language of nature

It is not the language of painters but the language of nature which one should listen to, the feeling for the things themselves, for reality, is more important than the feeling for pictures.
(Vincent Van Gogh)

GARDENS BY DESIGN

We all appreciate a beautiful garden for its aesthetic value. The good news is that it not only creates a beautiful environment to live in, but helps your home to appreciate in value.

“Very few people realize the value of a garden on property prices,” says Donovan Gillman, MD of roomtogrow. “Research has shown that gardens are as important as interiors when it comes to wooing a buyer. In fact, a number of estate agents estimate that a beautiful garden can increase the value of a property by around 15%.”

“We are fortunate to live in a climate that is conducive to making the outdoors an extension of your home,” says Gillman. “It therefore makes sense for home owners to make full use of their outdoor space to create areas that are a logical extension of the rooms in their home, a garden that complements their lifestyle.”

roomtogrow is a landscape design company based in Constantia that prides itself on helping find innovative garden solutions for home owners, whether it is a young executive, a couple with young children or a retired couple scaling down.

”We have developed lifestyle palettes in our garden lifestyle laboratory that allow clients to view various outdoor options and visualize the potential of their space. Then, after getting to know their needs and lifestyle, we customise a design to suit their pocket while adding long term value to their primary asset – their home,” says Gillman.

The services offered by roomtogrow are varied but include everything from design to implementation, with a maintenance option. Their qualified team can assist with plant sourcing for the DIY gardener; a full landscaping design service; complete property management, landscaping and irrigation services for new developments – both residential and commercial; or optional monthly horticultural visits to ensure the health of your plants.

Some of the gardens by design that have been inspired by Donovan and his dedicated team include Stellenberg Manor House, Steenberg Manor House, House Ackerman, Constance Court, House Carter and House Jennings. On the commercial side, the Company has project managed centres such as the TygerValley Centre, Dolphin Beach Resort, Table Bay Hotel, Mount Nelson Hotel, Waterford Place, Reddam School in Constantia and the Ratanga Junction Theme Park

roomtogrow recently opened a satellite office based at the Kirstenbosch Centre for Home Gardening. In addition to seeing clients in this inspirational environment, consultants will also be on hand between 9am and 2pm daily to give free advice.

For more information on the services offered by roomtogrow and how to add value to your home, call 021-794-4816 or email roomtogrow@wol.co.za.

DESIGN CENTRE AT KIRSTENBOSCH

To garden is to grow new life and heal one’s own – French Proverb.

One of the tenants at the new Kirstenbosch Centre for Home Gardening which opens its door this month is roomtogrow, a landscape design company that assists home owners to plan gardens to suit their lifestyles and complement their homes.

“We believe that home owners need to make full use of their outdoor space to create an ‘extension’ of their home”, says Donovan Gillman of roomtogrow. “We are fortunate to live in a country where our climate lends itself to outdoor living and it makes sense not to restrict your lifestyle to being indoors. By create additional space outdoors – not matter how big or small your garden – you can add to your lifestyle.”

roomtogrow is the mastermind behind the Pam Golding Property Design Centre at Kirstenbosch, offering on-site gardens by design and landscaping advise. “The idea behind this centre is to utilize lifestyle palettes that have been developed by our garden lifestyle lab to assist clients to visualize the potential of an outdoor space that suits their lifestyle,” explains Gillman.

Whether a young executive is looking for a modern, minimalist space to relax in or a retired couple wants a formal, peaceful corner or young couples with children are in search of a fun, wind free playful environment – roomtogrow can assist with customized lifestyle solutions, from concept to implementation.

“Gardens not only give immense pleasure but are known to improve quality of life through the connection with nature,” says Gillman. “They provide visual pleasure as well as an urban refuge while also increasing the value of your property.”

The Pam Golding Property Design Centre will form a satellite office of roomtogrow with consultants offering free advice to homeowners between 11am and 3pm daily. The synergy of being situated alongside an indigenous plant nursery and in the surrounds of Kirstenbosch will further benefit clients needing inspiration.

“Living your life to the full should not be reserved to inside the home,” says Gillman. “We believe that you can grow your home by making the most of your garden and outdoor area. Start living inside/out for a better life.”

For more information on roomtogrow and the range of services it offers call +27 (21) 794-4816 or email roomtogrow@wol.co.za

roomtogrow @ Kirstenbosch Centre for Home Gardening

Is your home & garden tired and a mess?

Need space for outdoor living?

Want a new inspired look for summer?

Building a new home and daunted by the garden?

Don’t know what to do about it?

Get expert advice and inspired design that will express your lifestyle!!!

Call today to see a roomtogrow lifestyle consultant in your home.

We will design, supply and install your outdoor garden lifestyle tailored to your needs, budget and in time to enjoy it for Summer or Winter, in fact all year round is good…….

Living and enjoying life under Southern African skies!

Or come and see us 7 days a week at the

Kirstenbosch Centre For Home Gardening

You can at the same time visit the Garden Centre to see the best selection of Southern African Flora available anywhere.

Cape Town Flower Show 2005 - From Sky To Africa

This garden is an enclosed space; a sensory experience which changes with time and the viewer to reflect the story and drama of their life.

In a symbolic sense, the use of water and stones; the essence of the African Drama, express the need for adaptability in the face of constant change.

Water is itself without form; unconditionally embracing and adapting to any form it encounters.

It is my intention that people visiting this garden will deepen their understanding of their culture; time and value.

After having crossed a pathway of giant granite blocks over a watercourse;

standing or sitting quietly in the pavilion viewing the landscape;

seeing these stone and granite forms, with old succulent plants and soft grasses moving in the breeze;

looking up - see the sky and awesome enclosing mountains;

being entranced with the light reflected from sculptures of human forms within the landscape;

reminiscing on their existence and learning about how they will live in the future.