Landscaping Philosophy
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Landscape Guidelines MARCH 2008 By: A LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES 1. OBJECTIVES 2. RESPONSIBILITIES: 2.1 The Developer 2.2 The Management Association (MA) 2.3 Owners 3. IZINGA LANDSCAPE DESIGN PHILOSOPHY 4. LANDSCAPE IN SENSITIVE CONSERVATION AREAS 5. LANDSCAPING OF PRIVATE GARDENS 6. PESTICIDES 7. GARDEN ORNAMENTS / SECONDARY ELEMENTS 8. EXTERNAL BUILT ELEMENTS 9. PAVING 10. PLAN SUBMISSION PROCEDURES 11. PLANT LIST 12. SUBMISSION REVIEW CHECKLIST A LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES 1. OBJECTIVES The objective of these guidelines is to describe a method whereby the design and rehabilitation of landscapes for private development within IZINGA will enhance the environment of the overall development. 2. RESPONSIBILITIES The responsibilities of the Developer; the AESTHETIC COMMITTEE (AC) and owners towards achieving this objective are set out herein. A joint commitment by the Developer, aesthetic committee and individual owners is required to ensure the final result portrays a picture of balance and consistency. 2.1 The Developer Is committed to these guidelines and has undertaken the responsibility of landscaping common areas including all road reserves. 2.2 The Management Association (MA) Will be committed to the on-going maintenance of Landscaped Private Open Spaces & Road verges areas once handed over by the Developer. 2.3 Owners Owners are responsible for developing a private landscape to fit in with the Landscape Design Philosophy, to compliment and enhance the overall visuals and imagery of IZINGA. 3. IZINGA LANDSCAPE DESIGN PHILOSOPHY (Abbreviated – See Item4. Overall Site landscape design philosophy for full philosophy) 3.1 The Landscape Design will be formulated to compliment the KwaZulu Natal coastal environment & the proposed architecture. 3.2 The vision is to transform the existing valleys & hills, currently planted with sugar cane, to KwaZulu Natal Coastal Lowland forest. The public open space that falls within the flood lines and buffer zones will be 100% indigenous with species representing the local forests. These indigenous valleys will become environmental corridors that encourage bird life back to the overall site. 3.3 The roads will be planted differently to identify the hierarchy of the road system, thereby enhancing individual character and easy identification. 3.4 Soil amelioration will be paramount to ensure long term sustainability of the landscape. 4. LANDSCAPE IN SENSITIVE CONSERVATION AREAS The overall aim within the natural landscape areas, is to enhance the function of the natural environment, rather than style or manicure it. These areas, once established, should require little maintenance apart from ongoing removal of alien invader plants and maintenance to formalised trails. Only indigenous plants will be specified for these areas. We will be introducing some colour into the natural areas, particularly on the edges of Forests and wetlands with the use of some seasonal flowering shrubs & bulbs, groundcovers, and grasses. We believe the natural areas should be enjoyed by IZINGA residents, and will be placing eco-friendly trails through some of the Natural Areas, with the approval of the Environmental Officer. These trails to be managed by the Management Association (MA) 5. LANDSCAPING OF PRIVATE GARDENS All Private gardens must conform to the design philosophy of IZINGA in general. The planning of the landscape must take into account: 5.1 All grading and terracing to be shaped, to ensure final levels tie into the surrounding built elements and landscapes. CONTOURS TO BE REFLECTED ON DRAWINGS OR A NOTE ON THE DRAWING STATING THAT THE OWNER, UNDERTAKES TO SHAPE THE LANDSCAPE WITH THE SURROUNDING LEVELS IN MIND., ENSURING NO EROSION AND ALL CUT & FILL BANKS ARE SOFTENED WITH EARTH SHAPING. THIS SHAPING OF THE GARDENS IS TO BE SIGNED OFF BY THE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION OR REPRESENATTIVE PRIOR TO PLANTING COMMENCING. 5.2 Hard landscaping including paving, gravel and exterior tiles 5.3 Water features, Swimming pools & pumps 5.4 Details of storm water management. Eg: Retention ponds. 5.5 The compulsory planting and maintenance of a minimum x3 Indigenous trees to the individual site. Trees to be a minimum size of 20L 5.6 Complete planting and ongoing maintenance of the garden 5.7 Soil amelioration to be described 5.8 Pergolas, parasols, awnings and trellis work 5.9 Exterior lighting, including landscape lighting 5.10 Any extension of private garden onto POS (Private open space), subject to approval by the Landscape Sub- committee of the AC and on the basis of continuing maintenance becoming the responsibility of the erf owner as well as any other conditions that may be imposed. 5.11 Garden installation and or service contractors engaged by Homeowners must receive written authorisation from the MA prior to work on the estate. 5.12 Within closed courtyards, Owners retain the rights for alternative landscape options. 5.13 All private landscapes are to have manual or automated irrigation systems or other specified at the time of submitting plans 5.14 All landscape design to consider shade trees, hedge planting, climbing plants and creepers as screening between homes and also around dwellings to create private outdoor spaces and soften the extent of built the built environment. 5.15 All Landscape Architects & designers of private gardens to comply with the EMP 5.16 All Landscape Architects & designers to adhere to the design philosophy for the Sensitive areas 5.17 Invasive alien plants will not be permitted anywhere on the Estate. 5.18 ALL NEW DWELLINGS, DEVELOPMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A LANDSCAPE PLAN. SEE ITEM 10. Plan Submission Procedure & ITEM 12. Submission Review Checklist 6. PESTICIDES 6.1 The use of pesticides, ground poisons and traps is strictly prohibited anywhere on IZINGA, including within Private Dwellings. A level of tolerance is required in order to encourage diversity of species and to protect sensitive habitats such as wetlands. The disposal of chemicals, detergents and other toxic material into the storm water is strictly prohibited. 6.2 ONLY Approved environmentally safe pesticides are permitted, alternatively safe ways of dealing with pests is greatly encouraged (Safe for children; pets & wildlife): 6.2.1 Small Pest : Aphids, White Fly, Scale Insects, Australian Bug, Mealy bug, Red Spider mite & Ants: Mix 1 teaspoon (tsp) Bicarbonate of Soda + 1 tsp ‘Sunlight’ liquid in 1 litre water. (Do not use detergent. Shake well place in bottle with spray nozzle. Spray onto pests. After spray, feed the plant. 6.2.1 Ants : Alternative to above: Mix equal parts Castor Sugar & borax , sprinkle near ant next & around house 6.2.2 Snails : Sprinkle salt on them. Layer of ash around plant base also discourage snails & slugs 7. GARDEN ORNAMENTS / SECONDARY ELEMENTS ALL shall be chosen to reflect the character and architecture of the Estate. 7.1 Pots: Plastic or asbestos pots are not appropriate on public open space and street elevations. 7.2 Trellis : The dimensions and colour of trelliswork should match the house; plaster bands and reflect strong vertical lines. All to be approved by the AC. 7.3 Parasols / Awnings: All to be approved by the AC. 7.4 Braais : Braai areas must be screened from street and neighbouring elevations. Under no circumstances will open fires be permitted anywhere on IZINGA. Consider neighbours with regards to smoke patterns. 8. EXTERNAL BUILT ELEMENTS 8.1 Walls and Fences Are allowed for functional and security aspects, but the aim is to cover all with planting to soften the built environment. Boundary walls and fences must conform to the Building Design Code. 8.2 Retaining Walls, Steps & ramps External changes in level shall be addressed by creating terraces using built retaining walls or planted slopes. Concrete block walls eg: ‘Terraforce’, while not encouraged, may however be used in special situation. Where block walls are used they may not exceed 2000mm in height and the angle may not appear steeper than 60 O to allow for successful planting of retaining blocks. The owner must undertake to achieve successful plant coverage of retaining blocks. All retaining structures of whatever nature are subject to approval by the AC. 8.3 Swimming pools and Water Features 8.4.1 Swimming Pools: The design and construction of swimming pools and surrounding fencing must conform to the Building Design Code and to the National Building Regulations. 8.4.2 Backwash to be discharged into the Sewer or soak pit or as per Local authority requirements. 8.4.3 Water Features : Simple water features or fountains may be used to link internal and external elements such as in courtyard and patios. All water features need to be kept active or must be removed. 8.4.4 All water features are subject to approval by the AC. 8.4 Gazebos and lapas 8.5.1 Gazebos and Lapas are permitted on IZINGA if designed by an Architect or Landscape Architect to comply with the Building Design Code. 9. PAVING 10.1 Paving materials must be selected from an appropriate list of materials in keeping with the overall character of IZINGA. (Gravel, approved brick, cobbles, stone and slate are examples of appropriate materials). 10.2 All paving and paving materials are subject to approval by the AC. 10.3 Permeable paving is encouraged 10. PLAN SUBMISSION PROCEDURE 10.1 AESTHETIC COMMITTEE • Sketch plans may be submitted to the Aesthetic Committee of the Management Association for pre- scrutiny or preliminary discussion if requested to ensure that the proposal complies with the design code. • Two sets of working drawings folded to A4 together with a plan scrutiny fee and a refundable verge deposit are to be submitted to the Aesthetic Committee for approval. • All drawings must be signed off by the owner or his duly appointed representative and if latter, a copy of the relevant power of attorney must be provided. • The plan scrutiny checklist duly completed must be included with the submission.