Landscaping with Cycads
Background
Cycads (Encephalartos SPP) are wonderful to use in gardens. Instead of opting for Indigenous Cycads, people tend to opt for the use of the exotic Cycas Revoluta which comes from Japan or the Cycas Thorsii due to their perceived cheaper costs . These Cycas do form part of the Cycad family in the bigger picture. However, the indigenous Cycads are distinctly superior to the Cycas purely on their aesthetic qualities when designing with these plants.
Within the Encephalartos species found here in South Africa there are broadly speaking, species obtainable from the rest of Africa north of our borders not indigenous to South Africa as well as many varieties found in South Africa. The exotic Cycads are generally more cheaper than the indigenous however we design with indigenous species only as we have found that the species from the Northern more tropical areas do not tolerate our cold as well as the indigenous. We also look to preserve our own local species as much as possible.
Cycads have often been overlooked by many clients on the basis that they are expensive, complex to maintain and require substantial legal documentation. It is true that Cycads can cost as much as R300k, even in to the millions for the rarer species. However it is also true that you can obtain the most stunning cycads at more reasonable prices particularly in the case of the more common species such as Encephalartos natalensis. The cost of these beautiful cheaper specimens rivals very easily with a large tree.
Maintenance of the cycad is easy enough and we do work closely with the specialists to ensure planting is done with adequate drainage. Therafter regular feeding as is required for the rest of the garden is the norm. So maintenance is no more or less that in any ordinary gardening. Some general tips on Cycads should be noted though:
- Cycads need a temperate climate, where the winters are not too severe.
- Tree canopies will protect cycads from frost, as will the night warmth radiating from north-facing walls, a covered patio, or a warm north-facing slope.
- Most cycads grow in sun or shade – it often depends on the species.
- Plant in well-drained soil – cycads will not grow in waterlogged soil. Add organic matter, such as compost, to help improve soil aeration and nutrient content.
- A pH of 7-8 is ideal for growing cycads.
- Water the planting mix well before planting the cycad.
- Plant the cycad in the hole at the level of the ground surrounding the hole and firm the soil down around the plant.
- Apply a mulch of well-rotted compost.
- Water your cycads once a week in summer, and reduce watering in winter.
A permit is required for ALL indigenous cycads and no exceptions are made. If you want to move a cycad, you also require a permit. However we work closely with suppliers of Cycads, who in turn work with the regulatory authorities and will manage all these permits on your behalf. This is done in such a way that minimal inconvenience is experienced by our clients.
Designing with Cycads.
Green By Nature will design in Cycads in order to ensure they obtain prominent and focal status in the garden as they deserve. We work closely with any client who wishes to procure cycads by project managing all the needs from design to installation. Green By Nature works alongside the specialists who supply and obtain permits for cycads as well as the specialist planters and horticulturists to ensure that their situation and soil is adequate for the long term sustainability of planting cycads in that area.
We will take our clients to meet the suppliers directly, ensuring fair and competitive pricing is obtained where the client w
ill pay the supplier directly so as to ensure all pricing is done between supplier and client. The supplier will quote the client as well as add a separate charge for planting where large specimens are being purchased. The planting costs are quoted separately. Green By Nature will oversee all installation. All the client has to do is select plants if they wish, otherwise we will do this as well, and approve the quote. we take it from there.
We have experienced many clients who have become collectors of Cycads after their first experience with us in acquiring Cycads.
Cycads as an investment.
Cycads are a great investment. Their value increases based on height and girth of the stem as well as rarity of the plant. Not only will they please the observer in the garden but over years their value will increase.