Caxton magazines staff
We chat to landscaper Arthur Mennigke who transformed a bare courtyard into a productive potager – as seen in our April 2016 issue
Why did you choose this career?It chose me! There was never any doubt in my mind as to what I would do.Where did you study?
Tshwane University of Technology.
If you weren’t a landscaper what would you be?
A nature conservationist.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is nature. I never stop marvelling at the clever combinations she puts together and nothing inspires me more than spending time in the bush. Having said that, English gardens still tug at my heart strings.
What has been the highlight of your career?
Every day is a highlight for me because I get to spend the entire day doing what I love. I believe that creating a beautiful space for people to live in is as life changing for clients as it is for me.
Your gardening style in three words:
Keep it simple
Top tip for anyone wanting to be a landscaper?
Be prepared to work hard and love what you do.
Your guilty pleasure?
Chocolates and coffee
What current trend is your favourite?
I don’t really follow trends but naturalistic planting would be the one I choose (with bright pops of colour of course).
What is your favourite section of garden in your home and why?
Although I love natural plantings nothing gives me greater joy that working in my potager garden, there is something about growing vegetables, herbs and flowers together that just touches your soul, I can get lost in this space for hours.
What was your big break as a landscaper?
Being appointed as head Gardener at Brenthurst in 1998 was life changing.
