7 great tips for sustainable landscaping in KwaZulu-Natal

An often overlooked aspect of home ownership is the value that landscaping brings to a property. Landscapes must create a harmonious connection between the home and natural surroundings, while ensuring minimal maintenance for the homeowner. Sustainable landscaping in an estate will benefit the area’s biodiversity, support a connection with the natural world, and enhance property values while lowering running costs.

Sizwe Dlamini of Qhawe Services has extensive experience in sustainable landscaping within KwaZulu-Natal. One of the latest and most prominent examples is Serenity Hills, an eco-focused estate on the KZN South Coast with incredibly eye-catching gardens.

“The coastal location, with its unique biodiversity, required a careful selection of plants that would thrive in the region while requiring minimal maintenance. We were tasked with creating outdoor spaces that encourage residents to engage with the natural environment while preserving the estate’s ecosystem,” explained Dlamini. “The results speak for themselves and we want to share the techniques used so others can benefit from sustainable landscaping.”

Tip #1: Use Indigenous Plants

Sourcing indigenous plants is both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically sustainable. By incorporating indigenous plants, you promote the region’s biodiversity, supporting local wildlife and various bird species. Plants indigenous to the KZN South Coast used at Serenity Hills included:

• Aloe Species: These are drought tolerant, thrive in coastal environments, add vertical interest, and attract pollinators. 
• Strelitzia Reginae (Bird of Paradise): This thrives in the climate, adds a tropical touch, and is low-maintenance.  
• Dietes (Wild Iris): This is a resilient perennial that adds texture with minimal water required.
• Agapanthus (African Lily): This is great for pathways and borders, bringing colour during the flowering season.
• Clivia miniate: These support wildlife and can be planted in shaded areas.  
• Aptenia cordifolia: This succulent ground cover creates a carpeted effect in sunlit areas, helping with erosion control.
• Gazania rigens: This has drought tolerance and can be used in open spaces and along pathways.
• Tulbaghia violacea (Society Garlic): This helps deter pests, adding functional benefits to its use in the landscape.

Tip #2: Use Pollinator Plants

Incorporating plants that attract bees and birdlife is not only great for promoting biodiversity, but for an estate like Serenity Hills which has on-site farm stalls that make homegrown honey, it’s ideal.

Tip #3: Minimal Soil Disturbance

Try an approach that uses minimal soil disturbance while preserving existing trees wherever possible. By reducing the carbon footprint of the landscaping process, you’re supporting long-term sustainability goals and nature preservation. 

Tip #4: Use Local Material

Use existing geological features such as boulders and rocky outcrops, integrated with ground covers and creeping plants. This will mimic the natural landscape and make the estate feel as they it’s always been a part of the ecosystem. For the hard landscaping, we used locally sourced stone for Serenity Hills pathways, mirroring the indigenous rock formations and blending with the natural surroundings.

Tip#5: Water Considerations

Where possible, incorporate rainwater harvesting and greywater systems for irrigating your plants where needed. Estates like Serenity Hills that incorporate a dam, designed as a natural water feature, can assist in water management while attracting local wildlife. Self-sustaining plants are best for reducing water use overall.

Tip #6: Consider Drainage

Drainage capabilities must be carefully considered, especially when installing recreational facilities. The volleyball field will be constructed using river sand for a playable surface that supports drainage. Avoid artificial materials where possible.

Tip #7: Conservation Areas

Maintaining natural space as a conservation area is necessary in an estate setting as it provides local wildlife and birds a safe habitation. Efforts can also be made to create butterfly zones, as has been done at Serenity Hills’ where some 49 local butterfly species and 250 bird species exist with wildlife corridors providing movement space for the local buck and other wildlife.

The 120-hectare Serenity Hills estate in Margate is centred on sustainability, community and modern amenities for all residents of the 600 beautifully appointed units across three neighbourhoods. This eco-focused estate offers residents secure living within the coastal forest setting with many afforded ocean views. The Packshed, Sweetdale Night Market, and Sweet Gang & Friends Farm Stall also form part of Serenity Hills, giving residents access to farm-fresh, home-baked goods and handcrafted items.

To find out more or to book a viewing at Serenity Hills, visit www.serenityhills.co.za. For regular updates, follow @serenityhillsecoestate on Facebook and Instagram. To find out more or book at The Packshed, visit www.thepackshed.co.za.