By David Okul
little alteration of the normal natural environment. In contrast, general landscaping can involve introduction of various species and rocks. Bushgardens are common in safari camps across east Africa. This article can give you ideas on whow to go about bushgardening/landscaping in East Africa
IMPORTANCE OF LANDSCAPING
Corporate image and Aesthetic value
A good garden in any organization/company will increase the appreciation by the customer i.e. it will make a good first impression.
Pests and weeds
Gardening also assists in reducing the occurrences of pests and weeds.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Bush garden
A garden in a natural setting.
Lawn
Area covered by grass and is continuously mowed to keep the grass short and attractive.
Hedge
Fence made by shrubs or low trees.
Pot plants
Plants for ornamental or other purposes grown in containers such as pots, baskets etc.
landscaping
Any activity that modifies an area including living elements, natural elements and human elements such as fences.
GARDEN PLANTS
Plants are very important in gardening and landscaping. When selecting plants for gardening make sure to include some plants with these characteristics in your framework
- Very hardy
- Almost maintenance free
- Architectural
These plants should be able to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Garden plants can be herbs, grass, succulents, shrubs or even trees
It is good for a gardener to know the name of his/ her garden plants but it is more important to know the growth form and requirements of plants.
Examples of common garden plants include:
- Agave species
- Aloe species-some indigenous and some exotic
- Kalonchoe species-mostly indigenous
- Bougainvillea species-exotic
- Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra)-exotic
Gardens in protected areas only grow indigenous species of plants.
While trees are generally useful in gardening, there are trees with bad habits such as:
Trees that prevent other things from growing under their canopy e.g. Jacaranda and Cupressus
Some drop large quantities of leaves all year round e.g. Grevillea, Acrocarpus and Croton megalocarpus
Some trees have extensive roots and may drain septic tanks and local drains e.g. Ficus species
Some trees dry the soil e.g. Eucalyptus species.
Garden plants should be pruned often to make them have an attractive shape. The best shape for shrubs is when the base is the broadest part (mushroom shape). When pruning a tree/shrub, it is best to start from the bottom therefore.
GARDEN TYPES
Types of soil
The texture of the soil is used to determine soil type. The texture of soil depends on the size of soil particles.
Sand
Large soil particles
Loam
Best soil for gardening as it has intermediate size of particles
Clay
Has small particles and very sticky
All in all good soil needs; good air circulation, good drainage, humus, water, nutrients and manure
Soil is very important for any gardener. All soil problems, regardless of the type of soil or situation, can be resolved over a period of time by adding sufficient quantities of humus. Humus refers to any organic matter that has rotten down. It gives texture and adds fertility to the soil.
Sweeping lawns is sometimes not the best idea because it removes humus from the soil.
Improving soil
· Compost
· Mulch
· Green manure
SOILS
Rock garden
Water garden
Pot plans
Hedges
Lawns
Green roofs
David Okul is an environmental management professional with over 10 years experience on donor projects, conservation, forestry, ecotourism, and community-based natural resources management. When not working on environmental projects, I spend my time writing for Silvica on a variety of topics.
