A Window Onto Nature's World: Foundation Planning For Your Specific Landscape

Nature has endowed mankind with the widest possible choice of Environments in which to build a home and plant a garden. It is important from the start, that three Key Professional entities are in place, namely the Architect, an Engineer where required, and a Landscaper, with "accreditation" and a proven track record of successful application.

The old adage a "Man's Home is His Castle", demands an holistic AND integrated approach to embrace the Natural Environment, which is essential. Landscape Planning must thoroughly identify any existing nearby species, optimize the views, engage planting for privacy and wind protection. Give Professional and often "specialist" attention to the stabilization of natural slopes and banks as a priority due to "Climate Change".

When Re-Zoning of the Land Resource from Agricultural to Residential Usage occurred, legal clauses were set down in the "Conditions of Authorisation". One Clause of significance may require the Re-establishment of the natural environment with species specific to the region and Site Area. The introduction of Plant Species within a 50 km radius may be laid down. This to avoid introduction of species unsuitable to the locality. A negative on-going example of this is the Introduction of the Fever Tree (Acacia Xanthophloea) in any area south of the Tugela River.

Richard Boon's publication confirms: " ... in northern Zululand, in groups, nearly always near water. Pure stands form closed woodland "Fever Tree Forests". When planted in a foreign locality, for example Ballito, Westville and Pinetown, the Fever Tree gradually decays. First signs are blackened lower twigs and branches, which fall off. The Tree is storing salts and becomes vulnerable to strong winds. When planted a near passing traffic or a pedestrian pathway the tree becomes a "High Risk" safety hazard.

The Phrase "Site Specific" holds the KEY to the new home and Landscape Planning in relation to the Position of the Land Resource, the Proximity to the Shoreline, the type and Quality of Soil inherited, the incline of the topography, any nearby Water Resource and the Area of 'SP ACE' available. Keep it Simple is the answer for all Home Owners and Developers. Make sure your Landscape Planning includes a professional List home and garden or complex to offer of Species" best suited to the original design and 'continuity'.

Acknowledgement : Reference to Pooley's Trees Of Eastern Sour Africa - A Complete Guide by Richard Boon, M.Sc.