A simple yet unique garden

Andrew Mangwarara

GREENING up your space has several advantages.

For instance, plants purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide while releasing the much-needed oxygen we breathe. Similarly, plants beautify our environment, creating a perfect place to unwind, rest and recharge.

If you visit the Absolute Luxury Guest Lodge in Hillside, Harare, you will be mesmerised by a simple yet unique garden that comprises the king palm (roystonea regia) in the outside yard of the property.

The front lawn is adorned with benches, where one can enjoy the winter sun in the midst of plants like the golden dew drop (duranta repens) that are shaped creatively and the Herbst’s bloodleaf (iresine herbstii), with the red foliage providing some colour contrast.

The elephant ear (alocasia odora), a poisonous colleague, and grass like the variegated lily turf (liriope muscari variegata) are also in the mix. In the middle of the car park, you are greeted by a circular bed of plants that include the Egyptian star cluster (pentas lanceolata), the chrysanthemum, mother-in-law’s tongue, irises and Joseph’s coat (alternanthera bettzickiana).

The wild date palm (phoenix reclinata) against a wall makes a bold statement. Though it does not fruit well in our climate, it is a good source of antioxidants, which one will do well to include in their diet.The wandering Jew (zebrina pendula) is a pleasant surprise while a grass-thatched gazebo against a swimming pool offers patrons a place to refresh.

A couple of benches with a few speckles of the purple heart (setcresea pallida) make beautiful furniture in this neat garden. There is a brick pathway that leads one away from this area to the reception entrance. Well-trimmed hedges of the golden dew drop stand out against the wall like five soldiers at a guarding post.

The kochia plant (bassia scoparia), which is forgotten in many gardens, is a pleasant wonder. It is a short-lived biennial plant that one can include in one’s garden for a memorable fresh green outlook.