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About GroundWork

A Cape Town landscaping company built on good soil, good plants and good people.

Our story

15 years growing spaces people never want to leave.

GroundWork was founded in 2011 by horticulturist Thabo Mokoena, after twelve years looking after public parks. He started with one bakkie, two crew members and a belief that an outdoor space should feel like a natural extension of how you live.

Today we are a team of 38, with design, installation, irrigation and maintenance crews working across Cape Town and the Winelands. Every garden still starts with a site visit from a horticulturist.

800

+

Projects

38

Team members

15

yrs

Experience

Hands planting a seedling in garden soil

Our approach

It starts with the soil.

Before we draw a single bed, we test the soil, watch the light and check how water moves through the site. Gardens planned this way need less water, less feeding and less replanting.

Our values

What we believe

Plant the right thing

We choose plants for the site, not the catalogue, so gardens thrive with less water and less work.

Look after our people

Our crews are trained, fairly paid and properly equipped, which is why many have been with us for years.

Say it in writing

Clear quotes, clear schedules and short reports, so you always know what is happening.

Respect the water

Every design and irrigation system is planned to use as little water as the garden needs.

Our people

Meet the team

The people who will plan, build and care for your garden.

Portrait of Thabo Mokoena

Thabo Mokoena

Founder and Head Horticulturist

Started GroundWork in 2011 after twelve years in public parks. Leads every design and still visits each new site himself.

Portrait of Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen

Garden Design Lead

Draws our planting plans, with a particular love of indigenous and water-wise gardens.

Portrait of Daniel Pretorius

Daniel Pretorius

Operations and Hardscape Manager

Runs our crews, schedules and hardscaping builds, and makes sure every site is left clean.

Ready to begin

Your garden is waiting.

Book a free site visit. We come to you, assess your space and deliver a written plan and quote within 48 hours.

Free visit. Written quote within 48 hours. No hidden fees.