Perched against one of the Cape’s most picturesque mountainscapes, this garden

near stellenbosch plays up a dynamic composition of formal and free-flowing design. a former plum orchard, it features an alchemy of bold and recessive shapes, constraint and abundance.

When the owners decided to redesign the garden in 2006 they approached Magriet cherry, along with cape landscape architect, cobus Meiring, to assist. using structure – the cornerstone of any good garden – they corralled rich, textural layers of plants to create dynamic compositions that frame the surrounding landscape.

While the bones of the original garden remain, it was altered not only to open to the valley and mountains, but also to echo an indigenous landscape with meadow grasses and painterly flowers.

To expose the sweeping views, the bulk of the plum trees, as well as hundreds of invasive wattles and a few pine trees, were removed. as a nod to the garden’s roots, a section of the old plum orchard was retained and still bears fruit during early summer.

The garden defies its windy position on the lower slopes of a mountain range. ‘The wind exposure, harsh temperatures, along with poor soil, played a defining role in the plant choices,’ says Magriet. rather than battling the elements, she used a process of trial and error to select plants that would thrive in these conditions.

In a bid to temper the southeasterly winds that sweep through the property, hundreds of trees were introduced to suit specific conditions – swamp and clay areas; wind and sand. ‘The copses of trees, as well as installing a drainage system,’ says Magriet, ‘were two of the defining factors of the garden’s success.’

The garden’s seemingly casual groupings of interweaving plants are a masterclass in balancing nature and design. although free-