Page 7 - Landscape-Issue151

PROJECT

Indigenous planting and efficient irrigation
were all incorporated to reduce water use
and enhance resilience.
Landscape installation
This was undertaken by Bidvest Top Turf,
who received a double gold award in the
2025 SALI Awards of Excellence. The project
was entered in the category of Landscape
Construction with Design by Others.
MJ Odendal explains that the client
required a professional, meticulously
managed installation of both irrigation
and soft landscaping, and that this should
not cause any interruptions to ongoing
business within the precinct. A usable lawn
area for small private events at the hotel
was also required.
The work was undertaken in phases –
ground preparation, followed by irrigation
installation and lastly, planting.
Odendal says: “As with most installation
projects, it is always challenging to work
while construction is underway, with
other contractors such as the plumbers
and electricians continually disrupting the
planted landscape. They and others mostly
have little regard for newly planted areas
and this requires constant supervision
to ensure plant survival. The installation
period was very tight as there was limited
time before the opening of the hotel, and
we completed our work the day before the
opening. There was also a very small space,
in full sun, for laying down of plant material
and a dedicated person was required to
ensure that plants were well watered and
ready for installation.”
Judges’ comments
This is a high-quality installation that stands
head and shoulders above its neighbouring
landscapes. The planting is maturing well,
adding immense value to the project. The
lawn was impeccable and the quality of the
soil shows in the general health of the plants.
The fact that even the planting beds in the
service areas are thriving shows that Bidvest
Top Turf is wholeheartedly committed to
excellence and attention to detail. Bonus
marks for pointing out the rain sensor.

Information supplied by square One Landscape
Architects and Bidvest Top Turf. Photos courtesy
of Bidvest Top Turf. n

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 151 2025 5