Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2016 i SA Garden and Home

Rising costs mean many of us have had to tighten our gardening and decor ‘belts’. But being on a budget is not all bad. An architect I know says he did his best work when his clients had limited funds. “We had to look at ordinary, easily accessible materials and use them in a creative way,” he explains, “and the results were really exciting.” Creativity is definitely the key to achieving great looks without spending a fortune and there are some excellent examples to be found in this issue. I loved the artwork in the Jaghlassians’ house which turns out to be framed wallpaper. Les and John Abercrombie used ordinary white paint to update old family furniture when they downsized to a cluster home and it made a huge difference…

Where do you paint? I work from an amazing top floor studio in the heart of Woodstock. It’s flooded with light and has panoramic views of Cape Town harbour and Devil’s Peak. Where do you find your inspiration? My Wilderness series was painted after several trips to the Garden Route. I hiked the Half-Collared Kingfisher and Groeneweide Trails, dipped in the Wilderness Lagoon, drove the Old Knysna Road and day-tripped to Calitzdorp via the Swartberg Pass. The dark and mysterious recesses of the forests, the waters of the lakes, lagoons and estuaries, and the spectacular sandstone kloofs inspired my paintings. Were you formally trained? I studied fine art and English literature at Rhodes University, graduating in 1994. In 2013, I did a postgraduate diploma in fine art at Michaelis School…

EXPERT TIPS “Proper upkeep of fireplaces, gas heating systems and wood-burning stoves will ensure they heat more space and use less fuel,” says Malcolm Sims of Infiniti Fires. Here are his tips: Service your fireplace every year. For a gas fire, the service should include a gas line check, and for a wood-burning stove or hearth this should include a chimney sweep as well as a check on flues, rope seals, lining and glass. Always use dry, dense wood, but ensure it’s not too dry as this will burn fast, losing too much heat up the chimney. Keep wood in a dry area with good air circulation. A decorative basket or shelf close to the fireplace always works well, but if you don’t have space indoors, keep it under a…

Who lives here Semi-retired couple Les and John Abercrombie. The house An open-plan, two-bedroom townhouse in Shortens on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. After the Abercrombies’ daughters had left home and were married with their own families, Les and John couldn’t see the point of staying on in a large house full of family heirlooms. “With the maintenance of the house and garden plus the cost of security, it didn’t make sense. So we decided to downsize drastically, giving away and selling everything that wouldn’t fit comfortably into our new two-bedroom unit,” explains Les, a former editor of Garden and Home . “We now have only what we need plus a few bits and pieces we hold dear. The living is easy, and with the decreased responsibility, it feels as if…

1 PAINT IT PRETTY “We always like to mix old and new to give a home a lived-in look,” say Lyrene Zimmerman and Celeste van Lingen of The Furniture Guild. As they loved its shape and felt it would be an ideal hall table, they painted the top half with Truly Naturals Light and the lower section with Candy Brights Lime from the INCdecor range and arranged a collection of accessories on top. “Books are useful for adding height to a composition,” they say. 2 BRIGHTEN UP To allow this antique chest of drawers to fit into the modern style of her home, stylist Sarah Stuart-Reckling arranged a collection of colourful glass and ceramic vessels in shades of green on the top. Then she paired it with a chair painted…

Jenna Page and Charon Ross of Pepperwhite Interior Solutions Save by adding large textural elements. For example, a panel like the one above or textured wallpaper on a single wall will create an eye-catching feature. Splurge on pendant lights. Look for striking fittings to hang over a dining room table or kitchen counter for an intimate feel. A unique design, such as the oversized copper and black lights pictured above, adds interest and style. When choosing pendants, make sure the size is in proportion to the room and hang them so they don’t obscure your view. Siyabonga Mtetwa of Tottwa Designs Save by updating a room with paint. Paint is still one of the most affordable ways to revamp a space. The charcoal colour used above gave this kitchen instant…

MAKE A FEATURE OF YOUR ENTRANCE HALL As it’s the introduction to your home, the entrance should set the tone for what’s to come. Start with a narrow table to provide a surface on which to display accessories and leave your keys. Hang a mirror above for checking your appearance. Include a lamp to give an inviting atmosphere in the evenings and a bowl of fresh flowers. Enhance the effect with an arrangement of framed photographs or artwork on the wall. Decor by Toni Botha of Cottonwood Trading Company. SOURCE Cottonwood Trading Company cottonwoodfurniture.co.za…

Who lives here Professional couple Terry Moller-Welsh and John Welsh. The garden A small lush garden divided into ‘rooms’ including an entrance garden, formal enclosed garden, walled side garden and patio entertaining area with planting that looks good all year round. As many gardeners know, leaving a large, cherished garden is an emotional experience. It was much the same for garden designer, book author and garden promotion organiser Terry Moller-Welsh when she and her husband John moved to her daughter, Tasha’s property where they built a smaller house. “But I looked on it as an opportunity to scale down and start again from scratch,” says Terry. As it was a regular fixture on the Open Gardens circuit, many Gauteng garden lovers will remember Terry’s previous garden in Robindale which was…

DAY 1 Leave Cape Town and head for the wheat fields of the Swartland. At the Piekenierskloof Pass enjoy a tea tasting, followed later by a picnic lunch at Hebron and look out for wild flowers on the road to Clanwilliam. Visit the Ramskop Wild Flower garden which boasts more than 350 species of wild flowers and views of the Clanwilliam dam and the Cederberg Mountains. Dinner and overnight at the Letsatsi Lodge near Vanrhynsdorp. DAY 2 After breakfast, travel via the Van Rhyns Pass and the Knersvlakte to Nieuwoudtville, the ‘Bulb Capital of the World’. From this biodiversity hotspot explore the spectacular waterfalls and the Quiver Tree forest with over 3 000 trees and visit the spectacular flower farm, Matjiesfontein. Picnic among the flowers then travel through the Hantam…

When starting out, don’t be overambitious. Vegetable gardening isn’t rocket science, but it can be demanding and the best way to learn is through experience. Start with one small bed and learn to manage it before turning your back lawn into a vegetable garden. If you don’t have time to maintain it, it can quickly become infested with pests and weeds. By starting small, you’ll learn how to manage resources, time, energy and harvests without wasting them. COST-CUTTING TIPS Buy seeds rather than seedlings. For the price of eight seedlings you can buy hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of seeds. Planting from seed offers a much wider choice. If you have a small garden, share seeds with friends; there are usually far more seeds in one packet than a home gardener…

My cooking style is casual, but adventurous. No dinner party is complete without a bottle of good red wine. The kitchen gadget I couldn’t live without is my stick blender. I use it for everything, including creams and batters, chopping nuts and fruit and even crushing ice. Let’s just say that I’ve broken more than one of them. If I had just one recipe book, I’d choose something by Justin Bonello. I always cook with meat, but after reading his cookbooks, I’m doing a lot more cooking on the fire. My store cupboard staples are good balsamic vinegar, Himalayan salt and aloe honey. They are really versatile ingredients that I often use in starters through to desserts. My favourite comfort food is a massive bowl of spaghetti bolognaise with three…

CHICKEN AND CHICKPEA CASSEROLE (Serves 4–6) 60ml cake flour 15ml ground paprika 5ml smoked paprika salt and milled black pepper 8 chicken portions, skin on 45g butter 15ml oil 2 red onions, sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced 5ml sugar 1 x 410g can diced Italian tomatoes 500ml chicken stock or water 1 x 410g tin chickpeas, drained 250ml sour cream TO SERVE 30ml flat-leaf parsley or coriander, chopped oven-roasted vegetables 1 . Preheat the oven to 170°C. 2 . Combine the flour, paprika and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken and gently toss to evenly coat in flour mixture. 3 . Heat the butter in a heavy-based, heatproof casserole and brown the chicken, in batches, for…

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WATCH The first mechanical clock with verge escapement mechanism and a balance wheel appeared in Europe in the mid-1300s. The invention of the mainspring in the 1400s allowed clocks to be portable. These evolved into the pocket watch by the 1600s when the addition of a balance spring in 1650 increased accuracy. By the 1700s it was fashionable for well-to-do ladies to wear watches, either incorporated in bracelets or simply tied around the wrist with a ribbon. Only in the 18th century was the minute hand introduced. The advent of the railroads in the 1850s required accurate time telling. Chronometers (Goliaths), kept by stationmasters, were used to set pocket watches, usually a Waltham or an Elgin. By the 19th century, fob (on a chain) and…

Since its opening in 2015, the big blue building in Castle Street that houses Cape Town’s first ever five-star doggy hotel, @Frits, has become somewhat of a landmark. Bianca has been the art director for this fun brand from inception. “It started out with a doggy clothing line and my involvement flowed into interior design as the project evolved,” she explains. Having spent a lot of time with her (late) beloved dog, Oreo, Bianca knows a thing or two about pampered pooches, and hotel owner Yanic Klue gave her full creative responsibility to execute the doggy hotel concept she had envisioned. Bianca worked with architect and design guru, Greg Viljoen of Design Lab to plan and kit out the one-of-a-kind establishment. “We immediately decided on having different themes for the…

winning letter Bye-bye LAWN I was so inspired by the article on lawn alternatives in your May issue that I immediately replaced the lawn in my tiny townhouse garden. I still have to finish the edges and plant up the beds, but I’m looking forward to huge savings on water and no more muddy paw prints in the house. Estelle Dreyer, Blouberg A PLEASANT SURPRISE My youngest son surprised me with a copy of your May issue for Mother’s Day. I don’t generally buy magazines, but this was one of the most interesting I’ve read. The articles are informative, the ideas are awesome and each time I’ve picked it up since getting it, I noticed something new. Sharon Niedermeyer, via e-mail All that’s GOOD Since childhood, I’ve always…

AT A GLANCE THE ARCHITECTS: Arthur Quinton of Darryl Croome Architects. THE CLIENTS: A couple with two adult sons. THE BRIEF: To completely transform an outdated property into a contemporary family home with extensive living and entertaining areas. THE HOUSE: A four-bedroom home in Bishopscourt with an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area as well as a large covered patio, pool house and fully equipped gym. The property also includes a guest suite with a kitchenette. The owners of this home in the Cape have always been drawn to properties that present a design challenge and this ‘60s property was no different. The original house was dark, outdated and not suited to entertaining, so they enlisted Darryl Croome Architects to remodel it into a light-filled, warm and inviting home. “We…

It’s not often you come across a couple as passionate about building houses as Hagop and Ashley Jaghlassian. This is their third build in Midstream Hill Estate near Centurion and, according to them, it won’t be their last. “We realised early on that the only way to have a home with everything we needed was to build it ourselves. We’re involved in every stage from the design to the finishes,” says Ashley of their projects. This particular house, designed with the help of architect Cobus du Plessis of AIF Design Architects, was tailored to suit the way they live and entertain. The kitchen is positioned so that there’s a view of the patio, bar, lounge and the kids’ playroom. “This way I can be busy cooking and still keep an…

One of the biggest challenges when moving to a smaller home is what to keep and what to get rid of. “Start by making a list of must-keep items,” says Kimberley Richmond of Beautiful Spaces. “If it’s not an essential or something you love, let it go.” At least six months before you move, start sorting out your possessions. Divide them into four sections – keep, sell, donate and throw away. By selling items and donating others to charity, you’ll have whittled down the things that have to be moved. “Place these in plastic bins or sturdy cardboard boxes and label them so they can be placed in the correct rooms in your new home on moving day,” says Kimberley. Before deciding on the furniture to take with you, draw…

“ We chose this house for its compact layout and the incredible natural light that filters into the living areas from all angles,” says Lane Reeves of Metaphor Design in Jo’burg. “Although the dining room walls on either side of the fireplace had been knocked down by the previous owners, the cramped galley kitchen and the small living and dining areas were less appealing. Fortunately, we knew we could fix this with clever renovating. “We had in mind a light-filled, open-plan layout that would suit our style of living and entertaining,” she recalls. Their first step was to remove the wall between the kitchen and dining area and extend the kitchen by 2m at the back. “We gutted the kitchen, but we repurposed what we took out, such as the…

UNDER R100 UNDER R200 SOURCES @home home.co.za Biggie Best biggiebestwebshop.co.za Boardmans boardmans.co.za H&M hm.com/za Mr Price Home mrphome.co.za Poetry poetrystores.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za…

EXPERT ADVICE Creative consultant, Morné de Nysschen has the following advice about making your veranda warm and inviting Keep extra cushions and throws in a basket for added comfort. Outdoor rugs add a feeling of warmth and can be cleaned easily. Stock up with firewood. Stack it against your walls or in baskets. Put lights on a dimmer to add atmosphere at night and use hurricane lanterns and candles. Stools that double as side tables work well around a fireplace as they provide extra seating and a place for snacks and drinks when entertaining. Blur the boundaries between home and garden with plants in attractive pots and baskets. WIN! We’re giving away a ceramic firepit from Earthfire. To enter, SMS FIREPIT , your name and e-mail address to 48406. An…

BELINDA TAPIA GARCIA, GARDENS AND FLOWERS GAURA LINDHEIMERI (1) These beautiful perennials are real value for money. They don’t need much attention, love the sun and are frost hardy. Their butterfly-like blooms appear in mid-spring and continue into early winter. Cut them back right to the ground in late winter and they’ll soon spring back with even more vigour. ICEBERG FLORIBUNDA ROSE (2) Both the standards and bushes are wonderful performers, so it’s no surprise that they are the top-selling rose. If you prepare the soil well before planting and make sure they get enough water, they require very little care. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which can be an indication of nitrogen and magnesium deficiency, but regular feeding with Vigorosa will sort this out. Pruning is essential;…

10 things to do this month Contributing garden editor Marianne Alexander’s handy checklist of essential chores to do in July 1 Bring colour closer to the house by planting pots of pansies and violas, snapdragons, dianthus, stocks and Bellis perennis on your patio. Fill the sunny beds visible from your windows with nemesias, ornamental kale, Bokbaai vygies and dianthus, or primulas and cineraria which prefer some shade. 2 Prune roses . Mid-July in the Eastern Cape; late July in warm regions. In cold, frost-prone areas, wait until August. Buy a fresh bottle of lime sulphur to destroy pests and fungal spores and use it at winter strength, 1:10. Two applications are needed, one a few days before pruning and one after. 3 Plant a green manure crop in fallow beds…

A common misconception is that the only thing you can do in the garden in winter is prune. But as much of the country enjoys mild winters, there are many plants and vegetables that thrive at this time of the year. Winter also offers the chance to take a long hard look at your garden and make the necessary changes to improve its structure. WINTER ANNUALS There’s no reason you can’t add colour to your garden in winter. Seedlings of these flowers are readily available for immediate planting: stocks, Iceland poppies, violas, pansies, foxgloves, snapdragons, Bellis perennis, sweet Williams and primulas (Primula malacoides, P. obconica and P. acaulis). Plant them in beds, containers, window boxes and hanging baskets. IMPROVE THE LAYOUT As you can now see the bones of the…

SWEET Selection If you like baking, you’ll adore the collection of South African recipes including gluten-free and low-sugar options in The Baking Book from Your Family, R275, at leading bookstores nationwide. Find the recipe for scrumptious Rocky Road Squares (pictured) on our website gardenandhome.co.za Fiery Flavour A great way to add flavour to soups, stews and roasted veggies is with Pesto Princess Harissa Paste, from R35,99, available at select Checkers, Spar and Pick n Pay stores. Visit gardenandhome.co.za for the recipe for these easy harissa bread scrolls, or for more info, pesto.co.za Say CHEESE Include creamy Président Camembert and Président Brie cheeses, from R26,99 each, on your cheese board this winter. They’re also good on hot croissants topped with fig jam, crispy bacon and fresh rocket. You’ll find them…

FIND OF THE MONTH I received this bottle of perfume with a copper lid from my mother. It was made in Paris and is called Forvil 5 Fleurs. I’d love to know its history and value. The black item inside is the little rubber from the lid and there is still a little bit of perfume in the bottle. Alta Ingram, via e-mail Barbara Collins of Georgian Antiques says, “This is a really classy example. Forvil was established in 1922 then when Dr Pierre Mussot bought the company it was renamed FORVIL. Well-known glassmaker René Lalique designed and made perfume bottles for D’Orsay and FORVIL, including those for 5 Fleurs which was was launched in 1926. This bottle is a little beauty and much sought after by collectors. An estimated…

SOURCES Gonsenhausers Fine Rugs finerugs.co.za K. Light Import klight.co.za La Grange Interiors lagrangeinteriors.co.za SHF shf.co.za Superbalist.com superbalist.com Trade Secret trade-secret.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za…

Join our Pulse discussion panel and make your opinion count. Simply download the easy-to-use UPINION app on your smartphone to give us real-time feedback we’ll use to add even more value to Garden and Home. HOW TO REGISTER: Download the UPINION app. Follow the prompts. When asked if you have a panel code, say ‘yes’ and enter Pulse01 as the code. You’ll receive a notification on your phone when we have questions for you. You’ll earn points that you can use to enter monthly prize draws. AVAILABLE IN Apple App Store and Google Play LOUNGE SUITES The last big purchase most respondents made Kitchen style Most prefer a mix of traditional and contemporary elements 65% will update their decor after seeing something they like MAGAZINES Where most respondents find decor…

GREY GARDENS Wallpaper and bed frame by Dear Zania Interiors. 100% linen king pillowcases , R795 for a set of two, 100% linen queen duvet cover , R2 295, both from Weylandts. Rib-knit blanket , R749, H&M. Leto throw , R3 898, The Gatehouse at Mavromac. Velvet scatters , R1 197 each, Mavromac. Crochet watermelon pouffe , R799,99, Mr Price Home. Gold terrarium , R1 750, angles + earth. PINK SHERBET Pink velvet bolster cushion , R299, H&M. Silk route scatter , R349, pink linen scatter , R479, both from Loads of Living. Fringed scatter , R195, Volpes. COOL AND COMFORTABLE Gregor Grey duvet cover set , from R1 299, and down pillow inners , R149, both from Volpes. Throw , R1 299, charcoal pillowcase , R499 for a set…

NATURAL CHARM As they’re usually the focal point, use mirrors to establish the mood. Then bring in warmth with natural textures like wood and wicker, and use foliage and pot plants to breathe life into the scheme. Washed mirrors, R3 495 each, Weylandts. 1 Continue the look with textured accessories and dispensers. Toothbrush holder and soap dispenser, from R65 each, glass jar, R329, all @home, plant in handwoven basket, from R175, SHF, Indulge facecloths, R29 each, Volpes. 2 Use a small woven stool for holding towels and toiletries and to add a rustic element. Putra stool, R795, Coricraft, white Indulge towels, from R39, Volpes. 3 Look for practical items, like laundry baskets, in the same style. Chunky knit basket, R429, and bamboo vase with white detail, R359, @home. SOURCES @home…

Who lives here Frank and Debbie De Agrela, whose The garden A 70m2 roof garden with U-shaped built-in seating and low-maintenance plants. In addition to complementing the contemporary home they were building, Frank and Debbie De Agrela wanted their outdoor living area to take advantage of the fabulous views from the steep site in Jo’burg’s Eagle Canyon Estate. “We love entertaining outdoors, so we had in mind a roof garden with seating, a braai area and a place for dining. Plus we wanted low-maintenance plants that would add colour and texture and soften the strong lines of the architecture,” says Debbie. To integrate the garden with the multilevel structure, landscape designer Deidre Causton and the team from Inspirations worked closely with the architect, Sid Joaquim, and the De Agrelas to…

HEADS UP Old metal bedsteads are ideal plant supports. This one has been placed in a raised bed to support seasonal climbers such as these sweet peas. CONE COVER Gather cones from the roadside or picnic areas. Keep the big cones for burning in the fireplace and use the small ones as mulch. YESTERDAY’S HEROES Discarded enamel buckets and basins make quirky plant containers, especially when planted with succulents such as echeveria and sempervivum. Drill drainage holes in the bottom before planting. Line them with weed cloth to ensure that the soil doesn’t leak through the holes then fill with potting soil. LOGGING IN Log discs make the most beautiful pathway. If you don’t have a tree trunk lying around or the tools to cut it, most tree fellers will…

1 Sparrmannia africana (Cape stock rose) This large fast-growing evergreen indigenous shrub is half-hardy with large heart-shaped leaves and clusters of dainty, pendulous flowers. The bottom line: Plant in sun or shade; prune after flowering. Height: 4–8m. 2 Euryops virgineus (honey daisy) A tall, quick and easy-to-grow shrub with needle-like leaves and fragrant flowers, it’s ideal for the back of sunny beds. The bottom line: It tolerates drought, wind and frost; water in winter in summer-rainfall areas. Cut it back hard once the blooms fade. Height: 1,5–2m. 3 Reinwardtia indica (yellow flax) This frost-tender shrub will brighten your garden with its large, shiny leaves and golden yellow flowers. The bottom line: Grows well in sun and semi-shade. Protect from frost in cold areas. Height: 1m.…

All roses benefit from pruning which gives you the opportunity to remove diseased wood and leaves resulting in better blooming and a healthier bush. In most areas this can be done at the end of July but in colder areas like the Western Cape and Natal Midlands, it’s best to leave this until August. Keep in mind that a light pruning after every flush will also invigorate the bush and promote flowering. Hybrid teas, floribundas, Fairy Tale, Panarosa, Antico Moderno, spire and miniature roses can all be pruned using the method demonstrated here. The same principle applies to standard roses where it’s also important to remove suckers growing from the foot of the main stem. The exceptions are listed below: Colourscape roses can be topped with hedge shears. Climbing roses…

MENU GRASS-FED BEEF TONGUE CROSTINI WITH HONEY WHISKY MUSTARD SMOKED VENISON LOIN WITH HORSERADISH CREAM BEETROOT AND MADUMBI MASH BRUSSELS SPROUTS TOSSED IN BACON LEMON AND ALMOND TART “I practiced labour law for seven years, but eventually I was burnt out,” recalls Caroline McCann. “My aunt, who owned Braeside Butchery at the time, was emigrating to the UK and jokingly said to me: ‘You should buy the butchery, you can run it for a year then sell it’.” Caroline took her up on the offer, assuming that her aunt would stick around for a year and she could learn everything she needed to know during that time. But three weeks later, her aunt was on a plane and Caroline had to find other teachers. “From a commercial perspective, I had…

1 – 2 JULY Forage for fungi at Delheim Estate Enjoy a morning of guided mushroom foraging at this popular Stellenbosch wine estate followed by a three-course lunch with, you guessed it, mushrooms, R650 pp. For more information, call 021 888 4607 or e-mail restaurant@delheim.com 12 – 13 JULY Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival Distinct and select, this festival is renowned for presenting classic vintages and innovative blends. It’s held at Summer Place in Hyde Park, Jo’burg. Early bird tickets available at webtickets.co.za, R190 or R210 pp, at the door. 16 – 17 JULY Franschhoek Bastille Festival Sample wines and gourmet fare from some of Franschhoek’s well-known eateries. Tickets to the focal Food & Wine Marquee cost R220 pp and include entry, a complimentary tasting glass, five wine-tasting coupons…

MUST-SEE SIGHT Spend a day in Potsdam, south of Berlin, exploring the magnificent gardens of the Sanssouci Palace. NICE TO KNOW Eating in restaurants can be expensive, but there are plenty of good value small Turkish and Vietnamese restaurants offering delicious food. Berlin is also famous for its excellent coffee and cake. MOST DELICIOUS BITE Currywurst at any of the Curry 36 street-food outlets. SHOP UP A STORM Berlin has some of the best second-hand clothing shops, antique fairs and flea markets in Europe.…

EVERY MONTH we give away a *prize for the most valuable or interesting antique item sent in. This month Alta Ingram has won a five-year-old, an eight-year-old and a 12-year-old bottle of Scottish Cousin whisky worth R920. These superb blends are made by ageing single grain and malt Scotch whisky in barrels. Visit fourcousins.co.za SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Send in clear photographs of collectable items to Treasure Chest, SA Garden and Home , Box 3124, Parklands 2121. Due to the volume of mail we are unable to respond personally or return photographs. Send e-mail submissions to gardenhome@caxton.co.za. Pictures must be sent as separate attachments at a size between 1MB – 2MB. Only one submission per reader will be accepted. For guidelines on the best way to take your photos for Treasure Chest,…