Client Zen Garden Design, Somerset West, Cape Town

This project was wonderfully creative to do! There were 5 sections of it and all different. My Client wanted a very Zen, simple feel with low maintenance and obviously, due to the hectic water shortages, all the plants had to be extremely waterwise.

At the back of this house we paved, along the sides, gravelled and infront a waterwise mixed garden. The pavers near the wall were removed. Initially the thought was to cut the pavers straight all the way along but since indigenous ground covers were going to be planted which would cover the jaggedness, they were left as they were as the plants would cover giving it great character. The builders were there as well so it was a juggling act to get all done in the prescribed time given.

The pavers I designed like this in order that when Delospermum and other ground covers went in, it would fill up the space creating a softer, more natural look. The trellises I made out of Latte Poles. Trachelosperm was planted under the trellises, to climb and fruit trees were planted in the corners

Trellis made of Latte Poles ready to be attached to the walls.

The other end view of the first photo, we catered for the washing line by adding steeping stones to stand on. Indigenous plants were mostly used.

All planted but difficult to see the plants in the photo

This area was leading up to the pics above. The tyheme of trellises went right through the garden. 400 micron plastic was added ontop of the levelled ground (after the builders had finished) and brown gravel layered on top about 6 inches thick, we still added grasses at the sides, planting through the gravel and micron plastic.

Another closer view of the steps leading to the jagged paved area, finished.

This is the road side, all succulents and rocks with ground covers creeping in inbetween, Aloe ferox, Felicia's, Echivera's, an assortment of hardy, waterwise plants.

Lampranthus, Gazania's, Cotyledon, Pony Palms, all looking very happy

The front garden, with paving taking one through to the garvel area to the side of the house. A lime tree, Agapanthus, Indigenous Salvia's, Helichryssum, mixing foliage colours of indigenous medium and low height plants...Gorgeous!

The front garden again from another view point.