Whatshot

2024
June
April
2023
March
2022
2021
2020
March
February
2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2014
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2013
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2012
December
November
October
September
August
July
1900

A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD - FOCUS ON RE-WILDING - AVOID LANDSCAPE "FASHION" TRENDS

A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD - FOCUS ON RE-WILDING - AVOID LANDSCAPE "FASHION" TRENDS

Author: Jill Theunissen
Date: 2023-04-26

The Vision for "Re-Wilding" was given expert attention in the Guideline brochure presented by Dr. Debra Roberts and her colleagues in the early part of the 21st Century. The Key Emphasis called for the restoration of the Natural Indigenous Habitat, the Removal and Eradication of all Aliens, and the selective use of Exotics with only 2% surface coverage for any area. The aura of Eco Estate living commenced with the Zimbali Coastal Forest Estate in 1996 with Simbithi Eco Estate following the trend later. Previously, the Dolphin Coast recorded a green rectangle of agricultural land between the Tongaat and Umhlali Rivers. This band now records a Re-Zoned status for Residential Estates, and commercial ventures. Legal "Conditions of Authorization" require compliance. A Key Condition is the Restoration of the Indigenous Environment with "Site Specific" conditions, including Soil Quality Improvement and related qualified Seasonal Management in perpetuity. "Re-Wilding" presents an exciting venture for all, to re-plaint our Natural Heritage and rejoice in creating cooling and shade, achieve rooting stability and welcome the return of mammals, birds, butterflies, bees and all creatures great and small". Water presence invites a range of aquatic species and waterfowl to adopt the venue. The Land Resource Area, whether for Residential property, Complex, Private Estate, or disused farmland the Initial Assessment and point of access requires careful planning and focus. An accurate Survey Plan is useful for each project to depict the extent, identify the topography and allocate SPACE for new Woodlands, Grasslands, trails, an observation Hide, boundary screening for wind and privacy, and careful conservation for a stream, Wetland or Dam. Observation and recording of the linked neighbouring benefits or problems are essential. A Check List of existing species under the headings of Indigenous, Exotic and Alien and Invasive provides an indication of the level of inherited "disturbance and modification". The Alien section is important with an early Removal and Eradication Program generated to welcome the new Re-Wilding Layout, with sharp eyes needed to continue eradication. Coastal Woodlands benefit from early inclusion of Pioneer trees, such as Pigeonwood with widespread habitat, Coral-tree with bright red flower racemes, Mitzeeri often near moisture, Tinderwood with berries for birds, and the Flatcrown with its splayed root system and large spreading crown demanding space. Further inland select Quilted Sagewood with leaves browsed by game, White Pear with berries for birds, and Cheezewood, which is now Protected. Where an ancient tree stands with dying branches this offers a towering perch for raptors. A holistic Planning Procedure should allow a combination of trees, herbal plants, seasonal flowering shrubs, succulents, groundcovers and Veld grasses. In full sun invite Aloes, along trails feature bulbous species, and ferns. A "Re-Wilding" composition of 65 - 75 different species would kick-start the bio-diversity of a residential property of approx2,000 M sq.. Scope within a larger "Open Space" allow over 100 tree species in turn creating an understory shaded habitat. Here the Digitaria grass thrives, with a host of "best Buck plants" amidst the structural form of Dracaena aletriformis - Large-leaved Dragon Tree with glossy leaf surface, like a super slide, ducting rainwater to the roots of its host. Amongst the Veld grasses flourish many perennial shrublets, Nature achieves synergy with leguminous species returning nitrogen from their roots into the soil. It is perhaps sad to record that in ignorance we have collected, planted and nurtured an "Exotic" environment. Many "introduced" and previously acclaimed Exotics are on the NEMBA List, in Categories for REMOVAL. Creating a pretty garden is often driven by "fashion" trends. Oh dear! Where are the new ruffled petunias, the variegated cabbage, the Purple Pennisetum with pollen to invite asthma, and perhaps worst of all a hedgerow of imported, hybridized "Firesticks", not our true Euphorbia tirucalli."Re-Wilding" offers a community based challenge with Family, Friends, School, Club or Township and Commercial colleagues. Create a new "Green Gem" where birds may sing and future generations may flourish.