Page 16 - Landscape-Issue136(2)

PROJECT

supply of aquatic plants into the various
water features around the hotel.
One of the main challenges, according
to Reynolds, was bringing in large amounts
of soil which had to be co-ordinated with
the building contractor, taking care not to
disrupt traffic in the area.
A further constraint was the existing
poor clay soils on the site, and well-
draining topsoil was therefore imported.
Agricultural drainage needed to be
installed to prevent water logging.
Additionally, Reynolds said they had to
deal with the roots of large, existing trees
in flower bed areas.
Choosing the correct plant material was
important, and most of it comprises hardy
plants that lend themselves to being
clipped into hedges. Planting under trees
needed to be able to compete adequately
with the roots of the existing trees.
A fully automated irrigation system was
installed by Reynolds and his team, using
Hunter controllers and RainBird pop-ups Aquatic plants in one of the water features
and sprayers. The system is linked to an
exisiting borehole system. Hardy plants
were chosen to help reduce the water
requirements of the landscaping. that Cape Flora Landscaping carries out a pest infestations. These quarterly visits
seasonal maintenance visit on a quarterly are also used to provide valuable training
Maintenance basis, undertaking specialist tree pruning, to the hotel’s team.
Day to day care is carried out by the hotel’s trimming of flower beds, specific plant
ground maintenance staff, headed up by feeding, servicing the irrigation system Information and photos supplied by Mike
general manager Sean Hall. He ensures and attending to any plant diseases or Reynolds, Cape Flora Landscaping

The brief called for the retaining of large, established trees. n

14 Landscape SA • Issue 135 2024 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za