Page 19 - Landscape-Issue153

PROJECT

comprising dark purples, burgundy and crimson. Perfumed plants such
as jasmine, scented roses and herbs were also included.
Three large trees – a Pepper tree and two old English Oaks - were
retained and protected, having stood previously around the farm house.
The client requested that these be preserved as part of the history of
the farm. The English Oaks stood in the farm’s parking area and were
protected throughout the construction period. Building works were
kept far away from them, and they are now surrounded by large decks.
A detention pond is planted with indigenous water plants and no
topsoil was brought onto the site. It was stripped and stockpiled for re-
use on the project.

Hard landscaping
This comprises:
• genuine granite cobbles in drainage channels;
• stabilised gravel added to the hard landscape materials to soften and
enrich the internal courtyard spaces;
• decking (local sugar gum) used around existing trees to avoid the
compaction of roots;
• mall canopy uprights with vines and wild grapes that will eventually A large vineyard edge forms part of the shopping centre, reinforcing the
soften the walkways; and traditional Paarl aesthetic
• a central water feature, designed by CNDV Landscape Architects and
constructed by Clive Giliomee of Water in Motion.

Landscape installation and irrigation
Installation was undertaken by Attie van der Merwe of VIP Gardens,
and his team was appointed to complete the full landscape installation,
as well as the design and installation of a fully automated irrigation
system, soil preparation, extensive tree planting and the establishment
of the above-mentioned vineyard. The latter was introduced to create
a distinct farm-style look and feel that reflects the agricultural heritage
of the region, while also softening the architectural lines of the centre.
The planting scheme focussed mainly on hardy, indigenous species,
well-suited to the Paarl climate and ensuring minimal water usage. To
enhance the sensory experience, rose varieties were added, chosen for
their colour and fragrance. They create a welcoming atmosphere for
visitors moving through the mall’s outdoor areas. Heritage trees that previously stood around the farm house were retained and
Hard landscaping elements were kept natural and practical to protected
complement the planting, and crusher dust pathways were laid out to
guide circulation through the gardens in a subtle way, blending into
the landscape. Within the mall’s courtyard, artificial lawn was installed,
offering an evergreen, low maintenance solution that provides year-
round visual appeal and usability.
Van der Merwe says that installing the landscape while construction
work was still underway was challenging and required constant
adjustments as movement of builders and machinery often disrupted
freshly prepared areas. Despite these obstacles, the landscaping was
successfully completed, transforming the outdoor spaces into a cohesive
environment that anchors the development within Paarl’s agricultural
landscape. n

Information supplied by CNDV Landscape Architects and VIP Gardens.
Photos courtesy of CNDV Landscape Architects.

Granite cobbles and gravel enrich the internal courtyard spaces
Optenhorst is a village-style shopping centre in northern Paarl

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 153 2025 17