Creating Gardens That Add Real Value: An Interview with Steve Longman of Longman’s Landscaping

In Episode 2 of Industry Icons, we speak with Steve Longman, founder of Longman’s Landscaping – a company renowned for transforming outdoor spaces into functional, water-wise, and visually striking gardens across the Cape.

With decades of hands-on experience, Steve brings insight into how professional landscaping can enhance both the beauty and value of a property, all while embracing sustainable design.

🎥 Watch the full interview with Karlo Hendriksz on YouTube → https://youtu.be/Qza8PRdA9P0

Why Landscaping Is More Important Than Ever

“A well-thought-out and attractive garden will always appeal to buyers and add value to the property,” says Steve. “It’s often the first thing people see – even before they step inside the house.” First impressions count, and in many cases, the garden sets the tone for a viewing.

Key features that today’s buyers are looking for include:

• Outdoor entertainment areas
• Low-maintenance planting
• Patios and decking
• Smart irrigation systems

For overseas and upcountry buyers, low-maintenance, self-sustaining gardens are especially valuable. As many of these homes sit vacant during parts of the year, designs that require minimal upkeep are in high demand.

Sustainability at the Core

Long before Cape Town faced Day Zero, Steve and his team were designing gardens that could withstand drought conditions. “We’ve always believed in creating gardens that can thrive with minimal water,” he explains. This philosophy has led to:

• Planting primarily in autumn and winter to maximise rainfall
• Selecting indigenous, drought-tolerant plant species
• Installing smart irrigation systems linked to boreholes or rainwater tanks

Signature Plants and Materials

Some of the signature plants featured in Longman’s gardens include indigenous, bird-attracting varieties such as:

• Protea cushions
• Cone bush species
• Coastal water-wise plants

In terms of hard landscaping, Steve’s team often uses natural Table Mountain sandstone – ideal for the steep, sloped gardens of the Peninsula. These stones are crafted into retaining walls, terraces, and steps, often complemented by timber decking for a balanced, natural finish.

Tailored Garden Design for Every Client

Whether the client is an experienced gardener or a first-time homeowner with no idea where to start, Steve’s team tailors their approach.

Their typical process includes:

1. Site consultation and assessment
2. Collaborative design discussions
3. Detailed proposal outlining all materials, plants, and timeframes
4. Project implementation with an experienced team
5. Seasonal maintenance visits to help the garden establish and flourish

“We don’t just hand over the project and disappear,” Steve says. “We often return one to four times a year to carry out seasonal maintenance and ensure the garden matures well.”

Projects That Challenge and Inspire

While Longman’s Landscaping has worked on some of the Cape’s most stunning residential properties – from beachfront villas to shaded mountainside retreats – Steve notes that commercial projects often present the biggest challenges. A standout example was a school in Kommetjie, where his team had to crane 6-metre-high trees over new classrooms. “Tight deadlines and multiple contractors made it complex, but ultimately rewarding.”

Staying Ahead of the Curve

To remain at the forefront of landscaping trends, Steve and his team regularly attend Cape Green Forum trade days and collaborate with innovative landscape architects and designers. “It keeps our ideas fresh and ensures our gardens reflect the latest thinking in sustainability and design.”

Final Thoughts

Steve Longman’s thoughtful, client-focused approach proves that great landscaping is about more than just looks. It’s about creating outdoor spaces that are beautiful, sustainable, and capable of adding real long-term value to a property.
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