth and that no stems or bulbs have
the development of forests. In order to the ground to fit in with the surrounding broken off in the process. Only do this on
maintain the grassland biome, these areas gardens, incorporating weathered rocks privately owned land and with a permit
have to be actively managed by removing or logs as accessories. Select and install from the relevant provincial conservation
these woody invaders manually. suitable plants at a low density (eight plants authorities. Another method of establishing
per square meter) in spring. Add a layer of wild grass species is sowing of seed or the
Designing, establishing and mulch and water thoroughly. Thereafter, purchase of seed mixes which are available
maintaining indigenous grassland avoid over-watering and allow the natural from some turfgrass farms and farmers co-
gardens rains to do the work. Grasses normally ops. Winter and summer mixes are available
The trend in South African gardening is to flower in May so allow them to die back but avoid those containing exotic Tef and
reduce or even replace lawn areas entirely and provide a winter trim to about 5cm in Vetiver cultivars.
with a richer, biodiverse planting
that uses less water and attracts the
natural wildlife of the area. Indigenous
grasses can be integrated into
existing gardens as design elements
such as form plants or groundcovers,
softening the hard edges of Aloes and
providing a rich tapestry of changing
seasonal colour. Alternatively, a
dedicated grassland can be created in
a suitable sunny area.
Since the garden is a recreation
of the natural environment, find out
what species grow in your area, soil
type and climatic zone. You can do
this by joining a local branch of the
Botanical Society and going on their
various walks and outings which are
unique to each region.
Sunlight and space are the key
determining factors. In order to
achieve optimal results, these
gardens must receive 6-8 hours of
sun per day. If this is not possible,
use the shade loving grass species
in combination with other suitable
forest plants.
There are two scenarios for
establishment. The first is dedicating
a brand new section of the garden Aristida junciformis Melinis nerviglumis plant

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