Page 9 - Landscape-Issue139

PROJECT

An interpretation of the indumba or healing
hut sits at the upper end of the arcade View onto the upper terrace fountain from within the indumba hut

Soft, mixed plantings in the medicinal value collection The transitioning geometries of the arcade

identity, tying the whole together. The natural aquatic plants, small herbs, larger shrubs, The second phase of planting provided
colours and textures found in the local stone shade-loving, sun-loving, succulents, etc. In detail to the beds, with material selected
cladding, combined with the red of the total,176 different plant species have been and placed according to type, size and
oxidised steel, informed the extended palette used in the garden, with approximately 20 requirements, enabling their natural
of pebble, slate, tile and paved edge finishes – trees spilling out into an adjacent planted attributes to be displayed.
all rich and varying in tones of brown, red and garden that is to become a medicinal
grey. Textures on the pathway surfaces swirl arboretum. Award-winning project
around each other in concentric patterns, Researching and specifying the list of The Ochre Office sought to re-imagine what
tactile and intricate. plants suited to this garden was an immense history would dictate a formal medicinal
Finally, a warm terracotta paint finish brings undertaking, requiring weeks of research garden to be. One is able to reflect on the vital
life to the retaining wall, a bold and striking and sourcing. The assistance of Tshala Plant fusion point between traditional remedies
colour that works beautifully in contrast with Brokers was invaluable in the growing and and current-day medicine, the importance
the planted greenery set before it. procurement of all stock. of each, and how nature still supports human
Planting installation only commenced health amidst the rapid developments in
Planting once all construction work was complete. medical science.
Key to the design and planning of the garden The delivery of plant material was broken into Landscape architect and founder of The
was the task of accommodating as many loads, the first installation comprising much of Ochre Office, Karen Marais, received an ILASA
different planting conditions as possible, in the structural planting (hedges, feature trees) Merit Award for this project, in the category
order to display the wide variety of medicinal as well as bulbous perennials with which to of Export of Services. She supplied the
plant types – trees, climbers, cascading plants, experiment and train the horticultural staff. information and photos used in this article. n

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 139 2024 7