Vegetation

Hedges should be planted along the inside of the fence to re-enforce screening and to help the fence blend into the surrounding environment. The hedges shall consist primarily of shrubs, the exception being trees planted along the 160 metre stretch at the edge of the slope adjacent to Spine Rd., which should be trees.  Shrubs should also be planted around the bathroom and shower facilities to provide privacy.

There are three types of shrubs that have been recommended by the City Parks official and Kirstenbosch staff personnel.  In a discussion of seven pre-selected shrubs and trees that were chosen for their ability to handle the harsh winds, sand, and high water table present at the Good Hope Initiation Site, the Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Tick Berry), Rhus crenata (Dune Crowberry), and Metalasia muricata (White Bristle Bush) have been selected for site use. All three are tough, indigenous species favorable for planting.  All three grow at least 2 metres in height, and spread to create what will appear as a single seamless hedge.  Of the three, the Rhus crenata is the most favourable plant since it is the fastest growing, and does well in open areas.  The Chrysanthemoides monilifera flowers in the summer and will contribute to the aesthetic appearance of the initiation site.  Each of these shrubs will cost approximately R12 for a 4 kg. container.

The three species can co-exist, and may be planted together in any pattern or arrangement.  Other plants that can be considered include the Brachylaena discolor (Coast Silver Oak), Tarconathus camphorates (Camphor Bush), Sideroxylon inerme (Bully Tree), and Ficus natalensis (Natal Fig).  Of these trees, the  Ficus natelensis is planted at the formal Langa Initiation Site.  The Brachylaena discolor in particular, is a very dense bush that grows to a height of 4-10 metres, and it was recommended to be planted along with the Chrysanthemoides monlifera, Rhus crenata, and Metalasia muricata to help thicken the hedge.  The Brachylaena discolor costs approximately R60 for a 20 kg. container.

Any of the seven shrubs and trees discussed is believed to be suited for the Good Hope Initiation Site’s conditions, and may be planted inside the site where more vegetation is needed. All the plants mentioned above are indigenous evergreen species and can survive in sandy land and are tolerant of drought. The Kirstenbosch Gardens Environmental Education staff personnel has used all of the plants in Khayelitsha, and have had great success, particularly at Luhlaza High School, down the road from the Good Hope Initiation Site.  A complete list of shrubs and trees which have been hand-selected to be most successful at the Good Hope Initiation Site by the horticultural experts, with whom the group spoke, may be found COCT Appendix J.

The best time to plant shrubs and trees in Cape Town is during the months of April, May, and June. All recommended plants require an irrigation system, primarily between the months of January and March, when the temperature is particularly high.   An irrigation system will need to be implemented for the at least the first year to help ensure the success of the shrubs and trees.  It has been determined that since the Denel Land which borders the recommended site layout is inaccessible by the public, and is rarely traveled by Denel employees, it is unnecessary to place a hedge of any sort down the length of the 297 metre Denel fence.  This will save a considerable amount of money on both shrubs and irrigation.

Shrubs should be planted a distance of two metres apart on the inside of the concrete palisade fence perimeter, with irrigation placed halfway in between every two plants.  Shrubs are less expensive than trees, and spaced 2 metres apart, are expected to create a thick hedge for screening purposes in a relatively small period of time.  The diagrams for both phases are shown below.

Vegetation Layout for Phase I

Vegetation Layout for Phase II