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Dirty hands, full heart

If Lizette Nieman could describe herself as any plant, it would be the Protea. Because, like this magnificent flower, she flourishes with time, care, and a touch of patience.

But don’t let that fool you … this award-winning landscape technologist is as vibrant and resilient as the gardens she creates.

Growing up on a farm, Lizette Nieman’s love of getting her hands dirty began early. The smell of soil. The feeling of playing in it. The freshly ploughed fields. Her mom’s green thumb just further sowing the seeds for what would become her life’s passion.

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‘I had my own little patch in the garden that I enjoyed so much. And I remember it just continually changing. Not for any other reason than my older brother and I playing in it with replica tractors. And getting dirty was simply the norm,’ she laughs.

Fast forward a few decades and hundreds of gardens, and Lizette has turned her childhood hobby into a flourishing (see what we did there!) career. After getting her landscaping diploma, she opened Strylitzia Landscaping … a nod to her maiden name, Strydom. And because it just gelled so perfectly.

Today, nearly 30 years later, Lizette and her husband – and right hand – Riaan, along with their Strylitzia fam of 20, are still crafting some of the dreamiest gardens you’ll ever see.

From consultations to installations, they basically offer the full package. Whether it’s hardscaping (think retaining walls, water features, or elegant paving) or softscaping (lush plant materials and seasonal blooms), Lizette can transform any space into a tranquil sanctuary.

And speaking of blooms, February isn’t just for roses. Lizette stresses the importance of feeding flowering plants, fruit trees, and veggie patches with potassium-rich organic fertiliser. ‘It’s essential for a vibrant display and a good crop. And don’t forget nitrogen … it’s a key nutrient, and heavy rains or frequent watering can wash it away, leaving telltale yellowing on new leaves.’

‘People might think it’s a once-off makeover. But it’s so much more than that. Each garden has to mature into the garden designed. I also believe that the garden is often such a beautiful testament to the relationship of the parties involved. As it is a team effort, and it signifies growth and time spent together.’

Her approach? Thoughtful simplicity. ‘I believe less is more,’ she explains. ‘Clean lines … often geometrical. Purposeful spaces. And timeless elegance is what makes a garden truly special.’

Her designs are rooted in functionality … but with somewhat of a painter’s touch. The plants are her palette, and the earth is her canvas. And her superpower lies in choosing the perfect plants and colour combos.

‘Plants used in the right combinations are key to a design. Colour truly is a passion of mine … anything from monochrome to contrasting colours.’

‘My favourite part though, has to be seeing a design come together. And no garden is complete without a plant that announces spring’s arrival. My mentor, Shirley Wallington, once taught me that if the bones of a design are solid, it will stand the test of time. And I’ve taken that lesson to heart.’

As we’re celebrating the month of love, Lizette encourages garden enthusiasts to embrace the romance of their outdoor spaces. ‘A garden is all about atmosphere,’ she says. ‘Add lighting, water features, cosy seating areas, and plants that bring you joy. Personal touches make all the difference.’

When Lizette isn’t busy designing award-winning landscapes, she spends time with Riaan and their two children, Alecia and Stiaan. And whether hiking, kuiering with friends, or dabbling in arts and crafts, it’s like she’s got enough creativity and energy to last a lifetime.

She likes to stay active with CrossFit, trail running, and hiking, all of which keep her grounded and inspired. For Lizette, staying active isn’t just a lifestyle … it’s a survival skill.

Lizette is all about trusting her instincts and embracing the challenges that come her way. ‘Problem-solving inspires me. It’s about finding the best possible solutions and then adding that touch of magic … the aesthetics that make all the difference.’

She believes that nothing is impossible with the right attitude. And when you’re as resilient as the Protea, blooming in even the toughest conditions, the possibilities truly are endless.
With her hands firmly planted in the soil and her heart in full bloom, Lizette continues to follow her life’s passion, one garden at a time.

Details: Follow @Stryltizia landscaping on Facebook and @Lizettenieman on Insta

Lizette’s garden pick for the month of love
If you’re creating a romantic garden, roses are bound to be one of the essential flowering shrubs you plant in it. They have a long history in our gardens, and while rose gardens go in and out of fashion, the rose as a flower is always popular.
We’re looking at a romantic present for your beloved, that will give them pleasure in the garden all summer and autumn long. And next year too, and the year after.
Roses take only 50 days to flower. So, now is the time to set them up for a spectacular April … the last show for the year.

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Here are some tips for planting
• Find a bed in an open, sunny position, which allows you to space your roses far enough apart to ensure good airflow. This will help to guard against fungal diseases like black spot, mildew and rust.
• Before planting your new roses, place them in their bags in the desired position. This will give you the chance to see how the colour combinations work and whether they are receiving enough space and light.
• Dig a large square hole of 1m x 1m for each rose bush. If you plant roses in containers, make sure they have a diameter of at least 35cm and add plenty of moisture-retaining granules to the potting soil.
• Add one bucket of rose planting mix and one bucket of compost to every bucket of garden soil taken from the hole. Place superphosphates or bonemeal at the bottom of each hole.
• Line the sides of the holes with cardboard from old wine boxes when planting roses near shrubs or trees with invasive roots to keep out the roots and hold the moisture in the soil.

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