Gardens & Grounds - Leitch
With Christmas a distant memory for some, our busiest time of
the year for San Lameer Estate has come and gone yet again.
The weather was a lot more stable than what we have come to
expect from this time of year but it's not to say we didn't have
our moments with strong winds and persistent rain but what
was “unusual” was the many days of slow and persistent rain.
To some a disaster, but finally as farmers we can smile again.
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The final rain count since 24 October has amounted to just
over a 1000mm at 1055mm.
Please be aware that, although this rain has been fantastic, our
water restrictions are still in place and it is still important to be
water sensitive especially within the gardens.
Strong rainfall and high temps have meant that the gardens
have notched it up a gear and everything is GROWING!! This
presents a challenge in the line of keeping up. Not only has the
grass excelled but so have the weeds that invade them. Being
primary colonisers and more prolific, (which is usually why
they find themselves in the “weed” category) the non-grass
species have dominated some areas of lawn. Although I am
circumspect about introducing any form of chemical into the
environment, it is the only real form of defence in combating
this type of invasion. We initially sprayed with an MCPA based
selective herbicide but have found varying results, so have
changed to a broader spectrum version which are showing
better returns.
invasive.
It is for the above reasons that a decision was taken at the
recent Environmental Meeting to request for all tikki
creepers to be removed from villas. We are also extending
an offer to help remove the tikki creeper, if needed.
Your cooperation in this regard is very much appreciated.
A small reminder to homeowners regarding the black rubbish
bins in your courtyards. These bins are your private property.
The replacement thereof is for your cost once they perish. The
bins do not have an indefinite lifespan and need replacement
often. They are subject to direct sunlight, heat, rain and
monkey abuse so they do perish after a certain period. I have
found that the lids perish first followed by the bin itself.
If you find your bin has perished on your next visit, please buy a
replacement from any local hardware store. We would prefer if
you can purchase the bins that have monkey proof lids as this
discourages the monkeys from pilfering through your rubbish
before we can collect it.
Brett Wortmann
Leitch Landscapes Manager
It has come to our attention that tikki creeper( ficus Pumela - a
non-indigenous plant and therefore exotic) is currently
growing up the walls of several villas on the estate. The current
Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) provides for limitations
as regards to the appearance (aesthetics) of units, land and
buildings of villas on the estate (article 22 and more specific
Article 22.5) and being a registered Conservancy, exotic plants
only in pots and not into the soil is permitted.
Tikki creeper growing on the walls creates structural
damage to the plaster and at times the walls as a whole.
That aside, the MOI and Enviromental Policy do speak to the
fact that no exotic plant may be encouraged to grow on the
estate that is invasive and or has the potential to become
Brett Wortmann
Manager / Bestuurder