Q&A

with Roland van Bommel & Amanda Booth

CLIMATE: We are on a hill close to the ocean, so wind-tolerant plants are critical, as is watering in new plants. Climate change means that weather patterns are unpredictable and more extreme in terms of temperature and rainfall. Frosts are rare and we didn’t plan for them so lost our bougainvillea due to frost two years in a row. (Roland)

SOIL TYPE: The hillside is quite rocky while in other parts it is clay, which makes it a challenge maintaining the lawn. (Roland)

WE LOVE LIVING HERE BECAUSE: We are near the sea, yet the valley is so lush and green. (Amanda)

FAVOURITE OUTDOOR SPOT: The front deck looking over the garden to the estuary. It’s always changing and lovely watching the little sailing boats. (Amanda)

MOST SIGNIFICANT PLANT IN THE GARDEN: Native flax Phormium ‘Dark Delight’ for the birdlife. (Amanda)

FAVOURITE PLANT COMBINATION: New Zealand irises (Libertia cranwelliae) and Durban canna lilies. (Amanda)

BIGGEST GARDENING MISTAKE: We overplanted in the beginning in order to have a full garden early on. We are now having to take out plants to retain the garden’s form. (Roland)

MOST-USED TOOL: Our Bloom garden weeder. (Amanda)

WE COULDN’T MANAGE WITHOUT: Landscapes Unlimited did the initial planting, installed the watering system and undertakes big tasks like replenishing the bark; Garden Doctors offers regular support and plant care; Greenacres looks after the lawn; we have a gardener two hours’ each week and my mum Karen who helps out now and then. (Amanda)