South African Garden and Home – September 2019

80 SEPTEMBER 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

SOURCESShirleyWallington 0837503998 orwallington.co.za

StrylitziaLandscapes 0824542869

THISPAGE,CLOCKWISEFROMTOPLEFT: Acontainerfilledwith

echeveriaactsasafocalpoint. Pathwaysthroughoutthe

gardeninviteonetomeanderandexplore. Spring-flowering

annualslikesnapdragonsandperennialsaddseasonalcolourto

thewildgarden.

“but originally the roses were around the corner and in shade
so I thought of doing without them. Fortunately, Shirley
persuaded me otherwise.”
The final segment to be revamped was the kitchen garden,
partially under netting to keep the birds out. Hip-high raised
plant boxes filled with rich soil supply the family with herbs
and vegetables. Apples are espaliered on a wire frame and
against the wall. In the sunniest section, artichokes fill the
space with their silvery leaves.
Manuela is hard pressed to name a favourite part, because
the seasonal nature of the planting constantly surprises her
with something new coming into flower. The final nod of
approval comes from Fred and Manuela’s nine grandchildren,

all under 12. The large lawn was retained for ‘happy playing’

after leisurely family lunches on Sundays, but more often than

not, says Manuela, they are in the garden having adventures

and finding secret hiding places.