naturally inspired | naturally grounded
As our hometown, Cape Town, faces the ongoing and impending reality of running dry we must dig deep. How can we ensure relevance as gardeners in an increasingly challenging water scarce environment where prolonged and frequent drought cycles are set to become the norm.
Additionally, we are losing space to urbanisation and the bulk of our time is spent in ever decreasing, less meaningful, and less safe outdoor spaces. Therefore, every garden and yard space should be viewed as an essential ecological habitat and asset that nurtures and honours both the environment and us. In this space we can also save and absorb rainfall, nourish soil and create habitat for fauna and flora, and entertain and enjoy ourselves.
Our gardens add value to your property, compliment your location, improve your lifestyle and are conscientious.
- a sanctuary, a private and meditative space into which you can escape, evaluate and contemplate
- a space in which to ground yourself, to heal, to replenish and nourish
- a place to explore and be inspired
- a wildlife haven for micro-organisms, pest predators, birdlife and other creatures.
Our services include:
- garden and landscape design
- soil building
- domestic and commercial landscape installation
- water systems management
- garden management
- garden consultation
Resilience
“how to keep what we really want to keep”
effective water management; Harvesting, Recycling, Cleansing
effectively targeting water to new planting and food gardens to minimize wastage
building soil with strong moisture holding capacity (up to 50% water retention)
water capturing through swales, pits and reduced run off
planting seasonally; in the W Cape during the cooler wet months traditionally April – October
work on garden structure during dry months and prepare soil naturally
appropriate planting palettes that once established require a minimum of water, some advocate this guideline as not needing more than 500mm annually, with our diverse natural flora we should not be restricted to succulents only!
Relinquishment
“letting go of what makes matters worse”
manage the “grand gesture garden” and develop these incrementally and carefully (unless water is not a limiting factor)
reduce lawns to small essential areas only and utilize tough, resilient species or species that withstand poor quality or saline irrigation water
accept that if large lawn areas are in place that they shall follow seasonal aesthetics
replacing large open areas with tough ground cover species and other porous materials
avoid using high water-demanding plant material or delicate, excessively hybridised plant material
accept a certain seasonality in your garden and appreciate that it cannot be at its peak permanently, accept the seasonal rhythm of nature
Restoration
“bringing back what will help us adapt to future difficulties and tragedies”
healing the soil, “supercharging” it works by creating a cool moist and microbially rich soil environment
In reference to African drought “Water isn’t the fundamental problem. It’s poor soil”. ERNST VAN ENDE (WUR Plant Sciences Group, Netherlands)
reintroduction of Endomycorrhizae, Trichoderma harizianum and other beneficial micro-organisms to your planting and soil.
promoting a mycelial network profoundly beneficial to plants and the soil’s ability to retain moisture
avoid tilling your established garden as this destroys soil mycology
exploring plants such as legumes, grasses and other cover crops to fix nitrogen, build soil and create carbon sinks
planting for ecological diversity and preservation
creating healthy physical and psychological environments for human existence by contributing to a clean atmosphere and aesthetic beauty through natural processes