INVESTING IN A GARDEN PAYS HUGE DIVIDENDS, SAYS APKF MANAGING DIRECTOR

A well planned, colourful garden will always add at least 10 to 15% to a property’s value, says Lanice Steward, MD of the Cape real estate group, Anne Porter Knight Frank.

“Those who neglect their gardens pay a heavy price when they come to selling.

“It is always worth spending as much as you can possibly afford on your garden and devoting time to its upkeep,” says Steward. 

“You will always recoup the expenditure several times over if and when you come to sell.”

However, she warns, these days the preference is for “water wise” gardens planted out with indigenous plants, which require relatively little water and maintenance and are resistant to prolonged dry periods.

Steward said that particular attention should be paid to the pavements surrounding a home. 

“These give the first impression of the home.  It is a big mistake to leave them untended and unplanted.  A few roses or trees climbing the wall and a neatly cut verge lawn will give the visitor the impression that this is a valuable, well cared for home.”