How do you transform a 33-metre mountain drop — roughly the height of a ten-storey building — into a lush, livable garden? Perched on the southern slopes of the whale-backed Constantiaburg mountain, where the upper entrance meets the boundary of the Table Mountain Reserve, this remarkable garden is the answer. Carrie Latimer has expertly turned a steep descent into a balanced, harmonious design that reimagines what’s possible on a difficult terrain.
Carrie’s design philosophy is grounded in a modern, yet thoughtful, approach — working with the land instead of dominating it. What emerges? A landscape that feels rooted in its surroundings. Instead of rigid patterns or perfectly manicured lawns, she embraces a more subtle method, honouring the land’s inherent character and moulding it into a space that supports contemporary life. The garden’s vibrant, untamed spirit is retained.
Both clients, with backgrounds in archaeology, were passionate about preserving the garden’s history. The timber from felled pines and gum trees was repurposed into beautifully crafted pergolas, furniture, and flooring, weaving in layers of history that anchor the garden to its past. The existing wisterias and brick paths were also retained; the vines now elegantly cascade over the pergola to form a stunning walkway leading through a cutting garden.
MEET THE TEAM: Landscape Designer: Carrie Latimer | Architect: Antonio Zaninovic | Landscape Installer: Ross McGill Landscapes
Journeying with the terrain
Rather than opting for the predictable solution of traditional terracing, the design flows with the land’s natural slopes, inviting visitors to move through the space and interact with the plant life that lines the path. But the challenges of the site extend beyond just steep slopes. A south-facing orientation means the garden endures the full force of summer’s scorching sun, while its winters are cold and deprived of light. Add heavy, clay-rich soils, selecting the right plants was no small feat. Carrie blended native plants with species from other Mediterranean climates, nodding to the clients’ strong ties to California and Spain.
A productive landscape
The lower garden introduces an eco-pool with a natural filtration system, blending effortlessly into the landscape. Unlike the typical lawn-and-pool setup, here the pool is framed by productivity instead of ornamental grass. A citrus orchard, underplanted with clover, yarrow, and comfrey to boost soil health, borders the pool. This creates a vibrant, low-maintenance space that thrives on minimal intervention. Next to the pool is a carefully curated food garden where vertical space is maximised with espaliered fig trees, grapevines, and a granadilla wall. A small chicken coop completes the functional space, transforming the garden into not only a visual feast but also a model of self-sufficiency.
A forest with a view
Visitors are drawn upwards through a sheltering grove of Diospyros whyteana trees and fruiting olives towards an expansive embankment. From this vantage point — with views that stretch across the Constantia Valley and False Bay — the landscape is equally mesmerising by day or night. The bay’s twinkling lights casts a soft, ethereal glow. At the highest point of the garden, a secluded treehouse-cottage, nestled in a forest canopy, offers an extraordinary retreat complete with a jacuzzi deck for peaceful contemplation.
Perhaps the most striking feature of this property is its seamless integration with the surrounding Afromontane Forest. While the Western Cape is famous for its fynbos, it was once home to lush, ancient forests, many of which have been lost to development. The western side of the property is bordered by newly planted Afromontane trees, extending the footprint of the forest and providing space for the clients’ beehives. Flowers bloom, fruit is harvested, and trees shift with the seasons. No matter the time, all who enter
are invited to listen closely, breathe deeply, and witness how nature can be both shaped and set free.
SUPPLIERS: Stair units: Stonecast | Boundary wall blocks: Envirolite | Timber flooring: Forest Creations
