African Design Magazine ADM #40 May 2018 | Page 38

THE VELD WALL - ROSEBANK, JOHANNESBURG
which produces its single dull red flower
spike in winter, is on the Red List of
endangered species and needs ex-situ
protection as it is nearing extinction. It is
hoped that nectar-feeding sunbirds will
visit the Veld Wall to sup from the aloe
and poker (Kniphofia) species.
The grasses used as the backdrop
planting are largely located in the first
phase which receives the most sun and
where the Gro-Wall installation wraps
around the corner onto the north-facing
section. These make a wonderful showing
throughout most of the year. Wentzel
says choosing the grasses was quite a
challenge, as the smaller grass species
that were tried initially proved to be too
small and were simply overwhelmed by
larger plants. Medium-sized grasses with
interesting inflorescences, flowering and
seeding at different times from spring
into early winter, proved more successful.
Some of these also take on attractive
autumn colours. It is hoped that the
grass seeds will attract bird species
such as Bronze Mannikins, Weavers and
Tawny-flanked Prinias, and that birds
may also nest in this well-protected wall.
Grass species comprise the attractive
Sporobolus festivus (Red Dropseed) with
its red-tinged delicate inflorescence and
the closely related Sporobolus staphianus
(Fibrous Dropseed) which is more densely
tufted. The well-known Rooigras (Themeda
triandra), which flowers from October
to July with its distinctive clusters of
spikelets, takes on a red-brown colour
late in the season. The smaller Snowflake
Grass (Andropogon eucomis) makes
a glittering display on the wall; while
Melinus nerviglumis (Bristle-leaved Red-
Top) is very interesting with its blue-green
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AFRICAN DESIGN MAGAZINE © | MAY 2018
foliage and shiny inflorescences fading
from dark purple to white. This grass is
sometimes called ‘pink crystals’ in the
landscaping industry.
Climbers twining up steel cables fixed
to the Gro-Wall structure are another
aspect of the planting, originating largely
from narrow planters at street level.
Amongst these are the fast growing Wild
Grape species (Rhoicissus tridentata)
which produces fleshy, grape-like fruits
that should attract birds; the severely
threatened Bowiea volubilis (Knolklimop/
Climbing Lily), an unusual creeper that
has no true leaves and harvests light for
photosysthesis from its inflorescences;
and the glorious Flame Creeper
(Combretum microphyllum) which
provides a stunning, massed display
of crimson flowers in spring. The latter
plant attracts various insects and is the
larval host plant for certain butterfly
species; while nectar-feeding birds are
also enticed by the flowers.
Wilken emphasises that the biodiversity
value of the Veld Wall is considered as
important as its aesthetic value.
Greg Martin of Life Landscapes says the
weight of the entire Veld Wall – Gro-Wall
system, potting mix, irrigation system and
the plants – is approximately 32 tons.
The engineer of the school building has
confirmed that the structure will hold
the full weight of the Veld Wall. Each
module of the Gro-Wall Vertical Garden
System, supplied by Pula Water Systems,
has been bolted directly onto the
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