the ability to look further afield
over the roses. Two bushes of the
rose known as ‘Cocktail’ which are
believed to be the oldest roses in
the garden have been retained...
Mackenzie added that this rose was
very difficult to acquire. Around
the old fountain in the rose garden
is a ring of low-growing, sprawling
‘Waterwise Blush’ together with a
white Alyssum variety giving off its
delightful honey scent. A pathway
through the rose garden connects to
the small formal vegetable garden.
The new rose garden was handed
over to the club in September 2015.
Mackenzie says the highly
floriferous, strongly coloured
pink roses in the swimming pool
courtyard and adjacent to the
popular restaurant area under
the huge oak have been there
for some time. This rose called
‘Simplicity’, which is a sport of
the White Iceberg, flowers all
summer at the height of the events
season. Mackenzie has added in a
‘Mediterranean mix’ amongst the
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Judges’ comments
The 2016 SALI judges that visited this newly revamped well-known historic garden
were landscape architect Christa Otto and national judge and nurseryman Morne
Faulhammer. Amongst the comments made were that it was wonderful to see that
the character of this old, established garden had been respected and cherished. The
landscape contractor clearly has a passion for this garden, a good collaboration with
the designer, the club and its members. Future planning is being taken into account
and the best use for certain areas has been demarcated. Specialist turf maintenance on
the well-used bowling greens and cricket pitch is evident.
Otto is, co-incidentally, a member of the club and she comments that: “As a member
and frequent user, I can testify that the club truly caters for the whole spectrum of
uses from functions and conferences to regular talks on wildlife conservation, and for
a number of sports. It is not just the older members that benefit from the amenity of
the garden but children who love the forest and lawn areas, and they have a colourful
playground to occupy their time, out of site of the main buildings. The whole property
is put to use. It seems that future planting in the garden is aimed at more water wise
and indigenous palettes, without compromising the character and sense of place.”