Page 5 - Landscape-Issue153

PERSONALITY PROFILE

MIKKI ROXMOUTH

Mikki Roxmouth is the Commercial Executive at Bidvest TopTurf. She has spent
many years in the green industry, which she calls her home. From a young age, she
was brought up loving nature and all things green, and attributes her green fingers
to her mother’s passion for gardening.

he is a SACLAP qualified Core values
landscape manager and Roxmouth describes herself as “a
Sjoined The Office Plant driver with high energy and passion
(now Servest) in 1996, where she for everything I do.” She believes in
held various positions, initially mentorship and skills transfer, and
managing their clients. She her core values are based on her
then moved into the position strong Christian beliefs made up
of greenhouse and installation of honesty, integrity and humility.
manager in 1999, and in 2006, “I lead with openness and honesty,
she was transferred to their and I believe in praising great work,
landscaping division to head up rewarding those who excel in what
the Gauteng installation team. they do,” she states.

Noteworthy projects Chosen career
Mikki says the most exciting Mikki says she enjoys every minute
projects she undertook at spent in greening up spaces and
The Office Plant included the bringing beautiful landscapes to life.
installation of indoor plants She enjoys the interaction with her
and large trees at the Nedbank teams, the ability to mentor, develop
head office on Rivonia Road, and assist people to grow and
Sandton. This earned them the achieve their best potential. When
Braaks Floating Trophy for Best asked what she liked least about
Installation at IPSA. The installation her work, she replied: “I think that
included installing 20 x 6m tall Mikki Roxmouth, Hertford Office Park in Midrand the answer is quite complicated and
Ficus benjamina trees. CEO of Bidvest TopTurf depends on the day – sometimes I
The Investec building, also in dislike the project deadlines which
Sandton, was another highlight in the late 1990s and included the installation of atria are unrealistic and result in everyone rushing through a
featuring live and preserved plants depicting the different biomes of South Africa. job; sometimes it is working with other contractors on a
Exterior landscape projects that stand out in her mind include the Oprah Winfrey site where there is no respect for the landscaper’s work;
School for Girls and The Grand, one of the first green walls in Johannesburg. This three sometimes it’s the paper work!”
storey high installation was revolutionary and used the bidum and bidum pocket
system. Green industry
The 2010 World Cup preparation was ‘very special’ says Roxmouth, and she Roxmouth says: “The green industry is my home and I’m
was involved with the landscaping of the Mbombela Stadium, as well as a road passionate about what we do, how we interact with our
beautification project in Katlehong outside the stadium. clients, our staff, our suppliers and nature itself. I am and
Park upgrades in Soweto were also a highlight of the World Cup, and trips around always will be involved in growing the industry through
the area were ‘an absolute highlight’ for her. “I feel so privileged to have been involved education and training of those who make up the majority
in the World Cup as very few South Africans will ever get the chance to do something of our workforce. I believe that our industry is progressive
to uplift the country, bring huge spirit and healing to our land, and be showcased and continuously focused on how we can uplift and grow
internationally,” she says. people.”
She was appointed CEO of Bidvest TopTurf in 2016, and has been involved in many Outside of work Mikki is a crafter; she crochets, knits,
prestigious installations that have won SALI gold awards. These include Hertford sews, and does macrame and mosaic work. “I love a puzzle
Office Park in Midrand and The King’s Hall in Swaziland. and there’s always a jigsaw puzzle on the go in my house. I’m
also an animal lover – three dogs and four cats constantly
Accolades roam around me!”
• Chairperson of IPSA for 2006/7;
• Recipient of the Bernie Hall Floating Trophy for contribution to the indoor Future of the SA landscaping industry
plantscaping industry; This is an industry for passionate people, she says.
• Represented indoor plantscapers on a panel of experts who wrote the first unit Knowledge gained from the ground up will ensure that a
standards for indoor plantscaping; person’s understanding of the industry is comprehensive.
• chairperson of SAGIC in 2010/11; “Always seek out a mentor – it is key to finding your way to
• chairperson of SALI Gauteng from 2019 – 2021 and 2023 onwards; personal success in life and in business!”
• participation as committee member, information supplier and reviewer of the
SALI Landscapers Handbook launched in June 2024; FAMILY IS MY EVERYTHING
• one of 14 finalists in the Top Billing landscapers award in 2007, and featured in the THE GREEN INDUSTRY IS MY HOME
Top Billing magazine; NEVER STOP LEARNING
• recipient of various trophies and gold awards for landscaping and indoor
plantscaping. www.topturf.co.za
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Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 153 2025 3