OPTIMUM PLANNING FOR THE NEW HOUSE & GARDEN - AVOID COMPROMISE!

A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD -

The Planning for every new Home and Garden, or Development Project presents an exciting challenge. To optimize the Land Resource on a holistic basis and avoid compromise comprehensive Planning with a Triangle of Experts, namely the Architect, (Principal Agent), the Engineer, where required and the Landscape "Specialist", is essential. With the ERF selected and shown on an Official Survey Plan an Initial Landscape Assessment will serve to identify the existing "Green" Habitat, the Indigenous Trees to retain wherever possible, the Aliens marked for Removal to the roots, and Exotic species evaluated. The professional approach should achieve a final integrated Landscape Design to Scale 1 - 100, to include a "Welcoming" Entrance appeal, the Driveway with Tree planting for parking shade, selected trees and shrubs for boundary wind screening, privacy and noise reduction. All formal and informal borders, feature planting and plant containers to display seasonal flowering ambience. The low-growing species and groundcovers for sun or shade to offer rapid surface coverage. A 25% of the "Green" Habitat area is suggested for formal lawn. Extensive lawn areas with manicured growth increases stormwater RUN-OFF, with erosion likely, due to "Climate Change" with "Deluge" conditions. Avoid Root interference over Servitudes and Sewer installations.

The Coastal Zone embraces 2,000 meters from the Shoreline inland, with varying type, depth and quality of the inherited soil composition. In close proximity to the shore the north-east prevailing wind holding high salinity levels is a critical issue, with indigenous varieties to include Trees and Pioneer species which are genetically acclimatized. Further inland careful planning is essential where the project lies over Red Berea Clay beds with high "collapse" potential. For all projects a minimum of 3 Soil samples, tested at a reliable laboratory, will record the condition and advise steps to ensure Soil Quality Improvement at the time of Implementation.

The Geotechnical Assessment will advise the inherited sub-soil formations which will dictate the Building Foundation structure, together with the need for Retaining Structures by the Engineer. Where the Coastal Soils show "low density" the Landscape Plan will need to include species to achieve "3 - Dimensional Rooting Capacity", which will assist to anchor the soil. The Natal Wild Banana, and Dune Soap-berry present spreading root structures, then entertain Pioneer and common species such as the Pigeonwood, Coral-tree, Cat's Whiskers, Mitzeeri and Tassel-berry. The Crane Flower, with linked clumps of Blue or White Agapanthus enjoy large roots, and Ribbon Bush to invite the butterflies. The Landscape Design should incorporate between 65 - 75 indigenous species to ensure restoration of the Bio-diversity on a "Site Specific" basis. Of concern is the Tree height, which should not block the sea views or natural vista for the adjacent owner(s). When in doubt refer to "Pooley's" "Trees of Eastern South Africa - A Complete Guide" by Richard Boon.

When the Earthworks operation has achieved the Building Platform, the total exposed surface area will require re-measurement as this may now show an increase to the Survey Plan figure. The Landscape Layout to be "Approved" with an area related budget per square meter including the final list of selected species indicating bag sizes. Thereafter, any "variations" which may arise during the period of

Construction should be agreed on an additional measured cost related basis. The Design may require "Stormwater Berms" and attenuation to be identified and agreed. For borders and bedding areas to apply the "Density Planting Principles" per square meter, introduced for Zimbali by the original Consultant Geoff Nichols, in collaboration with the Late Denis Theunissen, (Nursery expert). A 12 month "Establishment" period will ensure maintenance continuity, with regular monitoring of all plant growth and surface coverage, by the Consultant Environmentalist . Allow for Irrigation, Hard Landscape and ornamental Features to be included to complete the Owners' vision and requirements.

Where there is linkage to the Nursery grower offering wholesale rates, there is a Win-win situation achieving Optimum results without Compromise.