Indigenous landscaping & garden design
in Johannesburg & Pretoria, South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

A list of frequently asked questions about our company, service, plants, and landscaping in general:

DESIGN QUESTIONS

PRICING QUESTIONS

INSTALLATION QUESTIONS

IRRIGATION QUESTIONS

PLANT QUESTIONS

POST-INSTALLATION QUESTIONS

 

DESIGN QUESTIONS

Why do I need a design?

A design allows you to conceptualise what your garden will look like before installation and helps to ensure that the hard and soft (plant) landscaping materials have been calculated correctly. A design also provides us with an accurate template to work from, so we are all on the ‘same page’ when it comes to your garden.

Here are some benefits of designing your garden before installation:

  • Avoiding overplanting
    Overplanting is a common problem in gardens that have not been planned. It occurs when garden spaces are filled with plants without taking into account the full-grown height and width of the plants.
  • Avoiding too many different species / or a garden that lacks a theme
    Designs help to avoid the creation of a ‘fruit-salad’ garden – a garden with a bit of everything but lacking a cohesive theme. Without a plan and a theme, it can be tempting to incorporate many different plant species, especially if they are all in flower at your local nursery! By planning your garden and taking into account a preferred theme we can choose and group your plant species accordingly.
  • Avoiding poor plant growth & damage to property
    Perhaps the most important reason to have a design is to ensure that the selected plants are placed appropriately in your home. We frequently encounter homes where shrubs and trees have been planted too close to boundary walls, resulting in squashed plants, poor growth habits, or damage to property.

I have an existing garden, do I still need a design?

No, not necessarily. It depends on how much work you want us to do. If you only want us to plug new plants into your garden, or move existing plants around, then we do not need to do a design. If however we will be changing an area entirely, or working on a new area of your garden, then it’s best to do a design so that we can structure the planting correctly, calculate the plant and material quantities accordingly, and provide you with a conceptual view of what your refurbished garden will look like.

I want lots of lawn, can you design accordingly?

Yes we can, but note that we specialise in indigenous gardens and try to include a variety of plant species that not only attract wildlife, but also increase the biodiversity of your area. Our preferred gardens therefore are those with a balance between lawn and locally indigenous plant species.

You do lawn-free gardens, are these really usable spaces?

Yes. Lawn-free gardens are some of our favourite gardens to design and install, and homeowners with these gardens benefit from increased birdlife, butterflies and insects, as well as lower maintenance costs (no mowing) and lower watering costs. When we design a lawn-free garden we incorporate pathways and seating areas, and use lawn-replacement groundcovers, some of which you can walk on. We also carefully select the plant species – full-grown size and growth-habit – and their placement, so that your garden does not become unmanageable and overgrown in time. All of this means that you will have a beautiful garden without the high maintenance costs of managing a lawn. Arguably though the most worthwhile reason to go lawn-free is that you will immediately have more plants to appreciate in your garden, with each plant providing you with something new every week, month or year.

I have a very shady garden where nothing grows, can you help?

Yes. Along with lawn-free gardens shade gardens have become some of our most requested gardens. Johannesburg has many established trees, but because of this the areas where people once had a flourishing lawn – like on their verge – have now shaded over and become bare. To correct this homeowners have either tried to use shade lawn, or have resorted to cutting their trees back to let more light in. But you don’t have to cut back trees or live with a struggling lawn or bare soil. South Africa is home to a rich diversity of indigenous forest plants that work beautifully on the highveld. Contact us for a consultation, or visit plantbook.co.za to view some of these species.

I want to save water, can you design the garden accordingly?

Yes, helping to save water in people’s gardens is what we do. There are a number of design factors that help reduce water usage in a garden. These include using indigenous, waterwise plants, reducing the size of your lawn, and checking and/or making changes to your irrigation system to ensure it runs efficiently. Additionally we can install new irrigation technologies such as low-precipitation nozzles or rain/weather sensors. Most importantly though, installing a biome-themed garden such as a grassland will immediately reduce your watering requirements. Think of a your local nature reserve, which relies solely on rain water: replicating this habitat in your own home will help you save water.

I have an existing garden, will you remove all my plants?

No. If you want specific plants to remain in place we’ll incorporate them into your new design. It’s also worth keeping large trees and shrubs as these provide an already established structural element to the garden – provided they are not weeds, invader species, and are not damaging your property. Some perennials such as clivias and agapanthus can also be split and replanted if they are overgrown, so if you have such species we will do this for you.

Can we use our existing pavers/pebbles?

Yes, provided they are of a quality that is enhancing your garden and not taking away from it. Pavers and pebbles can sometimes be used in a different part of the garden, and if we can incorporate them we’ll do so. Sometimes though, pavers can be so old and broken that changing them to a new and modern style will transform your garden.

Can I get a design and install the garden myself?

Yes, you’re welcome to. And if you require assistance during the project you can call on us on a consultative basis.

I already have a design from another landscaper, can you use this to quote/install the garden?

Generally it’s best to let the other landscaper install the garden for you, as it is their creative design and they will therefore understand the garden and the spec you have provided to them. If you’d like us to quote for your garden then let us provide you with our own design and costing, and you can then compare the two. An exception to this is when you have used a designer or landscape architect who does not have an installation team, in which case we can evaluate the design and advise or quote accordingly.

I live in another province/country, can you travel to do our garden?

Yes we can. To ensure a successful project we would make a trip prior to installation – for which we would charge a travel and consultation fee. Thereafter, for the installation, we would bring some of our team members or manage the project using local labour.

What do you mean by ‘wildlife-friendly garden’?

A wildlife-friendly garden is one which attracts the local wildlife, be it birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, or mammals. It is a healthy and thriving ecosystem, and some of our favourite wildlife gardens are those that mimic nearby nature reserves, specifically with regards to the plants that are found in those areas (locally indigenous). By creating a wildlife-friendly garden you are helping to extend the greenbelt of your area, and in a small way helping to protect the wonderful biodiversity of our country.

My dogs use a particular path/route to run through the garden, can you incorporate this into your design?

Yes we can, but it is usually better to let us design a new garden for everyone. Trying to incorporate the original ‘pet paths’ into a design forces us to change the plant selection and/or plant positioning that we would otherwise use. Instead of tying yourself – and your pets – down to their old pathways, rather let us design a new garden for everyone and your pets will soon create new pathways on their own.

 

Pricing Questions


Do I need to give you a budget?

No, not necessarily. Sometimes it’s better to let us design the garden without the restriction of a budget, as this allows us to create the most beautiful garden we can based on your existing space and our discussions with you. Once we have created the initial design you can request changes based on your budget and preferences, and we’ll then adjust the design and costing accordingly.

I don’t have the budget to do the full garden now, can we do it in phases?

Yes, we can do your garden in phases. The design we have created then becomes the ‘blueprint’ for future phases of the project.

Is your quotation fixed, or will there be pricing changes during the project?

In most cases there will be pricing changes due to the availability of quality plants at the time of installation. In all cases however we endeavour to remain at or below the price quoted unless otherwise requested. An example of a price change might be: We quote for a 20 litre Duvernoia aconitiflora (shrub), but find during sourcing that the healthiest looking shrubs are either 40 litre or 10 litre specimens. We will then either consult with you or choose the 10 litre specimens and return the cost saving to you in the recon. Conversely, if you request additional elements during the project, or if we find something unforeseen that we feel should be corrected – like an old wall foundation that can be jackhammered out – then we’ll discuss these additional costs with you prior to going ahead with them.

Your quotation is higher than we expected, can it be reduced?

Yes, we can reduce quotations by changing the size of the plants, e.g. 10 litre plants to 4 litre plants, or by changing the hardscaping materials, e.g. using gravel for a firepit floor instead of paving the area, which would reduce our labour charges. When quoting we initially choose what we feel are the most appropriate materials and plant sizes, and then adjust these as your budget allows.

Can we purchase the plants ourselves?

You’re welcome to purchase the plants yourself, but for most projects we use a number of different nurseries to ensure that the quality of the plants is high. On occasions when clients have purchased their own plants or materials there have sometimes been delays to the start of the project, or the quality of the plants or materials is below what we would be happy with.

Can we save costs by managing parts of the project ourselves?

You’re welcome to manage some aspects of the project, such as purchasing planters or water features etc., but for quality reasons it’s best to let us manage most if not all other aspects. If you would like to manage staff or handle transport and deliveries then rather use us on a consultative basis.

 

Installation Questions


When is the best time to install the garden?

Anytime, but in our view the best months are autumn and winter as this gives your plants time to establish themselves before the onset of spring. These months are also quiet times for the green industry, which means less of a waiting period to do your garden, and lower costs, since most suppliers increase their pricing in spring. We use hardy, indigenous plant material, so there is little chance of losing your plants to the cold.

How many projects do you run at one time?

Usually only one. We have a small team whom we dedicate to one project at a time. If we do have a secondary project it is usually a maintenance job.

How long will it take to install my garden?

This depends on the size and complexity of the project. Most gardens can be completed in 2-4 weeks, whilst very small gardens may take only a day or two. Larger projects, which require the use of earth moving equipment, may take 6 weeks or more.

Do you just drop off your team, or will you be on site all the time?

We manage all aspects of your project, but this means we may be out at times selecting your plants or collecting materials. We also meet with new clients during the day. When not on site we have a team leader who leads the team under our instruction, otherwise we will be on site managing your project.

What happens if you hit my main water line/irrigation/pool pipes/electrics/gas/fibre?

We are irrigation specialists and are equipped to repair your water mains, irrigation pipes and pool pipes if we hit these during the installation. Having said this, it is helpful if a client is able to mark these pipes out for us prior to installation, but in most cases, clients are not sure exactly where their underground pipes are, so we will repair them if we accidentally hit them. For electrical cables we use a qualified electrician, but for gas and fibre lines we recommend that your gas/fibre technicians be on standby, or that they come to mark these out for us prior to installation.

Do you offer tree felling services?

No. Tree felling is a specialised field so if you require tree-felling we will either sub-contract the work or recommend a reputable service provider.

Do I need to be on site or available during the project?

It is helpful if clients are available at some points during the project, so that we can discuss progress and possible improvements, changes that perhaps were not evident at the start. If you are planning to go away for an extended period then it would be best to delay the start of the project until you are back.

Are there ways I can help to make this a successful project?

Yes, there are a few things that make our lives easier, so if you’re able to assist us with these it would be appreciated:

  • Dogs: If your think your dogs might interfere with us please keep them in a separate area. In most cases we get along fine with dogs, but we are working with picks, spades and forks in your garden and do not want any accidents.
  • Access: We will be in and out frequently during the project, so ease of access is important. If you have a remote-controlled gate please provide us with a remote, or have someone available during the day to open for us. Alternatively, if you are in an estate that uses pin codes, please provide us with a code that is valid for 5 entries per day. If registration for our team is required to your estate (card/fingerprint access) then we will apply for these, and may require your signature on the forms.
  • Toilet/changing facilities: If you have toilet/changing facilities for us on site that would be appreciated – we endeavour to keep them clean – otherwise we will hire a portable toilet for the project.

 

Irrigation Questions

Do I need an irrigation system?

If you are installing an indigenous garden, then the short answer is no, you do not need an irrigation system. Our whole ethos is to design and install beautiful, indigenous, waterwise gardens, so if we are going to create such a garden for you then we would recommend that you do not install irrigation. It's true that initial watering of the plants is important, usually for the first few months, but after 6-12 months your plants should have established themselves sufficiently to rely on rain water. We have many clients with indigenous gardens who water their plants manually as and when required, and for whom an irrigation system would now be redundant. See below for when an irrigation system is useful.

When should I install an irrigation system?

Irrigation systems are useful in the following scenarios:

  • When you want the convenience of establishing your plants, usually for the first 6-12 months. Some clients purchase relatively cheap sprinklers initially so they can get their gardens established, and then remove them once their plants have grown.
  • If you have a large expanse of lawn that you want to keep lush and green throughout the year. The recommended precipitation rate for Kikuyu on the highveld is 25mm per week in summer, so if you are wanting to keep your lawn looking lush then we can design an irrigation system accordingly. Do keep in mind that depending on the size of your lawn, you might be using a significant amount of water to reach this 25mm per week, so unless you have a borehole it's important to take into consideration the impact on your water bill, as well as how future water restrictions might impact you. There are many homeowners who are happy to live with a less than perfect lawn during the dry season, knowing that their lawns will recover, and that they're helping to conserve a precious resource.
  • If you are installing a vegetable garden or fruit orchard, then an irrigation system is useful and sometimes vital. Again in this case we can design an irrigation system accordingly. Drippers and/or low-precipitation nozzles are efficient sprinklers in these scenarios.

What irrigation technologies can we use to help save water?

Most irrigation companies are working hard to develop technologies that can help consumers save water. Drippers, dripper lines, and low-precipitation nozzles are all sprinkler technologies that allow for efficient use of the water you put down in your garden. Additionally, computer technologies - such as Hunter Hydrawise - allow you to monitor and manage your irrigation system from your phone, providing water-usage alerts or even shutting off the system if rain is imminent. These technologies, coupled with rain and/or soil sensors, help to ensure your irrigation system is efficient.

Can an irrigation system be detrimental to my garden?

Yes, if it used when it is not needed. We sometimes find that there is a tendency to want to use an irrigation system (especially if it is fed from a borehole), even if the garden does not need it. Overwatering is one of the most common problems we see in gardens, and can result in an increased risk of fungal growth and disease, soggy lawns, or nutrients being leached from the soil. An irrigation system should be used as sparingly as possible, as and when the plants need it.

If I don't have irrigation technology, how will I know when to water my plants?

Our - rather unscientific - answer to this question is that the plants will tell you. It's important to be 'in touch' with your garden and your plants. Many plants show signs of stress if they are being over or underwatered, and you will only spot this if you spend time in your garden. If a large-leaved forest shrub droops during the day, for example, but comes 'back to life' in the evening, then chances are this plant is using an in-built mechanism to reduce water loss, and is perfectly fine. If, however, the leaves of a plant are starting to yellow, or the plant is showing signs of fungal growth, then this might be a sign that it is being overwatered. Homeowners who regularly check-in with their plants spot these signs before they become bigger problems. As much as irrigation technology can be useful, the best advice is to be involved in the life of your plants and the growth of your garden.

Irrigations systems seem to be more of a problem than a useful tool. Is this true?

The short answer is that like anything in life, if you take shortcuts with an irrigation installation, then you may well have problems in future. Poor quality fittings and pipe, or poor design or installation, can all lead to maintenance problems. If you are going to install an irrigation system then it's worth investing in a professional design and installation, and quality materials.

Plant Questions

Is this all the plants I get?

One question we often get asked when the plants arrive is: ‘is this all the plants I get?’. When we plan your garden, we take into account the full-grown height and width of each plant, and budget your plant quantities accordingly. It’s tempting to overfill a new garden with lots of plants but this soon leads to an overgrown garden and is a waste of plant material. Planning your garden with its future growth in mind is very important, so although your garden may look sparse to begin with it will soon fill out as your plants grow.

Do you only use plants from one nursery?

No, we have a selection of preferred plant suppliers in Gauteng and further afield that we use for our projects, and in some cases may use up to 10 or more nurseries for a single project.

Will my plants be in flower?

This will depend on their size and/or flowering time. We first select plants based on the design, before choosing specimens that may be budding or in flower. Some plants - especially shrubs and trees - may take a few years to establish themselves before they start flowering, whilst some grasses - such as melinis repens - might be in flower for most of the year.

How big will my plants be initially?

This depends on your requirements, and the species and sizes we have chosen, but in most cases your plants will be small to begin with. Rather than focussing on size though we take care in choosing the appropriate species and their positions, so even though most of the plants will be small initially, they will soon fill out into their spaces as they grow.

How long will the plants take to mature?

This depends on the plant species, watering, and after-care given to them. Most groundcovers will fill out after two years, whilst some shrubs may take 2-5 years. Most trees spend the first few years of their life establishing their root systems before they show signs of growth above ground, so expect your trees to start growing significantly only after 2-3 years.

Do you personally choose the trees for my garden?

Yes. Trees form the backbone to the structure of the garden, so choosing a tree with the correct shape is important. Additionally, we also take care in positioning the tree during planting, so that its structure – such as the way it forks – is positioned appropriately.

I have existing cycads, can you incorporate them in the new design?

Yes. Please note however that we cannot, by law, move cycads without the necessary permits. To obtain permits for your cycads please contact the Cycad Society:
http://www.cycadsociety.org/

I need an instant garden for a wedding/function, can you help?

Yes, but expect the costs to be significantly higher than normal. Installing an instant garden often requires purchasing the most established plants available, and/or overplanting them for effect. If they are overplanted then they may have to be thinned out at a later date, which is a waste of plant material. Instant gardens are possible but are best done on a small scale, such as a small show garden. Otherwise we recommend planting your garden with a long-term goal in mind.

I have small children/pets, can you avoid using poisonous plants?

Yes, we will take this into account and choose non-toxic plants.

I do not want plants that drop thorns

That is fine, there are a few species (most notably some of the Acacias), that have a tendency to drop thorns. Keep in mind though that some species produce many thorns initially – as a protective barrier against browsing animals – but then lose some of their ‘thorniness’ as they mature.

I do not like spiky-looking plants, can you design accordingly?

Yes, we can choose species that have softer foliage. We do however try to create wildlife-friendly spaces, and some spiky-looking plants are much loved by insects and birds for their food, nesting sites, and perching opportunities. With every garden we try to find a happy medium for both you and the local wildlife. Additionally, our themed gardens are designed to mimic natural habitats, so apart from practical aspects to the design, some spiky plants may be beneficial for biodiversity.

I prefer plants with white/purple/pink flowers, can you design accordingly?

Yes, we can. South Africa is home to a vast variety of indigenous plants that fit this colour scheme.

I do not want plants with messy fruit?

That is fine, we can choose species that do not have messy fruit. Additionally, depending on the species, we can choose male plants instead of females, which bear the fruit. Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum) is an example of this.

I want an evergreen tree for screening, can you design accordingly?

Yes, we can, and we’ll go through the tree options with you. Keep in mind though that all trees lose their leaves, and some evergreen species are some of the messiest trees of all! Additionally, some semi-deciduous or even fully deciduous species still provide screening throughout the year, because whilst they may lose their leaves in winter, they may also be laden with seeds pods at this time – Acacia (=Vachellia) galpinii (Monkey Thorn) is a good example of this. We’ll go through the pros and cons of each species with you.

 

Post-installation questions

Will my garden be difficult to maintain?

Most indigenous gardens require minimal care, as the plants are hardy and waterwise, and resistant to disease. Initially though you will need to ensure that your new garden is watered regularly (at least 2-4 weeks after installation), that weeds are removed, and that your trees are staked correctly. After installation we’ll provide you with instructions on how to maintain your garden, including weeding, pruning, and watering cycles, and for high-maintenance areas such as lawns, water features and ponds we’ll provide further details on how to maintain these. We also provide seasonal management to help ensure your garden remains healthy and is developing correctly.

Can you train my gardener to maintain the garden?

Yes, it is always a pleasure to have gardeners who are willing to learn how to maintain our gardens. We can either get your gardener involved during the installation process, or train them on the last days of the project. There are also excellent external gardener training courses available. Contact us for further details.

Will I have to remove weeds after installation?

Yes. Because we are creating new beds or altering old ones, and enriching your soil with compost, fertiliser, and mulch, you will find additional weed growth after your garden has been completed. This is especially common where we have removed lawn, as lawn seeds may remain in the soil and germinate after installation. Over time your ground covers will crowd out the weeds, but initially you will need to spend time weeding your garden.

Must I turn my soil?

No. We use mulch to cover the open surface areas of your new garden, and use groundcovers which will eventually cover the soil. Mulch protects the soil and keeps it moist, which helps the growth of micro-organisms. These in turn break down dead plant material, which helps to feed your plants. Turning the soil interferes with this process by exposing these micro-organisms to heat, which them and slowly degrades the quality of your soil.

Will my garden be pest-free?

We use indigenous plant material which attracts natural predators to keep pest numbers under control. In exceptional cases where intervention is required, we will recommend appropriate methods, with a preference for organic products which will not have a negative impact on the environment.

How often will I need to water my garden?

This depends on the plant zones and micro-climate(s) within your garden, which we’ll advise on after installation. Initially you will need to water your garden every day for 2-4 weeks, and thereafter we’ll provide a recommended watering schedule. If we have created a biome-themed garden for you then it is likely you will not need to water your garden after 6-12 months, as the garden should be able to rely on rainfall.

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  • Testimonials

    • Leila Akahloun, AthollLeila Akahloun, Atholl

      Ryan and Glenice are experts at indigenous gardens. They provide designs and costings up front and are great thought partners on garden design. They manage a highly professional crew and they were quick , cost effective and efficient. I highly recommend their services. Top notch professionals!

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    • Natalie Skoutellas, BedfordviewNatalie Skoutellas, Bedfordview

      From the moment I contacted Grounded Landscaping I received professional yet personal service from Glenice. Upon our first meeting I knew I could trust Glenice to give me the look & feel I wanted & I was right. Glenice goes the extra mile to make sure you’re happy. When she saw I had small kids eager to play outside, she pushed her team to work faster. We ended up needing extra work done like piping, drainage & irrigation & yet the job was completed before the time she initially quoted us on.
      Thank you guys so much. You’re an amazing team. My garden looks awesome.

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    • Keith Coyne, Property ConsultantKeith Coyne, Property Consultant

      I think this should be used as a show garden to other residents with practical use of space by planting mainly indigenous species that will not get too big for the space and the limited use of exotic species intermixed with good herbs and veggies.

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    • Charmaine Lack, WendywoodCharmaine Lack, Wendywood

      Glenice, Ryan and the team are absolutely superb! They are professional, efficient and always provide excellent service! My garden is now a safe haven because of them! Thank you so much Glenice, Ryan and the team!

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    • Carel Robinson, RandburgCarel Robinson, Randburg

      Excellent client service. Glenice is focused to deliver a complete service to her clients. Attention to small details was done to the T.

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    • Janice Walker, FairlandJanice Walker, Fairland

      Working with Grounded Landscaping was just a wonderful experience all round. My beautiful indigenous garden is just over a year old and gives me daily joy. Ditching the lawn was the best decision I ever made! Grounded Landscaping still provides support, as and when I need it. Glenice is the consummate professional with oodles of knowledge and experience. I thoroughly recommend this company

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    • Gordon & Sue Morrison, The Bush House, Madikwe Game ReserveGordon & Sue Morrison, The Bush House, Madikwe Game Reserve

      Glenice, Ryan and the team from Grounded Landscaping have been an absolute pleasure to work with from start to finish. Bearing in mind we are in the middle of a game reserve and so far away from Johannesburg, the planning and execution has been exemplary. In the seven days they were with us Glenice and Ryan were completely hands on, always available and totally involved with this large project. Everyone on the team was completely professional and friendly and it was a wonderful way for our staff and ourselves to learn so much with this hands on approach. Nothing was too much trouble and it was a project that had a “feel good“ effect. Our guests have been delighted with the result and we are doubly thrilled that due to this project we are saving 22 500 litres of water a week. Sincere thanks.

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    • Candi Smith, LonehillCandi Smith, Lonehill

      It has been an honour to meet Glenice, Ryan and the Grounded Landscaping team who have completely transformed my garden into the most joyful and serene space with beauty and interest around every corner. Glenice has an inspirational passion and knowledge for gardens, wildlife and the environment and working with Ryan and the team, provided a very professional end to service from the garden design and installation of plants, hard landscaping, lights, veggie garden and a water feature. Glenice and Ryan share their vast knowledge and experience to educate people on the plants, animals and insects that share and enjoy the garden, with interesting and relevant advice on how to care for it. This was more than a project; it has been a fascinating and exciting experience. I highly recommend Grounded Landscaping to anyone looking to transform their home and environment.

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    • Penny Allen, BroadacresPenny Allen, Broadacres

      Having had Glenice create a garden from scratch for my daughter to helping me with my garden on several occasions I cannot speak highly enough of her and her team. Glenice has a real understanding and love for the work she does and it SHOWS !! She has taught me a lot which adds to the overall appreciation of one’s unique space and opens one’s eyes to little aspects of nature that previously were not in one’s awareness. We need more of her in our world. She is an asset to nature.

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    • Eric & Amelia Kleijn, ParktownEric & Amelia Kleijn, Parktown

      We would like to place on record our sincere thanks and gratitude for the outstanding service we received from Grounded Landscaping. The enthusiasm displayed by all your staff was a delight. It was so refreshing to work with knowledgeable people who clearly love what they do; and more importantly, are very good at what they do.

      We have no hesitation in recommending Grounded Landscaping. They genuinely care about their work and take great pride in it. And it shows! May they grow from strength to strength!

      All good wishes,

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    • Andrew & Melanie, WoodmeadAndrew & Melanie, Woodmead

      We have done extensive renovating and building in the past and I can honestly say that Grounded Landscaping provided us with by far the most professional and knowledgeable service yet. It’s easily apparent that Ryan and Glenice are passionate about what they do and this translates into a beautiful and considered final product. We love our garden renovation and the fire pit. The team working with Ryan was courteous, polite and hardworking. Ryan was on site all the time (unheard of with most jobs) and was always obliging and happy to help and give advice. This is a wonderful group of people who we couldn’t recommend more highly.

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    • Kamanie Moodley, MidrandKamanie Moodley, Midrand

      From day one..from the initial meeting with Glenice, to the design stage and finally the installation; the entire process was hassle free and smooth sailing. It's exactly what I wanted - a hands on person who took charge at every stage to ensure her team were on track and keeping to design needs.

      Glenice was on site the entire time, keeping to deadlines; and always on time which is so unusual in this line of work. Her hands on approach and eagle's eye for attention to detail gave me alot of confidence. I have learnt so much from Glenice, in terms of what works for a garden and she has challenged my thinking on a few topics. I love her passion for indigenous planting as well as creating a space that attracts wildlife. I put in my first sisal nesting log last week; and waiting patiently now for barbets to occupy the nest. Thanks to Glenice for that! Next is the bee hotel!

      Ryan, her husband helped us with advice on the irrigation system so we have more efficient watering.
      They are a perfect team, listening attentively to the client's needs and patiently giving advise.

      Phase 1 of my garden is done. Now I can't wait for Phase 2 to begin!

      I highly recommend Grounded Landscaping to transform your garden into a haven. God knows, we all need something to revive our spirits during this Lockdown.

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    • Lindy-Ann & John CunhaLindy-Ann & John Cunha

      For anyone looking to redo their garden and entertainment area, I can’t recommend Grounded Landscaping enough. They are an award-winning Johannesburg based landscaping company, headed up by Glenice Ebedes. They specialise in indigenous gardens, and focus on quality and attention to detail.

      Glenice and her partner Ryan make the most amazing team. They are so kind and gentle but fiercely professional too. They are uber efficient and super talented. Last year we briefed Glenice to design a beautiful but low maintenance garden for us, and right off the bat, we were impressed.

      I have never had a garden before and my green thumb is more a consequence of painting than gardening, so I really didn’t know where to start. Our designs were presented as professional layout renderings with full descriptions and explanations for the flowers chosen and trees selected. So much thought went into what plants would go where and why.

      Fast forward 6 months and our little Eden has really begun to take hold and flourish. I am so very proud of our beautiful garden and spend as much time in it as humanly possible. It has been perfectly designed as low maintenance as requested and as Glenice put it so perfectly, “this garden has been created for the birds, bees and butterflies” and I couldn’t be happier.

      *excerpt from https://itsacolourfulworld.com/2019/03/18/grounded-landscaping-gauteng/

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    • Steven Green, GreenstoneSteven Green, Greenstone

      I was truly blown away by the service, in my experience there are very few companies now days that do as they say, not only was the job completed earlier than estimated but little things such as sourcing paint for the walling and replacing broken walkway steps from the original manufacturer were sourced and delivered within a few hours. I was expecting to have to do it myself. I can definitely recommend this company to anyone for all landscaping requirements, by far the best service provider I have dealt with in a very long time. Thank you Ryan and Glenice it was a pleasure working with you!

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    • Mike & Irina, BryanstonMike & Irina, Bryanston

      We found Grounded Landscaping on the internet and we were really satisfied with service provided from the initial planning consultation, through to site work and after sale services. The whole team was professional, hard working and extremely reliable. Ryan Ebedes kept us informed of the progress and any difficulties were dealt with ensuring minimum delay to the project. The whole project was implemented in an efficient way, with outstanding quality, stuck to the budget and schedule outlined from the beginning. As we were away from home, the after sale services provided by the team were really appreciated. We can definitely recommend your services in future to our friends and wish you much success with the business!

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    • Kathy & Peter Strehler, Wilro ParkKathy & Peter Strehler, Wilro Park

      Once again thanks so much for all your hard work last week on our garden makeover. Your layout, plant selection and advice are appreciated and especially thanks for just being the special person you are. We are thrilled with the result and can’t wait to watch everything grow up and grow tall and lush.

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    • Christelle Dunn, Highlands NorthChristelle Dunn, Highlands North

      Glenice really listened to our specific needs for the garden. We wanted a simple, low-maintenance garden with indigenous plants and a French look. Glenice delivered on all our requirements! She carefully considered all aspects of the garden and gave us regular feedback during the installation process. She also left us with a maintenance plan. Very professional service!

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    • Barbara Devine, BlairgowrieBarbara Devine, Blairgowrie

      I found Grounded Landscaping through Google and liked what they were offering. I called, and they were very professional and efficient. Ryan came to quote and sent the design within 24 hours and the I received the quote within a week. I thought the price quoted was very reasonable. The work on the garden commenced as per agreed date and I am very happy with the final garden. Ryan kept me updated daily and the work carried out was professional and efficient, whilst being friendly and helpful. Once the garden was completed, Ryan and Glenice came to take me through the care of the plants and presented me with a book on indigenous plants which was a really nice touch. The small things make all the difference. A thoroughly enjoyable experience and I am very happy with the outcome and would definitely recommend Grounded Landscaping.

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    • Alex Dohm, FerndaleAlex Dohm, Ferndale

      Thank you to Ryan and his team for our garden makeover! From the word go, Ryan was professional, punctual and so easy to work with. He always made sure to take our ideas and requests on board while adding his knowledge, creativity and experience to ensure a superb end result. Our questions were always answered promptly and advice was always just an email away. Ryan constantly supervised his team during the project and delivered exactly what was promised. We would highly recommend Grounded Landscaping.

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    • Kimon & Shernon Triantafillou, BedfordviewKimon & Shernon Triantafillou, Bedfordview

      The entire process from initial consultation through to installation and post sales was excellent! Very professional and would highly recommend Grounded Landscaping.

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    • Julia Blitz, MooikloofJulia Blitz, Mooikloof

      It is no surprise that this is an award winning company. It has been an absolute pleasure doing business with them as well as watching them work on my garden landscaping and planting. This is a professional team that works together, is passionate about the work that they do, and understands indigenous ecology at a deep systems level. I look forward to watching my new bushveld garden establish itself - the birds and butterflies are already appreciating it!
      I highly recommend this company and look forward to their maintenance visits over the forthcoming years.

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    • Derek Tedder, SandownDerek Tedder, Sandown

      I was very lucky to come across Grounded landscaping; it was an absolute pleasure to deal with people where the client comes first! From the first discussion to the finishing off, the service was great and nothing was too much. The knowledge and suggestions were first class and the results speak for themselves, very happy ????

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    • Vida Opperman, EdenburgVida Opperman, Edenburg

      Ryan, Glenice and team turned my messy overgrown hell scape into a grasslands oasis. Thank you for giving a bit of nature in the middle of Sandton...

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  • About us

    Grounded Landscaping is an award-winning landscaping company specialising in indigenous, wildlife-friendly gardens. We are based in the Cradle of Humankind, a world heritage site and part of the grassland biome of Southern Africa. We service most areas of Gauteng, including Johannesburg, Centurion and Pretoria.
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    © Copyright 2024 Grounded Landscaping, Gauteng, South Africa, cc 2011/012073/23
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