Entertainer's PARADISE

This coastal KZN garden packs everything needed to entertain and enjoy the sunshine in a small space

- MADISON MOULTON

Just a few kilometres north of bustling Ballito lies the beach town Salt Rock, a popular holiday J destination renowned for its picturesque beaches and dense indigenous forest. Situated on Kwa-Zulu Natal's North Coast, this once sleepy town now forms part of a rapidly expanding region that retains its coastal charm while offering all the benefits of luxurious living. Homeowners truly get to have it all - tropical green growth, golden sands and ultimate peace and relaxation.

It is here, bordering acres of coastal forest, that landscaper Ashleigh Clare was tasked with designing an outdoor space primed for entertaining and enjoyment of the surrounding nature. The existing garden was divided into basic quadrants with a firepit, pool and patches of lawn spread throughout the small space.

'The clients enjoy entertaining, and they felt that the existing deck area was sterile and boring. It is also hot in summer, so they needed some ideas to create shade and a space to entertain comfortably.

The garden presented a few challenges from the outset, with the first being space. Although there is plenty of greenery thanks to the forest the home overlooks, the usable space surrounding the house itself is quite limited. The entrance to the garden is also small, placing limitations on moving equipment in and out of the area. Working in a small space is always a challenge. Especially when working with concrete.