African Design Magazine November 2016 | Page 28

the ability to look further afield over the roses. Two bushes of the rose known as ‘Cocktail’ which are believed to be the oldest roses in the garden have been retained... Mackenzie added that this rose was very difficult to acquire. Around the old fountain in the rose garden is a ring of low-growing, sprawling ‘Waterwise Blush’ together with a white Alyssum variety giving off its delightful honey scent. A pathway through the rose garden connects to the small formal vegetable garden. The new rose garden was handed over to the club in September 2015. Mackenzie says the highly floriferous, strongly coloured pink roses in the swimming pool courtyard and adjacent to the popular restaurant area under the huge oak have been there for some time. This rose called ‘Simplicity’, which is a sport of the White Iceberg, flowers all summer at the height of the events season. Mackenzie has added in a ‘Mediterranean mix’ amongst the Click here to read more Judges’ comments The 2016 SALI judges that visited this newly revamped well-known historic garden were landscape architect Christa Otto and national judge and nurseryman Morne Faulhammer. Amongst the comments made were that it was wonderful to see that the character of this old, established garden had been respected and cherished. The landscape contractor clearly has a passion for this garden, a good collaboration with the designer, the club and its members. Future planning is being taken into account and the best use for certain areas has been demarcated. Specialist turf maintenance on the well-used bowling greens and cricket pitch is evident. Otto is, co-incidentally, a member of the club and she comments that: “As a member and frequent user, I can testify that the club truly caters for the whole spectrum of uses from functions and conferences to regular talks on wildlife conservation, and for a number of sports. It is not just the older members that benefit from the amenity of the garden but children who love the forest and lawn areas, and they have a colourful playground to occupy their time, out of site of the main buildings. The whole property is put to use. It seems that future planting in the garden is aimed at more water wise and indigenous palettes, without compromising the character and sense of place.”