Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2023 i SA Garden and Home

I have a somewhat reluctant love affair with the start of the new year. On one hand, it’s the dawn of a new year and on the other, it’s a reminder that time is fluid, work must again start for those of us who take a break and our lives must be enjoyed in every moment since the moments can be so terribly fleeting at the best of times. An eternal optimist and spin doctor, I choose to lean into the idea of newness and pressing reset. So, let’s go with optimism and dig into an issue set to inspire you with luxurious natural decor (page 26), lush gardens (page 62, 70), trends that offer a starting point for your next to-do (page 24, 50, 54) and, of course, incredible…

Tip Think rounded seating and areas designed for conviviality and relaxation. Now more than ever, spaces without TV access and a generous low table big enough for board games and many hours of caffeineinfused conversation are valuable. Throwing it back 'Down Ageing' harks back to the desire to find comfort in decades past. The solace of nostalgia and childhood means that many of us are moving towards an appreciation for trends of the '70s, '80s, and even '90s. Expect the return of retro outdoor furniture and tropical plantings. Conversational seating (or the 'conversation pit’) has been pricking the eyes and ears of the design world as, increasingly, connection and mindful moments together are regaining their focus in our lives. Sustainable elements The global agenda is centring around sustainability more and…

It’s little surprise that plants in urban interiors have become as much of a finishing touch as a gorgeous scatter cushion, a piece of art, a quirky figurine or a beautiful vase. The choice of indoor plants and trees is endlessly diverse with wonderful variations in the shapes and sizes of leaves, colouration, texture and the way they grow. Indoor greenery ticks all the boxes: a soothing tonic for the frazzled soul; an aesthetically engaging addition to the decorative landscape delivering pops of colour, form and in some cases even fragrance; an inspired solution for homes lacking in outdoor space or natural surroundings; and the magical (okay, scientifically proven) ability to lower stress levels, improve the oxygen count and absorb nasty pollutants, toxins and other negative by-products of city dwelling.…

We have a wealth of edible and medicinal plants in our rich South African plant kingdom, but it's important to know which part of the plant to use and how it can be used in the kitchen. Here are some of the wellknown and favourite indigenous edible plants. Carissa macrocarpa (Num-num) - this attractive shrub bears gorgeous ruby red berries, which are high in vitamin C and are delicious eaten raw or as jam or preserves. Tulbaghia violacea (Wild garlic) - the entire plant can be used in the kitchen. The flowers are great in salads, leaves can replace chives and the roots can be used in place of garlic in some recipes. Artemisia afra (Wormwood) - an excellent indigenous garden plant with many medicinal and culinary uses. Effective for…

Many plants can be propagated from cuttings, rooted in soil or water. Choose a shoot about 5-10 cm long that looks healthy. Cut from the mother plant above the node. Shorten the cutting to the next node to provide a good basis for the formation of roots. A good cutting should have two or three leaves, depending on the plant, The lowest leaves can be removed so they do not rot under the soil or water. Do not cut flowering shoots (or simply remove the flowers), so that the cutting does not use its strength for flower growth but for rooting. Double your stock instantly by dividing. This is especially suitable for plants that form a lot of side shoots. When dividing a houseplant, remove it from the pot, cut…

Need more time in the garden or to rearrange your living room for the 10th time? We've got you covered! Sit back and wait for monthly copy of G&H to arrive at your door. At only R399 for a 12-month subscription, you'll be banking a 40% saving!* TWO EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE: Call: 087 550 0329 Email: subscriptions@habarimedia.com *This offer is valid until 25 January and applies to print subscribes with a South African address only. By providing your personal details, you are giving G&H permission to communicate with you via email or SMS. For rates and other great offers visit gardenandhome.co.za. JOIN US ONLINE: gardenandhome.co.za…

OUT AND ABOUT A vegan treat… Get a taste of the plant-based lifestyle okja has new digs at 77 on Kloof, in the bosom of the Mother City’s hottest neighbourhood. It’s a space where the team behind the brand collaborates, tests new ideas, and welcomes anyone and everyone who might be curious about how simple and delicious animal-free can be. Rui Esteves, creative director and co-founder of okja, is somewhat uncompromising when it comes to product, which is why he hired a talented ex-Michelinstar restaurant pastry chef to commandeer okja’s in-house recipe development. To learn more about okja, visit okja.co.za. We love: Vegan pastries - they are a guilt-free gem that everyone should try, if for no other reason than debunking the myths of vegan baking. Inspired by okja: Why…

We drove past this long, pristine beach. There was nothing here at the time except a small caravan with a sales guy on duty - and I immediately fell in love,’ remembers homeowner Ronelle Bester. We decided on the spot to buy a plot for a weekend getaway.’ The location could not have been a better choice for Ronelle, her husband Moller, and their two young sons, Julian (12) and Josua (10). The family lives on a farm in Moorreesburg, which is just an hour away by car from this, their resulting holiday home in Dwarskersbos on the Cape's increasingly popular West Coast. This second home is so close by, in fact, that the family frequently decides ‘on a whim to pack and go for the weekend,’ says Ronelle. She…

Use an exact template on a cardboard to help mark the same measurements on all 4 post joins. Divide 220 mm in half (110 mm) on the surface of the 220 mm width and length of the 69 mm width pine timber. Draw a horizontal line and create 2 equal squares and cross the corners with diagonal lines. Those centre crossings are where the drilled hole with the 12 mm drill bit inserted into a power drill. Once the holes are drilled, cut 6 x 140 mm lengths of threaded rod with an angle grinder, and insert them in the drilled holes, 2 at each post join. Add the washer, spring washer and then a nut on either side, and tighten with the spanner on each end. Two side structures…

Living by the sea has many advantages, but when it comes to gardening by the ocean, things can become somewhat trying. This is especially true if you have a home right on the beach, as even the most skilled gardener will come up against many challenges: poor, sandy soil; sea breezes full of salt; and humid tropical heat. It is a place of beauty, but it can set up a hostile environment for many plants. Hanging out in salt water yourself is often a cure for most of what ails you, but it doesn’t do the same for plants. Implementing a windbreak of sorts will go a long way to creating a plantfriendly space, but all too often that means losing your lovely sea view - something that the owners…

Decorative foliage is better-suited and more adaptable to indoor environments than flowering plants. The joy of plants lies in their extraordinary shades of green and graphic forms: Play with various shapes, textures, colours and patterns for a striking effect. Group plants the way you would figurines or other objects, and display them in a living vignette on a tabletop, mantelpiece or the top of a shelf. All plants have general needs but it’s worth doing a bit of research, or asking at the nursery, for more specific requirements for optimal growth and longevity of particular species. Get yourself a good spray bottle (or two). It’ll be your best friend in keeping your indoor plants happy and hydrated. Growing conditions to consider include: light, temperature, humidity, watering, seasonal feeding (plants generally…

Pachira aquatica The Money Tree Plant If you are looking for an indoor tree for your home but are not sure where to begin, Pachira aquatica is a definite musthave. It has the well-deserved reputation of being one of the easiest houseplants to grow and maintain. A very attractive indoor tree with lush palmate leaves and delicately braided stems, the money tree is prized for its mystical properties of luck and prosperity. Pachira can be kept small or allowed to grow large if space allows. The money tree comes from the tropics and thrives in wetlands and swamps and therefore loves to grow in moist soil but drainage must be good with no soggy roots. It is very happy in indirect light but be sure to turn your plant every time…

HOT TOPIC EAT WELL, LIVE WELL From seasonal meal ideas, considering the well-being of your fur babies and exploring the world as you like - we’re loving the energy that arrives with 1 January. - Eat the best quality ingredients you can afford. -Embrace your braai… and picnic basket. - Schedule a grooming visit and check-up for your pet! - Book your next vacation, start setting aside savings and make sure your passport is up to date. Get organised so you can fully bask in the summer bliss. Happy New Year from us to you!…

HOT TOPIC A BREATH OF FRESH AIR • Create a snag list of general repairs to get them costed and booked if you’re not a DIY guru. • Create a decor shopping list to update frayed textiles, and replace broken glasses, flatware, etc. • Organise your garage and storage areas, and make sure you’ve donated any clutter. • New hobby? Create a space to spend time on your craft and organise your goodies.…

Setting the Scene For comfort, choose a table generous enough to easily accommodate all of the sharing dishes while leaving plenty of room for guests. Pretty votives and strings of lights add a celebratory touch, and ensure this leisurely feast can continue well into the evening. Mismatched glasses are a fun way to serve a refreshing white-wine sangria before lunch. Evoke a relaxed mood by using a serving table as a bar - keeping it well stocked with wine and other beverages - and encourage guests to help themselves as they please. Tips Finish the meal with our delectably crispy and chewy meringue topped with a simple seasonal compote and a light whipped yoghurt. Position the braai close enough to keep an eye on it without abandoning your guests, and…

Be sure to anchor your pergola to the ground. There are various methods to do so. Make touch-ups with the wood stain and a paintbrush. You can sink and cement the bottom of the posts into the ground, or you can surround the bottom of the posts with brickwork and cement for a more fixed structure. Or make use of post anchor Bases from the hardware store and then secure them to the concrete pavers or floor. You can opt to leave the pergola as is or use it for shade or as a rain cover. Add a fitted sunshade sail, canvas material or even polycarbonate corrugated roof sheeting. Or for a greener shaded look add a trellis and vine-growing plants that will take to the roof and sides of…

t’s not often that a power tool can increase the heart rate and get users excited, but the STIHL GTA 26 is a power tool like no other. It is a versatile, nifty, multitasking cordless cutting tool that ably manages various tasks both inside and outdoors. It’s everything that a passionate gardener, houseproud homeowner, enthusiastic handyman and busy professional landscaper could ever want in a batterypowered cutting machine. The GTA 26 is essentially a miniature chainsaw with a 4-inch blade, although it is classed as a handheld garden pruner, and is ideal for trimming woody shrubs and hedges. Building a deck or putting up shelving? This magical machine is also the must-have for wood-based DIY projects. The GTA 26 is extremely manoeuvrable, simple to operate and very comfortable to use,…

It’s a new year, which gives us the opportunity to reflect and make some changes over the next 12 months to improve not just our lives but those of our four-legged friends. Here are New Year’s resolutions for people with pets that are beneficial for humans and animals alike. 1. Set Aside Time to Bond The best way to let our pets know we care is by spending quality time with them just as we would with other family members. This could be a few minutes (a brush or a head scratch) ora longer session, such as taking them out on an adventure. This does more than just help to solidify your bond with your pet. Pets have moodboosting properties for humans, so spending time with your furry friend can…