A giant indigenous maze containing nearly 2500 trees and shrubs has sprouted in the heart of Fourways, Johannesburg. eBucks commissioned Keith Kirsten Horticulture International (KKHI) to build the eco-friendly maze, which was designed by Ray Hudson, the multi-award winning designer of the annual Kirstenbosch South Africa Exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show in London.

Constructed in just three weeks, the eBucks Big Green Maze celebrates the allocation of R1 billion worth of eBucks by the programme's partners to its members. The greatest share of these rewards was allocated by First National Bank (FNB), eBucks' biggest partner.

Lezanne Human, CEO of eBucks, said that the achievement of such a momentous milestone demanded that they do something equally impressive to celebrate. "In building a giant eco-friendly maze we intended to create both a talking point that links to our celebrations as well as support our efforts toward reaching a carbon neutral status in our business.

A first of its kind in South Africa, the maze represents a biologically diverse ecosystem. The design incorporates completely natural elements including timber and grasses, strategically positioned to create pathways, dead-ends, twists and turns.

"'Greening' is very close to our hearts and forms a core part of our corporate social responsibility commitment. As a business we are looking for innovative ways to reduce our impact on the environment and nurture sustainability. We are voluntarily assessing our carbon footprint and implementing ways to reduce our emissions.

"We are also looking to neutralise our carbon footprint. When the maze closes we will be donating all the trees, shrubs, groundcovers and grasses to low income homeowners at FNB's affordable housing project in Cosmo City, as part of Food and Trees for Africa's 'Trees for Homes' programme. Apart from the obvious benefits to the community, this will go a long way towards offsetting our carbon footprint" adds Human.

"Setting about this project meant conceptualising a massive structure on a scale never before attempted in South Africa. The maze not only has to form a completely natural environment, it also has to astound visitors and create an element of confusion," says internationally renowned horticulturist, Keith Kirsten.

Every aspect of the design, construction and maintenance of the maze presented a unique set of challenges. To provide structure and form, a massive framework was created by using nearly 5000 "latte", more than 335 000 strands of thatching grass, nearly 2000 meters of wire and just under a kilometer of hessian

"On a conceptual level the maze represents what one can achieve in restoring biodiversity," says Ray Hudson, creative director of the eBucks Big Green Maze project. "We've taken a denuded site, transformed it into an environment that recreates the natural biodiversity of the region, showing that we are able to contribute to restoring earth's natural defenses for the sustainability of our planet's health."

The maze incorporates more than 20 different indigenous trees and shrubs, carefully selected to ensure that they survive the two week period on site and are suitable for the environment in Cosmo City where they will be incorporated into.

The maze was designed to maintain biodiversity and provides a tangible view into how ecosystems support the functioning of the biosphere and deliver benefits to society. Many benefits of biodiversity are well known, such as pollination and water purification. Other benefits are not as obvious yet are equally crucial to climate regulation, like the storage of carbon.

The eBucks Big Green Maze is on the corner of Montecasino Boulevard and Witkoppen Road, Fourways from the 21st to the 30th of March 2008 between 10:00 and 18:00. Entrance is free.

About Keith Kirsten Horticulture International:

Keith Kirsten Horticulture International (KKHI) leads the industry, seeking out the best, developing exciting new plants and markets on behalf of growers and breeders globally. KKHI is one of the world's leading horticultural specialists with its focus entirely industry-driven.

About Keith Kirsten:

There is something special about South Africa's favourite gardener; Keith Kirsten. He exudes energy, style and charisma and has an electrifying personality that sends you into a whole new world, converting possibility and fantasy into reality. One of South Africa's leading horticulturists, Keith's inimitable style extends from his uncompromised intrinsic values and impeccable work ethic through to his office, home and, of course, garden.

Now a household name, Keith Kirsten is hard at work doing what he loves and does best; horticulture. The Keith Kirsten "brand" is synonymous with quality and excellence. Dating back to Keith Kirsten Nurseries and Garden Centres, established in 1978, Keith has instilled a unique gardening culture in all South Africans, complete with a positive attitude to indigenous plants and water conserving plant varieties suited for a unique South African climate.

About Ray Hudson:

Ray Hudson's experience spans more than 30 years of living his passion - horticultural and landscape design. Part of a two man partnership, they were able to assist Keith Kirsten in designing their multi-award winning design of the Kirstenbosch South Africa Exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by First National Bank, is world-renown. Ray's skills have captured the attention of many international shows and his influence has spread across the globe, including the design for the King of Thailand's commemorative garden to celebrate his 80th birthday and 60 years on the throne, which won gold in its category. Together with Keith Kirsten's dynamic approach to corporate gardening, Ray's and Keith's special touch can also be seen at many Southern Sun resorts including San Lameer, Elangeni, Beverley Hills, Beacon Isle and many more. Today Ray's focus is on show gardens and small townhouse gardens.   

Ray Hudson is the creative director for the eBucks project and has been associated with Keith Kirsten for a number of years. He was the creative director on many award winning projects including Gardenex & Outdoor Living Fair and the Cape Town Flower Show. He is also the creative director behind other KKHI projects such as Dellaire Wine Estate, flower shows across the world, including Stuttgart and various projects on the 'Down to Earth' TV series.

Ray's creative flair has enabled KKHI to capture the imaginations of many visitors to various garden exhibitions and together with Keith Kirsten's horticultural expertise they are able to incorporate design and breathtaking plant varieties to create dream solutions for clients.

About eBucks:

eBucks, the rewards programme offered by First National Bank (FNB) and RMB Private Bank, is acknowledged as one of South Africa's leading rewards programmes with highly active members spending in excess of 80% of the eBucks earned in any given month.