Shrub design trend: Nature’s masterpiece

Blessed Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
A creative trend has taken Bulawayo by storm, as residents and institutions are increasingly turning to shrubs, lawn and flowers to create stunning design patterns.

From schools to hotels, lodges and even private homes, the city’s landscape is being transformed into a vibrant tapestry of lettering, shapes, signs and texture.

The intricate designs, carefully crafted using a variety of plants, are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide a touch of natural beauty to the urban environment.

As a result, some once-drab buildings and grounds are now boasting beautiful, living makeovers that showcase the city’s creativity and flair.

With the trend showing signs of growth, Bulawayo’s green revolution which is made vivid by the artistic landscaping is continuing unabated, bringing joy and beauty and a refreshing renewal of the environment to residents and visitors alike.

In an interview with Sunday Life, John Dhlamini (47), a designer of the stunning shrub patterns and groundsman at Townsend Girls High School revealed the secret to the trend’s soaring popularity.

“The designs are giving places a nice feel and a beautiful face,” he said, highlighting the transformative power of the patterns.

Dhlamini said the carefully crafted designs have become a major drawcard, captivating the attention of passers-by and visitors alike.

He added that creating these stunning designs requires something more than just a shrub cutter and a green thumb, expertise is required for beautiful designs.

“It’s not a job for anyone and everyone, expertise is required and luckily it was easier for me to acquire the knowledge as I was taught by my father who used to work as a caretaker in hotels a long time ago,” he said.

“I started gaining some experience as a child when I visited my father where he used to work and help him out trim a few flowers,” he explained.

Dhlamini noted that crafting the perfect shrub pattern demands a deep understanding of horticulture, design principles and attention to detail.

Only those with the requisite skills and experience can bring these beautiful designs to life, setting them apart from amateur attempts.

As one gazes at the breathtaking shrub designs at Townsend Girls High School crafted by the skilled hands of Dhlamini, it becomes abundantly clear that this is more than just a job — it is in his blood, it is something that he enjoys.

The intricate patterns, precision-cut to perfection are a testament to the skills passed down to him from a master horticulturalist with a passion for design and a keen eye for detail and he has received them with admiration and reverence.

Dhlamini said the secret behind creating these breath-taking designs requires a combination of creativity, patience and meticulous attention to detail.

“This craftwork begins by using a wire framework to create the desired design. I then carefully wrap the wire with branches of the shrubs, allowing the plants to grow and flourish within the predetermined pattern,” he revealed.

As the shrubs mature, they conform to the wire framework, gradually taking on the shape and form of the intended design.

With regular pruning and maintenance, the shrubs continue to thrive, ultimately yielding a beautifully crafted and meticulously manicured work of art that showcases the perfect harmony between nature and nurture.

“One can use the duranta flower, lawn and a few other flowers to make these design patterns,” he said,
Dhlamini also revealed that the shrubs will have to be properly maintained for a good design to come out.

“You will have to nurture the shrubs or flowers, carefully trimming the parts that do not go well with the design pattern,” he said.

He also noted that the possibilities for shrub design are endless, depending on one’s level of expertise and craftsmanship.

Dhlamini proudly pointed to his masterpiece, a meticulously designed shrub pattern spelling out the full name of Townsend Girls High School.

This impressive display showcases the potential for shrub design to be both beautiful — meant to catch the eye and meaningful, with the only limit being the designer’s imagination and skill.

Courtesy of Dhlamini’s handiwork, a stunning shrub design has become a beloved landmark at Townsend Girls High School, drawing even other groundsmen to visit and take notes while it has also become an employment trump card in various institutions that are concerned about beautifying their environs.

Dhlamini said his handiwork has become a source of pride for the school and a testament to his craftsmanship.

“Many people come to the school looking for the person who nurtured and designed the shrubs,” he said, highlighting the design’s appeal.

The design has also become a marketing tool, promoting his services to a wider population of people who admire the beauty of landscaping making both students and alumni flock to take photos in front of the breath-taking display as they capture memories that last a lifetime.

Dhlamini however, expressed a feeling of satisfaction and frustration.

“When people stand in front of my designs and take photos, it gives me pride. But usually, no one bothers to acknowledge the person who creates that. At the end, it looks like it created itself,” he said with a chuckle.

He said the rains have also made everything beautiful as the shrubs and the lawns have been nourished and are growing faster and fresher than before, making it easy for them to form them into various artistic designs.