The intention is to create a seamless blend between the timeless traditions and architecture of Hilton College and the natural beauty and true African spirit of the Umgeni Valley. To this end there is an incorporation of both indigenous and non-indigenous plantings while being sensitive to the natural eco-systems and habitats of the area and to encourage this wherever possible. Verging on the biodiversity of the Umgeni Valley means that The Gates is committed to protecting the plants and animals and co-operating to avoid posing a threat to this as well as perpetuating it. The Gates is also committed to conserving and preserving water resources. Views form an integral part of the broader landscape and as such need to be enhanced at every opportunity.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Guidelines are established to create a unity and common purpose and therefore are to be borne in mind. Recommended plant lists are attached and are available from the estate office. It is not intended to be restrictive but rather to create imaginative gardens which enhance and sustain the natural environment.
Neighbours are to be respected at all times, bearing in mind their views.
No exotic species are to be planted in the buffer zones.
Endemic plants are better suited to the local area and are water wise.
Endeavour to incorporate as much indigenous planting as possible.
Irrigation systems should be programmed to run during the night (less evaporation) and over watering avoided at all times.
Shut off valves must be fitted and situated next to the mains.
It is strongly advised to employ a qualified landscaping consultant to guide in plant choices and design.
Proposed designs and plant lists must be submitted to the estate manager for prior approval.
Private landscapers must register with the estate manager prior to operating on the estate. They will be aware of all rules and regulations. Codes of conduct apply to landscape contractors as well as building contractors.
It is the responsibility of all homeowners to keep gardens in a good state ensuring proper control of weeds, pets and mowing and edging etc. All garden waste is then to be removed from the estate.
Vacant sites :
• Must be kept free of any alien growth.
• To be kept free of stagnant water.
• To be monitored for the possibility of soil erosion.
PRIVATE LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS
– No advertising boards may be displayed
– No cold canvassing is allowed on the estate
– Working hours are Monday to Friday 07h00 to 18h00 only, no Public Holidays or weekends
– Adhere to speed limits
– Staff are to be restricted to the site being landscaped
– No alcohol, no firearms
– Staff to be properly dressed at all times.
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITES
Garden designers and landscapers must all receive a copy of the guidelines and plant lists.
In order to compliment the architecture it is envisaged that a 60% indigenous and 40% exotic mix will be utilized when designing gardens.
– It goes without saying that the more indigenous plant material used that is endemic to the area the less fertilizer and water will be used and the natural fauna will slowly move back into the area. Since the entire development is situated on the drier north facing slope of the Umgeni Valley area it is necessary to create localised small habitats and ecosystems mimicking the forest margins and by planting trees as the upper storey, large shrubs as the middle layer and ground covers as the bottom storey, one will begin to see results of these protected environments and moisture content levels in soil will increase.
There is a prohibited plant list below – please adhere to this list.
Lawns will be either :
Cynodon (several species which tend to get patchy),
Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum)(NOTE : this lawn is difficult to control, is an alien and chokes and destroys indigenous flora) or
Buffalo (Stenotaphrum secundatum)
PROHIBITED PLANT LIST
| Acacia mearnsii | Black Wattle |
| Acacia decurrens | Green Wattle |
| Acacia longifolia | Long-leaved Wattle |
| Agave sisaland | Sisal |
| Arundo donax | Giant Reed |
| Campulodinium macrocephalum | Pompom Weed |
| Canna sp | Canna |
| Cardiospermum grandiflorum | Balloon Vine |
| Cassia sp | Cassia |
| Cestrum laevigatum | Inkberry |
| Chromolaena odorata | Triffid weed |
| Chrysalidocarpus lutescens | Bamboo Palms |
| Cortaderia selloana | Pampas Grass |
| Cotoneaster sp | Cotoneaster |
| Crataegus sp | Washington Thorn |
| Eucalyptus sp | Gum trees |
| Gleditshia triacanthos | Honey Locust |
| Hedera helix | Ivy |
| Hedychium flavescens | Ginger |
| Ipomea purpurea | Purple Morning Glory |
| Jacaranda | Jacaranda Tree |
| Jasminium polinthum | Jasmine |
| Lantana camara | Tickberry |
| Ligustrum sinese | Privet |
| Litsea glutinosa | Indian Laurel |
| Lonicera periclymenum | Honeysuckle |
| Melia azederach | Syringa Tree |
| Melaleuca ‘Johannesburg Gold’ | Johannesburg Gold |
| Opuntia ficus indica | Prickly Pear |
| Phytolacca dioica | Balhambra Tree |
| Pontedaria cordata | Pickerel Weed |
| Populus canescens | Grey Poplar |
| Prunus laurocerasus | Cherry Laurel |
| Psidium guineense | Guava |
| Pyracantha angustifolia | Fire Thorn |
| Rhus succendanca | Himalayan Rhus |
| Ricinus communis | Castor Oil Bush |
| Robinia pseudoacasia | Black Locust Tree |
| Rubus cuneifolius | American Bramble |
| Salix babylonica | Willow Tree |
| Schinus terabinthifolius | Pepper Tree |
| Solanum mauritanium | Bug Weed |
| Spartium junceum | Spanish Broom |
| Tecoma stans | Yellow Bells |
| Tithonia diversifolia | Mexican Sunflower |
| Tradescantia sp | Wandering Jew |
| Vinca sp | Periwinkle |