TRUE ROMANCE
The wedding garden at Vrede en Lust in Franschhoek is a painterly oasis that sets the stage with a bold design and curated colour palette fit for a bride. We let you in on how to achieve the look
VISUAL INTEGRATION
Integrating the garden into the fabric of the Cape dutch property became fundamental to a seamless experience of the garden. historical mouldings were copied and replicated from old buildings, using a slightly rougher plaster finish for authenticity and patina. The water features referenced the original homestead’s gables and outdoor decor, such as traditional urns on plinths, were reproduced as statement pieces at the foot of the garden stairs.
Outtake: For a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, incorporate colours and materials into your outdoor scheme that have a similar look and feel to those used in your home.
DIRECTING MOVEMENT
A square lawn with a strong central water feature immediately draws one into the space. as a bespoke garden space used for weddings and private functions, the design of this garden facilitates the easy movement of people through the site with the inclusion of guest and bride arrival points, a ceremony lawn, an area for alfresco drinks under the oak trees and a plant palette specifically mastered to provide colour options for photographic moments. Outtake: Consider how you live and move around your outdoor space. Identify areas needed for pause and relaxation, as well as high circulation areas, and design accordingly. even smaller spaces like a balcony or courtyard can be visually curated.
CREATING DRAMA
Always have an X factor that will take your garden to the next level. here, drama is created by using focal points, such as water features, and then maximising on these areas with theatrical jets of water and a stepped water rill. Pergolas provide a dramatic, vertical foil to an otherwise level site and over time will support a larger-thanlife profusion of scented blooms. Outtake: go bold or go home. use well-placed statement urns, an over-scaled pot or large, sculptural plants to create drama in your own garden. Benchmark Wood Classics n 8 benchmarkwoodclassics.co.za; Robert Flack % 079 035 6283; Design: Franchesca Watson 8 franchescawatson.com; Landscaping: DDS Projects % 021 882 9889; Plants available countrywide