Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2023 i SA Garden and Home

ED'S LETTER What's more beautiful than the shift of moods and the way the spice notes layer and change as we journey from province to province in our inexplicably beautiful country? What's more inviting than the enormously cosy fires of every intensity and setting if one stepped across enough thresholds? I argue that few things compare. In this issue we celebrate simply that: winter's comfort found however we please. If this is a time for winter games with your furry family members, Helen guides us (page 96) on how to do that on days where cold ground simply won't do. And while we keep warm and safe indoors, our adventurous friends give us a peek into the beautiful Eastern Cape gem that is Hogsback (page 92). For decor inspiration, we…

This reversible colour cotton throw is designed by young South African designer Deone Rabe. It's a functional piece of art with which to snuggle up on the couch, drape over a bed or use as a lap blanket in your workspace. All infiniti Fires wood stoves have a full vermiculite jacket inside. This insulating material raises the combustion temperature inside the stove to more than 950°C. At these temperatures, the wood burns highly efficiently and sends about 70% of the heat from the fire out through the door glass as an infrared light wave. This enables the heat to travel very quickly and is brilliant at heating open-plan living spaces. The easy-to-use air controls enable the user to adjust heat output to that required. At high setting, the stove will…

Blending modern and vintage pieces creates a look that's stylish yet lived-in, and it's easier than you think… Here are our top tips for striking the perfect balance: - Start by deciding hew you want the room to feel (rustic, elegant, etc.) and choose items that reflect this. - Go for a neutral colour palette that allows your special items to stand out. - Maximise architectural backdrops, like original features, to set the scene. - Combine pieces that contrast in period, to showcase their individual charm.…

There are few scenes as idyllic as luxuriating in an outdoor tub in the middle of the South African bush, G&T in hand, quietly listening to the rising cacophony of birdsong and stridulating insects floating through the valley at dusk. For Samantha and William Mellor, this calming ritual is the essence of Cabine du Cap, their weekend bolt hole hidden away in the bush surrounds of the Western Cape's Klein Karoo. Immersed among rugged tufts of indigenous plants and undulating uninhabited landscape as far as the eye can see, the bath scene resembles something out of a Sydney Pollack movie. ‘It all started with a dream to have an outdoor tub,' says Samantha, who carefully planned the placement of their open-air custom galvanised steel bath: just close enough to the…

'S omehow the orchid fraternity got hold of me.' It sounds like a plot twist in a floral conspiracy novel, but this was perhaps the turning point in sculptor Nic Bladen's career. From making a living creating jewellery (which admittedly was very well received), Nie was asked by the president of the local orchid society if he would cast a few whole orchids in bronze. A former dental technicians Nic had learned about bronze sculpture under the watchful eye of Jan-Otto du Plessis at Bronze Age Foundry before going on his own. He'd been struggling along when the orchid request came. ‘One day I cast a flower and that was it. Light-bulb moment. I'm casting at 0.3 mm, but I am also casting tree stumps, It's a marriage of the disciplines,'…

There is still time to plant some fruit trees, allowing them to establish strong root systems before it gets too raid. Fruit trees typically need plenty of sun, so choose a planting location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Piant in well-draining soil amended with compost to improve soil fertility and structure. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the tree to give the roots plenty of room to spread out and establish themselves. Make sure the tree is planted at the same depth it was in the bag or container. Water deeply after planting to help settle the soil and remove any air pockets around the roots. Keep the soil evenly moist for the…

Light • Position your bonsai close to a window to receive bright light, possibly some morning sun too. Avoid hot afternoon sun. • Since light from windows comes from one direction it's important you rotate your tree by a quarter to half every week. This will ensure an evenly distributed growth pattern. Humidity • Since interior conditions are often quite dry, it is recommended to place the tree in a drip tray that's filled with coarse sand or gravel. • Ensure the pot of your bonsai is above the water level of the drip tray at all times. • Misting your tree daily also helps to increase humidity. Watering • It's better to saturate the soil of your bonsai and then wait for it to dry up a little than…

Despite the chill, winter is a season full of magic and wonder - think gentle fires and snow selfies. It's also the best time of year to get stuck into a chunky read, experiment with a new recipe or escape to a snug cabin… • If you don't already have lemons in your garden, get planting and enjoy the benefits of having their zesty juice on hand - including a healthy dose of Vitamin C. • Craving comfort food? Hearty meals needn't mean hours in front of the stove. Dust off your instant cooker or air fryer and prepare your favourite cut of meat for some easy, inspired cooking. • Book the mountain getaway of your dreams and indulge in fireside conversation, white-washed views and all the blankets! ‘In seed…

EXPLORE Sometimes the warmest travel memories are made in the heart of winter. It may seem like I'm trying to make the best out of a bitter situation, but just like its warmer siblings, winter offers travellers a unique charm. For many South Africans, winter is an uncomfortable time that's best spent indoors - preferably in front of a heat source. However, veteran local travellers also know that between May and August, travelling becomes tar gentler on the wallet. And, although all corners of the country experience the colder months differently, some nooks and crannies reveal a secret side when the thermometer begins to fall. In my case, I had never seen or touched snow in my life, and that's as good a reason as any to pack the car…

1. Rope Ball As the name suggests, all you need is a rope and a tennis ball to make a toy that will be Fido's new favourite! Drill two holes, one on each side of a tennis ball, string the rope through and then tie the two ends of the rope together so it forms a loop. Now it can be a chew or a tug toy! 2. String Toy Cats love to flex their hunting instincts, which is why they enjoy toys with moving objects. Making one for your feline friend is also really simple. Make a pom-pom or gather some feathers and tie them to the end of a piece of string. Tie the string to a stick and you'll have a toy to dangle over your kitty.…

Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is situated under 2.5 hours from Cape Town, in the vastness of the majestic Ceres Karoo. With thickly wooded acacia river beds and magnificent golden mountains on the horizon, Inverdoorn provides the ultimate boutique safari experience. Safaris on its 10 000-hectare wildlife reserve are exclusively offered on overnight stays with game drives presented by highly qualified rangers in traditional 4x4 vehicles. Additional activities include luxurious in-room spa treatments, exquisite picnics, beautiful high teas, horseback adventures and e-bike rides. Overnight safari accommodation is offered in the premier Ambassador Collection (suites or chalets) with small personal touches and a complimentary mini-bar, Tankwa Chalets facing towards a magnificent succulent Karoo Garden, or the variety of Lodge rooms. Afternoon and early morning safaris are included and various guest comforts make…

Tip Decorating with multiple layers of wood requires confidence and balance - here, the use of naive hand-woven chairs in a lighter tone brings unrefined artistry to the space-that, and the proliferation of succulents, uncomplicated glass and terracotta containers. NATURE'S CHOICE Styles, shapes and preferred tones may come and come go but the perennial wonder of wood remains a constant. In this space, reclaimed timbers, upcycled furniture finds and the natural grains of hand-woven chairs are an enticing and intriguing combination. Design Netes • There's no doubt about it. wood brings warmth to any decor scenario and in the case of this renovated Victorian home, this notion certainly rings true. • The original doors and architraves were stripped of centuries of paint and sanded right down to reveal their natural…

This is not only an easy DIY to tackle on the weekend - this budget-friendly Sofa Armrest Tray Table, with side storage for magazines, only requires five pieces of wood (you can even use some scrap wood). Your future self will thank you for it, when you're cosying up on the couch, about to watch a movie, with your favourite drink and snacks in easy reach! TIP: In some DIY projects the painting or finishing of the project can either be done before or after the project is assembled. Try to determine which method will be easiest when completing the project. For this particular DIY project, painting the wood before assembly is the better option. PROJECT: How to DIY a Sofa Armrest Tray Table TIME TO COMPLETE: +-4.5 hours TOOLS…

OPEN GARDENS | Every year at the end of March, the Carlton Gardens in Melbourne is transformed into a magical display of landscaped gardens, plants and features. Then the Victorian Royal Exhibition Building is filled with cut flowers for the start of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. The show features the best garden design and floral art talent Australia has to offer, alongside international artists, for five days of garden shopping, workshops, entertainment and food to delight everyone, young and retired. Of special interest to gardeners are the show gardens that artfully bring together ideas and inspiration we can all use in our own gardens. Much of the plant material used in Australian designs comes from our country and any others can easily be substituted because of our…

Lemons grow In most gardens In South Africa except for those where the temperatures drop below -5°C, In these areas, grow them in containers and move them to a warm, sheltered area during winter. Varletles Ideal for small ganders is the hardy Meyer. Its round fruit has juicy, dark-yellow flesh that's sweeter than most lemons. The Eureka, which tolerates mild frost, has oval, tart fruit with a nipple on the flower end and roughish. lightyellow skin. Very similar to the Eureka, the hardier, thornier Lisbon's fruit has smoother, thinner skin. The oldest variety in South Africa is the Cape rough skin. Brought from St Helena, it was planted in the Cape Town Gardens in 1654. A very hardy lemon, its oval fruit has thick, bumpy skin. The sweet yet tart…

In the shadow of stylish new green buildings, proudly basking in the limelight, are masses of older, tired and not-so-smart buildings. These are the unfashionable high-rises, a bit grimy and unloved; the neglected office buildings and those that have managed to retain their good looks and now hide their shortcomings within their brick walls. 'About 99% of buildings in South Africa are most likely very inefficient and not green,' says Manfred Braune, chief technical officer at the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA). 'There is thus a huge opportunity and need for existing buildings to become more energy efficient and green, whether residential or non-residential. The demand for green buildings has mostly been in the office sector.' Green retrofitting - the refurbishing of the existing building stock with green principles…

HEAVENLY HOMES A 170-year-old bam proved too much of a temptation for Illze Muller to ignore. The 1 450 square foot shed wag in a state of inertia on the working dairy farm she shares with her husband Wouter and three children. Illze's vision for Langskuur (Afrikaans for long barn'), conceived for visiting family and guests, was to retain the original footprint, roof space and feel of the barn, embracing it as a loft-like space, with different living zones mapped throughout. I didn't want to change any of the features or proportions of the structure if we could help it,' says Illze, ‘So we started from a place of working with what we had.' However, to compensate for the consequential poor natural light in the barn, she shrewdly installed two…

PLANT OF THE MONTH…

Those in colder regions of the country may find it tough to head out to the garden when temperatures dip. But some things can make the process a little more bearable. Firstly, wear layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed as needed. A base layer made of breathable material, such as wool or synthetic fibres, can help wick away moisture and keep you dry. On top of that, wear a warm and insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket. A windproof and waterproof outer layer can help protect you from the elements. Additionally, wear warm and waterproof gloves to protect your hands and keep them dry. Insulated boots or shoes with good traction can help prevent slips and falls on icy or wet surfaces. If…

At its most basic definition, bonsai is the Japanese practice of growing and shaping living, small-scale trees in shallow containers. But with a history that spans over 1000 years and an intriguing plant lore that tells of monks and emperors, samurais and shoguns, artists and scholars, the passion that bonsai evokes in its more dedicated followers is said to inspire an almost spiritual devotion - far deeper than simply tending to a plant in a pot. And then there are the bonsai themselves: mesmerising miniature versions of a wide variety of species from juniper and ficus to bougainvillaea and pine, every trunk, branch and leaf strangely surreal in its perfect resemblance to its larger counterpart. For most of us, at first glance, it would be easier to believe that these…

HANDS-ON STEPS 1| Select a hanging basket that is the appropriate size for the number of plants you want to grow. It should have drainage holes and a hook or chain for hanging. 2| Choose winter annuals that have similar light and water requirements to plant in the same container. Good options for winter hanging baskets include pansies, violas and lobelia. 3| Fill the basket with good-quality potting soil, leaving enough space at the top for the plants. Press down gently to remove any air pockets. 4| Decide on a planting arrangement before you start planting. Proper preparation will ensure each plant has enough space to fill out over time. Start with the largest or tallest plants in the centre and work your way outwards. This is your chance to…

RECIPES Tip Box While you're waiting for your snacks to cook and crisp, throw a dip or two together using common pantry ingredients like mayo, mustard, sweet soy, sesame seeds and chutney. This is the perfect way to use the last bits of sauces that are running low and tend to go to waste. 10 REASONS WE LOVE OUR AIR FRYER We really love a good chicken wing Make the crispiest, juiciest wings you've ever had in just 15 minutes - simply toss in a little oil or marinade and you're ready to fry! You may never deep fry anything again. We love to dip, dunk and SNACK Make a batch of skinny fries, skin-on potatoes or crisp up just about any format of potato, tempura veggies or other dip-friendly…

If only we could go into hibernation and sleep the winter months away in a cosy bed. Alas, life goes on, for us and our pets. When they aren't able to go outdoors to play, sniff, hunt and socialise, our furry friends have no way of releasing their energy, which becomes pent up and can lead to boredom and behavioural problems. Not fun for anyone! If you are worried that the chilly season ahead and being cooped up inside is going to take a toll on your pets - and your sanity! here's how to keep them entertained indoors. PRACTISE TRAINING We might think our pets are perfect but most of them could probably do with a refresher course on manners and obedience. If you have that sorted, maybe there…