Page 8 - Landscape-Issue139

PROJECT

Indigenous creepers climbing lightly over the framed arcade The theatrical framing of landscapes through the portal eye

Planted textures of the upper terrace nestle below the ridges of Marulas Soft, mixed plantings in the medicinal value collection

The portal box was detailed and dressed in walkway, a retaining wall is set back to navigate and walk through. The upper terrace
laser-cut panelling, with accent patterns that accept the floating steel stairway which, is given enclosure primarily by a tight Buddleja
were then repeated at the gateways and in down its spine, carries a gently cascading hedge that surrounds it, and this is supported
the termination face of the hut. water rill. The water element here introduces by the planting of secondary screens of
In dealing with the existing exposed face another theatrical piece to the garden, Podocarpus, Loxostylis and Diospyros sp.
of the earth cut, this was formally retained with its source set as a raised circular pool The space is anchored by the circular pond
by a constructed wall, raised slightly higher on the upper terrace. The pool, displaying which sits in front of the woven hut structure
to allow for the levelling of the upper terrace select medicinal aquatic plants, spills into a that terminates the arcade axis. Ornate and
platform. A mid-height linear planter offers narrow channel that runs down the steps; it meticulously hand-crafted, one is drawn into
a shelf in which to display cascading plants is then caught and quietly celebrated at the this shaded cove and given the opportunity
as well as a few shade-loving specimens set base of the stairs where a small millstone- to rest and reflect on the transitional journey
against the south-facing wall. like feature bubbles over. just experienced.
The gardens in the lower terrace are Above, greening the arcade, a mix of Two raised planters add further interest
parterre-like, using indigenous plants, all Senecio, Clematis, Rhoicissus, Combretum, to the garden, sculpted by halving a disused
medicinally valued, to box out and fill neatly Gloriosa and Jasminum species are beautifully diesel tank. These have been planted up
aligned zones. Euphorbia ingens, displayed to displayed. with specimens that are ever-spreading and
acknowledge its poisonous nature, was used At the top of the steps, a broader garden require controlled rooting space.
to formally anchor each side of the central expanse opens up, allowing for a wide range Where scale and architecture define the
axis. of plant types to be displayed, again in a wider experience of the garden, the detail
At the intersection with the arcade classically symmetrical format that is easy to and finishes give it a sense of place and

6 Landscape SA • Issue 139 2024 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za