Upon settling into our new house and tackling essential projects, we quickly realised our desire to simultaneously transform our garden. In September 2018, when we first moved to the property, we found ourselves faced with a barren landscape consisting of only a few trees, unruly bushes, and overgrown weeds. The garden appeared untidy and neglected, exacerbated by the harsh climate of our location in Hopefield, known for scorching summers. Adding to the challenge was the fact that our property sat atop a clay bank with an abundance of shale, leaving no trace of fertile soil.

Considering the absence of a borehole and the intense sun, we determined that our garden needed to be waterwise and low-maintenance. During the summer months, the grass and weeds would dry out, resulting in a desolate appearance. It became clear that we needed to find a way to create a lush atmosphere in this unforgiving environment.

Succulent gardens emerged as an ideal choice for us. Not only could we obtain shoots at no cost, but succulents also thrive in hot summers, retaining their green, vibrant appearance with minimal water requirements. Stepping back to assess the landscape and existing vegetation, we contemplated how to best incorporate these features. The land sloped towards our house, and during winter, heavy rains posed a problem as the water would run down the clay bank towards our home. This prompted the idea of constructing raised, terraced garden beds to facilitate better drainage.

We had already initiated the creation of terraces using shale from the subsoil. To maintain a cohesive aesthetic with our 170-year-old home, it was essential for the raised beds to mirror its look and feel. Thus, we opted for little white walls constructed with rough plaster, ensuring they appeared authentically built in a bygone era.

The work began with basic blocks, bricks, and cement paths. We laid small foundations, cutting mesh to fit the path areas, and proceeded to lay the cement. Once the walls were erected and the cement had dried, we arranged for a delivery of sand, which we mixed with decaying straw bales and compost obtained from our garden. This mixture was then used to fill the beds. After acquiring succulent shoots from friends, family, and neighbours, we planted them in the beds. To help maintain cool soil temperatures, prevent weed growth, and reduce evaporation, we spread straw throughout the bed.

Today, we take great pleasure in our transformed garden. We have created a frequently utilised space around our Manatoka (“picnic”) tree, which offers ample shade during the scorching summers. Additionally, we have introduced shade-loving plants beneath this tree, where we often savour our morning coffees while enjoying the melodious symphony of chirping birds.