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Andrew Mangwarara
For a company that specialises in publishing and distributing modern educational material, we can learn a few things about garden design, maintaining functionality and avoiding clutter or overcrowding from Consultus Publishing Services.
The firm has been in existence for a decade now and has branches in Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo and Mutare.
At its head office located on Glenara Avenue in Harare, the company’s chief executive officer wanted to create a garden that would be easy to care for.
He envisioned a space that would inspire and allow people to think. And, indeed, the garden has become a space where ideas take root and grow.
In designing the garden, there was consideration of the fact that customers require parking space for their convenience when conducting business.
Selection of the correct lawn is an important component of design as it (lawn) acts as a carpet for the garden. The designers chose the rough-textured buffalo grass (stenotaphrum secundatum), which is being maintained excellently, bringing out its toughness and beauty, while providing a comfortable surface for sitting and admiring.
One of the key assets of every garden is its colour combination, as this adds to the overall aesthetics of the place. The white bougainvilleas at the entrance match the greyish colour of the building.
In any landscape, balance is an essential aspect, and here, this is achieved through the use of duranta hedges and pots with the Agave americana. Even the building has a unique balanced structure.
Texture is another characteristic achieved well in this garden design.
At the back courtyard, there is a row of matching earthen pots that have the colourful philodendron climbers growing in unison, whilst a number of the Kenyan croton trees provide shade for staff to relax and have their meals.
What stands out is the maintenance regime of the garden. Everything is in place and there is no litter or untidiness in the garden.
The custom-made stone sculpture of a woman reading a book represents the company’s commitment to learning and adds a new dimension to the place.
Finally, the inviting roadside design helps bring in customers. A wholesome combination of symmetry, colour, variety and balance can easily make any garden acquire a new executive status.
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Online Reporter