Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2023 i SA Garden and Home

KERB APPEAL…

HOT TOPIC SMALL SPACES Live in a tiny house or studio apartment? Fitting everything, while maintaining style, can seem impossible. Try these clever hacks to maximise the area: – Let natural light in to create a feeling of airy, openness. Add pendant lamps that don't take up floor space. – Use reflective mirrors to give the illusion of extra room. – Opt for multipurpose furniture that folds up when not in use. – Get creative with storage that doubles as decor. – Add greenery to liven things up, but not too much! – Choose as big a rug as possible to give the sense of a larger room.…

HEAVENLY HOMES Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable,’ observed Donna Karan. And as living-space illustrations go, this apartment in Sea Point, Cape Town, would be hard to match as a successful example of balance. At just 138 m2, it's not the size that your average would-be family-home hunters would entertain for a moment, much less go on to view and purchase. But then, headed by Michael Udell (former MD of digital advertising agency Punk) and Carin DeanWales (serial entrepreneur), the family that did just that isn't what anyone could call ‘average’. A Splash of Colour Dominated by a bold and opulently plush custom-made royal blue velvet sofa, the sitting area has a character all of its own. Although very much part…

CHECKLIST THE ESSENTIALS Prune deciduous fruit trees Some deciduous fruit trees such as nectarines will benefit from pruning now. Follow these steps to get started, choosing the points that apply to your particular tree. • Remove diseased, damaged, or dead wood: These branches can attract pests and diseases, and removing them can help to keep the tree healthy. • Thin out branches: If the branches are overcrowded, it can limit air circulation and sun exposure, which can affect the health of the tree and the quality of the fruit. Thinning out the branches can help to improve these conditions. • Control size and shape: Pruning can help to control the size and shape of the tree, making it easier to harvest the fruit. • Promote fruit quality: Remove excess branches…

STEPS 1 | Using a ruler and pencil, measure 8 cm in from one corner of the timber square. Repeat on the opposite corner. 2 | Place the jar in the middle of the square, in between the two marks, so that it is diagonal to the square. Lay a leather strap over the middle of the jar. Hold one end of the strap over one mark and staple in place. Repeat on the other end, pulling the strap tight to ensure that the jar is held tight. 3 | Place a gold nail over the staple on one side of the leather strap and hammer in place. Repeat on the other side. Make as many timber jar vases as you require and hang them on the wall using velcro…

When frost threatens your garden, many gardeners’ first line of defence is a protective fabric such as frost guard. This material is simply draped over garden beds or individual plants to shield them from potential frost damage. Mulch offers a wide array of advantages, including moisture preservation and weed deterrence. However, during episodes of chilly weather, mulch also provides protection for your plants’ roots against frost. As an insulating blanket, mulch helps conserve heat and maintains a warmer environment around the plant roots. By protecting the root system from severe frost damage, your garden has a better chance of recovery, even if some foliage has been lost. For smaller plants, a home-made cloche crafted from plastic bottles can offer much-needed protection. Although their size is somewhat restrictive, these DIY cloches…

MARIAN VOLKWYN Digital Editor Dream living room? My dream living room is bohemian, with warm wooden floors and a rustic feel. A large Moroccan rug rests underneath a low glass-top coffee table. There is a futon covered in a crocheted throw, decorated with patterned scatter cushions, facing a fireplace. There are large, floor-to-ceiling windows, which naturally light up the space and are the backdrop for tons of plants, a few hanging from the ceiling. At night, the room is dimly lit with large candles. A living room item you're coveting? The West Elm Cozy Swivel Chair, popularised by Kim Kardashian's home tour on Vogue. The shearling fabric looks so comfy – I just want to be seated in it, with a cup of Rooibos and a copy of any of…

If you've ever stepped into a freshly-carpeted room, you will know the distinct odour that comes with it. Kind of fresh, kind of chemically, it's a smell that announces that the decorators have done their jobs, and suggests that anybody entering the room will be asked to leave their shoes in the doorway. It's a dying smell, though. At trade fairs and showrooms across the world, that ‘new carpet’ smell is disappearing as the carpeting industry finds new, healthier ways to manufacture its products. The problem with that ‘new carpet’ smell is that it's produced by the off-gassing of VOCs, like 4-PCH, which is commonly used in carpeting. VOCs are known to cause rashes, eye irritation and respiratory problems. According to the US non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG), most carpeting…

HEAVENLY HOMES Bird Life Blue cranes – the national bird of South Africa – fly over the farm twice daily. Halfaampieskraal and its neighbouring farms have all participated in a project to protect these vulnerable birds that nest and breed on their lands. Veranda Perfection This is where Jan-Georg and Cobus while away hours, reclining in their matching Morris chairs. The door alongside leads to the guest bathroom, in front of which stands a sculpture found in a junkyard. On the wall are plant drip trays in coloured terracotta. The green glass buoys bought on auction stand on a Turkish tray fixed onto a home-made stand. Grass rugs maintain the textured yet neutral palette, allowing the plants to stand out. Growing up on Halfaampieskraal, a farm in South Africa's Cape…

Ficus altissima This species (left) looks similar to Ficus elastica in leaf shape and gloss, but structurally resembles Ficus benghalensis too – the best of both worlds. Look for the popular cultivar ‘Yellow Gem’, sporting variegated leaves with patches of yellow and green that instantly brighten winter interiors. Ficus lyrata The most famous of all the ficuses indoors has to be Ficus lyrata (below) commonly known as the fiddle-leaf fig. They have a reputation for being fussy and dropping leaves, but keeping environmental conditions consistent and giving them plenty of bright light will ensure yours stays lush and happy year-round. Ficus benjamina This ficus species (above) is known as the weeping fig for its drooping foliage. The leaves are much smaller than other ficus species, but have a lusher and…

• Furniture: Invest in high-quality, weather-resistant furniture. Comfort is key, so consider plush seating with plenty of cushions, and a variety of options like armchairs and loungers. If you plan to dine outdoors, a large table with comfortable chairs is a must. • Shade and Shelter: Elements like this pergola provide shade and shelter, allowing you to spend more time outdoors. Potential replacements for pergolas include awnings or large umbrellas. • Lighting: Outdoor lighting not only ensures you can use the space after the sun goes down but also adds to the ambiance. Consider a mix of lighting including fairy lights, lanterns, and spotlights. You could also use candles for soft, warm light. • Landscaping: Good landscaping instantly elevates outdoor lounges. Include potted plants, flower beds, or even a water…

GROWING Winter is a good time to plant perennial herbs. They will establish their roots over the next few months, ready to flourish when the weather warms up. Chives, comfrey, echinacea, lavender, lemon verbena, oregano, perennial basil, rosemary, sage, thyme and yarrow are just a few from which we can choose. They are drought resistant and don't need much more than an occasional trim, full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Planting these herbs, and others, in between our vegetables has many essential and helpful benefits. ATTRACT BENEFICIAL INSECTS Perennial herbs flower almost all year round, attracting beneficial insects. These include pollinators (butterflies, hoverflies and bees) and predators (spiders, praying mantises, ladybirds, wasps and more). Pollinators help our vegetables be far more productive and the predators assist in keeping the pest…

Mention the name Namaqualand – especially in the Cape – and you're likely to be regaled with stories of endless fields of vivid spring flowers. It's a spectacular part of the country, especially between August and October, but outside of flower season, the historic home of the Nama people hides many treasures. Before I embark on a Namaqua tale of my own, let's address the elephant in the room. By now, you may have noticed that Rizqah and I are avid campers, often opting for the wildness and minimalism of camping over the comfort and luxury of chalets and guesthouses. Now, you might think: This Micky guy obviously doesn't understand Garden&Home's target audience! We want amazing escapes wrapped in plush niceties!’ I get it, but hear me out – camping…

Our pets bring us an abundance of joy. But they also bring with them dirt, grime and a whole lot of hair! Of course, much of it becomes embedded in our living space, which can be an embarrassing problem and a pain to deal with. Unless you want to live with plastic-covered furniture (hey, it works for some and comes in handy if you have messy kids, too!), here's how to de-fluff and keep your house as free from pet-related mess as possible. On Your Fabric Furniture Let's be honest – it's tough to keep Fido and comfortseeking felines off your furniture. One way to go about keeping them off is to provide them with a bed of their own. But even if they stay on the floor, it won't…