Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2024 i SA Garden and Home

ED'S LETTER The term ‘classic’ has a few connotations. It means of date or old school for those younger than 25, but for some, it conjures nostalgia, particularly for music. But in our homes, we mainly associate ‘classic’ with timeless. These elements have stood the test of time and still hold up, and we judge them at the highest quality. History informs them, but they lack the out-of-date feel some fading trends from the past decades have. The first home feature (pg 28) exemplifies classic in a South African sense, with traditional Cape Dutch design surrounded hy the beauty of Babylonstoren. The second home feature (pg 38) focuses on the classics abroad, where we visit a historic post office conversion in Ghent that looks like it comes straight out of…

KERB APPEAL…

→ Begin with a small garden or container plants to learn the basics without feeling overwhelmed. → Stagger your planting times and track everything in a journal to manage your harvest, ensuring you have a consistent supply of fresh produce to use in the kitchen. → Only plant what you actually enjoy eating to prevent food waste. → Create a composting system to recycle kitchen and garden waste into rich soil that can nourish your plants naturally. → Install a rainwater harvesting system or use drip irrigation to minimise water usage and waste. Use natural pest deterrents and encourage beneficial insects and wildlife, such as birds, to help control pests. → Rotate crops and plant various species to improve soil health and reduce pest outbreaks. → Incorporate permaculture techniques, such…

CROWD-PLEASER When gifting flowers for any occasion, choosing a bouquet is a tricky task. Unless you were last in line on Mother's Day and had to live with the wilting chrysanthemums, there are usually many combinations and colours to choose from. Yellow roses, pink proteas or purple tulips - do they have any meaning beyond being beautiful? In the Victorian era, they absolutely did. Floriography, or the art of communicating through flowers, flourished in the 19th century, allowing Victorians to express emotions that strict social etiquette often kept hidden. While the concept of symbolic blooms stretches back centuries, it truly blossomed (excuse the pun) in Victorian England, and we still use much of that symbolism today. The idea of flowers carrying hidden messages isn't new. Ancient Egyptians linked lotus flowers…

RECIPES PAGE 84 Beef Congee CONGEE 1 cup jasmine rice 8-10 cups water 1 stalk lemongrass BEEF Superfine sliced beef 1 shallot 1 tsp toasted sesame oil 2 tbsp canola oil 1 garlic clove 1 tbspmirin 1 tbsp soy sauce 100 ml dashi GARNISH Pinch bonito flakes 1 spring onion Toasted sesame seeds METHOD: CONGEE 1. Place the jasmine rice in a heatproof bowl and cover with a cup of water. Steam in a bamboo steamer for 10 minutes. The rice won't be cooked but this heat and moisture starts to break the rice down a bit faster. 2. Then, add the rice to a pot containing 8 cups of cold water with the bruised lemongrass. 3. Bring to the boil and simmer with the lid mostly covered for about 1.5 hours…

HOMESCHOOL The phrase ‘timeless trend’ is sort of an oxymoron. Trends are cyclical by nature, defined by a particular time in which they are popular. But there are certain trends with more staying power than others, whether they be a building material, design style, or interior design ‘rule’ that just works, no matter the era. The introduction of micro-trends and the rapid pace at which we're burning through trends today (no doubt thanks to the internet) means having a space that's ‘timeless’ has, in itself, become a trend as a reaction. So if you're looking to add some ambiguity to your home decor and take it out of 2024, consider these timeless trends. WOODEN FLOORS It's hard to argue with the value of hardwood floors in a home, particularly if…

INSPIRATION When e-readers like the Kindle were released over a decade ago, fears about the end of paperbacks were widespread. Today, in defiance of that belief, it seems physical books are more popular than ever. Books are sought-after commodities, and reading as an activity has become the ‘in’ hobby. Critics have a lot to say about that, and the authenticity of communities like BookTok (part of the app TikTok), but there's no doubt that the trend influenced other facets of our lives, including home decor. Look at interior inspiration online from this year and you'll notice massive bookshelves, or entire home libraries, dominating the visuals. These displays are usually paired with small, trinkets and treasured art pieces reflecting the interests of the owner. Noticing the trend, online influences have dubbed…

MATERIALS • Orbital sander and sanding disc (120 grit) • Power drill • 3-mm drill bit for wood and counter sink bit • Cut screws 3.5 × 40 mm and driver bit to drive in screws • Wood stain or paint and a paint brush • Wood filler and a scraper • Wood glue and long spreader clamps • Black string • Scissors • Tape measure • Pencil • Speed square • Safety gear (eye goggles, gloves, dust mask) • 2 × pine 22 mm × 44 mm × 3 m CUTTING LIST • 5 × 22 mm × 44 mm × 500 mm • 2 × 22 mm × 44 mm × 1100 mm • 1 × 22 mm × 44 mm × 200 mm • 1 × 22…

HANDS-ON Statues can make a big impact in a garden, but are often overlooked. They're wonderful decorative features in formal spaces or rambling cottage gardens, depending on the style, and add an artistic element you won't get from plants alone. Unfortunately, it's also easy for statues to look out of place or worse, kitsch. Follow these steps to seamlessly integrate statues into your garden design. Consider style Before you start shopping for your garden statue, consider the style of your garden. This will dictate what type of statue you buy. You wouldn't place whimsical garden gnomes or fairies in a Japanese Zen garden, for example. Ensure your chosen statue will complement your style, not compete with it. Decide on size Managing scale is vital when installing a statue. If it…

EXPLORE No one knows why it's called the Nile. In the beginning, it was just called the river because there was no other, and it was everything. The gift the Nile gave the world, wrote Herodotus, is called Egypt. There are ways other than the Nile to see Egypt, hut to make even a little bit of sense of it the river is the place to start. Look at Egypt from space: the Nile flows right through the middle of it, life slashing through the sterile desert, blooming into the delta like a lotus at the Mediterranean. Take a look at Egypt from the water: the blue-green-yellow of the river, the lush grass of its banks giving way to dense palms that surrender in turn to the dunes, the sky…

FROM THE EDITOR I am a big fan of the 2024 Pantone Colour of the Year, Peach Fuzz. The warm hue is the perfect balance of orange and pink, ideal for decorating indoors and outdoors (you can't beat a peach dahlia). That's why I was so excited to see the release of the new Pêche range - French for Peach - at Le Creuset last month. The range has the most beautiful coral hue that I find irresistible, particularly in the decorative serving dishes. I have my eye on the Coupe Collection Pasta Bowls, but there are so many stunning kitchen items to choose from. Sneak Peek Next month is all about effortless elegance. You'll know what we mean if you've heard the term ‘quiet luxury’ tossed around recently. The…

PLANT OF THE MONTH…

CHECKLIST USE FROST BLANKETS In cooler regions, frost blankets are essential for protecting delicate plants from sudden temperature drops. Choose lightweight insulating materials that can cover the entirety of vulnerable plants without restricting their growth. Secure the edges of the frost blankets with stones to prevent them from being dislodged by the wind, or create a frame with bendable poles to hang the fabric over. Remember to remove the covers during the day to allow for sunlight exposure and air circulation, which are crucial for plant health. ADD TO YOUR HOUSEPLANT COLLECTION Winter is a perfect time to focus on indoor gardening. Enhance your living space by incorporating a variety of houseplants that thrive in indoor conditions. Opt for species that require less light, such as ZZ plants, to keep…

SEASONALLY FRESH Asparagus Asparagus is a hardy perennial, and once established will crop for up to 20 years. Although it can be sown from seed, it is quicker to grow from seedlings. Plant them out in early October, in full sun to partial shade, in compostenriched soil. It's drought tolerant, however, make sure it has sufficient water during dry periods until it is well established. Keep it well mulched throughout winter. This is a plant requiring patience, as you can only begin harvesting after four years. If you start harvesting earlier than that, the plant will not establish a strong crown underground. To harvest, wait until a spear is about 20 cm tall and snap it off by hand, just above the ground where it naturally bends. Harvest for six…

PETIQUETTE Moving house is not a welcomed activity for most people. But for our beloved pets, it can feel even worse. Unfamiliar sights, strange sounds, and a complete disruption to their daily routine can leave your furry (or feathery) friend feeling stressed and disoriented. Thoughtful planning and consideration are essential to prevent escapes and help your pet adjust. Create a Calming Environment Moving day is packed with activity. Boxes stacked high, people rushing through doorways, and the constant thump of furniture being moved is enough to stress most pets. To prevent a panicked escape attempt, prepare a safe haven for your pet well in advance. Choose a quiet, interior room away from the main hustle and bustle. Line the floor with a comfy bed or their favourite crate, and include some…