Monday, November 21, 2011

Functional, Stylish Eco-Friendly Outdoor Furniture


Many of us are aware these days that function and style can quite easily be synonymous with a product that does not harm the environment.

Introducing a new and truly innovative, yet incredibly stylish creation from Leske Neethling and Monique Bermeister.

Using 100% recycled materials to construct each piece, Leske and Mo have combined the imaginative use of throw-away storage crates as the structure with disused vinyl billboards, fashionably reprinted by a local textile designer as the upholstery. The result is a product that is easy to maintain, generous in size and incredibly comfortable, while exceptionally resilient to our harsh summer climate. Upholstery will not fade from being in the sun, nor will it deteriorate and disintegrate. Each piece is custom manufactured for you, which enables you to choose the upholstery fabric design you wish.

If you are looking for the perfect combination of conscious consumerism, style, function, comfort, durability and uniqueness, then look no further than Leske and Mo's stunning Eco-Friendly Outdoor Furniture!

To find out more, please contact Leske Neethling on 072 385 0270
 
 
 

The Sagole Baobab


The magnificent Sagole Baobab (Adansonia digitata) one of South Africa’s Champion trees, and the largest Baobab in the country, is located in the far north of Limpopo Province between  Tshipise and Pafuri in Vendaland.

Although the other two famous Baobabs, namely the Glencoe Baobab and the Sunland Baobab have larger trunk diameters, the Sagole Baobab is the largest overall.

The Glencoe Baobab has a trunk diameter of 15,9m but the trunk unfortunately split in 2009 while the Sunland Baobab has a trunk diameter of 10,64m.

The Sagole Baobab, believed to be about 2000 years old has a trunk diameter of 10,47m, a 22m high crown and a spread of 38,2 metres. The trunk of this noble behemoth, splits into several trunks fairly close to the ground but in spite of this still maintains the appearance of a single tree.

“Muri Kunguluwa” meaning ‘the tree that roars’ is the name that the Venda people have given to this superb specimen, and refers to the sound made by the wind as it blows through the branches.

The Sagole Baobab serves as home to a colony of mottled spinetails (Chaetura ussheri) who rarely create colonies.

This outstanding natural monument is a popular destination for travellers to Limpopo Province and in view of this, plans to build an asphalt road to the tree to provide easier access is in the pipeline.

A boardwalk to facilitate viewing of the tree at close quarters has also been planned. This prevents trampling and compacting of the soil around the tree due to heavy foot traffic, thus allowing water to infiltrate the soil freely which is essential for the continued health of this most valuable relic from the past.
 
 
 

Stunning Assortment of 1000kg Big Trees on Show


As many of you already know, TreeCo is extending and revamping the nursery. This month we focussed on extending our range and quantity of 1000kg trees and we are very happy to share with you the fact that we have a fantastic assortment of exceptional quality specimens that will add that special touch to your next landscaping project. Come and see for yourself and do feel free to ring Rudi or Leske with any queries that you may have.

Rudi on 082 829 5543 / Leske on 072 385 0270
 

TreeCo Big Tree Gallery - November 2011

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Has YOUR landscape been TREECO'ed?
 
TreeCo has developed an extemely loyal group of clients who have come to rely on us for the quality and unique character of our trees. Whether you plant one of our 50lt or 1000lt trees, you can be assured that we have taken every measure to ensure that the specimen you invest in, has the best possible chance of survival within your landscape. Our quality translates directly to your image as a professional landscaper, which is a responsibility we take very seriously.
 
Beyond the quality of our trees lies the all important environmental aspect relating to how our trees are produced and cared for. We do not use harmful pesticides or chemical fertilisers and our trees are encouraged to grow at a natural rate and to a natural shape, so not only are our trees are genuinely stronger and healthier, you know that you are supporting an organisation that is continually taking active steps to reduce our carbon footprint.
 
When we ask 'Has YOUR landscape been TREECO'ed'?, what we really mean to ask is 'Have you used the best quality trees, produced by an environmentally responsible company to green your world'?
 
 
 
Have you downloaded our portfolio of services?
 
The TreeCo Portfolio of Services provides you with all the information you need about our company in a colourful, graphically appealing format that has been designed to be a pleasure for you to browse through. If you have not already done so, be sure to download and save our Portfolio of Services by clicking on the link below.
 
Please CLICK HERE to download our Portfolio of Services.
In order to view this document correctly, you will need to have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded on your computer. Please click on the link below which will allow you to download this free program quickly and easily.

Get our latest Availability List - and see what tree we have on special!

 
 
 
 
Spectacular Monthly Tree
 
Although we have many tree species at our nursery that are looking spectacular at any given time, we feature just one tree in particular every month that we know will offer you the best value for money and that will add that special touch to your landscape project.
 
Populus simonii is widespread in the greater Cape Town area where the appearance of the delicate catkins heralds the arrival of spring. This beautiful deciduous tree is extremely hardy and although it is not indigenous, is able to withstand even the most difficult growing conditions. This non suckering species is ideally suited to any landscaping project where a tree with lovely luxuriant growth yet requiring little maintenance is sought. Our Chinese poplars are looking absolutely stunning at the moment so hurry and order yours now.
 
Botanical Name
Populus simonii 
Common Name                Chinese poplar
Bag Size 50kg
Quantity Available 100
Average Tree Height
& Trunk Thickness
3-4m 
3-4cm 
 
 
 
 
 
Should you require any further information, such as pricing details or should you wish to place an order, please contact Rudi on 082 829 5543 or Leske on 072 385 0270. Alternatively you are welcome to email us with your enquiry at info@treeco.co.za.

Greyia sutherlandii (Natal bottlebrush)

The highly ornamental yet compact Greyia sutherlandii is one of our loveliest deciduous indigenous trees.
 
In spring, before the new, bright green, almost circular leaves appear, The Natal bottlebrush covers itself with showy, scarlet, bottlebrush like racemes which produce vast amounts of nectar, thus attracting a host of bees, insects and birds to the garden. In late autumn, the leaves change to various shades of bright red before falling to the ground. This beautiful tree with it’s neat growth habit and rounded crown grows well throughout South Africa and is popular for both parks and gardens. Although Greyia sutherlandii will tolerate some frost, in the very cold parts of the country, a sheltered spot is recommended.
 
TREE DETAILS
Botanical Name
Greyia sutherlandii
Common Name
Natal bottlebrush
Genus
Greyiaceae
RSA National Tree No’
446
LANDSCAPING USES
The neat, compact growth of Greyia sutherlandii make this delightful small tree a perfect choice for small gardens or courtyards where space is at a premium. In spring, when the stunning scarlet flowers appear, this lovely tree creates a superb focal point. Planted at the back of a large border or in a group of three to five in a larger area, the Natal bottlebrush will provide year round interest while a stunning effect can be achieved by planting this tree along a boundary or driveway. As this versatile tree adapts well to being grown in large pots, it can be used to enhance any patio or paved area as well as shopping centres or any other public area.
TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Height
3 – 7 m
Spread
3 m
Deciduous/Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Habit
The Natal bottlebrush grows in montane grassland as well as on rocky ridges up to 1800m and is generally associated with forest patches.
Bark
The dark brown bark is relatively rough and the stem as well as the  branches break fairly easily.
Foliage
The lightly lobed leaves of the greyia sutherlandii which are carried on long straight stalks are simple, alternate and are slightly rough. They approximately 70mm long, ovate to circular and coarsely toothed with the leaf veins radiating from the base.
Flowers
The beautiful red flowers appear as tightly packed, large bottlebrush like racemes at the tips of the branches in late winter and spring. Each individual flower has oblong petals and long protruding stamens.
Fruit
The fruit is a 20mm long, pale brown, cone shaped capsule. When ripe the capsule splits into 4 or 5 parts.
Seed
The dark seeds of the Natal bottlebrush are released when the fruit splits
GROWING REQUIREMENTS
Growing regions
Greyia sutherlandii is widespread and can be found growing from the Drakensberg in Kwa Zulu Natal through the Eastern Cape, eastern Freestate, Swaziland and eastern Gauteng.
Growing conditions
The lovely Natal bottlebrush enjoys a sunny position with adequate watering during very hot or dry spells.
Best season
Spring
Hardiness
Bitterly cold weather may damage unseasonal flowers and leaves so some protection from frost is recommended.
Propagation
The quickest and most successful method of propagation is from cuttings planted in spring.
Growth rate
Given plenty of compost and adequate water the Natal bottlebrush will grow well, up to 1m per year.
INTERESTING FEATURES
The light, soft wood of Greyia sutherlandii is pale pink and is used for household utensils as well as for carvings by many African tribes. The wood is also used for fencing by some farmers.
 
 
 
            G. sutherlandii Flowers      G. sutherlandii Leaves         G. sutherlandii Seed