Commuters driving along Old Main Road in Hillcrest would have seen a huge change in the aesthetics of the verge outside the headquarters of Marriott– The Income Specialists.
Picture: Christopher Dalzell, Bronwen Matthews and Neil Nothard plant one of the trees in the section of Old Main Road that Marriott have upgraded.
Covering an area of 1000m2, the entire length of the verge from the traffic lights to the end of the Marriott property has been transformed into a garden for all to enjoy.
Since moving to Hillcrest in 2009, Marriott has been actively involved in the local community, with sponsorships of various projects in the Shongweni Valley Community, Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust as well as various Hillcrest sporting clubs. Marriott has continued their community drive and has now incorporated the development of a Community park and garden along Old Main Road.
To create the Community Park, several alien trees were removed and a fence was erected along the perimeter. Last month Marriott commissioned local specialist landscaper Christopher Dalzell of Christopher Dalzell Landscapes to design and landscape a water-wise indigenous verge garden along the entire length of the property. The mandate specified that the garden should be bold, colourful, water wise and provide interest throughout the year.
Grass and weeds were removed, poles and rocks added to create form, scale and stabilisation for the bank. A wooden staircase was built to provide access for the public from the street, and over 5000 indigenous plants were planted. Marriott requested that these plants be indigenous and water wise and, where possible, maintenance free. Many of the plants will flower in winter when colour is needed.
In total over 40 different species were planted including some large Aloe species, shade loving Plectranthus, small flowering trees such as Gardenia thunbergia and Erythrina humeana, indigenous ornamental grasses such as Aristida junciformis, wetland plants for the small wetland created such as Juncus effesus and Kniphofia better known as the Red Hot Poker and even the flame lily creeper Gloriosa superba.
“We are delighted with the transformation. Today, this once derelict verge has been converted into an indigenous garden that is aesthetically pleasing. We have received many phone calls and emails from the general public indicating a bench mark has been set for others to follow.” says Neil Nothard, Chief Operating Officer of Marriott.
Marriott plans to complete the park during 2014 with the addition of a joggers’/ dog walkers’ fountain, benches and the planting of additional indigenous trees.