Twenty years ago, in 1999, Helen Muir bought a 1-hectare property in Poortview, Roodepoort near the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. A year later, she started a nursery there. It was shortly after her husband Samuel’s death, and today she describes it as “a leap of faith”.
The following year, she helped to design and build her house on the same property. However, a section on the south-facing side, between the house and a 35m-long retaining wall that separated it from the backyard, was never developed.
The problem
“It was ugly and neglected,” recalls Helen. “The ground sloped and was uneven, weed-ridden and littered with debris. There were two water tanks, as well as a bay and lemon tree. I didn’t have the funds to create a braai area, so I simply used a drum braai.”
This unsightly part of the garden always bothered her. “Our clothesline was there and every time I hung up the washing, I knew I had to do something about it.”
The turning point came in 2018 when Helen created an aloe garden in the rocky backyard, with a wooden deck for bird-watching (photo opposite). “It was so tranquil there that I yearned to spend more time outdoors.”
Not long afterwards, Helen started building her entertainment area. “It took meticulous planning, plenty of hard work and quite a few sore muscles to get it done,” she says. “But I’m used to accomplishing things on my own. I was determined to succeed.”
Plant list
Lush plants for pots and hanging baskets:
この記事は Home Yard の 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Home Yard の 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
A Perfect Contrast
The Grovés’ distinctly different front and back gardens – one veld, the other formal – are the result of meticulous planning and heaps of creativity.
‘This Is My Happy Place'
Helen Muir designed her own beautiful outdoor entertainment nook – and also assisted with the construction.
More Structure, Less Hassle
A formal design and waterwise solutions have resulted in a beautiful garden that requires little upkeep.
The Birds & The Bees (And Other Creatures)
When it comes to biodiversity in your garden – the more wildlife, the merrier!
A Crowd-Pleaser
Thanks to the vision of its new owners, a neglected garden was turned into an outdoor oasis ideal for entertaining.
The Sweet And The Sour
Sometimes, when hard work fails to bear fruit, you just have to look at things differently, says Wicus Pretorius.
Something From Nothing
What do a bare backyard, a dusty sidewalk and leftover building material have in common? Hidden potential, according to these homeowners!
The lay of the lawn
Whether you use artificial grass to create a low maintenance chill spot or the real deal to soften some steps, go green and elevate your space!
In the shade
Does the summer sun create too much heat in your home office? Provide shelter with a neat awing above the door.
Dive in!
A cool plunge pool for a hot day or a natural pool that attracts an abundance of birds to your garden – here’s how Home readers have reimagined the traditional water feature.
