Kronezicht Garden by Carrie Latimer
Perched atop Klein Leeukoppie’s rugged slopes, this remarkable garden oasis commands breathtaking vistas of the sea and mountains stretching toward Hout Bay. While the dramatic south-easter winds add a theatrical flair, landscape designer Carrie Latimer has orchestrated a dreamlike outdoor sanctuary that harmoniously captures the untamed spirit of Kronezicht.
While untouched by construction prior to the client’s acquisition, the site had been stripped of its native vegetation and overrun by invasive Port Jackson. With the client completely handing over the reins, Carrie stepped in to put circular sustainability into action and deliver an outdoor space that perfectly complements the client’s home.
Embracing circular design
The vision for this landscaping project was crystal clear: a garden that mirrors the untamed beauty of the Kronezicht area while offering the occupant practical amenities and hassle-free upkeep. Envisioning moments of tranquil immersion and the occasional dip in a small low maintenance eco pool, the client prioritised sand control and outdoor seating over traditional lawns.
Guided by a simple and elegant design, the garden combines seamlessly with the bordering biodiversity. A closed-loop system was implemented to minimise waste and maximise sustainability, ensuring the garden operates efficiently without constant inputs. Embracing circularity wherever possible, the design not only aligns with a considered conservation ethos but also facilitates minimal management, offering a quiet and peaceful refuge that compliments the environment and the striking yet compact pod house.
Unearthed treasures
The area, as most do, presented challenges, with beach sand soil, sparse vegetation, and relentless winds conspiring to create a perpetual sandstorm. Amidst this, the garden emerged as a sanctuary, meticulously planned while maintaining a freedom akin to sculpting rather than rigid design. Earth-shaping revealed unexpected treasures — large sandstone boulders. Instead of removing them and smoothing out the ground, they were worked into the overall design, transforming initial levelling constraints into stand-out rock features that blend with the organic hues of the landscape.
The project unfolded in phases, with the garden taking shape alongside anticipated guest pods. The process felt like breathing life into a canvas, each rock and contour contributing to a fully realised garden escape. As the earth yielded its secrets, the design adapted, ensuring harmony between the built environment and the rugged beauty of the wilderness backdrop.
The question of water
A clever water management strategy ensured a green ecosystem by repurposing rainwater instead of solely relying on municipal water. Roof runoff is diverted into a reservoir, with careful calculations ensuring ample water collection during Cape Town’s winter months to sustain the pool through summer, while surplus water nourishes the plant life. Indigenous plants were meticulously chosen for their resilience, while an intentional watering programme fosters deep root growth, enhancing plant life and reducing water consumption over time. In a thoroughly implemented and strategic three-year plan, the dependence on external water sources will gradually diminish, moving towards self-sufficiency.
Considered integration
A thoughtful soil management approach avoids the costs of importing topsoil. Instead, native soil is enriched with a diverse array of micro-organisms and beneficial fungi and a chop-and-drop practice recycles garden waste, enriching the soil and promoting vitality. This holistic soil-building strategy breathes life into the garden, nurturing a thriving ecosystem. Environmental impact is minimised with reduced concrete usage and locally sourced materials, from the rustic Sugar-Gum boardwalk to the stone chip pathways, reflecting a commitment to local authenticity.
The design ethos goes beyond sustainability to playfully integrate with the setting. Extending the pool to meet the deck creates a whimsical jetty-like feature, accentuated by a steel ladder. Built with a flexible rubber liner made from recycled car tyres and filtered entirely by plant material, the pool seamlessly blends in. Wetland plants surrounding the pool blur water and land boundaries, while natural stone features provide both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Guided stepping stones from the deck to the lounging area echo the flow of the terrain.
This garden is both a cultivated space and harmonious extension of its natural surroundings. Through careful planning and innovative design, Carrie has created a space that offers both visual beauty and connection to the landscape — a perfect sanctuary that captures the essence of its stunning location.
Photography by: Pics by Sticks
This article is an extract from our July Issue. Read the full issue here.
