Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2015 i SA Garden and Home

When I first moved to the Highveld, I found the thunderstorms, especially the lightning, quite terrifying. I could understand why my dogs tried to squeeze under the bed at the first crack of thunder. Now it’s just the opposite. When the clouds start building and the sky turns purple, I get hugely excited by the possibility of some much-needed rain. Last week I startled the GH team with a shout of ‘Yay’ when I heard rumbling overhead. Unfortunately it turned out to be the people on the floor above moving furniture. A hot dry summer has been predicted for much of the country and drought is a huge concern for farmers in many areas as well as those gardeners who rely on rainfall to keep their gardens looking good. An…

Inspired by the natural world, Plascon’s Element palette uses soft neutrals, raw surfaces and tonal colours to provide a sense of depth and contrast mimicking the Earth’s layers. This is heightened by gradated effects and textured finishes, giving a luxurious feeling to this geological-inspired theme. Element’s versatile chalky tones can be combined in a variety of ways to create different moods. Whether you mix the warm shades, the cooler ones, or combine them, the result will be serenely balanced. SUBTLE SIMPLICITY Using single colours from Element, you can create calm, considered spaces like this one painted with Plascon Wall & All. With a low sheen finish, Wall & All is ideal for most exterior applications. It is the ultimate dirt-resistant, anti-mould paint with a 12 year product quality guarantee*. See…

HEADS UP Instead of a traditional headboard, French oak cladding was used behind this bed to add a contemporary feel to the classic decor. “If you want to do something similar, use engineered timber panels rather than solid wood, as wood expands and contracts according to the temperature,” says interior architectural designer Cara Slater-Middlewick. SHELF LIFE Resembling a piece of sculpture, this ‘Pick Up Sticks’ shelf by local furniture designer James Mudge is right at home in this industrial-style house in Welgemoed, Cape Town. “The warmth of the wood contrasts beautifully against the concrete walls,” says interior designer Marcelle Crowther of Hocus Interior Design Studio. “It’s contemporary yet timeless.” A STEP UP Vertical timber slats make a stylish alternative to a hand rail and add a striking feature to staircases.…

CROWD PLEASER Both practical and stylish, this outdoor living area, designed by architect Kevin Lloyd, is ideal for entertaining a crowd. It features built-in seating on which interior designer Ruth Duke added piped cushions. Pale wooden decking is soft underfoot and doesn’t heat up. The timber overhead screening is almost sculptural and provides dappled shade. The artificial lawn keeps things cool and never needs mowing. Cool as ice Keep drinks cool with the (1) Keter Coolbar in black, R1 299, Makro, (2) footed drinks cooler, R1 150, Woolworths, or the (3) galvanised ice bucket with scoop, R179,99, Mr Price Home. Help yourself Set out food and crockery buffet-style so everyone can help themselves. Place cutlery in interesting containers and tealight holders among the plates and glasses to add a festive…

GET THE LOOK Kim Roberts of Crystal & Vine, Speciality Decor Rental and Styling shares her tips: Keep the wooden table bare to show off its beautiful patina and provide a link with the natural surrounds. Use something unique as placemats. I chose two different tiles as their subtle blue patterns echo the encaustic tiles common in old Durban homes and enhance the colonial feel of the table setting. Add metallic elements like the votives, gold-rimmed plates and gold cutlery for a sense of grandeur. Decorate the table with unusual plants and quirky vases. Here, deep-green foliage in interesting vessels, one of which is an old light fitting found at a charity shop, looks fresh and summery. Use what you have. It’s amazing how many things you have lying around…

When Nico and Michele Strydom bought their property in Bryanston, Johannesburg, seven years ago, they knew they had their work cut out for them. Not only did the house need extensive renovations, the old-fashioned garden with its giant palms and round driveway needed a complete makeover. “I’m always up for a challenge and I knew, that with the help of my husband, and friend and landscaper Mary Ann Brews of Emay Gardens, we’d be able to create a garden perfect for our whole family,” recalls Michele. Mary Ann’s input was vital in the redesign of the garden. “The first task was to remove tons of rubble, and as the property is on a steep slope, we built level terraces in some areas,” she says. “We brought in about 20 truckloads…

OCTOBER Gardens of the Golden City These Jo’burg gardens are open from 10h00 – 17h00. For more information, visit gardensofthegoldencity.co.za 31 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER Michelle’s Garden, High Cloud, High Cloud Road, Irene This 10-acre estate is filled with unusual plants. Entrance is R50, children over 3, R25. Tea garden here. Call Lynne on 082 689 0930 or Margreet on 072 400 1559. 7 – 8 NOVEMBER Kim Gaskell, 8 Dove Road, Norscot Slopes, Douglasdale This indigenous garden has a natural self-filtering pool. Entrance R30, children under 12, free. Call Lynne on 082 689 0930 or Vivienne on 082 464 1352. 7 – 8 NOVEMBER Entrance to these two gardens in Stratford Gardens, Broadacres is R40. Call Lynne on 082 689 0930 or Vivienne on 082 464 1352. Vanessa and…

SOURCES Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Hope Garden Furniture hopegf.com Indigenus indigenus.co.za Marlanteak marlanteak.com Robert Thomson & Co Robert-thomson.com Weylandts weylandts.co.za WilsonStone wilsonstone.co.za…

Cleaning is a cinch with the MV 6 P Premium Kärcher multipurpose vacuum cleaner. With its wide range of applications, it provides impressive suction power and low power consumption, and is a match for any type of dirt, whether dry, wet, coarse or fine. It gives perfect cleaning results anywhere, including car interiors, workshops, garages, cellars and outdoor areas. The socket with an automatic on/ off switch allows you to work with power tools so you can vacuum up after planing, sawing and grinding. Other great features are the 30-litre stainless steel container and specially developed floor nozzles. For more information, visit karcher.co.za SUBSCRIBING IS EASY – CHOOSE FROM THESE 5 OPTIONS: SMS the words “CAXTON GH” to 40573 An SMS costs R1 (across all networks) Call 0860 100 207…

AVOCADO SOUP WITH CRISPY CANDIED BACON (Serves 4–6) FOR THE AVOCADO SOUP: 15ml olive or avocado oil1 onion, peeled and diced1 garlic clove, crushed2 ripe avocados, flesh scooped out15ml lemon juice30ml torn basil leaves10ml chopped mint leaves800ml chicken or vegetable stocksalt and black pepper, to taste60ml cream FOR THE CANDIED BACON: 5ml coriander seeds3ml cumin seeds2ml dried red chilli flakes1ml paprika60ml soft brown sugarblack pepper, to taste8–12 rashers streaky bacon TO SERVE: olive or avocado oil, for drizzling lemon zest micro herbs 1 . To make the avocado soup: heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion and garlic over a low heat for 6–7 minutes or until translucent and tender. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely. 2 . Transfer the mixture to a food…

winning letter FAMILY TIME My daughter and I had a great time trying the recipes in the September issue of Garden and Home. Just like Jacqueline van Zyl ( Wholesome at heart , p130), I like getting my daughter involved in the kitchen. She’s often bored when I prepare complicated meals, but the uncooked chocolate brownies and peanut butter banana ice cream recipes were perfect. We made lots of ice cream and my daughter made sure the neighbours’ children, their friends and cousins knew about it, which brought us many visitors that afternoon! The best part was seeing the smiles on their faces as they enjoyed their treat. Thanks for the great issue! Jacobeth Makala, Bronkhorstspruit THE PERFECT GIFT I thoroughly enjoyed the September issue of Garden and Home, which…

AT A GLANCE THE ARCHITECT: Cara Slater-Middlewick of Cara Slater Architectural Design and Decor. THE CLIENT: A young couple and their two-year-old daughter. THE BRIEF: A luxurious home that allows for relaxed living and entertaining. THE HOUSE: A 454m2 double-storey house with four en suite bedrooms, a separate studio office, scullery and open-plan living area, which opens onto a covered patio, swimming pool, firepit and garden. My job is to build on the architect’s design,” says interior architectural designer Cara Slater-Middlewick. “I work in conjunction with the architect from the inception of the project, considering the way the clients live and making adjustments to the shell of the house and the interiors to suit their lifestyle. The most important thing about a build is that the interior designer and architect…

TIPS FROM THE EXPERT Estel Grobler, textile designer and buyer for Volpes, has this advice when choosing bedlinen: To make sure you have the right size, measure the mattress and the depth from the highest point (including the mattress pad and any bedding used under the sheets) to the bottom. Check whether you have a standard or an extra-length mattress and read labels carefully before purchasing. Cotton-polyester blends are wrinkle-resistant, durable and comparatively inexpensive. If you’re looking for that soft, cool feel, nothing beats 100% cotton, but keep in mind that cotton creases. For something more luxurious, try Egyptian cotton, as the fibres are longer than regular cotton, making it stronger and softer. If you like your sheets with a little snap, choose percale, which is a plainer weave than…

A year and a half ago, Brandon and Natalie Mansour had no intention of renovating their home in Jo’burg’s Eagle Canyon Golf Estate. However, after the installation of a bath in their daughter’s bathroom, the couple decided it was time to address the other parts of their house they were unhappy with, and began a full home renovation. “It wasn’t a whim,” says Natalie, “Brandon and I felt it was time to put our personal stamp on a home that we had bought five years ago.” Though the open-plan layout of the ground floor living area was one of the features that appealed to the Mansours, it didn’t provide a comfortable flow and wasn’t flexible. “While we needed a large enough area for entertaining, we also wanted the space to…

1 PRECIOUS METAL Want to instantly up the glamour factor in your home? Emphasise the detailing on a piece of furniture with metallic paint or wax, which reflect light and give it a more luxurious feel. Paint effect by So Us. TOP TIP: Make sure you pick the right paint. Translucent metallic paint works best for painting over an already painted dresser, while opaque paints will give you a brushed metal finish. This is often best left to the experts. Try water-based Plascon Paint Effects in gold, silver, bronze or pearl. 2 DRESSED TO GRILL Concrete built-in braais tend to look dull and basic. Give them a bit more style and incorporate them into your patio scheme by painting them in a neutral colour. Before painting, use Plascon Concrete Floor…

How to style your bar trolley Display attractive bottles, glasses and cocktail shakers. Add a pop of colour with a pot plant or fresh flowers. Use trays to neatly organise items. Include books on your favourite cocktails and add a bowl of lemons or limes. Group together bottles and cans for instant effect. SOURCES @home home.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Dark Horse dark-horse.co.za LIM lim.co.za Marlanteak marlanteak.com Mr Price Home mrphome.com Nevada Furniture nevadafurniture.co.za Trade Secret trade-secret.co.za SHOP ONLINE Shop bar accessories on our website. Visit gardenandhome.co.za…

THIS BATHROOM IS located in the centre of this Jo’burg home, and the only light came through a tiny window overlooking a small courtyard off the pantry. It had seriously old-fashioned tiles and fittings, and was very dark. The built-in bath took up a lot of space resulting in a clumsy layout,” says Lisa Swart of Oksijen Interiors. HOW THIS SPACE WENT FROM DRAB TO FAB: The room was gutted, which involved removing the shower, vanity and built-in cupboards. “There was no ceiling above the cupboards, so Legacy Pressed Ceilings custom matched a section,” she explains. Large floor tiles were laid, and to break the height of the walls, Lisa painted the upper section and clad the lower in white metro tiles. “With the resulting 16m2 , we had space…

Having lived on the property for more than three decades, the owners decided it was time to give their overgrown garden an overhaul. “It had simply grown with the family, and as so often happens with these older properties, you eventually can’t see the wood for the trees,” says Jo’burg landscaper Karen Gardelli, who was asked to manage the project. The owner also expressed a desire to colour the dull spots of her green and shrubby garden with a mass of flowers that she could pick for her home. “We started by cutting back dense trees that blocked the sunlight and restricted airflow,” explains Karen. “Once we’d reduced the height of the trees and removed those that had become overcrowded, we cut down the rambling creepers, some of which engulfed…

When Nicholas and Zanette Walker bought the house next door, they planned to renovate it and then sell it. However, realising that all the changes they’d made suited their lifestyle perfectly, they decided to sell their own home and move in instead. “Another attraction was creating a new garden practically from scratch,” says Nicholas who does all the gardening himself. His work as a lithographer and training as a watercolourist helped him visualise the new design and layout, and the result is appealing and well organised. The intimate back section, overlooked by their shady outdoor living area, had the potential to become a courtyard garden. “It begged for straight lines and a geometric pattern,” explains Nicholas. His design has the effect of interlocking and overlapping rectangles and squares which is…

LANDSCAPING Minimise hard, impermeable surfaces like paving. They reflect heat, making your plants thirstier and prevent rainwater from seeping into the soil. Lift some pavers or bricks to have soak-aways where water can sink in. Resurface driveways, yards and paths with porous surfaces or paving blocks and plastic grid systems filled with plants. Make berms or drainage channels to direct rainwater to where it’s needed or where it can soak in or be harvested. Contour the land to form rain gardens. These are shallow, channel-like depressions or bioswales that intercept and slow down run-off rainwater, giving it time to soak into the soil. Plant these with plants that can cope with both periodic flooding and dry periods, and also filter the water. As water tends to run off slopes, devise…

MENU STRAWBERRY, BASIL AND LEMON ICED TEA CHILLED MINTY PEA SOUP TUNA PÂTÉ WITH CRUDITÉS CHEESAS SUMMER PASTA STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM Growing up, I wasn’t really into sports, so I used to cook for fun,” recalls Jo’burg food stylist and cookbook author, Sarah de Lange. Sarah’s mother, who was born in America, had a host of recipes such as corn bread and chocolate chip cookies. “She’d let my sister and I make soufflé, baked Alaska and all sorts of other culinary concoctions. I didn’t realise it at the time, but food was to become my strongest influence and would affect who I’ve become today,” says Sarah. Sarah studied catering management at hotel school, but after working long hours, she opted for a stint in the corporate world where she met…

These books Modern Magic and More Magic by Professor Hoffmann from the early 1900s were owned by my great-uncle, Robert Harbin, the famous magic inventor and the first magician on TV. Can you tell me if they have any value? Margaret Reynolds, via e-mail We asked Paul Mills, owner of online Antiquarian Auctions to give us an assessment. “ Modern Magic was first issued in 1876 and More Magic in 1890,” he says. “Both of these are later editions and date from the 1930s. Professor Hoffmann (a pseudonym for Angelo Lewis, 1839–1919) was influential in popularising conjuring and magic. A lawyer, he used the pseudonym fearing that his professional prospects would be compromised if it became known that he possessed such an intimate knowledge of the arts of deception. Modern…

Classical Twist Classical motifs are given a contemporary slant in Savor – the gorgeous new fabric range from Eijffinger. Powerful cobalt, jade and citrus tones are combined with easy-going neutrals for a look that’s timeless yet edgy. See the range at Dreamweaver Studios.dreamweaverstudios.co.za Olá Brasil! Don’t miss Samba, the vibrant new fabric collection from Jane Churchill. Folksy yet sophisticated, the Brazilian theme combines ikat damasks, geometrics and stylised foliage in zingy tropical shades. Available at Mavromac.mavromac.co.za Summer Spree Via La Moda’s fine leather bags and accessories are available in a range of fabulous summer colours. See the collection at vialamoda.co.za BEDROOM COLLECTION SA linen company Volpes has developed a range of contemporary furniture pieces for bedrooms and bathrooms. The items range from modern pedestals and headboards to occasional chairs and…

SOURCES @home home.co.za Con Amore 011 262 0903 Country Road woolworths.co.za Linen House linenhouse.co.za Moooi moooi.com The Modern Home Company modernhome.co.za Vintage Vista vintagevista.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za Yuppiechef.com yuppiechef.com…

As we have a large family, with two sets of twins, it was important to find a house that could accommodate all our kids, not only now, but when they’re older too,” explains Jackie Pennington. She and her husband Dave found their ideal home in the northern suburbs of Jo’burg two and a half years ago. “It ticked all the boxes – size, location and a spacious garden,” she recalls. “The easy flow and open-plan layout attracted us and we fell in love with it the minute we saw it.” However, when it came to the decor, the Penningtons felt they didn’t have the time or the creativity to do it justice. They enlisted the help of Jonathan Avnon of Joseph Avnon Interiors to make the most of the home’s…

LOW-MAINTENANCE FLOORS A floor that looks good with minimal effort is a huge time saver. Popular choices are screed floors and wood-look vinyl, like this one from Belgotex Floors, which just needs sweeping and a light mop to keep it clean. Decor by By Dezign Interiors. PREP AND STORAGE SPACE Make space for two cooks in the kitchen with an island that has extra prep and storage areas. The African Allure mini centre island, R11 581, from Milestone Kitchens, has casters so it’s easy to move to the most convenient spot. ADD AN OTTOMAN Make your living area more comfortable by swapping your coffee table for an ottoman so you can put your feet up. For drinks and books, use a small U-shaped table that fits neatly under the bottom…

1. Effortless entertaining This family’s love of entertaining prompted the transformation of an uninspiring grassed area at the back of their home into the most loved spot. “Our guests move straight here when they arrive,” says the couple. “It has really changed the dynamic of our home.” With help from landscaper Sarah von Höne of Garden Gallery, they kept the established silver birch trees and reworked the beds below them. The greenery softens the space and complements the stone cladding that was added to the surrounding walls. “We used low seating with fitted cushions and cheerful scatters to give a relaxed vibe.” A gravel floor finishes it off as does the hare sculpture by artist Guy du Toit perched by the fire. The scatter cushions are from St Leger &…

The prize includes: R80 000 worth of fabulous decor must haves from some of South Africa's finest decor suppliers. Mae Artisan Rugs, Okha, Ebony Design and Kartell are each supplying one lucky winner with R20 000 worth of their most popular products. Purchase your copy at your local bookstore, wantitall.co.za, takelot.com, loot.co.za or visit our website www. sadecor.co.za For a dose of some real decor inspiration visit our brand new website today! Introducing South Africa's first Catalogue hub Decorlogue will show off catalogues and lookbooks of an assorted array of South Africa's leading suppliers and service providers. Decorshop will link you to South Africa's leading online decor stores whilst Decor listings will provide you with South Africa's most comprehensive online decor Directory. Looking for the latest trends and decor news?…

DIY in a morning WHAT YOU’LL NEED A wooden tray80-grit sandpaperA clean dusting clothPaintbrushesWater-based universal undercoatWater-based paint in the colour ofyour choiceFabric of your choiceFabric scissors3mm glass cut to size (I used IdealGlass & Mirror in Jo’burg) HOW TO DO IT 1 Sand down the tray thoroughly, making sure any previously applied varnish or paint is smooth. 2 Wipe the tray with a clean, dry cloth to remove sanding dust. 3 Apply one coat of universal undercoat and allow to dry completely. 4 Apply two coats of your chosen paint. I used water-based Mid from the INCdecor Reds paint range. 5 Measure and cut the fabric according to the size of the inside of the tray. I chose Stripe from the INCdecor Reds fabric range. 6 Fit the piece of…

When downy mildew all but decimated bedding impatiens some five years ago, it left a massive gap in our gardens. Before then, impatiens was the fail-safe flower for shady areas, able to produce a swathe of colour that few other shade lovers could match. The disease hasn’t gone away, but there are new disease-resistant varieties and strategies for gardeners who still want that lavish effect. IMPATIENS OF THE FUTURE Interspecific crosses, which include downy mildew-resistant New Guinea impatiens in their genetic mix, are being heralded as the disease-free alternative for those who want masses of low, spreading colour. There are also New Guinea varieties that are bred to spread as landscape impatiens. INTERSPECIFIC IMPATIENS Bounce is a new series that spreads and mounds lower to the ground like the Super…

10 must dos this month Contributing garden editor Marianne Alexander’s handy checklist of essential chores to do in November 1 Continue to feed and water roses regularly and keep spraying to prevent fungal outbreaks, particularly black spot. During hot dry spells, check for red or twin spotted spider mites that suck sap from the undersurface of leaves. Prune rambling roses like banksia, ‘Dorothy Perkins’ and trim old-fashioned or species roses. 2 Prune deciduous spring-flowering shrubs such as weigelia, snowball bush and forsythia. Cut out old woody stems at ground level to encourage new growth. Neaten spring flowers like cistus (rock rose) and confetti bushes. Trim spring-flowering climbers Jasminum polyanthum, Gelsemium sempervirens (Carolina Jessamine) and petrea. Clip topiaries and hedges. 3 Feed summer-flowering annuals, bulbs, perennials and fuchsias fortnightly with a…

How do you deal with root competition under trees? Unfortunately there’s no quick fix for this one. The simplest method is to dig over the area to a depth of about half a metre, removing as many of the tree’s little feeder roots as possible. Add a generous amount of compost, some general fertiliser and a few handfuls of bonemeal and then plant. The downside of this method is that the roots will grow back in a year or so. A more permanent solution is to remove the soil down to about 75cm, leaving only the largest of the tree roots in place. Line the space with thick industrial plastic, moulding it around the large roots. Punch plenty of holes through the plastic with a garden fork. Mix compost and…

Once established, these hardy perennials are water wise and low maintenance, but because they’ll be in the ground for many years, prepare the soil well before planting. Most require well-drained, fertile soil enriched with plenty of organic matter such as compost and well-rotted manure. Choose a sunny location, making sure taller perennials won’t block the sun. Many edible perennials can also be planted in existing flowerbeds. 1 GLOBE ARTICHOKES Prized for their striking globes and grey, fuzzy foliage, artichokes grow up to 2m high and almost as wide. They’re suitable for larger vegetable gardens and perennial flowerbeds. Growing tips: Artichokes are easily grown from seedlings. Best in full sun, they like moist, well-drained soil and ample water, especially in their first year. After harvesting, fertilise with Talborne Vita Fruit &…

Cool Cuisine Cool Mint is the new pastel hue in Le Creuset’s popular cookware range. The stoneware jug, R270, looks fresh on summer tables and is ideal for summer punches like this pink cranberry lemonade (pictured above). Find the recipe at gardenandhome.co.za. Visit lecreuset.co.za A juicy STORY Liefmans Fruitesse fruit beer is a brilliant thirst quencher with intense berry flavours. Serve it ice cold or use it to add extra sparkle to your summer cocktails. Visit belgianbeercompany.co.za New SCOOP Try the White Chocolate & Passion Fruit and Lemon & Basil flavours at Paul’s Homemade Ice Creams or simply indulge in a scoop of Pistachio & Honey deliciousness on a hot day. Sugar-free and Paleo-friendly options are available too. Find the store at 27 Boxes in Melville, Jo’burg, or visit paulshomemade.com…

Gerald Flack’s home is a treasure trove of maritime memorabilia and is testament to his lifelong love affair with the sea. “I just can’t gather enough knowledge or nautical knick-knacks, and I’m passionate about researching and sharing maritime history,” says this former engineering administrator. “Curating my collection and keeping it shipshape as such, is a full-time job.” Gerald’s collection is a broad ensemble focusing largely on South African shipping memorabilia, as it’s more readily available. Ship models of every size and description are on display and visits from fellow shipping enthusiasts are regular. Gerald remembers the exact day when his maritime mania started, “On 12 November 1945 my mother walked me down to the Cape Town docks to see the Cunard Line’s magnificent Aquitania . I was so impressed that…

Michelle Knapp began her career as a fashion designer, studied art and sculpture in Europe, then turned to auditing as a way to see the world. But after 12 years in corporate life, she became restless. “I wanted to challenge myself, change my career and get out of my comfort zone,” she explains. Coincidently an artist friend, Lyndi Sales, asked her to buy some fragrances for her from Santa Maria Novella, the oldest perfumery in the world, while she was in Florence. “Despite having visited this city many times, I’d never heard of the monastery and fell in love with the products, which are still handcrafted by the monks using the original recipes and organic perfume oils.” A few months later, she brought Santa Maria Novella to South Africa. Michelle’s…