Dr Elsa Pooley set to launch her latest indigenous gardening book at Renishaw Hills

The exciting indigenous gardens of Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh are a testament to the visionary behind them – Dr Elsa Pooley. And it will be against this backdrop that guests will get the chance to listen to this renowned botanist, landscaper, and author discuss her latest book, with co-writers Geoff Nichols and Andrew Hankey also addressing the audience at Renishaw Hills on Thursday, 20 March. All are invited to attend.

This insightful trio brings a wealth of local botanical knowledge. Elsa has an illustrious career and is renowned for her definitive tree and wildflower field guides. Geoff is an established plantsman and author, while Andrew - a senior horticulturist at the Walter Sisulu National Botanic Garden in Johannesburg - is a renowned succulent expert.

Entitled South African Indigenous Garden Plants: The Gardener’s Guide, this beautifully illustrated, large-format book showcases around 2 400 of South African indigenous plant species, with an overview of landscaping and garden maintenance. An encyclopaedic Plant Catalogue forms the bulk of the book, with essential guidance on plant selection, feeding, and tips. There’s also the handy Plant Selector and full-colour photographs with descriptions of ideal growing conditions.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr Elsa Pooley for the launch of this valuable gardening book that is already garnering a lot of attention,” noted Barto van der Merwe, MD of Renishaw Property Developments, developers of the mature lifestyle estate, Renishaw Hills. “Dr Pooley’s impact on the gardens of Renishaw Hills – a major attraction for investors to the region – has been profound, and it’s only fitting that she launches her latest book at Renishaw Hills.”

From 20 to 25 May 2025, Elsa will also be attending the illustrious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the United Kingdom. Leon Kluge, designer of the South African stand at Chelsea last year, achieving a gold medal, Best on Show, and People’s choice award – is incorporating the new book on the stand this year, and has invited Elsa to be at the stand on Press Day – before the show opens to the public. It will be on this stage that Elsa will introduce South African Indigenous Garden Plants: The Gardener’s Guide to an international audience.

Renishaw Hills’ residents, Kate and Graham Grieve, will also be launching their book, Botanical Bounty of the Pondoland Centre of Endemism, co-written with Dirk Bellstedt and published by SANBI. This interesting book covers an area that is significant to the KZN South Coast and will also be available for sale on the day.

Book Launch Details

• Venue: Renishaw Hills Community Centre
• Date: Thursday, 20 March 2025
• Time: 9.30am for 10am
• Sales: South African Indigenous Garden Plants: The Gardener’s Guidewill be on sale at the launch at a cost of R860.
• RSVP: https://penguinrandomhouse.everlytic.net/public/forms/h/GWoNjvXo1DLVBALE/ZTExMDNmMzA5OTY1ZDJkYzg5ZmRjNTcwMmZiZmQ4YmIzYTFmMDMyNQ

Meet the Authors

1.       Dr Elsa Pooley

Elsa has channelled her passion for plants into fields as diverse as botanical research and publications, landscape and garden design, ecological rehabilitation, and botanical art. She has written best-selling field guides on wildflowers and trees of KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern region, the Drakensberg and Lesotho. Her contributions to research and the public understanding of science have been recognised with a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) award from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Elsa conducts specialist botanical tours in southern Africa. She has completed major public and private landscaping and rehabilitation projects using indigenous plants over the past five decades.

2.       Geoff Nichols

Geoff, a well-known horticulturist, indigenous garden designer, and natural historian, is the author of several books, including Growing Rare Plants. He has been photographing and writing about plants for over 40 years and has been one of the principal contributors to the Flora Publications Trust field guides. Geoff started the first medicinal plant nursery in South Africa and was part of the team which set up the iconic Durban Metropolitan Open Space system. He led the way with ecological management of housing estates from the late 1970s. Geoff has been recognised with many awards for his deep knowledge of plants and the natural world, generously shared with all. 

3.       Andrew Hankey

Andrew is a botanical horticulturist with 30 years’ experience working at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden and Nature Reserve in Roodepoort, Johannesburg. He developed and designed impressive collections of southern African plants, including the Succulent Rockery, People Plants Garden, Cycad Garden, Forest Garden, Waterwise Display Garden, and The Geological Display Garden – which was a world first. He has published many articles, both popular and scientific, on South African plants and has wide-ranging interests in natural history, geology, and ecology. He has served as a garden judge for the South African Landscaping Institute and is a popular lecturer.

Renishaw Hills showcases the beauty of indigenous gardens

Located within the vast 1,300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct on the KZN South Coast, Renishaw Hills has been developed with a strong focus on conservation. Rehabilitated from sugar cane farmlands – led by Elsa Pooley and Geoff Nichols – the conservation area is now home to a diverse array of wildlife, with all homes enjoying stunning indigenous gardens.

Renishaw Hills is more than just an active retirement community, it’s a quality lifestyle estate on the KZN South Coast that offers:

• Affordable levies cover exterior maintenance, garden services, refuse collection, postal services, fibre optic WiFi, 24/7 security, and healthcare options.
• Exceptional amenities, including over 20 active clubs, communal facilities, and a brand-new bowls green under construction.
• Water security, with an independent water supply ensuring uninterrupted access for residents.
• The area is renowned for its incredible nature assets, such as superb beaches - Blue Flag beaches among them – as well as lush coastal forests with extensive mountain biking and hiking trails.

Get in touch!

Far from being just a retirement village, Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast is a premier mature lifestyle estate for individuals over 50, offering a vibrant, active lifestyle. For more details about Renishaw Hills or to arrange a tour, contact Kelly at 064 198 2693, email sales@renishawhills.co.za, or visit www.renishawhills.co.za.