Page 15 - Landscape-Issue136(2)

PROJECT

ike Reynolds of Cape Flora Land-
scaping undertook the landscape
Mdesign and installation, executing
the client’s brief of creating a clean, simplis-
tic look with a modern element to the de-
sign which would complement the newly
renovated building. An important aspect of
the brief was also to retain the large, estab-
lished trees.
Landscape design concept
Reynolds spent time exploring the
building and understanding its heritage,
looking to create a garden that was both
formal and structured. He wanted to
break this up with some informal planting
among the formal box hedges. To achieve
this, he planted hardy grasses and Star
Jasmine groundcovers. Due to the classic
black and white colour scheme of the
hotel’s exterior, and the vibrant emerald
green throughout the interior, the garden
was designed without too much flower
colour. Variations were achieved with
different leaf textures and plant colours
which created the intended interest.
Explains Reynolds: “I wanted to
establish a garden that was a blend of
old and new, retaining the old-fashioned
charm of its heritage, but with a modern
twist. The hanging moss balls introduced
onto the al fresco patio added a splash of
quirkiness.”

Installation and irrigation
Cape Flora Landscaping was responsible
for the entire landscape installation,
offering a turnkey service for the project.
The site is well-protected, with high light
intensities.
In the months leading up to the
opening of the hotel, they worked closely
with the lead contractor, RLP, to install the
required drainage pipes and irrigation
The landscaping is clean, formal and structured, with minimal flower colour

supply pipes into various parts of the
garden. They then began selective tree
pruning to get the existing large trees
into shape, removing dead wood and
spindly growth.
Preparation of the planting areas
required the removal of clay soil,
installation of drainage pipes, and
backfilling these areas with well-draining
topsoil. They then incorporated organic
compost and fertilisers into the soil
before planting. After planting, a 75mm
layer of fine mulch was spread over the
soil to help conserve soil moisture and to
give the newly planted flower beds a neat
appearance.
Reynolds and his team also undertook
the supply and installation of pots and
plants throughout the hotel, as well as a

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