A budget Cottage Garden makeover to prepare for sale

(... except, after we did this, they loved it so much they decided not to move!)

Location: Somerset West
Completed: April 2017

BRIEF: Nelia and Elco wanted to sell thier house but first it needed some beautifying.  

CHALLENGES:
Extreme water restrictions -see box left below for how we dealt with that.

A very tight budget. 
The entrance path to the front door which was unclear and uncomfortable.

SOLUTIONS: The pathway needed to run to the one side, so we defined it as a beautiful ,easy to walk S - curve. To avoid short cuts when walking it we created a beautiful cottage style garden to walk though which also introduces a little mystery to the pool and beyond, slowing one down, setting the scene for the thoughtfully decorated stoep and interior. We reduced the lawn way down to a small, edged rectangle next to the pool which was neat and easier to maintain.The client did the pole edging themselves to save costs. 

Update: October 2017

This new garden is thriving with only grey water.  
How? 
1. We planted at the right time - at the begining of the cool season (April) so that the plants would have time to settle in. 
2. A good water wise plant pallet in the theme of soft, airy meadow- like grasses and perennials in cool colours 
3. Thick woodchip mulch (10cm) 
4. Excellent vermi-compost which promotes sustained robust growth
5. Trees provide some shelter from all day glaring hot sun and wind 

6. We greatly reduced the lawn