Page 3 - LSA 145_digital

CONTENTS

CLIMATE CHANGE: ISSUE 145
CLIMATE CHANGE:
RESILIENT
RESILIENT
INNOVATIONS FOR
INNOVATIONS FOR
A GREENER FUTURE
A GREENER FUTURE

limate change is defined as the substantial variation in average 2. Indigenous plant selection: As climate change unfolds, it alters
weather conditions over several decades or longer, becoming ecosystems, thus making it critical to select plants such as Aloe
Cwarmer, wetter or drier. Since 1990, the average temperature in the africana and Portulacaria afra (known as the Spekboom/Elephant
country has risen twice as quickly as the average temperature globally bush), grown in the low water usage hydrozone, that can adapt to
(1,5 °C). The National Adaptation Plan for South Africa states that there is the new environment and thrive. Due to their ability to adapt to the
evidence of an increase in extreme weather events, including a modest local environment, indigenous plants in the correct location and
extension of dry spell durations, an increase in heat waves (sometimes hydrozone need less water (which can also be enhanced using mulch),
manifested as part of the El Niño effect), and an increase in rainfall maintenance and pesticides.
intensity (floods). Furthermore, there has been a significant shift in the 3. Sustainable materials: Using sustainable materials is just as important
rainfall seasonality in South Africa. Climate change also impacts severely to landscaping as using plants. Choose recycled, sustainable materials
on water scarcity which is a result of more frequent droughts and water for your landscaping tasks or those that are sourced locally.
shortages in some areas of the country. For these reasons, we must modify 4. Intelligent irrigation systems: Most reports state that smart irrigation
our habits and way of life to build a sustainable future in a world where saves approximately 50 % in water use. Investing in intelligent irrigation
climate change is more than just a catch-phrase. Frequently regarded as systems that can monitor the weather and modify watering schedules
merely an aesthetic improvement, landscaping is essential to this change. is necessary.
5. Carbon-sequestering landscapes: South Africa is not just the continent’s
highest emitter of greenhouse gases – it also ranks amongst the top
25 emitters globally. In addition to improving the aesthetics of your
landscape, planting trees and shrubs helps absorb carbon dioxide. Trees
are a natural resource in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions
since they emit oxygen into the atmosphere and absorb carbon dioxide.
Constructed wetlands also serve as a huge carbon sequester.
6. Green roofs and walls: Incorporate green roofs or walls to improve
insulation, reduce urban heat island effects, and provide additional green
space. These features can also contribute to biodiversity and air quality CONTENTS
improvements.
7. Rainwater harvesting: Harvest rainwater by collecting it in a water tank. Workshop 17, Hyde Park Corner 4
Remember that 1mm of rainwater is equivalent to 1 litre of water per
1 meter square of surface. You can save up to 30% of water by using Pretoria University Student’s Valediction 9
alternative water sources. Vergelegen Garden Weekend 10

Not only are you making a lovely outdoor area for your family to enjoy, Biobin World Soil Day 12
but you’re also improving the health of the entire world when you
incorporate sustainability and climate resilience into your garden design. Transforming Lives and Landscapes 13
Steps for landscape-resilient designs to mitigate climate change Let your gardening decisions be a statement of your commitment to a more Congo Basin Species Report 14 On the Cover
barriers sustainable and environmentally friendly future, as we work to mitigate the Workshop 17, Hyde Park Corner Shopping
1. Hydrozoning: Group your plants with similar watering requirements to effects of climate change. Centre. See article on page 4.
reduce the needless use of water. This can be achieved by incorporating
the following zones within your landscape design: Rand Water continues to uphold its commitment to encourage water-
• High water use zone: Covering 10 – 30% of the garden. This area requires saving behaviours by using the Water Wise brand.
more water (750 – 1000 mm per year).
• Medium water use zone: Covering 20 – 40% of the garden. Plants in this #BeWaterWise
zone receive limited water (500 – 750mm per year).
• Low water use zone: Covering 30 – 60% of the garden. This area should
receive 300 – 500mm per year of water. PUBLISHER SALES EXECUTIVE JOHANNESBURG OFFICE:
• Very low water use zone: This zone should cover the largest part of the Nico Maritz – 011 327 4062 Brenda Visser – 068 181 4041 Tel: 011 327 4062, Fax: 011 327 4094,
garden (< 300mm of water per year). nico@eiapublishing.co.za brendav@eiapublishing.co.za Now Media Centre, 32 Fricker Road,
lllovo, Johannesburg
EDITOR PRODUCTION www.eiapublishing.co.za
Karyn Richards – 011 214 7354 Chris Grant – 082 498 7660
karyn@eiapublishing.co.za chris@eiapublishing.co.za
SALES & MARKETING MANAGER DESIGN Copyright: No part of this publication may
Martin Fourie – 072 835 8405 Diane van Noort be reproduced without the permission of
martin@eiapublishing.co.za d2vn@mweb.co.za the publishers. The views of the contributors
and advertisers are not necessarily those of
Landscape SA nor of the publishers.
Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 145 2025 1