Page 21 - Landscape-Issue146

FEATURE

SALI training at the Durban Botanical Garden

Empowered to grow Empowered to plant

has many positive aspects which Foley at plants and hard landscaping. “Personally, practically in the work place. There are so
endorses, but he feels that to neglect or I welcome new trends; we are living in the many branches within horticulture, ranging
exclude the gardening tradition of ‘world 4th industrial revolution so AI visualisations from commercial production of ornamentals
plants’ or exotics would be a mistake. As of landscape spaces are already happening,” to specialised turf and conservation, as well
a young horticulturist, bromeliads, palms he says. as design and build opportunities in the
and orchids were highly sought after, and landscape industry.
now succulents and waterwise plants are Advice to matriculants
in demand, with new inter-generic hybrids Foley says he would encourage anyone with Ground Level Landscapes and re-
being created. a deep love for nature to enter the field, as it is branding
New trends and fresh approaches to an international and portable career choice. Foley has been active in the field of plants
landscape design stimulate and challenge In addition, an artistic eye and the ability to and design since leaving his first formal job
the industry and encourage diversity. visualise and change the environment is a in the NPA in 1998, and has continued with
Landscape greats such as Patrick Watson wonderful contribution to society. Formal various projects while teaching.
and the late Jan Blok were inspirational, study at a University of Technology (UoT) lays Design, consulting and training are his
since they pioneered new ways of looking a foundation, but the real benefit is derived main areas, and he has produced learning

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