ENDEMIC GARDEN

PRIVATE RESIDENCE | STELLENBOSCH

The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of the most diverse and special regions in the world. This garden, created at the time of extreme drought is situated on the banks of the Eerste River in Stellenbosch, and used to be a large, Kikuyu lawn. It is now an example of how the beauty and the bounty of the Cape can be harnessed to create a biodiverse and water wise sanctuary, emboldened by an incredible granite outcrop. The planting thus focuses on endemic species, such as Juncus spp., Helichrysum spp., Leysera spp. and Athanasia spp., which are well-adapted to boggy conditions in winter and extreme heat and drought in summer, while the crevices of the granite rock are planted with local grasses and bulbs. The garden also helps to replenish the naturally occurring groundwater aquifers, with the lawn designed to sit higher than the surrounding areas, creating infiltration.

The design has strong geometric lines that cut through the landscape, to complement loose, wild planting and trees forming a thriving ecosystem that is now a haven to nesting birds, insects, and all who rest there.