Glorious Grassland

‘New style’ gardening trends are those that are looking to the future, re-establishing their roots in the past, all the while taking inspiration from nature. In this diversity of natural habitats, we find a small area that leaves you feeling that you really could be anywhere...

- MELANIE WALKER

 

Grassland gardens are a trend that saw its advent back in the last decade, and for many, they are the way to go thanks to their ease of maintenance and water-wiseness. Due to urban growth and agriculture, the grasslands that once covered a huge part of South Africa, and once made up more than 60% of the African continent, are disappearing at an alarming rate. Grasslands are thought to be probably the most ancient biomes and vegetation types in the world. Second only in diversity to the fynbos region, but taking up a lot more space, they support up to 81 species of plants per 1 000 m², but of those, only one out of every six is a grass. You'll also find wildflowers, bulbs and aloes among others in this biome.

So for those thinking that the Highveld, where this garden is situated, is just a place with lots of grass and very few trees, this space is a surprising nugget nestled in the countryside to the north of the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg.

Carved out of a piece of veld, the organic lines, plant combinations and open spaces of this Blair Atholl garden are a delight. Standing outside, you could be forgiven for thinking you're at an exclusive private bush lodge, surrounded by wildlife and birdsong, overlooking a horizon of blue-veiled distant mountains miles and miles from the city. But this ‘natural’ gem is within striking distance of the megalopolises of Joburg and Pretoria, and the architecture of the home and garden are in harmony with the land, adding to the tranquillity that the big skies of the Highveld afford.