Spring has a way of drawing our attention back to the garden.

New growth appears almost overnight.  Flowering plants burst into colour.  Birds become more active.  Bees return to their familiar routes.  Everywhere, nature seems to be responding to the changing season.

For many people, gardening begins with aesthetics.  We think about colour, structure, shade, and the overall appearance of a space.  But some of the most successful gardens serve a broader purpose.  They don’t simply look beautiful. They contribute to something larger.  At BEST Landscaping, we’ve seen a growing shift in how people think about their outdoor spaces.  Increasingly, homeowners, schools, estates, and businesses are looking beyond visual appeal and asking a different question:
What can this garden give back?

Most gardens are designed for the moment they are installed.  The plants are placed, the edges are neat, the colours are carefully chosen and for a brief moment, everything feels complete.

But the real question is: what happens after that?

At BEST Landscaping, we believe the most successful gardens aren’t those that look perfect on day one.  They’re the ones that grow into themselves over time, spaces that become richer, more layered, and more meaningful with each passing season.

It’s easy to think of a garden as an isolated space, contained within its boundaries and separate from the surrounding environment.  In reality, every garden forms part of a much larger ecosystem.

The trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcovers we choose influence which insects visit, which birds stay, and how effectively local biodiversity is supported.  Even small urban gardens can become valuable stepping stones that help wildlife move through developed areas.

A single flowering shrub may attract pollinators.  A mature tree can provide shelter for birds.  Indigenous planting can create corridors of habitat that strengthen local ecosystems.

The collective impact is often far greater than people realise.

Few visitors to a garden are as important as pollinators.

Bees, butterflies, beetles, moths, and other pollinating insects play a vital role in supporting healthy plant life.  Without them, many flowering plants would struggle to reproduce, affecting not only gardens but wider ecological systems as well.  Yet pollinator populations face increasing pressure from habitat loss, urban development, and changing environmental conditions.

The good news is that gardens can be part of the solution.

By incorporating plants that provide nectar and pollen throughout the year, property owners can create reliable food sources that help sustain pollinator populations across the seasons.  Spring is an especially important time to ensure that food sources are available when activity levels begin to increase.

A garden filled with birds is often a sign of a healthy, balanced environment.

Birds bring movement, colour, and sound to outdoor spaces, but they also contribute in practical ways.  Many assist with natural pest management, while others support seed dispersal and ecological diversity.  Creating bird-friendly landscapes isn’t complicated.  It often starts with providing the basics:

• Indigenous trees and shrubs for shelter.
• Layered planting for protection.
• Natural food sources such as berries, seeds, and nectar-rich flowers.
• Water features where space allows.
• Safe spaces free from constant disturbance.

The result is a garden that feels more alive throughout the year.

One of the biggest misconceptions about biodiversity-focused landscaping is that it requires sacrificing beauty.  In reality, many indigenous plants offer exceptional visual impact while being naturally adapted to local conditions.

The Western Cape is home to an extraordinary diversity of plant species, many of which provide spectacular seasonal displays, attract wildlife, and require less intervention once established.  By selecting plants suited to local climates and soil conditions, gardens often become more resilient, more water-wise, and easier to maintain over the long term.  It’s a practical approach that delivers both environmental and aesthetic value.

Traditionally, gardens were often viewed as decorative spaces.  Today, they are increasingly being recognised as assets that can serve multiple purposes simultaneously.  A well-designed landscape can:

• Enhance property value.
• Improve visual appeal.
• Support biodiversity.
• Reduce environmental pressures.
• Provide shade and cooling.
• Create healthier outdoor environments for people.

The most successful landscapes are those that balance all these functions rather than focusing on only one.  This is where thoughtful design makes all the difference.

Creating a biodiversity-friendly garden does not require a complete redesign.  In many cases, relatively small adjustments can have a surprisingly positive impact:

• Introducing more indigenous species.
• Adding flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year.
• Reducing unnecessary hard landscaping.
• Creating layered planting zones.
• Incorporating water-wise planting strategies.
• Leaving space for nature to function rather than controlling every detail.

Over time, these decisions contribute to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient landscape.

We believe great outdoor spaces should do more than simply fill an area with plants.

They should perform.

They should evolve.

And wherever possible, they should contribute positively to the environment around them.

Whether we’re working on a residential garden, a commercial property, a school campus, or an estate landscape, our focus is on creating spaces that are functional, sustainable, visually compelling, and designed to thrive over time.  Because the most rewarding gardens aren’t always the ones that ask, “What can nature do for us?” They’re the ones that ask, “What can we do for nature?”

If you’re planning upgrades to your outdoor space this season, now is the ideal opportunity to think beyond immediate results and consider the long-term impact of your landscape.  A garden can be more than beautiful.  It can support life, strengthen biodiversity, and create lasting value for years to come.

BEST Landscaping partners with homeowners, businesses, schools, and estates to design and maintain outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

📞 Contact Julian Bartels: +27 71 567 9775

📧 Email: julian@bestlandscaping.co.za

While not an internal member of the BEST Landscaping team, Glynis Abrahams has been closely connected to the business since its inception. An independent Public Relations Consultant, Glynis first met Julian in 2017 and was delighted when he approached her in 2019 to provide PR support following the launch of BEST Landscaping. Since then, she has worked alongside the business as a trusted communications partner, helping to tell its story and celebrate its milestones. Having witnessed the company’s remarkable growth from the outset, Glynis shares her thoughts on Julian’s entrepreneurial journey, the importance of building a strong reputation, and what the season of Spring means to her both personally and professionally.

1. You’ve been part of the BEST Landscaping story from the beginning.  What has stood out most for you about Julian’s journey?
   
   What stands out most is Julian’s determination and commitment to building a successful business.  Starting a company is never easy, and growing it sustainably is even harder.  Having worked alongside him since 2019, I’ve seen firsthand how focused he is on delivering quality service, building relationships, and continuously looking for opportunities to improve and expand.  The growth BEST Landscaping has achieved in a relatively short period of time speaks volumes about his entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and vision.
   

2. You’ve worked closely with Julian for many years.  Is there anything outside of business that you have in common?

   Absolutely.  While our conversations often centre around business, we also share updates about our families.  Interestingly, we both have musicians in our households.  Julian’s son is a drummer, while my daughter is a saxophonist.  It’s always wonderful to share about their progress, performances, and passion for music. These personal connections remind us that behind every business are people, families, and stories that matter.

3. As a public relations professional, what are the most important things businesses should focus on when trying to raise their profile, particularly when budgets are limited?
   

   One of the biggest misconceptions is that visibility is only achieved through advertising or large marketing budgets.  In reality, businesses can build meaningful awareness and credibility through effective communication and relationship-building.

   The first thing I would encourage businesses to focus on is telling their story. Every business has a story, a purpose, and a set of values that make it unique.  People connect with people, not just products or services, so it’s important to communicate who you are and what you stand for.  

   Secondly, consistency matters.  Whether you’re communicating with clients, suppliers, employees, or your broader community, regular and authentic communication helps build trust and credibility over time.

   Thirdly, protect and strengthen your reputation.  A good reputation is one of a business’s most valuable assets.  This means delivering on your promises, responding professionally, celebrating successes, and sharing positive stories about your work and the impact you’re making.

   I’ve seen this approach work well for BEST Landscaping over the years.  Through a combination of quality service, strong client relationships, social media visibility, and the company’s website, Julian has created multiple touchpoints where potential clients can learn about the business.  The enquiries and leads generated through these channels demonstrate the value of communicating consistently and ensuring that people understand what your business offers.

4. September marks the arrival of Spring.  What does this season mean to you?
   
   Spring is one of my favourite times of the year because it represents renewal, growth, and fresh possibilities.  In the garden, we see plants emerge from Winter with new energy and colour, and I think the same principle applies to our personal and professional lives.  For me, Spring is a reminder to take stock and do a little “Spring cleaning”, not only in our homes and gardens, but also in our thinking, habits, and priorities.  It’s an opportunity to reflect on what’s working well, what needs attention, and where we’d like to grow.

   September is also my birthday month, which makes it a naturally reflective time of year.  It gives me an opportunity to look back with gratitude, celebrate milestones, appreciate lessons learned, and consider what I’d like to achieve in the year ahead.  Combined with the optimism that Spring brings, it feels like the perfect season to embrace fresh perspectives and new opportunities.

5. What message would you like to leave with BEST Landscaping clients and readers this Spring?
   Embrace the season of renewal.  Spend some time caring for your garden, but don’t forget to nurture other areas of your life too.  Take stock of what is working, let go of what isn’t, and make room for fresh ideas and new possibilities.  Just as a well-maintained garden thrives with care and attention, so do our businesses, relationships, and personal goals.  Spring is a wonderful reminder that growth is always possible.And while you’re refreshing your goals and surroundings this season, don’t overlook the value of an outdoor space that inspires you.  Whether it’s a family garden, a corporate landscape, or a community space, the BEST Landscaping team is helping clients create environments that can be enjoyed for years to come.  Contact them today!