Stellenbosch-based landscaping company DDS Projects can add a number of accolades to its trophy cabinet after the recent South African Landscapers Awards (SALI). The company’s Brandwacht aan Rivier project in the historic Boland town of Stellenbosch scooped the SALI Gold Award of Excellence as well as two trophies at these prestigious awards.
As a first time entrant DDS had to compete against a total of 121 projects at the national rounds of the competition and bagged the Efeckto Trophy for Best Landscape Construction with In-House Design as well as the SALI Trophy for Best Novice Entry. The project is located on a 1.1km stretch along the banks of the Eersterivier within an upmarket residential estate just outside of Stellenbosch.
According to DDS owner Danie Steenkamp, the developer’s brief required optimal use of the riverside location by creating a recreational space for the residents, while he wanted it to also be environmentally sustainable. “The resulting river restoration struck a great balance between human and wildlife needs and I am delighted with the acknowledgement from industry experts, especially since it is the first time that I’ve entered,” mentions Steenkamp.
The two-stage design consisted firstly of a meandering brick pathway along the southern river bank, flanked by a cultivated, yet informal mix of indigenous and endemic plants. A profusion of bulbs and flowering shrubs were used to provide seasonal variety and colour. The floral kaleidoscope of colour will feature Kniphofias and Chasmanthe in orange and red to offer visual warmth in winter, while pink and apricot Watsonias will flower in spring and the cool blue and white tones from flowering Agapanthus should provide a refreshing sight in the warm summer months.
To accommodate residents, a number of benches, made with recycled materials, have been positioned for easy relaxation, while sprawling lawns provide the perfect play area and carefully designed pathways and bridges cater for diverse recreational requirements such as dog-walking or jogging.
The second part of this landscaping project revolved predominantly around the river and its steep northern bank, which is distinctly different from its more cultivated southern counterpart.
By clearing alien plants such as Kikuyu grass from the river and restoring the indigenous plant life, a bio-diverse habitat was created that has encouraged local fauna, including spotted eagle owls (Bubo africanus), to return to this development. Minimal intervention saw the clearing of poplar trees and other alien vegetation to allow the indigenous wild olive trees to flourish and to open the vista of the majestic stone pines from across the entire estate.
“My objective with this project was always to create a structure that would become self-sustaining in time. It is great to see the self-seeded plants coming up everywhere at the moment as it means that the plan is working,” explains Steenkamp.
For more information, visit www.ddsprojects.co.za.
Author: Christel Liebenberg from PERIDOT COMMUNICATIONS.
More Info link: https://www.ddsprojects.co.za
Images: For high res version/s of One image/s please contact: PERIDOT COMMUNICATIONS.
Danie Steenkamp of DDS Landscaping in Stellenbosch sports his awards. Photo: PERIDOT COMMUNICATIONS
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