April 2010
Feature - Be inspired

Eastern Cape landscape designers built these innovative show gardens for the recent Garden Festival held by Sherwood Garden Centre. With talented designers like this, the lucky folk in that part of the world have much to look forward to. Take a glimpse at the gardens and be inspired.

A place to dream

The cool, calm and collected design and planting of this garden come together to illustrate precisely what we all want: a quiet spot away from the rat race, where we can dream, think and enjoy nature.

Almost walking on water

Here the landscaper shows us “how to cater for a modern lifestyle and erratic climate conditions”. We loved the way he played with colours on the hard landscaping, and the contrast created by the lacy planting. (Duane Bush of African Innovations)

Gifts of nature

This landscaper complemented bold focal points, such as the large pot water feature and the pots on sleepers, with natural mulches, stone work and the wonderful textures and colours of grasses and foliage plants. At night dramatic lighting will show off these gifts from nature to perfection.

Looking through

This display garden created 'windows' into various scenes, cleverly making use of textures and shadows to create different moods. (Anita Venter of Earthscapes)

Naturally Fresh

A commitment to get back to nature means living off the land – or at least growing as much of your own as you can! This show garden is creative and fresh; the sturdy wooden boxes are a cool way to grow herbs and vegetables in a small space. (Bernice Dickie of B-Kids)

Off the wall and Zen

Planted walls, rocks and pebbles, and an elevated fish water feature lure one into the world of Zen, where everything is executed with precision. (Barbara Eke Designs)

Something old, something new

By combining items from the dump, treasured antiques and plants with very strong forms and leaf textures, one can create a low maintenance, water-wise garden that is pleasing to the eye.

Just Magic

Two good landscaping principles were used here:

* The outdoor shower takes one out into the garden – the experts always tell us to invite nature indoors or take the indoors outside.

* Terraces or built up beds are a great way to display champion plants, plus they provide an opportunity to create extra seating.

Tropical corner

A little natural rock pool surrounded by tropical-looking greenery is a pleasing solution for any previously neglected corner. Neat paving creates contrast and allows one to approach the pool and even draw up a chair and relax nearby.

Smart Patio

Wooden decks are high fashion! Complemented by a quiet reflection pool fed by softly bubbling water and simple planting, using only one or two types of plant, and you have it all.