Landscape - NURSERY - August 2020 No. 95 - Now Media
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A
August 2020
S
No. 95
landscape
NURSERY
FEATURE
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF
CLASSICAL ELEGANCE
Ideal for homes, complexes, estates, hospitality • They make a variety of bird baths to
attract birds to your garden?
establishments and the landscaping industry in and •
That not only do they supply the
around Johannesburg and Pretoria. fountains and water features,
they have the expertise to do the
T
installations and set up jetrings?
here’s nothing more tranquil a garden. Add some elegant statues
or soothing for the soul than a and classical garden furniture and you
fountain or water feature gracing have a masterpiece, especially when the
Did you know?
elements are all made of solid, durable • T hat you can have your existing garden
concrete by Gardens of Italy. furniture, decorations and water
features refurbished? Why throw them
Conveniently situated in Kyalami, Gardens out when you can refresh them – just in
of Italy was established in 1970 and is now time for spring!
run by Marco Schmidt, together with his • That in addition to their standard grey
wife Uli. They took over the running of white antiqued colour, you can choose
the company from Marco’s German father from a range of finishes – including
and Italian mother, who had combined different techniques that produce
their artistic flair and precision in mould sandstone, black or bronze effects?
making and manufacturing to establish
a successful business offering a wide Don’t take our word for it, make your way
range of locally made concrete products to the Gardens of Italy showroom and
for landscaping. The products are made watch their videos on their Facebook page
on site in a work area adjacent to their and on their website to get the inspiration
showroom by staff members who have that you need to make your home a
been trained over the years by Marco, who beautiful haven for you and your family!
undertakes the required quality control of
every piece produced. Current opening hours due to COVID-19:
Mon closed, Tue-Fri 9 am to 4pm, Sat
Did you know? 9am to 1pm, Sun and public holidays
closed. LSA
• That Gardens of Italy not only makes
concrete products for gardens, they also Address: 41 Forssman Close, Kyalami,
make and supply columns, dado rails, Midrand.
window tops and ledges, wall copings, Contact: Tel (+27) 011 700 3700
and curbstones for building projects? Cell: 076 885 0948 or 071 500 9112
• That they make a wide range of Email: info@gardens-of-italy.com
stepping stones to add interest to
garden paths? www.gardens-of-italy.com
Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020 1
CONTENTS
ISSUE 95
Lexi’s Living Wall 4 Nursery Feature
Sustainable Landscape Programme 8 Cannabis Importing and Exporting 26
Golf After Lockdown 12 2020 SANA Awards 28
Water Wise Guide for Golf Courses 15 Environmental Feature
2020 SALI Awards of Excellence 21 N7 Specialist Restoration Work 30
On the Cover
Bryanston Country Club. Photo courtesy of
PUBLISHER DESIGN Rand Water.
Nico Maritz Christo Van Eeden
E-mail: nico@eiapublishing.co.za E-mail: beyond@bdstudio.co.za
0113274062
JOHANNESBURG OFFICE
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
EDITOR Tel: 011 327 4062, Fax: 011 327 4094,Now
Karyn Richards MediaCentre, 32 Fricker Road • lllovo Africa Biomass Company/WP Chipper Hire 11
karynr@nowmedia.co.za • Johannesburg BC Landscape Training/Saena Botany 6,7
0113274062 www.eiapublishing.co.za Bertha Wium Landscape Development 20
Ernest Electro Engineering 3
SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Copyright: No part of this publication may
Martin Fourie - Cell: 072 853 8405 be reproduced without the permission of the Ecobuz/Madumbi 18,19
E-mail: martin@eiapublishing.co.za publishers. The views of the contributors Evergreen Turf 24
and advertisers are not necessarily those of Landscape Gardens of Italy IFC, 1
SALES EXECUTIVE SA nor of the publishers. Malanseuns 27
Frans Meyer - 0722673141 OH Multi Group 25
fransm@nowmedia.co.za ADDRESS:
32 Fricker Road, Rand Water OBC
PRODUCTION lllovo Sakata Mayford 20
Chris Grant- 0824987660 Johannesburg, Shadowlands 10
E-mail: chrisg@nowmedia.co.za 2196 Vertical Veg 16,17
2 Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020
ED'S COMMENT
THE TENTH WASTED YEAR?
M
uch has been written about the This year the SALI and SANA Awards
nine wasted years of the corrupt had to take place virtually. Not an ideal
Zuma administration. Now I’m way to present them but necessary
wondering if Covid and the lockdown under the circumstances. Landscape SA
has become the tenth. It’s been five long congratulates all the winners!
months and although we have finally
reached level 2, there is still a sense of Sustainable landscaping is essential
“it’s not over yet”. The feeling of being everywhere, but particularly in South
a tiger pacing up and down in its cage Africa with its severe water shortages. As
is constantly with me, and the words at 20 August, the level of the Vaal Dam
‘confined’, ‘restricted’ and ‘hemmed in’ was a staggeringly low 39%! Take a look
come to mind. By the time we can finally at the article “Sustainable Landscaping
“revert to semi-normal”, 2020 will almost Programme” supplied by Joanne Hilliar.
be done and dusted. Another wasted year, She has undertaken extensive training on
with the economy in tatters. this subject in Mauritius, emphasising the
need for all countries to use their endemic
But moving on, the golf industry has been plant material to the fullest, and to realise
allowed to re-open so take a look at the the benefits and advantages of doing so.
article “Golf after Lockdown” and send
me your thoughts for a future article on Best wishes
landscaping after lockdown. I look forward
to hearing your views on how you have Karyn Richards,
managed during the pandemic and what EDITOR
your plans are to revive your business.
Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company, said: “A man who stops
advertising to save money is like a man who stops a clock to save time.”
To advertise in Landscape SA, contact Frans Meyer on 072 267 3141
Garden services, landscaping,
irrigation repairs and installation,
tree felling and once-off clean up.
129 Romney Ave, Chartwell
Paulos: 082 291 7427
Lennie: 074 917 1680
FEATURE
The design style of Lexi’s uses plants in various forms. This wall contains 250 plants which create swathes of texture
that follow organic lines.
LEXI’S LIVING WALL
Lexi’s is a health/vegan eatery with several outlets in Gauteng. In each restaurant, their
design style uses plants in various forms, and these have also been a featured element of
their interior décor. Living walls are the dominant focal point.
D
ue to the fact that the design system. In most cases, a frame is needed and design with the client. The process
language includes plants and the with the MVG system as it adds a three- of designing a living wall includes
fact that floor space in restaurants dimensional look and makes for a understanding the site constraints, light
is always limited, a living wall with living professional installation. The MVG system levels and ambient air quality where air
plants is the ideal solution. At their flagship is manufactured from recycled plastic. conditioning units are placed in relation to
restaurant in Rosebank, Johannesburg, the the wall, amongst other factors. Although
catchphrase is ‘Eat More Plants’. O’Connor explains that his technical teams the product design by Vicinity is standard
follow construction, services and plant in nature, its versatility allows for creativity.
Vicinity’s modular vertical garden system drawings to install the MVG system and When a living wall is designed and
(MVG) was used at each of the restaurants modular tanks onto a backing structure. installed, it is customised according to the
because of the flexibility offered by this The pots are placed against a ‘splash’ size and shape of the space - this creates
living wall system. The installation of the plastic sheeting which is attached to the the best possible result and its unique
wall was made easy due to the fact that backing structure, as are aluminium rails. ‘wow’ factor. At Lexi’s in Rosebank, the
the plants could be spaced out across The reticulation system and pre-planted living wall is 3.6m long x 2.6m high, and
the distances provided. Sean O’ Connor, pots are installed by clipping the pots onto approximately 250 plants were used.
director of Living Green Walls, says they the railing. All fascias and trims specified
had to take into account the fact that in in the design are then fixed around the In many cases, living walls are not pre-
some cases, the walls were installed behind living wall system to finish off the feature built. Everything is custom-made on site
or above where diners would be sitting, and hide its inner workings. Depending and is either retro-fitted (into an existing
and the MVG system easily accommodates on where the wall is situated, lighting may building) or fitted during the construction
this. Individual MVG pots can easily be be installed where necessary to facilitate of a new building.
swopped out when necessary, in order to healthy plant growth, particularly in
create a plant design that is appropriate indoor environments. Each plant is pre-potted into a plant bag
for each space. which is neatly inserted into a hexagonal
Design process and planting pot prior to being brought to site. When
A powder-coated steel frame encloses these are mounted onto the aluminium
each living green wall, allowing all the As each living wall is unique to its specific rails, they create a space-saving, hive-like
working parts of the vertical garden to application, O’Connor and his team visit structure. The fact that walls are planted
be concealed. This includes the irrigation each site to discuss the required size individually enables custom-made designs
4 Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020
FEATURE
The design style of Lexi’s uses plants in various forms. This wall contains 250 plants
which create swathes of texture that follow organic lines.
into the collection tanks. This is called
a closed loop, water-saving reticulation
system. Although there are other ways
to irrigate the plants, this was the most
effective and reliable option at the time of
construction.
Maintenance
Maintenance plays an essential role at
Lexi’s, aiming to keep the plants healthy
and growing in the wall to their full
potential. Not all the plants are indigenous
and since they are positioned vertically,
skill, experience and care are required
to manage them effectively. The team is
trained to do this.
The wall system is maintained as a whole
to ensure that its hardware is functioning,
that the pump is reticulating water to all
the plants and that the grow lights (for
low-light applications) are providing
sufficient light to the plants that need
it most. With regard to plant care, water
levels are checked, as are light and nutrient
levels in order to gauge that each plant is
receiving what it needs to thrive. Plant
to be created. With plants in each wall, they Irrigation shaping and deadheading in a vertical
can be moved and changed according to garden is an essential part of maintenance
the client’s desired look. At Lexi’s in Rosebank, a submersible pump as it encourages growth and gives living
connected to a power source was fitted walls a lush, full appearance. Lastly, pest
The plant design at Lexi’s is appealing into the modular collection tanks at the control is critical and is checked at each
for its eye-catching swathes of textured base of the living wall. When switched on maintenance visit to ensure that plants are
plants that follow organic lines. When using a remotely monitored automated healthy and disease-free. LSA
full, the restaurant is a busy place and it timer, this system pushes water through
was deemed that ‘less is more’; the design the reticulation pipes, connectors and Information supplied by Sean O’Connor,
therefore embraced larger groupings of drippers to the top of the wall and Living Green Walls.
plants. Living walls do not need to be over- reticulates down through each pot, back Photos by Karyn Richards
designed, according to O’Connor, because
“the plants do most of the work for us”.
Plants used include the following:
• Philodendron scandense, a dark green
plant with heart shaped leaves;
• Calathea burle marx, which brought the
red, purple and white colours into the
design;
• Pilea mirophylla, a detailed, busy plant
with light green leaves;
• Phlebodium blue fern, which gives depth
and an unusual blue-green colour;
• Schefflera arboricola Kalahari, the
dominant plant on the wall that gives
height and adds interest from its five-
finger leaf shape; it provides good
contrast to the other plant types used.
O’Connor says the Vicinity system is easy
to manage and service and has very good
root depth for larger plants. This ensured
that full coverage of the system could be
achieved with the plants used when the
restaurant first opened for business.
In addition to the plants in the vertical wall, greenery is suspended from the ceiling
of the restaurant
Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020 5
ADVERTORIAL
Rudzani Livhia
SAENA BOTANY
According to tradingeconomics.com, the agriculture sector accounts for 5.088% of the
formally employed population of South Africa. With the partial “downing of tools” across
the country during the national lockdown, there has been an outcry at the number of job
losses and business closures. Our industry is not immune and an important constituent
sits at home, feeling forgotten and dejected: the next generation of green industry
practitioners.
T
oward the end of 2019, Saena Botany required to enter their careers with a sentiments. Mashilo Ramolesane’s
partnered with the horticulture healthy head start. response to her current state of mind
was particularly discouraging: “Every year
departments at the Tshwane comes along with its challenges, and as
University of Technology and Durban The students kicked 2020 off with a usual I fight to overcome throughout, even
University of Technology to provide bang, diving enthusiastically into their though sometimes I fail. What's happening
their third year students with practical, selfproclaimed passion for the industry now has never crossed my mind. The
excitement of being a final year student
industryrelated training and experience and commitment to their role and has now gone since everything is stuck”.
for their Horticulture and Landscape purpose in it. They attended an induction
Technology National Diploma for the year workshop at Saena during which words
No one was ready
2020. This was not only to benefit the such as “abundance” and “hope” were
students but also to allow the departments written in their manifestos. They signed We have seen evidence of the advancement
to accommodate placements for a large their first-ever employment contracts and and application of technology in our field
number of students, which has increased were determined to finish strong - until but what we have not, to a large extent,
“unprecedented times” put a spectacularly accounted for is the transfer of skills in
significantly (113%) over the last three abrupt halt on their futures. the event of a crisis as debilitating as this
years. Fifteen DUT and TUT students are one. To a degree, we can say our industry
currently hosted by Saena Botany in a At the beginning of July, we took time to is primitive in this instance. What is the
interview the students to get a sense of solution? Where do we go from here?
work-integrated learnership programme
what they made of the current state of
which is geared not only to give them affairs, and their language had changed Our experience during the national
entry-level work experience but also to significantly from the high-spiritedrhetoric lockdown is indicative of how crucial
empower them with the necessary skills at the beginning of the year to dour digital literacy and connectivity are to
maintaining our economy and even
6 Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020
ADVERTORIAL
Hydroponic farming Mashilo Ramolesane
learning activities. We are seeing the will be easier to avoid the same mistakes We make lemonade
emergency adoption of e-learning, for twice in the future.
which our education department was The need has never been more evident
not adequately prepared, earning a lot of Our industry should add a module or for a facility that not only provides the
criticism. What if we had been using this subject, at a higher education level, about necessary skills required for students to
method of teaching before the pandemic working or studying during the pandemic. complete their tutelage, but also supports
and its roll-on effects occurred? It should also invest in creating platforms and nurtures their passion for the green
or learning programmes that make industry, with the help of dedicated
When asked what he hoped for the future virtual learning compulsory, and create and qualified facilitators in a digitally
a global social networking platform that transformed world. We are in the process
of the green industry, Rudzani Livhia made will showcase what others did in other of revolutionising the way the green
a few salient points: countries to work safely through the industry serves its incoming generation of
“Our industry should shift some of its focus pandemic for future reference”. experts. We owe it to our industry and to
to investing in health-related products or the development of these talented, driven
food, since from now onwards I predict that In the world we used to know, rapid individuals.
people are going to be futureorientated adoption of digital was already underway
and more conscious about what they eat in many sectors - agriculture included. If the "new normal" has taught us anything,
and drink. While we attempt to bridge the gap in it is that there is no better time than the
the way the green industry operates and present. LSA
The industry should create a workbook trains the coming generation, we need to
containing all the information and consider the direction in which the tide info@saenabotany.co.za
experiences that people have gone moves; forming a connected and mdigital
through during the pandemic, so that it foundation is crucial to a better outcome.
FEATURE
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING
PROGRAMME
Joanne Hilliar of Landscape Design Consultants International has developed a Sustainable
Landscaping Programme, which conveys an understanding of how to recognise, practice
and create self-sustaining landscapes.
S
he has run the course in Mauritius, the planet, and to preserve these spaces; can contribute to maintaining this. Each
adapting the material specifically • to provide practical information on how grouping of species has a different genetic
for that country, and it will shortly to make a difference, even a small one, make-up to cope with a specific range
be available in South Africa for broad in our gardens, communities and in the of circumstances such as climate, food
application within the green industry. landscapes that we manage; supply, habitat, defence and movement.
To be launched early in 2021, it is • to plant more indigenous and endemic These aspects are discussed throughout
specifically designed for management and self-sustaining vegetation in order to the programme, becoming a landscaping
supervisory teams. encourage wildlife, save water and model for the ongoing management of
enhance climatic variances by creating spaces. With sustainability, soil structures
When converting landscapes, people need micro-climates within the landscapes and eco systems rich in diversity stand a
to practice sustainable landscaping and being managed; and far better chance of recovery from extreme
the programme will guide them in their • to ensure that landscapes contribute to climatic changes or degradation.
understanding of this, ensuring that South the restoration of the natural ecology in
African landscapes become more self- any specific area. Original plant species are far more pest-
sustaining in the long term. resistant than their hybrid counterparts,
The concept and value of preserv- making it much easier to work with the
Purpose of the course ing biodiversity hardier species as soldier plants within the
landscape.
The purpose of the course is: Biodiversity can be described as the wide
• to create an awareness of the struggle diversity of plant, animal and insect species Biodiversity therefore adds to the quality
between nature and man for space on on earth; with healthy eco systems, we of life, providing aesthetically pleasing
Endemics growing on a beach in Mauritius Excellence in using endemic shrubs and understorey planting
8 Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020FEATURE
Endemic beach planting ensuring no A hotel revamp using endemics from
Tournefortia argentea loss of soil Mauritius
landscapes which, if well managed, will • Case study and homework on learning • Designing a bio-diverse garden.
create a self-sustaining, low maintenance and discussion • Final case study
environment, improving as the species • Appendices discussion.
become more dominant in the space. Day Four
Biodiversity in essence is made up of Day Two • Site evaluations
three related concepts: genetic diversity, • Impact of AIPs on the environment and • Describe the process of biodiversity/
species diversity and ecological diversity. their control (for country of origin) sustainability and how you will apply
• Detrimental effects of AIPs on the the principles and knowledge learnt on
Basic course information environment this course to your garden.
• Case study on learning and discussion • Complete final case study
Day One • Indigenous gardens and insect
• The process of biodiversity and populations Programme outcomes
sustainable landscaping • Case study and homework on learning
• The value of preserving biodiversity/ and discussion. Case study material for participants will
sustainability • Appendices discussion. ensure the need to fully participate and
• Causes of biodiversity/sustainability loss experience the practical way of applying
• Case study on learning and discussion. Day Three sustainable landscaping practices. The
• Biological aspects of the environment • Working with the soil course outcomes will assist in determining
and problem plants (for country of • Waterwise gardening those elements of the landscape where the
origin) • Case study on learning and discussion. losses are identified; the implementation
• Sustainability and ecosystems • Design for sustainable landscaping. of sustainable measures taken to mitigate
these losses will also be communicated.
In addition, the outcomes will include
the analysis of micro climates that exist
within a space and whether they can be
developed more efficiently; outcomes will
also show where a new micro climate can,
in time, be introduced within a space with
the correct plant choices.
The outcomes will also focus on alien
invasive plants that are detrimental to the
biodiversity of a space, as well as how a
landscape can affect neighbouring ones
that might be practising biodiversity and
micro-climate protections.
Following the detailed case studies
throughout the three day programme
presentation, a fourth day is spent on site,
identifying the practices of sustainability
within the landscapes to be introduced.
This will be followed by a formal case study
Joanne Hilliar with Le Preskill gardeners and team leader
that candidates will undertake in order to
Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020 9FEATURE
Favourable comments received from
the course held in Mauritius include the
following:
• I have appreciated the course and have
learnt many things about upgrading
the maintenance of the landscapes we
manage;
• good interaction with the trainer.
Sustainability is a big word which has to
be communicated to everyone on site,
as well as our clients;
• a very well-constructed course and so
much to learn about new biodiversity
trends in landscaping;
• I obtained a clear understanding of
A domestic landscape featuring mainly endemic planting how a sustainable landscape works
and how to create this landscape for
biodiversity. We can see the passion you
have and you have shared this, and your
complete their certification and obtain a on endemics that grow on the island. knowledge, with us. Thank you! Now
pass mark for the programme. The first in Mauritius, it has produced we have a new idea to share with our LSA
a completely self-sustaining landscape clients.
Mauritius sustainable landscaping with no irrigation necessary, using plant
programmes material found and propagated on the Contact Landscape Design Consultants
island. Previously, there had been much International on:
Hilliar has been consulting on a revamp emphasis placed on the use of exotics, but info@ldconsultantsinternational.com
of a large hotel group’s landscaping in there is now positive recognition of the or visit:
Mauritius, creating a garden based totally island’s indigenous plant material. www.ldconsultantsinternational.com
A self-sustaining, endemic Eastern
Cape landscape Eastern Cape hardy, indigenous bog pond planting
10 Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020PROJECT
CONTRACTING TEAMS: Western Cape | Eastern Cape | Mpumalanga | Northern Cape
We are experts in orchard, vineyard & windbreak removal & recycling
Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020 11GOLF FOCUS
GOLF AFTER LOCKDOWN
Every facet of life in all countries world-wide have been adversely affected by the
Coronavirus, and South Africa is no exception. Following the re-opening of the golf sector,
Landscape SA posed a few questions to industry players.
Contributors were Craig Corbett, government, we (Matkovich Golf Course of golf (besides professional golf ), the
Operations Manager at Matkovich Golf Maintenance, MGCM) implemented what game attracts very few spectators. Also
Course Maintenance (CC), Ian Leach, we thought would be best practice. it is played outdoors, in vast spaces and
General Manager at Elements Golf Reserve uncrowded environments; all these factors
(IL), Dale Hayes of Zwartkops Country Club For the days leading up to full lockdown, are conducive to social distancing.
(DH), Dave Christie of Eagle Canyon Golf everyone in the industry was scrambling
Club (DC) and Grant Hepburn, CEO of Golf to figure out what was permitted and legal GH: The harsh reality was that the hard
RSA (GH). for golf courses. The general consensus lockdown meant that all golf facilities had
and directive from Golf RSA was to have to close and only 15% of the workforce was
Q: WHAT WAS THE STATUS/SITUATION OF a small team of no more than 15% of the allowed to continue working to maintain
GOLF PRIOR TO THE LOCKDOWN? staff living on site in order to carry out the facilities. This left 40 000 people unable
only essential services, so as not to cause to work; a huge concern since 80% of this
CC: Almost all of our golf courses were damage to the ongoing operation of workforce falls into the lowest economic
in a good condition. The clubs had had a golf courses. This meant that for the days sector.
good season, with most of them getting leading up to lockdown, we scrambled to
ready for club championships. Course put everything in place and used growth Q: DURING THE LOCKDOWN, DID THE
conditions were starting to improve due to regulators to manage grass growth during GOLF INDUSTRY ASSIST FINANCIALLY TO
the weather cooling off and Johannesburg the lockdown. ENSURE THE SURVIVAL OF THE GAME,
experiencing its typical late summer AND THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH IT SUCH AS
rainfall. Generally, the mood was bullish. IL: There was no confusion with the CADDIES, MAINTENANCE STAFF?
lockdown regulation. Golf clubs had to
IL: Elements was doing well before close down all operations and not allow CC: There were some courses that paid for
lockdown. Business levels were 10% above any golf to be played from 26 March. The caddies throughout the lockdown, but
forecast on both the number of rounds official golf bodies, led by Golf RSA, made I’m not able to speak for them regarding
played and on revenue. The golf course strong representation to the Department TERS applications or the method of
was in very good condition in spite of the of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, to payment. We did receive payments from
low rainfall season. allow golf courses to re-open. On 12 June, the golf course during this period, albeit
Minister Nathi Mthethwa announced that at a greatly reduced rate. We were able to
DH: Prior to lockdown, golf clubs in South golf courses, but not golf clubs, could re- negotiate some costs with TERS, payment
Africa were doing well. We had come to open from 13 June under strictly controlled holidays and the reduction of costs due to
the end of summer, and autumn in many conditions, and regulations were spelled a large reduction in services. This was well
parts of the country is the best time for out in detail for all to comply with. These received by our clients as they had not yet
golf. April is also good for golf, due to the included sanitising guidelines, no access requested the reduction in service fees.
number of public holidays at this time. to the clubhouse except to register and MGCM understood that the lockdown
pay for a round, no food or beverage would be devastating for all clubs as we
DC: Even though Eagle Canyon was doing consider ourselves partners; we did what
sales, a limited number of players, social
well, I believe that in general golf was we felt was best for our clients.
distancing, removal of drinking fountains,
struggling and less funding was being put
one player per golf cart, no touching of
into course maintenance. IL: The golf industry as such did not assist
flag poles and several others.
financially in any way but individual clubs
GH: The golf industry overall was healthy and goods/service providers did, for
DH: Lockdown was confusing in that no-
and contributed R48 billion in revenue to example our supplier of rented golf carts
one knew how long it would last, so it was
the South African economy in 2019. granted us two months rent free and in
impossible for clubs to plan things such as
how they would communicate with their return, we agreed to extend the duration
Q: WHAT WERE THE SPECIFIC CONCERNS
members, how they would handle the staff of the rental contract by a further six
OF THE INDUSTRY REGARDING THE
situation (put on leave, keep paying or lay months.
VAGUE NATURE OF THE LOCKDOWN
REGULATIONS? off ), how the course could be maintained
with limited staff and how the staff could DH: Golf RSA was instrumental in talking to
be accommodated and fed at the club, government throughout lockdown. They
CC: Initially, after hearing about Covid19,
while adhering to lockdown. were in constant contact with government
we implemented strict social distancing
and the various golf unions to keep us
rules for the two weeks leading up to the
DC: Unfortunately, all sports were in the loop on developments. Each club
lockdown. Our teams were split into two
lumbered together without consideration was however responsible for arranging
equal groups and kept apart from each
for each one and its association with the its own financial assistance during this
other. They had different start, lunch and
Covid virus. Basically, the regulations time, and every club is different, having
finishing times in order to minimise contact
implemented were to ensure no physical its own specific needs. Many clubs tried
as much as possible. Since policies and
contact between players, and in the case to get TERS funding to help pay their
procedures were not forthcoming from
12 Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020GOLF FOCUS
made it easier to get the golfers back to a
safe environment.
Golf RSA was a huge help to clubs
in sending through information and
guidelines on risk mitigation strategies
and re-opening rules and procedures.
These were based on the presentation
they had made to government, proposing
golf’s return. They also bought the rights
to a mobile application called HealthDocs,
which they made available to all golf clubs
at no cost. The app allows clubs to monitor
Covid symptoms for members and staff,
and provides the ability to track and trace
people who may have been at the club on
any specific day. I believe golf clubs have
taken Covid-19 very seriously and have
abided by the rules and regulations set out
staff and others took advantage of bank R1.6 million. These initiatives are ongoing. by government and Golf RSA.
or government offerings to assist them. We will continue to provide relief to the
Unfortunately, some were forced to either vulnerable workers until everyone can Golf RSA’s proposal to government
lay off staff, cut salaries or reduce working return to work. included reducing the number of golfers
hours to ensure their survival. playing at any one time, spacing them
Q: WAS MAINTENANCE ALLOWED TO out with bigger time intervals and rules
Golf RSA put together a relief fund to help TAKE PLACE DURING THE LOCKDOWN? regarding safe distancing. Golf RSA
support the most vulnerable staff at clubs, IF SO, WHAT FACTORS WERE TAKEN INTO was without question a leader in the
namely caddies and casual staff. This has CONSIDERATION TO PAVE THE WAY FOR sports industry in terms of having its
continued and they now have an auction RE-OPENING: documentation ready for clubs when the
site which raises money for this fund. CC: Maintenance was limited to essential re-opening was permitted. They had a
Many clubs also received donations from services only. Watering and cutting of thorough plan which was submitted to
members during lockdown in support of the greens was our priority, followed by government and that formed the basis
their own caddies. mowing of tees, fairways and any short of the guidelines to clubs for re-opening.
cuts. This was only done when absolutely We are grateful to them for the immense
DC: Members were critical to each club’s necessary and no projects or any other amount of work done by Golf RSA behind
survival. Our local representative golf services were allowed. We were able to closed doors.
union provided a rebate on some of the keep most of the courses in a reasonable
annual fees that members pay through condition with limited staff because we DC: Essential maintenance was allowed to
the club. We were fortunate that at Eagle did not have golfers to contend with and be done during lockdown, such as greens
Canyon, the Homeowners Association also the weather was a huge help. and other mowing, as well as irrigation.
supported the club during lockdown. Only limited maintenance staff were
IL: Special permission was granted for allowed to work under highly regulated
GH: The South African golf industry golf course maintenance to continue health and safety restrictions.
immediately came together to provide for throughout the lockdown period. We cut
the most vulnerable workers hit hardest back on the maintenance schedule and GH: In April, Golf RSA submitted a
by the lockdown. Many clubs around the retained only four staff to do essential comprehensive Risk Mitigation Strategy
country initiated food parcels or financial work. They were required to stay on site to the Department of Sports, Art and
assistance for their staff, caddies and throughout the period and to leave site Culture. This made provision for the
casual workers. The Sunshine Tour and only for food purchasing and medical return of golf at every alert level and was
Ladies Sunshine Tour launched a monthly reasons. supplemented with various documents
payment scheme for those players and outlining the health and safety protocols
caddies left with no source of income. DH: Fortunately, maintenance was allowed which would be observed to ensure a safe
from the start of lockdown, although it return to golf. In order to re-open, each
Golf RSA founded the Golf RSA Help Fund was very restricted. Classed as an essential club had to appoint a compliance officer
to assist caddies and casual workers not service, only the very basics could be who was given compliance training via
receiving financial aid or food parcels. done such as watering and mowing of video conference to ensure the safety of
The fund was initially established with R1 greens, tees and fairways. Clubs were members, visitors and staff.
million from salary cuts from the staff and also limited to having between 1-5 staff
service providers, as well as operational members to perform these tasks. This The permission to re-open hinged on
savings from our cancelled national basic maintenance meant that we were the approval of the National Institute
tournaments. The fund was further able to keep our courses in a reasonable of Communicable Diseases (NICD), who
boosted by donations to the amount of condition for members. commented that the measures put in
R1.5 from the Golf RSA National Squad place by Golf RSA “meets and in some
Fund, the South African Golf Development When we were initially able to re-open, instances exceeds the required protocol.”
Board and an anonymous international the clubhouses remained closed except They further thanked us for “taking the
benefactor. Golf RSA continues to for access to the toilets and halfway house time to prepare and present such an
supplement the fund with auctions and stations where pre-packaged food was excellent application”.
raffles, which to date have raised just over allowed to be sold. These restrictions
Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020 13GOLF FOCUS
based golf clubs. Our best forecast for now
is that our volumes this year will be less
than 50% of the original forecast.
DH: It is now the ‘new normal’ and with
golf, it is fortunately easy to practice social
distancing on the course and at clubs.
Just being able to play has given golfers
the opportunity to socialise with their
friends in a non-threatening environment
– outdoors, usually in the sunshine and
in wide open spaces. We’ve seen many
golfers who had taken a break from the
game come back and play, and there
are also many children joining in, as
they are not able to play school sport or
contact sports – this has provided a great
The Golf RSA Risk Mitigation Strategy be maintained of every person entering opportunity for them to take up golf.
specifically detailed the size of the field at the facility to play golf; this includes a
each level, timing schedules and other safe temperature check. Essential to club survival is being able to
practices. Each golf facility was advised to host functions and golf days; we cannot
use these do cuments to draft their own DC: In terms of risk mitigation plans, operate on memberships and green fees
Risk Mitigation Strategies, incorporating this was a massive undertaking which alone. Charities are also desperate to have
all the safe practice guidelines such I believe was and is being successfully their golf days back as they rely heavily on
as hygiene practices, screening and implemented. them for fundraising.
monitoring, sanitising and coaching
individuals and groups. All clubs complied. Q: GOING FORWARD, WILL THINGS BE The effects of lockdown, and especially
VERY DIFFERENT FOR THE OLF INDUSTRY? if we revert back a level, are still very
PLEASE GIVE DETAILS ON HOW THE uncertain for the golf industry. Going
Q: IN TERMS OF PAVING THE WAY TO RE-
INDUSTRY HAS BEEN AFFECTED AND forward, we don’t know what impact it
OPEN, TRAINING PEOPLE FOR SAFETY
WHAT IT WILL DO TO BRING THE GAME will have had once financial relief is no
COMPLIANCE AND RISK MITIGATION
BACK ON TRACK. longer available. I’m not sure that we
PLANS IN GENERAL, WHAT TOOK PLACE?
CC: I believe that very few golf courses won’t see some clubs closing and others
CC: MGCM has a comprehensive Covid
will go back to how they were. Many have changing the way they operate, as golf is
health and safety file which was put
already restructured their clubhouses a costly industry. Maintenance is dollar-
together for each of our courses. The
and we have been asked to re-look at our based and most products, machinery and
training was done at each site, with the
staffing. The reality is that we will have to golf equipment is imported. We don’t kid
appointment of two safety officers per
be more efficient, rely more on equipment ourselves – golf is a luxury sport and only
site. There are two teams, working one
and less on staff hours. Maintenance will time will tell what long-term impact the
week on and one week off, so as not to
be scrutinised and savings made where lockdown will have on the industry.
cause any cross-contamination should a
possible, and this makes contracting
team member be diagnosed positive for
out more attractive than ever. Having a DC: I believe the biggest change will
the infection. The staff’s temperatures
partner who specialises in golf course be the ability to do more with less
are checked and a questionnaire filled
maintenance and who has huge resources and therefore the greater use of
out regarding their health and who they
intellectual and equipment resources is a technology within the golf industry. I also
have been in contact with. This is done on
massive advantage to clubs. believe the industry needs to do more to
a daily basis, and machines and ablution
entice people to take up the game.
facilities are disinfected daily after use. IL: All clubs will be affected differently.
Staff wear face masks and carry hand Most member clubs have seen a spike in GH: The lockdown has had a severe
sanitiser with them. Gloves are worn the number of rounds being played, while financial impact on golf facilities. The golf
if touching potentially contaminated others have seen a dip, but all clubs are industry may not completely recover from
surfaces for example flag poles, dust bins feeling the impact of no alcohol sales. This the effects of the lockdown but it is slowly
and tee markers. has also reduced the volume of food sales. starting to recoup some of the financial
At Elements, our visitor/member base is losses. Many clubs have re-purposed
IL: Detailed documentation was prepared primarily from Gauteng and the closed some of their caddies and/or casual staff
and released by Golf RSA for all clubs border is having a negative impact on our to assist with ensuring safety and health
to comply with. This included training business volumes. The economic impact protocols; the re-opening of restaurants,
of staff on daily practices, as well as all on individuals is also affecting us as many halfway houses and conference facilities
aspects of health and hygiene. Facilities can no longer afford to play golf anymore has seen some staff returning to full time
were deep cleaned before re-opening and it might take years for this situation employment.
and all relevant documentation from Golf to return to normality. Although Elements
RSA has been posted onto notice boards was open in June, we played only 17% The continued changes to the regulations
so that staff and guests can familiarise of the original budgeted rounds and also means that Golf RSA and its golfing
themselves with it. Every club has had to collected only 13% of budgeted revenue. facilities have had to adapt, but so far
complete a compliance document based we have managed to make the changes
on which Golf RSA granted permission for Elements is a remote golf estate 20 km required to keep the facilities open and
it to re-open. Every club had to appoint a outside Bela Bela. We project that the to generate much-needed income to keep
compliance officer and registers have to impact on us will be worse than most city- the industry afloat. LSA
14 Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020GOLF FOCUS
WATER WISE GUIDE
FOR GOLF COURSES:
UPDATE FROM RAND
WATER
South Africa is a water scarce country and faces several
T
his leads to a greater chance of
extreme weather events such as challenges that will see water having to be managed ever
floods and droughts and a greater
variability in rainfall, spatially and
more carefully. An increase in population and urbanisation
temporally. Raw water quality has also places further demands on an already pressured water
become affected by the pollution of water supply, which is exacerbated by the effects of climate
resources, adding to the impact on our
water supplies. It is vital that we all start
change.
becoming responsible for our use of water,
and focus on sustainability actions such the focus was to provide golf courses with added benefit of a decrease in the financial
as reducing consumption, re-using and specific examples of what best practices outlay by the golf course.
recycling water. have been implemented around the
country. This second edition of the booklet The booklet will also look at current
This is where Water Wise comes in. Water will take a slightly different approach. cultural practises on golf courses and how
Wise is Rand Water’s environmental brand Water Wise has, together with the TGMA, to ensure best management practices for
and aims to provide education to all invited knowledgeable members and water conservation. This can be described
citizens about the wise and sustainable use contributors within the industry to write as the combination of proper plant
of this scarce resource through a variety of on specific topics that again all contribute selection and maintenance practices that
targeted tools and interventions. The aim towards using water wisely, reducing provide adequate turf quality for the game
is to promote water conservation and the water use, conserving the environment of golf.
wise use of water amongst communities, and improving the quality of golf courses.
business, municipalities and the general It is envisaged that the booklet will assist
public. This is done through research Topics covered in the booklet include golf course managers in designing a
that informs awareness and education irrigation, landscape plant selection, water landscape that meets customer needs
campaigns, which include presentations, wise practises in buildings and facilities, but follows water wise practises to ensure
training, garden shows, events and and education and communication. efficient water use. By implementing water
exhibitions. wise landscape principles and water re-use
The aim of the booklet is to provide an systems, designing for local environmental
The Green Industry, which includes garden educational resource on a few of the topics and climatic conditions, ensuring the
centres, nurseries, turf grass management that could assist golf course management, regular maintenance of irrigation systems
(including golf courses), and landscape committees and clubs, golfers and future and other facilities, and incorporating
design and construction, is a high-water students with knowledge on a range of elements such as invasive alien plant
user in that large volumes of water are topics that will positively influence water removal and soil preparation, a golf course
required to sustain associated businesses. use on and around golf courses. can ensure reduced water use.
According to GolfRSA, there are 460 golf
clubs around the country. The exact Water efficient irrigation on golf courses It is hoped that this intervention will find
amount of water required and/or used on is one of the main themes that will be a really useful place within the golfing
all golf courses in South Africa has never explored in the booklet. A typical golf fraternity and contribute to improved
been quantified but regardless of this, course irrigation system can have more water use, environmental management
the perception exists that golf courses than 500 irrigation heads, kilometres of and more sustainable golf courses. Our
use too much water. Accordingly, Water wiring, a network of underground pipes, environment, ecosystems and ultimately
Wise is working on the second edition of a powerful pumping station, and a control all life on earth is dependent on water
its guide to water use on golf courses and system that enables turf managers to for survival. All water resources used to
this is being undertaken in collaboration control when, where, and how much maintain a golf course and surrounding
with the Turf Grass Managers Association water is applied. This kind of system needs landscapes must therefore be used
– Gauteng (TGMA). to be managed effectively and efficiently sparingly and with utmost care. LSA
to ensure that leaks are reduced and
First and second editions prevented, and that a minimal amount For further information contact Leslie
of water is consumed. Reducing water Hoy on lhoy@randwater.co.za or Samanta
The first edition of the Water Wise Guide for consumption and wastage can result in a Stelli on sstelli@randwater.co.za
Golf Courses was produced in 2008, where reduction in energy use as well, with the
Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020 15ADVERTORIAL
URBAN FARMING
“Food is not just fuel. Food is about family. Food is about
community. Food is about identity, and we nourish all
those things when we eat well”. Michael Pollan
What is an urban farm? through local markets of safe, healthy
food – from ‘farm to fork’. This goes hand
Urban farming is the sustainable growing, in hand with an educated consumer base
processing and distributing of food that wants to cook (thanks to the rise of
throughout urban areas, by people and TV chefs and the global lockdown over
communities who are generally not the last few months!) and wants better
traditional farmers. Urban farms can be as ingredients, thereby promoting and
simple as traditional home food gardens or supporting these micro-economies.
community food gardens. School gardens
and larger plots of open land, given over On the other hand, particularly in lower-
for local food production, are often used income groups (within cities and in
for this purpose. the developing world generally), food
security, nutrition, poverty alleviation to elevated rates of diet-related illnesses
One form of urban farming that is gaining (income generation) and basic survival are such as diabetes and hypertension. With
traction worldwide is the use of rooftops the driving forces for urban farming and increased consumption of fresh fruits
and vacant land within the city boundaries creation of community urban gardens. and vegetables, there is a decrease in
to erect urban and vertical farms. The risk for disease and a marked increase in
latter, for home and community growers, health and wellness.
What are the benefits of urban
allows the use of walls and other vertical • Being outdoors in the fresh air and
farming?
structures where ground space is at a sunshine and partaking in physical
premium. Balconies or courtyard walls, The transformation of cities from only exercise has well known health benefits.
alley ways and small gardens are available consumers of food to generators and
to be used to grow food. This trend of suppliers of agricultural products can 2. Social benefits
using three-dimensional space can be lead to increased sustainability of food
with simple pocketed panels or can be as production, poverty alleviation, increased • The provision of work for communities
complex as large, vertical hydroponic or food security and health, and overall with concomitant financial rewards is a
aquaponic farms. reduction in carbon footprints. major result of urban farming.
• By re-connecting with food production
What drives the need for urban and nature, increasing co-operation,
1. Health benefits
farms? providing for others and positive
• Within cities there are areas (often social interactions, urban community
There are different primary drivers behind known as food deserts) that lack gardening teaches individuals the skills
urban farming, for example communities supermarkets and shops that sell fresh necessary to participate in a democratic
where there is a demand for organic, produce. These have limited food society.
locally produced food with the focus on choices - often only highly processed, • Feelings of independence, improved
holistic lifestyles, fresh unprocessed foods fast food or convenience foods that are levels of self-esteem and empowerment
and ‘transition town’ concepts. The trend high in calories and low in nutrients. (and often arise with the ability to produce
is towards local production and availability lower in price). This sort of diet can lead and grow food for oneself and others,
16 Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020ADVERTORIAL
removed, thus lowering CO2 emissions.
• Plants are well known as carbon sinks.
• Wastewater and organic solid waste
can be transformed into resources
for growing agricultural products:
the former can be used for irrigation,
the latter as fertiliser. The use of
wastewater for irrigation improves
water management and increases the
availability of freshwater for drinking
and household consumption.
• Gardens may help reduce noise pollution
in cities as the built environment is
notoriously noisy, with hard flat surfaces
that reflect sound.
• Vacant urban areas can be used for
agriculture production.
Vertical Veg (Pty) Ltd is an SME based in
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• Urban farms are also an effective • Sustainable farming methods be more self-sufficient, a little more in
educational tool to teach children about contribute towards improving air, water touch with nature and to be able to feel
healthy eating and meaningful physical and soil quality in the built environment. empowered towards helping to reduce
activity. • Transport distances are reduced or growing environmental crises. LSA
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Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020 17ADVERTORIAL
PARTNERING WITH The EcoBuz Approach
NATURE
EcoBuz has identified three primary steps
to guide and steer growers, landscapers
and home gardeners in their journey to
sustainable gardening.
For millions of years, plants have survived and thrived
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life and has effectively controlled the impact of pests and
diseases by relying on parasitism, predation and other
naturally occurring mechanisms.
1. Root Health
A
t EcoBuz, we acknowledge that
Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens colonise plant
Plant nutrition starts with the soil; a
nature leads the way and it is our surfaces, occupying space at potential
healthy, living eco-system is the essential
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foundation of growth. ‘Building soil’ needs
the brilliant creativity, diversity and health and making it difficult for pathogens such
to become the new lifestyle trend. Step
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transplanting – seedlings, edibles,
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and parasitic wasps lay their eggs on Using EcoBuz products in the creation and
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the natural balance has been disturbed
blooms or in the case of edibles, tastier,
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18 Landscape SA • Issue 95 2020You can also read
