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Episode 4: Afro-centric garden

What a delight! A natural rocky outcrop was to be landscaped. Very seldom within urban living are we given a space to landscape uninterrupted by man. Here the Abacus design team were given the opportunity to landscape an Afro centric garden for Juliana, owner of a guest house in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.

Juliana’s instructions were clear, replicate the beauty we find so exhilarating in nature. This of course created endless artistic possibilities for the Abacus Design studio. The design of the garden took its inspiration by its relationship to the house, which was thatch, the rock boulders and the indigenous tree canopy.

Our decision was to celebrate all things African along the lines of Thabo Mbeki, our previous head of state’s vision of the African renaissance.

Although indigenous plants would be prioritised, Juliana, wanted to combine the African savannah feel with a “pretty” garden.

A meandering stepping stone pathway would articulate the main access to this hidden gem, leading under existing Karee, Wild Olive and Kiepersol trees in and around the ancient boulders.

The space was absolutely ideal as a bird sanctuary and thus the Abacus design team deliberately emulated the irregularity we find in wild habitat in order to attract birds to this great nesting site. Plants were carefully selected to be a natural source of food for birds. Fleshy fruit, nectar and insects were regarded as key elements in attracting birds, including aloes for sunbirds.

Multi-level teak decks were positioned under the shade of the tree canopy, with brightly coloured scatter cushions introducing the human element. Immediately adjacent to this seating area we installed a tranquil rock cascade adding to the sense of harmony.

The choice of entry to this garden was paramount in developing the journey and adventure and thus the final resting place is well hidden as one enters past the two giant Senufo birds from the Ivory Coast which we placed at the entrance to the garden. Ornamentation was key in introducing the Afro-centric them. A Makolo boat, used on major rivers throughout central Africa, was strikingly positioned and planted up with bright red kalanchoe. Zulu pots decorated the decks while wattle trellises, which cleverly recycle alien species, were used as arch ways and trellising.

Click here if you would like to FAST TRACK an enquiry to have a Verge garden designed and installed especially for your home.

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