Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2023 i SA Garden and Home

HOT TOPIC VINTAGE TREASURES We love giving old pieces a new home – vintage items add character and there are plenty of bargains to be found! Here are our top tips for finding your n ext treasure: • Visit flea markets on the weekend – arrive early. • Scour unassuming thrift stores – you never know what you'll find. • Take a tape measure with you, so you can make an instant decision. • Opt for ‘clean’ items, meaning things that are in good condition and don't require any or too much refurbishing. • Start a collection by choosing one or two items that bring you joy. • Go for statement pieces that effortlessly elevate a room.…

HEAVENLY HOMES Have you ever driven repeatedly past an old house in your neighbourhood that you find deeply interesting, making a point of looking at it carefully each time, and thinking, 'I wonder who lives there?' and 'What would I do if that place were mine?' Perhaps we all have - although very few among us will have actually pushed ahead and persuaded the property's current owner to part with it, then undertaken a major renovation. But that's precisely what interior designer Charlotte Collins has managed to accomplish here. Having become fascinated with this beautiful old heritage home, Charlotte says, she finally persuaded its elderly owner to part with it several years ago. 'The house looked as if it had been abandoned or there were squatters living there; she says,…

CONVERSATION Revered for its unmatched beauty, the rose has long been a symbol of love, passion, and elegance. While they are believed to have originated from Asia around 35 million years ago, today they are found in gardens all over the world, with over 300 species and many more thousands of cultivars to choose from. From the gardens of royals to the bouquets of lovers, roses have stood the test of time. Unfortunately, this reputation has made growing roses quite intimidating. Between technical terms and fancy appreciation societies, growing roses can seem out of a beginner's reach. But despite the fanfare, roses can be surprisingly easy to care for. MODERN ROSE TYPES Hybrid Teas: Hybrid teas are the epitome of the classic rose. They are characterised by their long stems…

THE CHECKLIST THE ESSENTIALS Plant for Pollinators As pollinator activity perks up with the warmer weather, now is the perfect time to plant flowers and shrubs that attract nearby bees and butterflies to your garden. Consider adding popular and widely available plants like lavender, salvia and echinacea. These not only bring vibrant colours but also invite various pollinators that benefit the rest of your plants. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch As temperatures begin to rise, retaining soil moisture is even more vital. Apply a generous layer of organic mulch around your plants now and refresh throughout spring as it begins to break down. Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Whether you use straw, wood chips or compost, ensure the layer is 7-10 cm thick to reap the…

There are many reasons to grow houseplants, from interior desigh benefits to lack of outdoor space. But if you're someone who has trouble sleeping, you can add another reason to the list. Recent research published in Life Sciences in Space Research investigated the impact of plants on sleep quality, specifically for those in long-duration isolated environments, such as space. Reminiscent of the NASA Clean Air Study that investigated the ability of houseplants to clean air in space stations, the researchers studied whether exposure to plants can boost sleep integrity, efficiency, and the time it takes to fall asleep. The results, although tested in isolated environments, provide some insights into how we can help ourselves sleep better at home. WHY DO PLANTS IMPROVE SLEEP? Plants have long been known for their…

SEASONALLY FRESH GROWING Mediterranean herbs such as thyme, sage, oregano and rosemary are hardy and unfussy plants once established. Most of the flavour and beneficial qualities of Mediterranean herbs are found in their oils. These are produced in greater abundance when they're grown in full sun for six to eight hours a day. Although they can be sown from seed, they're easier to propagate from seedlings or cuttings. Droughttolerant and perennial, they don't require much feeding other than the addition of a balanced, organic fertiliser in spring. Trim in late winter or early spring to prevent them becoming straggly. Harvest leaves year round to use fresh or to dry for later. Ginger and turmeric grow in warm temperatures in dappled shade. In late spring, bury fresh roots just below the…

Instagreen is an instant greening solution that can instantly beautify any space for both homeowners and businesses. Its UV protection makes it suitable for indoors and outdoors with almost zero maintenance needed. Their design team are experts at installing the most modern and visually stunning wall coverage options, hedges and topiaries of all sizes. Also available for DIY Projects. Showrooms Johannesburg 2985 William Nicol Drive, Bryanston Cape Town 100 Voortrekker Road, Salt River Durban 130 Felix Dlamini Road, Overport distinctivespaces.co.za Distinctive Spaces distinctivespaces PRIZE: R15 000 of Instagreen, including installation in Destinctive Space's main areas of operation including Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.Ts and Cs apply BENEFITS: • Masks unsightly walls • Privacy screening • Noise reduction • Maintenance-free • All weather resistant • Quick and easy installation • No…

HOMESCHOOL A bedroom is where you want to feel relaxed when you walk through the door. It is not a room where you need to make a statement but should be a comfortable space for unwinding. KEEP IT NEUTRAL When choosing colours for a bedroom, you want to decide on the atmosphere you aim to create. With a relaxed space in mind, keeping it neutral will help give the room a calming effect. Soft tones create a serene and tranquil atmosphere. We don't use loud prints and bold colours that are going to shout at you. WALLPAPER DOS When it comes to choosing wallpaper, you need to have the overall theme in mind. You want to select one wall as an accent wall to make a subtle statement. If applying…

GOLD STANDARD This spectacular master bedroom of an apartment in a storied Art Deco building was designed around its magazine editor owner's passion for the Bauhaus period, and is filled with authentic vintage pieces as well as richly contrasting colours and textures. Glowing honey-coloured original parquet flooring is i complemented by tactile sheepskin rugs, while an entire wall dramatically papered in glimmering gold leaf is offset by two large, monochrome artworks. Tip A pair of '50s drinks trolleys are used as bedside tables – topped with vintage Kaiser Idell lamps designed by the Bauhaus-based silversmith Christian Dell – while the ‘headboard’ is made up of two botanical paintings by artist Frauke Stegmann. UP THE VOLUME This three-storey apartment is enveloped in moody shades of grey, layered with beautifully tactile materials…

This project will change the look and feel of the space, adding a splash of colour and framing the important elements of a bedroom, which is the bed and side tables! Add a seamless long DIY wood ledge shelf and the look is elevated, giving space for more decor items to be displayed. TIME TO COMPLETE +- 2 days TOOLS/MATERIALS NEEDED: • Tape measure, pencil and spirit level • Masking tape • Paintbrush, roller and tray set • Drop sheet/cloth • 1 litre paint and colour of your choice – For this project, Plascon's Easy Living Multi Surface range of paint was used in the colur Orange You Glad O1-C1-3. 1 | Measure out your space and mark off where you want the framed headboard shape to go. Remember to…

Now is the time to sow seed for summer veggies. Beans, corn and tomatoes are staples, but also consider introducing things like peppers and cucumbers to your edible garden. If you've grown brassicas during winter, keep an eye out for pests like aphids that like to stick around. Stone fruits like peaches and nectarines should be showing signs of budding soon. Monitor them for any diseases, applying organic fungicides if necessary. For berry plants, ensure they're well-watered, and consider adding a layer of mulch around them to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay. Regularly harvest herbs like basil, mint, and parsley to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from going to seed too early. If you haven't already, plant heat-loving herbs such as rosemary, oregano and thyme. Incorporate compost…

CROWD PLEASER If the words ‘tree house’ conjure up images of rickety structures serving as a secret hideout for children, it's time to update that picture. Tree houses have envolved from childhood frantasies to sophisticated spaces that offer a unique blend of escapism and comfort for adults. With the modern stresses of life, these elevated escapes are sought after for relaxation, entertainment, and even permanent residence. If you are looking for a way to elevate your outdoor – literally – a tree house may be the answer. TREE HOUSES ARE NOT JUST FOR KIDS Gone are the days when tree houses were simply makeshift forts built by children and enthusiastic parents. Today, they can serve as serene reading nooks, luxurious guesthouses or even functional home offices. The appeal lies in…

RECIPES Top Tip Adding lemon juice or a form of acid helps brighten up the colour of pesto. LAMB WITH PEACH CAPRESE SALAD l TOTAL TIME 25 MIN SERVES 4 PISTACHIO MINT PESTO ½ cup (70 g) pistachios 1½ cup mint leaves 1 cup parsley 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tsp lemon zest 2 tsp lemon juice ½ cup olive oil LAMB WITH PEACH CAPRESE SALAD 8 (800 g) lamb loin chops 1½ tbsp olive oil 4 medium peaches, thickly sliced 250 g mozzarella, torn 400 g baby heirloom tomatoes, halved ½ cup basil leaves 1 tbsp white wine vinegar PISTACHIO MINT PESTO 1. Blend all the ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Season well and transfer into a bowl. LAMB WITH PEACH CAPRESE SALAD 1. Combine lamb and…

PETIQUETTE There are two types of people in the world: Those who share a bed with their furbabies and those who don't. There are numerous reasons for this, ranging from cultural beliefs to personal preferences. If you fall into the former category, you are in good company as historical figures Ramesses the Great, Alexander the Great and Queen Victoria also had their animals snuggling with them at night. These days, up to 56% of dog owners and 50% of cat owners indulge in this cosy practice. Is this a good idea, or should our menagerie be banished to their baskets? Here are the pros and cons and what to consider when co-sleeping with your pets. PROS It provides security Unless you own a really ferocious feline, a cat is unlikely…

Maegan-Leigh Jacobs Junior Writer What does your bedroom say about your personal style? My bedroom reflects my personal style in many ways: It's clean, calm and structured. I love soft, earthy colour tones, which is reflected in my choice of bedding and curtain designs. Favourite decor item… It has to be the oversized, plush reading chair tucked in the corner. I love to curl up in that chair with a good book, cup of tea and cosy throw blanket. It not only adds a stylish accent to the room but also serves as my go-to spot for relaxation and unwinding after a long day. Details you've added to make your space more personal‭ I've adorned the walls with inspirational quotes that are special to me. Additionally, I've incorporated a vintage…

HEAVENLY HOMES After spending a number of years searching for the right property in the ideal location, the new owners of this characterful home in Cobham, Surrey, asked London-based interior designer Kim Stephen to assist them with its renovation. They wanted ‘a house that had a contemporary feel, but that was still homely and comfortable’, says Kim. After eight months of work, the update was complete, with the result being interiors that encapsulate the understated elegance that constitutes a very contemporary update on country living. The house is home to a family of five who moved to the United Kingdom from South Africa five years ago, and is situated within walking distance of the heart of the village of Cobham. Very much in accord with the location of the house…

OPEN GARDENS There's no doubt that the rose is the symbol of love and romance. Myriad colours, heavenly scents and soft billowing shapes lend themselves perfectly to thoughts of amour. Love them or hate them, most people have a memory that includes this queen of the garden. Considering that (conservatively) there are somewhere between 150 to over 320 different species of rose, categorised into seven main types, these days, there are over 3 000 named roses that you can choose from, all with their own unique qualities. So, if you're looking for a medium height pink rose that has colour that can be seen from a couple of blocks away and has a strong cinnamon scent, you're probably going to be able to find something that suits your needs perfectly.…

→ Native Choices: Opting for native groundcovers ensures you're choosing plants adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Consider the versatile and drought tolerant Carpobrotus edulis (sour fig), which produces almost-neon flowers. Another excellent choice is Gazania rigens var. uniflora (trailing treasure flower), with its striking, daisy-like blooms that come in a range of colours. ->Shade: Not all parts of the garden receive abundant sunlight. For shaded areas, Plectranthus verticillatus (Swedish ivy) or Asystasia gangetica (creeping foxglove) are ideal, both producing lush foliage and delicate flowers. ->Between Paving: If you're looking to green up spaces between stepping stones or pavers, Dymondia margaretae is a top choice. Its hardy nature and tolerance to foot traffic, combined with its subtle yellow flowers, make it a favourite in SA.…

HANDS-ON HAND-PICKING 1 Timing is Everything: Snails are nocturnal creatures, so the best time to catch them is either very early in the morning or at night with a torch. They prefer damp conditions, so aim to check immediately after a rainfall or watering. 2 Bring a Container: Use a bucket or any container to collect the snails. For added effectiveness, fill it with a mixture of water and salt, which will kill the snails upon contact. 3 Scan and Pick: Examine the plants carefully, especially the undersides of leaves. Gently pick the snails off and drop them into the container. 4 Dispose Safely: Once you've collected a good number, you can choose to relocate them to a distant location or, if using the saltwater mixture, dispose of the dead…

We can all feel it – summer is just around the corner. South Africans are beginning to emerge from their winter hibernation, shaking off the seasonal affective disorder that keeps us glum for much of the year. There comes a point, however, when the heat starts to feel like the enemy, and the only solution is to cool off in cold water. Yes, swimming pools are great, but South Africa is also blessed with countless natural swimming spots. We've listed five of our favourite chill-out spots around the country, from rock pools to waterfalls. Let's get you ready for a festive summer! Tweede Tol, Limietberg Nature Reserve WESTERN CAPE Kaapenaars are particularly sensitive to winter, thanks largely to the incessant rain and wind that plague the province from May to…

STYLEMAKER My bedroom has always been a space for me to be invisible to the world outside myself. It's where I hide my highest thread count linens. Behind closed doors, I'll eat an entire pack of Doritos to avoid the ever-drooling faces of my two large dogs. Here, together on our bed. I've shared my deepest regrets and losses with my husband. It's where I do most of my thinking. It's also where I keep my collection of 43 pairs of antique scissors, so no one asks me why I own 43 pairs of rusted-shut scissors. I am privileged that my room has always been my room. As a tween, its walls were papered with a dense population of horses I wished I rode, and pretty faces I hoped would court…