Redesign and reassess

The redesign of the garden was a team effort between Jan and John, with invaluable advice from JJ van Rensburg, Garden World’s general manager and well-known gardening expert. All the lawns were lifted, irrigation was installed and a waterfall created.

“The waterfall tumbles down about 3m of rocks into a pond below, while circular stepping stones form a pathway across the water to the living area,” says Jan. “This area is now our favourite part of the house and garden; we love spending time here, relaxing and entertaining.”

Fortunately, when Jan and John bought the property, they planted several trees and shrubs that, thanks to a borehole, received plenty of water over the years and have now grown into majestic shade trees.

“Back then, there was a limit on where we could plant trees and shrubs because of the solid rock we hit wherever we dug,” recalls Jan. “We had to plant where the terrain allowed. But from the get-go we wanted a green oasis around the house that would be a respite from the stress of daily life.”

The trees are mostly indigenous, including white stinkwood (Celtis africana) and river bushwillow (Combretum erythrophyllum). Exotic trees include carob (Ceratonia siliqua) and birch (Betula alba), which had to be planted in large containers because of the rocky soil; Jan particularly loves the latter’s white trunks. Conifers were also planted to create privacy from the surrounding houses, which are taller than theirs.

During the redesign, quite a few plants had to be reassessed since the garden was now much more shady; various statues and pots were also introduced to complement the Tuscan style of the house.

Cream and pink foxgloves, plus purple agapanthus and salvias, add height to this border with lilac Scabiosa providing contrast in the foreground.

‘Garden Queen’ and pale pink ‘Garden Princess’ roses.

John (left) and Jan in 1982 when the house was being built on the rocky outcrop – with its uninterrupted views of the Magaliesberg mountains.