Innholdsfortegnelse for September / October 2024 i SA Garden and Home

ED'S LETTER January 1st is the day we've generally decided is for fresh starts. We get to reinvent ourselves, start again with a clean slate. Unfortunately, as many of us know, that doesn't always work out too well. I think the start of spring is much more fitting. As new growth slowly emerges and gardens are filled with vibrant flowers, there is a contagious energy that makes me excited to get out and do more. So whether you're renewing your garden or refreshing your home, this issue has you covered. The decor section features two renovation projects with different design approaches: one modernist (pg28) and one minimalist (pg38), but both impressive examples of reinvention. We also discuss the dreaded spring-clean to make it not so scary, with organisational tips from…

KERB APPEAL…

INSPIRATION There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to setting up and maintaining an organised home. But one thing all organised homes have in common is this: they save time and prevent stress. We asked the experts for their tips on how they create a place for everything - and have everything in its place. LIVING AREAS Shelves above a built-in seat make an attractive feature. Add baskets for bits and pieces, either under the seat or doubling as bookends on shelves. Look at the coffee table. ‘When we design living areas for family homes, we love coffee tables with drawers underneath or a shelf for storing boxes. Big trays on coffee tables keep loose items organised and avoid smaller items looking messy,’ says Interior Designer Leigh Boswell. Clean…

WOODOC INTERIOR MAINTENANCE WAX This unique deep penetrating liquid wax not only cleans and beautifies, but penetrates varnish/sealers and polish effectively to feed and protect the wood below. It is economical with less wax needed with regular use to keep the surface in top-notch condition. It is perfect for maintenance of all interior furniture and woodwork: • Tables, coffee tables, chairs • Wood panelling, walls • Dressing tables, wardrobes and any other indoor wood that needs tender, loving care this winter. WOODOC EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE WAX A resilient and nourishing liquid wax, rich in UV-inhibitors, has been specially formulated for maintaining sealed exterior woodwork. WOODOC PATIO MAINTENANCE WAX Woodoc Patio Maintenance Wax is the easy and effective way to clean and maintain sealed wooden patio furniture and exposed woodwork. Simply apply…

Rothmannia globosa (commonly known as September bells) is an adorable indigenous shrub all South Africans need in their gardens. Found in the coastal and inland forests of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, it is well adapted to these subtropical environments, appreciating the warmer weather just as we do. It has glossy green leaves and a beautiful shape, but the showstoppers are its clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers that emit a sweet fragrance as spring emerges. Another indigenous species, Rothmannia capensis (commonly known as the Cape gardenia), shares some similarities with Rothmannia globosa, such as attractive, fragrant flowers and glossy evergreen leaves. It is also suited to subtropical climates and can be found in forested areas, often alongside streams and in moist, sheltered locations. When it comes to design, Rothmannia globosa…

CHECKLIST INDIGENOUS BEAUTY Celebrate Heritage Day and SA's rich floral diversity by planting indigenous beauties in your garden. These plants are well adapted to our climate and will thrive with minimal care. Buddleja salviifolia: Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny spot. Buddlejas are hardy and can tolerate drought, making them perfect for water-wise gardens. Watsonia: This striking bulb prefers full sun and should be planted in well-draining soil enriched with compost. Water regularly during the growing season. Gazania: Perfect for borders or rockeries, gazanias love sunny spots and sandy soil. They are drought-resistant and will reward you with vibrant blooms. Nemesia: These dainty flowers thrive in cool, well-draining soil. Plant them in a sunny spot and deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Drosanthemum: Ideal for ground cover, these succulent…

RECIPES Cajun chicken salad with cranberry dressing TOTAL TIME 25 MINUTES SERVES 4 THE CRANBERRY DRESSING ¼ cup dried cranberries 1 tbsp balsamic glaze 1 tbsp olive oil THE CHICKEN 200 grams chicken breast fillets, deboned and skinless 2 tbsp olive oil 1½ tsp cajun spice mix THE SALAD 160 grams rocket and baby spinach mix ¼ cup coriander leaves ½ cup peanuts, skinless and roasted Juice and zest of 1 orange THE CRANBERRY DRESSING Add cranberries, balsamic glaze and olive oil together in a bowl and stir. Set aside for later. THE CHICKEN Heat a grill pan over a high heat. Cut fillets into small strips and season with olive oil and spice mix. Cook on a heated grill plate for 10 minutes until just done. Slice and set…

SNEAK PEEK Has your Instagram feed recently been flooded with images of colourful interiors, unique designs and playful furnishings? If so, you're not alone. In 2024, we've seen a shift from the now deemed ‘sad beige’ interiors of the past years (although I have to admit I will never give up on my neutrals). Now, blindingly bright combinations of colour and whimsical decoration are not reserved for children's bedrooms. Several names are attributed to this shift, but my favourite has to be dopamine decor. Dopamine decor is a vibrant and playful trend that focuses on joy, energy and positive emotions. The idea behind dopamine decor is to design your living environment in a way that instantly uplifts your mood and makes you feel good whenever you enter the space… Subscribe…

HOMESCHOOL As spring breathes new life into our surroundings, it's the perfect time to refresh your mattress for a rejuvenated sleep experience. Your mattress is crucial in ensuring restful sleep, and maintaining it properly can extend its lifespan and comfort. A well-maintained mattress supports proper spinal alignment and provides the comfort necessary for deep, restorative sleep. Without regular care, a mattress can accumulate dust mites, allergens and bacteria, all of which can negatively impact your sleep quality and overall health. Moreover, neglecting your mattress can lead to premature wear and tear, reducing its lifespan and forcing you to replace it sooner than necessary. By investing a little time in mattress care, you're investing in better sleep and, ultimately, a better quality of life. Rudo Kemp, Founder of Sloom, shares his…

1. They prioritise storage ‘We want all the spaces we design to be beautiful and make their owners feel good,’ says Mikayla. ‘In the early stages of the design phase, it's vital to understand how people live and see their belongings stored. What works for one person might not work for someone else. I dream of a wrapping paper drawer!’ 2. They plan ahead This is the most important part of being organised’, says Toni. ‘Listing everything on a digital or paper calendar is crucial. I use digital and receive alerts but reinforce plans on paper so the whole family can look at the calendar and know what's coming up.’ 3. They move stuff on - quickly ‘Have a designated spot for items you want to donate. For example, a…

HEAVENLY HOMES The Designer Anne Claus’ eponymous studio renovated this canal-side home in central Amsterdam for a young family. The parents work in children's furniture design and they have two sons, aged two and four. Dining Area ‘We reconfigured this floor so that the living, dining and kitchen spaces are semi open-plan,’ says Anne. In these houses, everyone opens their windows and doors in the summer, so we sited the dining room at the front of the house for a sociable feel.’ Kitchen The ground floor was reworked to incorporate interconnected kitchen, dining and living spaces, ‘For the flooring, we took our cue from a remnant patch of monochrome tiling that we found during the renovation,’ says Anne. Living Area Atonal colour palette of off-white and grey-green instils a sense…

Our gardens can start to look a little sad towards the end of winter. Whether its giant piles of fallen leaves or patchy grass, there are several eyesores that dampen spring excitement. If you've left your gardening chores to the last minute and tidying up seems insurmountable, don't panic. You can refresh your entire garden in just 24 hours with these early spring tasks (although I don't recommend tackling them the same day). Take care of the lawn Time: 2 HOURS Grass lies dormant in winter but springs back to life towards the end of the season, making now the perfect time for the first cut of the year. Try to get into the habit of mowing at least once a week to stimulate growth, keep it healthy and looking…

CROWD-PLEASER As urban living continuously encroaches upon our private spaces (visually and audibly), many gardeners are looking for ways to make their outdoor spaces feel more private and secluded. You might be living in a complex a little closer to your neighbours than you would like, or in an apartment building with a balcony going unused because of the uncomfortable feeling of eyes on you as you go about your day. We all want to be comfortable and feel safe at home, and plants are one way to achieve that. Whether you want to line your clear fence with greenery or screen off your patio from prying eyes as you eat al fresco, take advantage of nature and use plants to create a privacy screen. Privacy screens act as a…

EXPLORE If pushed to answer the question “What's your favourite season?’, I'd answer ‘summer!’ without hesitation. For me, summer's sweltering, poolside days are followed by the cooling days of autumn, then spring and finally winter. Some may find this an odd hierarchy, but it makes sense to me. Simply put, while it has its perks, I'm just not built for the winter cold and as a lifelong hay-fever and sinus sufferer with spring comes an onslaught of sneezes and thick, itching eyes, which if I had a choice, I'd do without, thank you very much. However, all that aside, I am more than appreciative for the beauty that spring brings and it is, of course, the curtain raiser to glorious summer days. It is the time of year when we…

HEAVENLY HOMES Candace and William Marshall-Smith decided to renovate their Cape Town home while Candace was still energised after the renovation of her fine art gallery, SMITH, in the historic city centre. Not long after moving from Johannesburg to Cape Town with their young family, Candace and William found a house in a wonderful spot in Oranjezicht in Cape Town's City Bowl. The house itself was a fairly unremarkable 1970s double-storey. ‘It looked like a school building,’ laughs Candace, ‘but it had a wonderful sense of space, which is rare in Cape Town. It had incredible views of the city and Lion's Head to one side, and it's right at the foot of Table Mountain.’ A terraced rocky garden with a beautiful stone staircase seems to bring the mountain right…

DIY YOU WILL NEED: • 1 pot • Wood Pine PAR Timber T32 mm x W32 mm x L2 400 mm • Wood stain • Paintbrush • Drop sheet • Measuring tape • Speed square • Wood screws (3.5 x 50 mm) and matching driver bit • 3 mm drill bit • Wood glue and clamps • Hand chisel • Power drill, electric sander and jigsaw Top Tip If you don't have a steady hand to make a straight cut with a jigsaw on the marked line, create a straight jig guide by clamping a level piece of wood on the side to help keep the jigsaw shoe in place while cutting. CUTTING LIST FOR THIS EXAMPLE: 2 x 32 mm x 32 mm x 400 mm (Base) 4 x…

OPEN GARDENS Sun Loving Most flowering plants love the sun, so plan to locate a cutting garden in a spot that receives at least six hours of full sun daily. Stay Cool Using cool colours, such as blues and purples, and pale shades in the foreground of planting creates a sense of depth in the garden. When we head into spring in sunny South Africa, we become enamoured with all the colour popping out in gardens. From soft lavenders and blues, cooling a space down, to the excitement of bright oranges and reds, multitudes of green hues and everything in between, colour in the garden is a must. As with everything in one's life, gardens change, evolving happily and hopefully into evermore beautiful spaces as the years go by. Ensuring…

COMPOST Recycling kitchen and garden waste into compost is an affordable and easy way to nourish plants and improve soil. Containing piles with chicken wire or recycled pallets is space-efficient and heats it more efficiently. Compost ingredients are carbon-rich (brown) or nitrogen-rich (green). Green includes fresh grass clippings and vegetative kitchen scraps. Brown includes ash, dry leaves, hay, sawdust and straw. Layer these alternately (with slightly thicker brown layers). Cover and keep moist but not waterlogged, turning every six weeks until broken down. To ensure a weed-free result, spread sieved compost out and bake under plastic in full sun for a week. GREEN MANURE This is a fast-growing cover crop that's chopped up and mixed into the topsoil, adding accumulated nutrients back to the soil. It's an efficient, cost-effective way…