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Join the #SpekboomChallenge
Put a cap on your carbon footprint and join the #SpekboomChallenge, South Africa. The humble spekboom (Portulacaria afra) has become quite the succulent sensation in South Africa, and this hardy plant is quite literally saving our bacon. Along with Siya Kolisi, captain of the
Visit the new Urban Savannah in Joburg CBD
As part of FNB’s R100m Joburg City Centre head office revamp, the Life Indoors team met with the banking giant to discuss the facelift to the outdoor Urban Savannah area. At first, the brief was to remove the existing plants including hedges and Clivias from the built-in troughs in order to waterp
Keeping an eye on the Amazon rainforest fires
The world’s largest rainforest, the Amazon covers 5.5 million km² of land and is one of the world’s most important ecosystems. Often referred to as the “lungs of the earth” the rainforest is made up of billions of trees which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as well as produce oxyg
Soundscaping, the acoustics of landscaping
The crunching of gravel, the rustling of palms in the wind, the early morning chirping of birds and sound of falling water all contribute to the soundscape of a garden. Noise pollution can be a massive issue in buzzing metropolises. Landscape architects often rely on vegetation to absorb the effe
Tree of the year for 2019 is Sclerocarya birrea; Maroela
Tree of the year for 2019 is Sclerocarya birrea; Maroela tree, an iconic African symbol. Found in numbers in the warmer parts of southern Africa and further north . Historically this tree was brought south by the bantu tribes as they migrated down the eastern parts of Africa. It has spiritual as wel
Aloe allure: the case for planting amazing Aloes in your garden
For some reason, Aloes have traditionally been rather overlooked in local gardens. It’s only really in recent years, with the need for a more water-wise approach to gardening, that these delightful indigenous plants have started to rise in popularity. There really is no mistaking these distinct
How to Grow Succulents Indoors
We’ve probably all killed a plant or two during our lifetimes. Sometimes it’s a bad match: We pick a plant that needs a lot of light or a lot of love and we don’t give it those two necessities. Or maybe we’ve overwatered when we should have underwatered. Or maybe, just maybe, our green thumb
Indigenous inspiration: why planting local is right on trend
The movement towards locally-sourced products, services, and just about anything and everything you can imagine has been going strong for a few years now. The ‘Local is Lekker’ concept is a great way of supporting local industries, but it’s about time we extend that sentiment to promoting and
The need for Bees: creating a bee-friendly garden and the Importance of Bees
At first blush, the idea of planting a garden that will attract bees might sound more than a little bit worrying. "Aren't bees just pests?" you might ask, but in truth, the importance and value of bees, as well as the creation of bee-friendly environments, often goes understated, and as a result, na
Spring cleaning: preparing your garden for spring
Have you noticed that chill in the air slowly beginning to fade? Finding that bundling up under all those blankets at night suddenly feels a little too toasty? That's right, winter is finally on the way out, making room for the ever-so-lovely spring months and replacing all those dreary greys with a
Why you should give your garden a trim before Spring
It may seem counter-intuitive to prune your plants in winter; the thought of removing layers and exposing more of the plant to the cold winter conditions just sounds like a bad idea, but the truth is quite the opposite! Pruning in winter is essential to your yearly garden maintenance routine and
Hexagons, honeybees and gravel paving.
World Honey Bee Day BERA Gravel Fix® draws inspiration from the hexagonal shape of the honeycomb. Through the honey bees incredible work ethic and years of evolution this industrial insect has perfected the honeycomb. The 18 August 2018, is World Honey Bee Day, and at BERA we decided to celebrat
South African landscaping trends for 2018
The art of landscaping is constantly evolving with the times, and, in South Africa in particular, there is not just a necessity for landscaping design to stay on trend with aesthetic considerations, but to incorporate practical, water-wise solutions. So, in order to keep you in the know on the co
Preparing a garden for black frost
Preparing a garden for black frost In a typical South African winter snow sets in Drakensberg. Cape Town’s north-westerly winds bring the winter rain to the Western Cape. While in the interior, frigid cloudless days set in the Gauteng regions. Along with the cold comes frost. What is black f
Is a ‘green wall’ more than an aesthetic feature?
In recent years, as the need for environmentally-conscious design and architecture has grown, so too has the popularity of ‘green walls’ in both home and commercial spaces. The definition of a green wall can vary widely, and no, it doesn’t simply imply a wall with coat of green paint! Occup
The water-wise succulent garden
Let’s face it, water is perhaps our most precious natural resource and we are notoriously bad at conserving it. The recent ‘day zero’ scenario in Cape Town was an ominous sign of just how scary life can be without water, and although it may have caused a few nervous breakdowns in Constantia, i
Kisses won’t save the frogs but water lilies will
Frogs are one of nature’s litmus test for a healthy environment. The chorus of croaking frog is synonymous with sunset and spring in South Africa. They are also an excellent way, along with fish, to keep mosquito populations under control; after all they get to eat what bugs them. Boil
7 Eco-friendly ways to create a water-wise garden
Drought and the water restrictions have had major implications for landscapers and passionate gardeners. So we thought you might like to know how Life Landscapes, a division of Life Green Group, is sailing through the dry spell. Firstly, the water problems are here to stay so it’s time to
Indoor plants balancing humidity in the workspace
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. Humidity levels are closely linked to comfort levels of humans - if employees are comfortable, they’re more productive. Too often offices and corporate buildings have poorly installed ventilation systems which contribute to numerous problems,
Let’s talk about the use of Glycophosphates in herbicides on sports fields
In the world of professional sports and turfgrass upkeep, all international fields should be maintained to the highest standard. Life Sports Turf has made a conscious decision to reduce our use of herbicides on the rugby fields and soccer pitches we maintain. Mitigating t
Naturescaping with veld gardens to attract seed-eating birds like weavers and lovebirds
Granivorous birds are feathered fowl that get their food and from carbohydrate found in seeds and grain from grasses. Some of the most notorious seed-eating birds are Warner Bros’ fictional yellow canary, Tweety; the gregarious red-billed quelea - the most populous bird on earth and the peace d
Silver plants for those grey areas in the garden
Looking for information about a silver palette garden, well here is some free data about indigenous grey coloured plants from Life Landscapes. In colour psychology grey can be regarded as emotionless, conservative with a degree of sophistication and business. Grey is moody and dull associated wit
9 Auspicious trees in Zulu culture
With Heritage Day being celebrated on the 24th of September and Life Landscapes having recently branched out into Durban, we have decided to explore the cultural uses of eight Zululand trees in Zulu culture. Umphafa/Umlahlankosi - Buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata) The branchesHow to create a South African succulent garden
Too long has the succulent garden been dominated by an oasis of exotic Echeveria. As a South African landscaping company we are thirsty for an indigenous planting palette and feeling a bit hangover from all tequila-brewing cactuses. [caption id="attachment_6164" align="alignnone" width="650"] Exo
The Honeybee vs the Earthworm. Who is a gardener’s best friend?
Written by: Jade Calder Above the ground we have the honeybee, weighing at approximately 280mg, with a stinger for a punch. Bees are one of the most important insects, if not animals, in the world, as they are responsible for pollinating most of the fruit and veg found in the local supermarket. W
Falconry providing a sustainable form pigeon control
Feral pigeons are – hated by facility managers, loathed by twitchers (bird watchers) and are an ornithologist’s worst nightmare. Life Green Group likes to focus on naturescaping on our landscaping sites, meaning we try attracting indigenous bird species and urban wildlife to our gardens. Fera
Street-wise trees for roadsides, parking lots and highways
Life Landscapes, the landscaping division of Life Green Group has decided to take a closer look at the street trees that line our roadsides and parking lots. Here are some things a facility manager or landscape architect should think about before a trees drips sap on the sunroof or starts push
Having owls in the garden is a hoot
The owl has a reputation for being wise and a symbol of status, this reputation hails from the Greek Mythology as the owl was an icon of Athena, the goddess of learning and intelligence. So without further ado, twit twoo, here is how to attract owls to the garden. Owls play an important
13 wildflowers to create a von Gogh landscape using a yellow planting palette
The 19th century painter, von Gogh once said this of yellow, his favourite colour – yellow is capable of charming God. The famous painter passed away on the 29th of July 1890 so commemoration of this, Life Landscapes, has decided to explore the indigenous yellow flowers that von Gogh would b
Macramé indoor plant hangers on trend
Life Indoors is adding another string to their bow with macramé indoor plant hangers. Macramé indoor plant hangers have come swinging into fashion among interior plantscapers. As offices have become smaller and employees demand a more modern, happy working space, interior plantscapers have reso
5 of the most famous symbiotic relationships between flora and fauna in the garden
Symbiotic relationships between plants and animals provide the cornerstone of pollination syndrome. Symbiotic relationships between fauna and flora are key aspect for gardeners looking to create a naturescape. If you look in the garden, even nature, there is smorgasbord of relationships at play -
What indoor office plant does your workspace require?
Indoor plants have significant benefits for employees and as interior plantscapers we are able to advice on what indoor office plants can enhance specific office spaces. This is a rough guideline that may help keep the indoor office plants alive in the workspace. Office plants and livi
Blueprint flowers for an indigenous blue palette garden
Written by: Jade Calder In nature, blue is the colour of the sky and sea. When one thinks of blue skies and azure blue seas, it is associated with peace and tranquility above everything else. Universally, it is considered the most popular colour of them all. Blue is considered beneficial to
Interview with SAGIC chairlady, Ida-Marie Strydom
This year the SAGIC SANA convention is taking place in the Drakensberg from the 12th to 15th June. The first SAGIC convention, 17 years ago in 2000, was held at the same venue. This year’s green theme is Back to your Roots. The South African Green Industries Council (SAGIC) is an umbrell
Coastal landscaping with indigenous beach-dwelling flora
Much like gardening, salt water can provide a cure for almost anything, or at least at Life Landscapes we think so. However, these two therapeutic past-times don’t mix well. The ocean has been an endless source of stories, adventure and turmoil for mankind and endless problems for landscapers plan
Learn about composting organic waste
At Life & Earth and Life Landscapes we agree with Eliot Coleman – "information is like compost, it does no good unless you spread it around." And today, the 29th of May, is Learn about Compost Day so we are going to be sharing some composting facts. With years of experience getting our hands d
Green your life with Life Green Group
Life Green Group has expanded our service offering as part of our green journey. The services offered by Life Green Group now include grey water, designated smoking areas and food waste recycling. Life Green Group offers eco-friendly, sustainable and affordable services for clients. Life Green Gr
10 white flowering trees for an indigenous moon garden
White is used in landscaping to create a classic feel. White flowering trees provide a neutral tone and can serve to lighten the darker areas of a garden. As discussed in our previous moon garden blog, white flowers also appear to glow at night. Pearls, lace, unicorns, clouds, swans, polar bears
What is an interior plantscaper?
Interior plantscaping, otherwise referred to as interior landscaping, is a branch of interior decorating that focuses on indoor plants and containers inside buildings and offices. An interior plantscaper will design, arrange, and care for plants in and walled space. Plantscapers need to hav
Naturescaping for garden bats in South Africa
Life Landscapes has investigated how to attract Halloween’s favourite critter to a garden. With countless landscaping sites across South Africa we have realised the importance of urban wildlife islands for a city’s biodiversity. Landscapers and citizens often make use of bug hotels, barbet nests
An indigenous planting list for a pink palette garden
We know what indigenous trees and shrubs tickled us pink but what about the flowers for a pink palette garden? If you are looking to plant a pink palette landscape there are loads of indigenous varieties of flowers, that come in a variety of shades of pink from ballerina pink to coral
Exploring the Durban Garden as a landscape style
KwaZulu Natal is often referred to as the 'Garden Province', and you''ll often hear local landscapers talk about a particularly green garden as being a “Durban Garden.” What is a Durban Garden? When was the term Durban garden coined, and by who? Life Landscapes, the landscape division of L
The Heron IVC means zero food waste to landfill in 2020 is achievable
Putting food waste into landfills is a rubbish idea! Currently between one-third and one-half of all food is landfilled. It’s time to take a look at your rubbish and think about the cocktail of rotten eggs, lumpy custard, prawn-braai leftovers and banana peels festering in the trash, harbouring
How to create a South African butterfly garden using host plants
Most butterfly garden blogs will tell you to plant nectar-rich plants like lavender, Freylinas, Salvias or Buddleja species and to stop using insecticides in the garden. But those gardeners are forgetting one thing: a butterfly garden is not about the butterfly and the flowers - it’s about the
6 Indoor plants that filter cigarette smoke
The Amazon jungle is considered the lungs of the earth filtering out carbon dioxide. Closer to home, Indoor plants are regarded as the lungs of the office, filtering out harmful toxins like cigarette smoke (carbon monoxide). The dangers of cigarette smoke (Carbon Monoxide) Cigarette litter is a pa
Naturescaping: a way to celebrate World Wildlife Day in the garden.
In 2013 the United Nations proclaimed the 3rd of March: World Wildlife Day, to celebrate and raise awareness for wild animals. At Life Green Group we believe conservation starts at home, and more importantly in the garden by naturescaping. Naturescaping Naturescaping is a sustainable method of lan
Resurfacing the tennis court on Play Tennis Day
The 23rd of February is Play Tennis Day so it is time to make your way down to the tennis court! Tennis is known as a social sport, enjoyed by family, friends, school children and work colleagues. Today, it is time to bust out the strawberries and cream; start chopping fruit for the Pimms and find
How to create a cottage garden using indigenous South African plants
Life Landscapes, a division of Life Green Group, has decided to explore - how to create an indigenous cottage garden using South African plants, with a strict focus on traditional English cottage garden features. History of the cottage garden The cottage garden came about as a response to space. E
Flirting with red roses this Valentines Day
The red rose and romance - ‘a tale as old as time’ – there has been no other enduring symbol of romantic love in western culture, since the beginning of time. The rose has inspired 4000 song lyrics and is, along with candy and jewelry, the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift. The Red Rose throu
Kei-apples offering organic security at Soweto school
Landscapers use plants for many reasons - for food, shade, to control erosion, to attract wildlife and to lower maintenance costs, but here is a story about how a feisty plant, the kei-apple (Dovyalis caffra), has been used as a form of affordable organic security. Security Issues at Schools
Plant these indigenous yellow flowering shrubs to inject optimism into a landscape
The colour yellow injects optimism and enlightenment into landscaping design. For a corporate gardens yellow (aureolin) is a very stimulating colour and is believed to activate the nervous system and increase memory in employees. Time to start planting yellow flowering shrubs! Yellow is not a ser
Do you speak tree?
When installing a tree on a landscaping site Life Landscapes has to take into consideration many things. Planting a tree is a 20 year investment and you need to make sure you do your investigation root and branch! Depending on the motivation for planting the tree, here is what a responsible lands
11 Landscaping trends to look out for in 2017
The El Nino drought has played a significant role in the blazing of gardening trends in 2017 and it’s not just being felt in South Africa, it’s global! It seems climate change is having a positive effect on gardens by changing the way people plant. “Dubbed the slowest of the performing arts
Creating a garden for fruit-eating birds this Bird Day
Bird Day takes place every year on the 5th of January, so the landscaping division, Life Landscapes, of Life Green Group has decided to explore how to go about creating a garden that attract fruit-eating birds because at Life Landscapes we're bananas about barbets. [caption id="attachment_4704"
How to create a South African moon garden.
If you are a night owl or run a corporate operation that never sleeps, you might want to consider a garden that comes alive at night - a moon garden. Creating a moon garden is no celestial feat - all one has to do is grow white plants that flower all year round. White plants are said to glow at n
Be perfectly on point with poinsettias this Christmas and National Poinsettia Day
Life Indoors, the plantscaping division of Life Green Group, explores how this merry plant has joined the ranks of holly, mistletoe, ivy and fir trees to celebrate Christmas. [caption id="attachment_4580" align="alignnone" width="650"] © Jack Berry[/caption] Poinsettia facts 1. National Poinse
Get your hands dirty this World Soil Day.
World Soil Day takes place on 5th December every year and is an important day for flower lovers, landscapers and farmers alike. It also offers the perfect excuse to get your hands dirty. Why Life Green Group digs soil: “The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” -
Orange is the happiest colour! Plant an orange garden.
Autumn leaves, goldfish and sunsets are all associated with the Netherland’s national colour - orange. And there are many things associated with this colour in a garden too - especially when it comes to veggie gardens. Pumpkins, naartjies, butternuts, carrots, peaches, nasturtiums, mangos and apri
Seven South African trees for a sensational sunbird garden
When creating a sensational sunbird garden, it’s important to remember that sunbirds are drawn to the colour red, like a Spanish bull to a red cloth. Their beaks are long and curved; adapted to fit in trumpet-shaped flowers. There are 21 species of sunbird in South Africa - two of which are e
10 South African trees and shrubs that have us tickled pink!
If a pink planting palate tickles your fancy and you are feeling inspired by Aerosmith, here are 10 indigenous trees to grow in a pink South African garden. Pink is a non-threatening colour that inspires confidence and is widely considered to have carefree, fun and happy connotations. Pink also cCategories
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