Ownership of homes, often overlooked, is the value that landscaping brings to your property. The landscape must create a harmonious connection between the home and the natural environment, ensuring minimal maintenance for the homeowner. Sustainable landscaping in real estate benefits local biodiversity, supports connections with the natural world, and increases property value while reducing running costs.
Sizwe Dlamini from Qhawe Services has extensive experience in sustainable landscaping within Kwazulu-Natal. One of the latest and most notable examples is Serenity Hills, a real estate focused on the environment of the KZN South Coast, with its highly eye-catching gardens.
“The coastal locations with unique biodiversity required careful selection of plants that thrive in the area, while requiring minimal maintenance. We were tasked with creating outdoor spaces that encourage residents to engage in the natural environment while preserving the natural environment,” Dlamini explained. “The results speak for itself and we want to share the techniques used so that others can benefit from sustainable landscaping.”
Tip #1: Use Indigenous Plants
Sourcing indigenous plants is aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sustainable. By incorporating indigenous plants, it promotes local biodiversity and supports local wildlife and a wide range of bird species. The South Coast of KZN, used in Serenity Hills, contains indigenous plants.
Aloe species: These are drought-resistant, thrive in coastal environments, add vertical interest, and attract pollinators. Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise): This thrives in the climate, adds a tropical touch and requires less maintenance. Diet (wild iris): This is a resilient perennial that adds texture with the minimum amount of water you need. Agapanthus (African Lily): This is perfect for flowers and boundaries, and brings color during flowering period. Clivia Minive: These support wildlife and can be planted in shaded areas. Aptenia cordifolia: This juicy ground cover creates the effect of carpet in sun-lit areas and helps in erosion control. Gazania Rigens: This is drought-resistant and can be used along open spaces and routes. Tulbaghia violacea (Society Garlic): This helps to stop pests and add functional benefits to landscape use.
Tip #2: Use pollinator plants
Incorporating bees and birdlife-attracting plants is not only great for promoting biodiversity, but also ideal for properties like Serenity Hills, where on-site farm stalls make homemade honey.
Tip #3: Minimal Soil Disturbance
Try an approach that uses minimal soil damage while preserving existing trees wherever possible. By reducing the carbon footprint of the landscaping process, it supports long-term sustainability goals and natural conservation.
Tip #4: Use local material
It uses existing geological features such as rocks and rock-like outcrops to integrate with ground covers and creeping plants. This mimics the natural landscape and gives it a real estate feel as it has always been part of the ecosystem. The hard landscaping used stones locally sourced on the Serenity Hills Pathway, reflecting indigenous rock formations and blending with the natural environment.
Tip #5: Water Considerations
If possible, incorporate a stormwater harvesting and greywater system to irrigate the plants as needed. Equipped with dams designed as a natural water feature, properties like Serenity Hills can help with water management while attracting local wildlife. Freestanding plants are ideal for reducing water use overall.
Tip #6: Consider drainage
Drainage functions should be carefully considered, especially when installing recreational facilities. Volleyball fields are constructed using river sand for playable surfaces that support drainage. Avoid artificial materials if possible.
Tip #7: Maintenance Area
Maintaining natural spaces as conservation areas is necessary in real estate settings to provide safe housing for local wildlife and birds. Also, efforts can be made to provide exercise space for local bucks and other wildlife, as is the case in Serenity Hills, with approximately 49 local butterfly species and 250 species of birds present in wildlife corridors.
Margate's 120 hectares of Serenity Hills Estate focuses on sustainability, community and modern amenities for all residents of 600 beautifully appointed units across three regions. This environment-focused property ensures residents live within the coastal forest environment and offers many ocean views. Pack Shed, Sweetdale Night Market and Sweet Gang & Friends Farm Stall will also form part of Serenity Hills, allowing residents to access fresh, homemade and handmade items from the farm.
To find out more or to book a viewing at Serenity Hills, visit www.serenityhills.co.za. For regular updates, follow @serenityhillsecoestate on Facebook and Instagram. To find out more or to book via Packshed, go to www.thepackshed.co.za.
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