Green inspiration from city café

Andrew Mangwarara

NESTLED within a charming two-acre garden in the heart of Highlands, Harare, along Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Road, the Queen of Hearts Café offers excellent service, exceptional food and arguably the finest coffee in town, all within an awe-inspiring ambiance.

The eatery provides a delightful dining experience in a serene environment marked by manicured lawns.

The extensive daily menu offered features delicious breakfast, authentic Indian curries, gourmet burgers, wholesome and fresh salads, delectable baked goods, artisan gelato and flavourful tacos.The café also offers valuable insights into garden zoning, a technique that divides limited space into functional units, effectively creating “rooms” within the garden.

Those behind the cafe have skilfully implemented this concept, with each corner showcasing unique small shops and garden designs that captivate visitors.

Garden zoning, often employed in house designs, adds a sense of secluded charm to outdoor spaces.

Various methods can be used to create distinct garden zones.  One approach involves constructing a raised corner with staircases, establishing a separate area accessible by steps.

The choice of plants further enhances the seclusion of this space.

Alternatively, separate garden zones can be defined using climbers on trellises.

This provides an easy way to partition areas while creating visually appealing designs.

Pergolas, umbrella-shaped shaded structures, can also be utilised to establish private spaces.

Walkways can serve as areas for relaxation and exploration, as well as functional spaces within the garden. Consider incorporating a rockery to create a serene resting place.

Water features, such as fountains, small dams or ponds, are excellent for dividing garden spaces.

Position a bench or seating area to overlook the water feature, enhancing its appeal.

Remember to zone the children’s play area.

As demonstrated here, ensuring each family member’s satisfaction is crucial, as their discontent can affect everyone’s enjoyment of the garden.

Instead of having a raised area, you can consider creating a sunken seating area.

You can also delineate areas by using different lighting schemes in various parts of the garden.

Finally, colour can be used as a zoning tool.

Different colour palettes are used for various sections of the garden.

Enjoy exploring various ways of creating distinct “rooms” within your garden.

If you would like to be featured in our green-up campaign, contact us on the number above. Feedback: [email protected] or [email protected]