Landscaping SALI Awards
meticulous care that he took on site particularly with ensuring that lines were carefully measured and linked up correctly and , if there were mistakes , that adjustments were made .
The decision was made that there should be no irrigation on this triangular island enveloped by the hot tarmac roads , and the plants – South African indigenous – were chosen accordingly . The two mixes comprised succulent species ( aloes and vygies ) and leathery strap-leafed plants such as strelitzias , kniphofias , watsonias ( all the latter have bright orange flowers ) and the Butia palms . The planting was dense to serve as a moisture retaining groundcover and for instant aesthetically pleasing effect . Barnard also commended the contractor for good cultivation and composting in soil preparation , which helped with plant growth when the summer rains were very late . Rocks used in the previous landscape were repositioned amongst the plantings for added interest .
The Mesembryanthemums ( vygies ) which are fleshy herbs for moisture storage from the dry parts of South Africa come into bloom in early spring . The photographs were taken in August . Lampranthus aureus ( vygie sp ) can be seen with its shimmering golden-orange flowers , while the vivid purple vygie creates a splendid contrast . A paler purple vygie was in the process of opening . The aloes are winter-flowering and placed in between the vygies : Aloe vanbalenii and the hybrids Aloe ‘ Piri-piri ’ and Aloe ‘ Hedgehog ’. The plants were sourced by Tshala Plant Brokers and from Random Harvest Nursery , Grow Wild , Ilinka and CAN nurseries .
The hardy plants never-the-less had to be watered at establishment stage from tankers , and eventually small tanks on trucks , because of the difficulty of access owing to traffic on the very busy roads ; but the watering had to continue into the summer because of the drought , and this created one of a number of logistical problems . Some of the planting had to be delayed . Ferguson pointed out that permission had to be obtained to work on the island and flagmen employed to control traffic . The site was fenced during construction to prevent pedestrian access . Material had to be brought onto site by wheelbarrow . After the contractor left site , the plants were largely watered by hand with watering cans by a small emerging maintenance company appointed by the client .
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Judges ’ comments
The two local judges Kara-Lee Prinsloo ( landscape technologist and horticulturist ) and Carol Knoll ( environmental journalist ) pointed out the logistical challenges and dangers on this highly trafficked intersection .... and yet no-one was injured on site . The structured hard landscaping was commended . The use of vivid coloured ( largely orange and purple ) flowering plants was aesthetically pleasing and the choice of hardy plants very necessary because of lack of permanent irrigation . The effective sustainable drainage measures and recycling of old bricks and pavers were considered laudable . The degree of difficulty in bringing water to the site for plant establishment was emphasised , especially in heat wave and drought conditions ... and the exceptionally busy intersection was a real challenge that was overcome on all levels .