Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2023 i SA Garden and Home

ED'S LETTER I must start this issue by repeating the obvious: our planet needs us. The responsibility design plays in shaping our built environments is enormous. The broader task of planet shaping requires us to view resources and sustainability more holistically in order to make changes with how we create, eat, view comfort and experience luxury. On the design front, a modem cederclad sanctuary mates a bold statement in the winelands (page 30), demonstrating that biomimicry holds immense value as a modern return to traditional ways of living. While clever architectural design embraces a gentler luxury in the Western Cape, a barn-like structure (page 40) hinting at agricultural design boasts beautiful light and stunning views of the Bronberg. Here simplicity creates space to live. From biomimicry, to biophilic design at…

KERB APPEAL…

HEAVENLY HOMES Tree-like Structure Each half-round bay represents a tree, supported by four steel columns for a trunk, with branch-like arms that support the floor beams above,circumscribed by steel rings. The starting point for Graham Paarman's cabin-like tree house in the famously beautiful wine region of Constantia in Cape Town was a particular spot he'd chosen on his family estate - a clearing among the trees overlooking four square reflection ponds. The estate has extensive landscaped gardens, a manor house and a number of dwellings and buildings arranged along the lines of a modern interpretation of a ‘Cape Dutch Werf' or traditional Cape farmyard. Architects Pieter Malan, Jan-Heyn Vorster and Peter Urry of Cape Town-based firm Malan Vorster Architecture Interior Design had worked on various buildings on the property for…

Aloe Aloes are beloved droughttolerant plants that add structural interest to any space. These typically Southern African natives thrive in full sun and require minimal watering, making them ideal for hot, dry regions. The unique warm-toned flowers, which bloom in winter, provide a striking contrast to grey-green leaves and are beloved by birds. There are many cultivars to choose from, suitable for any garden space. Portutacaria afra Commonly known as spekboom, Portulacaria afra is a succulent plant common in South African gardens. Its ability to withstand drought conditions is impressive, making it an essential addition to any water-wise garden. With its bright green, fleshy leaves and red-brown stems, it's not only sustainable but also aesthetically pleasing. Agapanthus africanus A stalwart in many South African gardens, Agapanthus africanus, or African lily,…

HANDS-ON YOU WILL NEED: • Cork place mats • Two sections of rope, 80 cm long • Wooden beads • Drill • 20 mm diameter metal ring for hanging STEPS TO FOLLOW 1 | Drill a hole in four corners of a cork place mat. 2 | Take the two cords and fasten them midway onto the metal ring. Now you have four ropes of 40 cm long. 3 | String the wooden beads on the ropes and fasten them with knots. 4 | Pull the end of the cords through the four holes of the coaster and tie a knot to fasten. 5 | Cut out the centre of the mat if you want extra stability for a container.…

Have you ever seen words such as ‘natural ingredients' and ‘ecofriendly' on products on the shelves? Sometimes, these claims are genuine. But sometimes, it's ‘greenwashing'. Greenwashing refers to making empty and unsubstantiated claims about the sustainability of a product - a dubious tactic used by many brands to make unsuspecting consumers think they are making conscious choices. And it's prevalent in the pet world, too! Avoid brands you are interested in buying and support local as far as possible to minimise your foot, or paw, print on the planet.…

The luxurious Kuganha Tented Camp and Spa is a tranquil safari dreamseape situated just two-and-a-half hours' drive from Cape Town, where guests will feel a sense of exclusivity and serenity. The beautifully appointed tents are sensitively arranged among the thick wooded Acacia karroo trees, with an inviting pool overlooking the Karoo veld with golden mountains on the horizon. Each tent offers a personal dining experience on the patio or in the private dining veranda creating the perfect setting for leisurely breakfasts as the sun rises over the Tankwa Karoo. Personalised itineraries offer guests the freedom to use their time at Kuganha to unwind as they make use of the private pool and the exclusive spa bungalow and go on traditional safaris that whisk them onto the 10 000-hectare wildlife conservancy…

HEAVENLY HOMES “I t's not supposed to look like a barn,' says architect Nadine Engelbrecht of the house she built for her parents in Zwavelpoort outside Pretoria. ‘It's just supposed to be a shell.' The house, on a 35-hectare farm with rocky, hilly grasslands and wide-open views of the nearby Bronberg mountain range, might appear to be referencing barn-like structures or gesturing towards some sort of agricultural vernacular design, but that wasn't Nadine's primary concern. When she first began sketching designs for her parents, Charmaine and Andre Freyer, she had no shortage of ideas - ‘architectural ideas,' she laughs. She suggested screens perforated with images of the surrounding landscape and other aesthetic devices, but her parents weren't biting. After a few more attempts, she asked her mother to show her…

Promoting soil health is a fundamental task for any gardener, especially at the end of winter as you prepare for spring planting. One of the simplest ways to improve soil health is by adding organic matter, such as compost, aged manure, or worm castings. These enrich the soil with nutrients, improve its structure, increase water retention, and encourage beneficial microorganisms. Regular mulching is another crucial practice. Organic mulches such as straw, bark, or compost not only suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature but also gradually break down, contributing to soil health. Rotate your crops seasonally to prevent nutrient depletion and interrupt pest and disease cycles. Avoid excessive tilling, which can disrupt soil structure and harm beneficial soil life. Lastly, remember to water your soil appropriately as overwatering can lead to…

HOT TOPIC SUSTAINABLE LIVING Small steps can make a big impact when It comes to reducing our environmental footprint. One of the simplest and easiest ways to make a difference is through the food we eat… Start by shopping locally, eating more plants, and trying out recipes that focus on zero waste. If you're an adventurous eater, you can even go foraging for flavourful wild ingredients. And with spring fast approaching, what bettor time to consider growing your own veggies (in a waterwise way. of course) to show the planet a little love!…

PENNE PASTA WITH RADISHES AND TOPS TOTALTIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 SAUCE ¼ cup raisins or dried currants 1 ½ tbsp red wine vinegar 1 kg baby red radishes, halved, leaves reserved 375 grams wholemeal penne pasta ⅓ cup olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts ¼ cup fresh sage leaves ½ cup shaved pecorino cheese 1. Combine raisins or currants and vinegar together in a bowl and allow to stand for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, coarsely chop reserved radish leaves. 2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid. 3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Cook the radishes, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until browned. Add raisin/currant…

DIY Looking around for second-hand Items that seem a little shabby or out of date, but can be given a new lease on life, is not only a great project to get your hands on but It's good for the planet too. In this project I found an old, outdated lamp and I knew it had potential to rock a modern look. TIME TO COMPLETE +- 24 hours YOU WILL NEED: • A large second-hand lamp base of your choice • Sugar soap, a bowl, cloth, and water • Gloves • Paintbrush and scraper • Sanders block and sandpaper (100 120 grit) • Multi-surface primer • Exterior crack filler • Stone colour paint of your choice, in a matt finish. In this project, Plascon's Cement Wash was used. Steps to…

Unless you have lots of time to get out into the garden daily, informal, sustainable gardens take centre stage. The emphasis for the modern, busy gardener is to let nature take control. The first step is using native plants, but what do you do if you inherit a well-devdeped, mature garden that might be a little past its prime? English country garden style feels like it's part of the fabric of the land. It is timeless, traditional, a style that doesn't follow fashion. In fact, to many, it may seem old-fashioned, but when spending time in it, you come to appreciate the settled, mellow feeling it embodies, This feast for the eyes in Linksfield, Johannesburg, is a carefully planned and thought-out space full of surprise and loveliness, Designer Vic van…

URBAN GARDEN Looking After Succulents Succulents are plants with fleshy stems or leaves, designed to store water in arid environments or seasons. They are not, however, exclusively desert dwellers, but grow in widely different conditions, from coast to mountain top throughout Africa and in many other parts of the world. Some are giants but many are compact jewels, ideal for greening and brightening small urban spaces. The secret to success is to find out under what conditions each plant grows in nature, so that you can be sure of giving it the right amount of light and water it needs to survive. Basic Needs Light: In nature, many succulents grow in a degree of shade, beneath what are known as nurse plants, or among rocks. These include crassulas, gasterias, haworthias…

It's disheartening to see our lovingly tended edible plants die because of lack of water. But with some simple techniques, this doesn't have to be the case. Healthy soil No-dig gardening methods and increasing the amount of organic matter and humus in the soil improve its waterretaining ability. Humus acts like a huge underground sponge. Instead of water running off, it is soaked up and held in the soil with air pockets so it doesn't become waterlogged. Water does more than provide liquid for plants to drink. It breaks organic matter into soluble nutrients, which it carries through the soil to the roots. Mulch, mulch, mulch Mulching (adding leaves, compost, manure and other organic matter to the surface of the soil) is one of the simplest yet most beneficial things…

While we might love our furry friends a great deal, when it comes to the planet, not so much. Over generations, there's been an increase in pet waste and pet-related plastic in our landfills, which is taking its toll on the environment. They also consume a lot of meat that needs to be farmed, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. So our animals might not be eco-friendly perse but there are still ways to be a more sustainable pet owner. Here are eight tips. TIP #1 Get your pet spayed or neutered. According to the 2022 State of Pet Homelessness Index, 27% - or 4.1 million - of dogs and cats in South Africa are homeless. There simply are not enough homes for all of them and…

STYLEMAKER My approach has always been to tweak bit by bit within my own lifestyle. My passion for beautiful spaces and obsession with clever design turned to exploring an ever-deepening love for natural materials. Then it filtered down to how I view fashion and beauty. This happened over a decade, and still has a long way to go in every sense. Some of the materials that most excite me are hemp, bamboo and recycled metal. Not to mention recycled composites that are an imperfect but limitlessly creative way of extending the end use of a plethora of products, all while reducing landfill waste. Tony Budden's Noordhoek home, made entirely from hemp, is just one example that comes to mind when thinking about pushing the boundaries of a material to show…