About Stan

I have loved nature since I was two bricks and a tickey high.

As someone who grew up in a family of award-winning landscapers, it was in the stars that I would become that child who marvels at bushes, shrubs and flowers and all the little creatures that call them home.

My fascination with venomous snakes in my teen years drew mixed reaction in the Gouws household, but thankfully my mom won the day and I was allowed to keep them in my bedroom.

It’s worth noting that some friends did not take too kindly to my habit of removing a snake from its glass enclosure for a “show and tell” every time I had half a chance.

A photographic eye

It was photography that caught my eye after finishing school because – surprise, surprise – I liked taking pictures of wildlife.

Fortunately, my passion translated into decent marks and I was able to earn a qualification through the then PE Technikon.

However, as much as the idea of shooting for National Geographic one day was an appealing one, being outdoors working with my hands was something I had always aspired to.

Saying I “fell” into the tree-cutting business may sound a bit corny, but it certainly satisfied my desire to be out in the world handling my beloved flora.

A new ‘old’ passion

I established Waterwise Gardens in 2004, starting out with a few clients and building the business to a large network of companies. Many of these are in the construction industry, which frequently requires tree felling services.

My foray into landscaping stemmed not from my family but a few clients who asked whether I could assist them with their gardens.

I grabbed the opportunity with both hands, as it allowed me to combine my creative bent with my love of nature.

Obviously it served me well to pick my mom’s brain as she was a pioneer in waterwise landscaping in Gqeberha, a city known for its dry spells.

As I went along, I became skilled in other areas such as plot clearing and, my personal favourite, the ethical sourcing of indigenous plants for use in domestic gardens.

The great forage

The “hunt” for indigenous goodies speaks to my adventurous side, as it allows me to trek deep into the forests of the Eastern Cape looking for tree stumps and trunks in various states of decomposition. These make some of the best garden features you will ever see!

My foraging has also enabled me to connect with tribal chiefs and headmen to ensure the process of collecting these plants and trees meets all cultural and legal requirements.

It has been such a rewarding journey and through our services at Waterwise Gardens I hope to inspire others to embrace my passion for the beauty of the world around us.

For all your tree felling and landscaping needs, Stan is your go-to man.