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Introducing 5151 Empira White, an exciting new addition to the Metropolitan Collection.

*Shade, movement and graining of actual product may vary from sample or image.

We recommend that you select your preferred slabs at the distributor nearest you.

5151 Empira White (20mm) Metropolitan Collection

Designed to Inspire Let 2020 be your year of design excellence. caesarstone.co.za | +27 (0)83 608 5810

9 771814 165001

No.1

home an dg magazinarden e

06183

Covid-19 Stay safe, keep busy

SA’s

(vat incl.)

Namibia N$75.00

R75.00

June 2020 SWEET TREATS SW

r

better with

FROM CHEESECAKE TO MOUSSE IN N THE GARDE EN

loes in all shapes, es & colours row chrysanths e a pro

Get

with Wall art, printed curtains, an embroidered headboard and more!

Reader homes VILLIERSDORP

Antiques A i take k centre stage in Victorian gem

ONRUS RIVER

+

Jazz up a bench with leftover fabric & podge SOMERSET WEST

Family home revamped M More glass l brings b i light for the next generation and nature indoors

Made in Italy Magma Pendant with Red Crystals Code: KLCH-450/60 in Red or Clear Crystals

DESIGN • SER VICE • QUALIT Y Viewing Showrooms Only, K. Light Import supplies only to Retailers and not to the public directly.

Cape Town: 7 Kunene Circle, Omuramba Business Park, Milnerton, 021 552 4370 Johannesburg: Units 8 & 9, The Arena, Capital Hill Business Park, Halfway House, Midrand, 011 312 1247 info@klight.co.za I www.klight.co.za I Facebook.com/klightimport

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Reader home

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Reader home

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46

Renovation

Chocolate!

garden

Fabric

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24 34 46 56

Fresh ideas with colour Seasoned renovator shows us his handiwork in Villiersdorp Family home gets a new lease on life for the next generation A light and airy dream space on the slopes of the Helderberg mountains Get creative with printed fabric Retail therapy Material world

56

58

Jazz up a tired bench with fabric and mod podge

in the garden 84 92

Thirsty roses replaced with a glorious collection of aloes Plant of the month Colourful chrysanthemums

in the kitchen 98 106 108

Chocolate – everyone’s favourite!

Semolina gnocchi, step by step Quick food We’ve got supper sorted!

competitions 6 12 74 76

Write in to Your Space and WIN Enter our Rookie Stylist 2020 competition now!

Send us your pet pics and WIN Complete Crossword #142 and WIN a book worth R295

regulars 8 62

114

What’s new Pretty fabric masks Advice Ask the experts 66 Renovation Don’t move, improve!

74 Pets and their peculiarities 78 Gardening notebook Last words from Karin Brynard

Attend our new Décor School! See page 83.

Cover photograph Greg Cox • Styling Marian van Wyk

do it yourself

décor

hello

35

Corona curls!

days in lockdown makes you think about life differently; it gives you insights you previously never had. Five weeks of selfisolation is, well, an out-of-the-ordinary experience. Here is my lockdown diary for March and April. I’d love to hear about yours – send me an email!

In the meantime, enjoy your incremental freedom, and please wear the face mask we have included free with this issue if you do venture outside. Wash the mask before wearing it for the first time (as well as after each use), and always wear it over your nose and mouth every time you venture out – a must in these uncertain times!

Day 5 with mom...

Day 24, marginally better.

editor@homemag.co.za Day 1 Shave! Comb hair! Put on collared shirt! Work is work, even if you’re sitting at the dining room table.

Day 2 Choose an attractive background for your online Teams meetings, because who wants to look at a bare wall?

First impressions count.

Day 3 Wow, the dog is really losing a lot of hair.

Day 4 How can you tell who has kids? Look carefully when next you have a video conference. Moms and dads don’t bat an eyelid if a plate crashes to the floor in the background or if the dog goes crazy when it sees the neighbour’s cat in the garden. Without skipping a beat, they reprimand the culprit out of the corner of their mouths: “Go away, I’m in a meeting; pour your own juice.”

Just like that. Next item on the agenda?

Day 5 FaceTime with your 81-year-old mother is, despite your best efforts, a conversation with the ceiling of her house.

True story, see photo...

Day 6 Almost a week! Maybe I should have made time for the hairdresser. Corona Curls will never be a trend like ‘The Rachel’ hairdo that Jennifer Aniston rocked in Friends.

(Note to self: switch off the camera as much as possible during online meetings.)

Day 7 Annoyed email from the only colleague who had her camera switched on during the meeting: “Why is everyone switching off their cameras? What’s the point of a video meeting?

Every single time, I’m the only one sitting there, all exposed, with my lonely face showing.”

Day 8 I wish I had a sewing machine. That’s my next ‘life skill’, not meditation.

Day 9 Where do all these dishes come from?

Day 10 Alarming increase in dog hair. Need a stronger vacuum cleaner. Domestic worker needs an increase.

Day 11 Yes, it is possible to plan an entire meal around the six sachets of takeaway soy sauce lying on the counter after you’ve done a Marie Kondo on your kitchen drawers. #nowaste.

Day 12 My sushi addiction is worse than I thought. At least 100 pairs of chopsticks in the same kitchen drawer.

Day 13 Winter is coming... Still in my pyjamas at one o’ clock; no more video meetings, just the sound turned on. Have I brushed my teeth today?

Day 14 Firelighters for the fireplace are finished. Ah, a good use for those sushi sticks!

Day 15 What, Good Friday? A long weekend?

Day 16 You want me to wash groceries AS WELL as the dishes?

Day 17 Oh, the internet! The wonderful, praiseworthy, lifechanging, soul-saving, can’t-do-without-it internet.

Day 18 Oh, the internet! The slow, irritating, patience-testing, faltering, can’t-do-without-it internet.

Day 19 Thank goodness, magazines are still available in stores.

Magazines: lifesavers!

Day 20 I use way more sugar than I thought I did.

Day 21 Last bottle of wine finished. See, it’s not really essential.

Day 22 Uncalled for comment from my other half after the umpteenth online meeting: “Talk, talk, talk – is that all you do all day?” It seems like wine is indeed essential.

Day 23 It’s nt tht I cn’t type, my fingrs are jst drunk frm all the hand sanitisr.

Day 24 FaceTime officially renamed FringeTime because now I can see my mom’s fringe (and forehead). True story. See photo.

Day 25 Things you don’t want to hear in a video meeting?

“Let me just tilt my screen, I don’t have a bra on.”

Day 26 A misshapen loaf of white bread is not a ciabatta just because the cafe on the corner has labelled it as such and then charged R27 for it.

Day 27 Baking powder that expired a year ago is just powder.

Day 28 Yet more dishes to wash. With newly delivered groceries in the mix.

Day 29 Growing plants from cuttings isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Day 30 Who on earth decided that the noon gun in Cape Town is essential?

Day 31 Google: “Is pet grooming considered an essential service?” Sadly not.

Day 32 If someone is looking for the key to Cabin 702 on the Greek ferry Nissos Rodos, I’ve got it.

Day 33 Does anyone know the story behind Bheki Cele’s fedora?

And has he ever in his life had to keep a big dog entertained on a tiny property?

Day 34 Drive to chemist for Rescue Remedy. For the dog too.

Day 1-35 Donald Trump. Seriously?

Our popular Rookie Stylist competition in partnership with MRP Home is back! See page 12 for details.

4 home June 2020

Visit one of our showrooms Johannesburg 227 Jan Smuts Avenue Parktown North 011 447 3149 Centurion 15 Coachmen’s Park, 26 Jakaranda Street Hennopspark 012 653 6808 Cape Town Eagle Park, Computer Road, Montague Gardens 021 555 1034

Manufacturers of Distinctive Decorative Coatings www.cemcrete.co.za

0860 CEMCRETE

enquiry@cemcrete.co.za

your space Write to us at Home, Readers’ Letters, PO Box 1802, Cape Town 8000; email editor@homemag.co.za, fax 021 408 3046, and join our Facebook group (facebook.com/homemag) or follow us on Instagram @TuisHomeMag. When submitting a letter, please include your full name and the town in which you live.

IN SHORT

Much more fulfilling!

Janine Adams of Cape Town writes

With the world becoming more and more digital and questions being asked about whether books are becoming obsolete, I must admit I took a break from buying Home for a few months, echoing what I so often hear people say: anything you can find in a book, you can find on the internet.

But now I must confess, I’ve started buying Home again. I found that scrolling through numerous pinned pictures or a quick blog post is nowhere near as fulfilling as paging through a much-loved magazine. There is just no comparison to a well-curated and beautifully themed Home.

I bought your February 2020 issue and was so excited to frame the botanical print that came with it! Unfortunately, my four-year-old beat me to it and lovingly glued the print to my cupboard door – I doubt I’d have an anecdote like that to tell after scrolling through internet pics, so thank you for a wonderful magazine.

Completed at last

Margie Grant of Port Alfred writes I loved Shelly Bergh’s DIY flat pack cupboard

No.1

home and ga magazine den

9 771814 165001

SA’s

your practical guide to beautiful living

04181

project in your February issue. Duly inspired, I called Baltic Timbers in Woodstock about nameplates, paid online and then asked the gent who had served me if he could take my package to the Postnet which is in the same street as Baltic. He very kindly did so and then waited there while I organised payment. Long story short, the nameplates eventually arrived here safely. I then sanded and varnished my cabinet, knocked down a wall and built a level platform for it. But when I priced handles, I was shocked – R1 500 for 20! Luckily, I remembered that a lovely second-hand store in Grahamstown stocks handles and was thrilled to discover they had gorgeous ones at the bargain price of R10 each!

Covid-19 has given us a sharp kick in the butt to get on with unfinished projects. I love my cupboard, its handles, and the nameplates.

(vat incl ) Namibia N$60 00

R60.00

April 2020 DIY

Whitewash a drab brick wall

COOK WITH EGGS

Curry, cake &

croque monsieur

+ Make your own potstickers

New!

Join our décor school

IN THE GARDEN

More is m i h mass plantings

Page 74

FIX IT WITH FLAIR WINNERS

3 to

notch h

makeovers FABULOUS FACELIFT

OUT THE BOX

Y hitect’s container house

ith d hand finds and paint

ENTER NOW FOR 2020:

DIY

A f mily home revamped – for just R150 000

R100 000 up for grabs!

6 home June 2020

No place like home

Marie du Plooy of Bloemfontein writes Home: what a warm, welcoming word! Besides your wonderful magazine, ‘home’ is where we live, where things flourish; it’s that ‘happy’ place where we feel content, comfortable and cherished.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, Home magazine has really come to my rescue. It has inspired me in so many ways: home cooking, home baking, homegrown and homemade.

The readers’ Fix it with Flair projects featured in your April issue were so inspiring – if they can do it, I can too! Thank you for encouraging us to make the most of the good (and not so good) things every month.

My veggie garden project awaits, so let me get cracking!

I am making the most of my time at home during lockdown. I’m getting super organised and may even be able to give Marie Kondo a few tips! This is also the perfect time to browse through previous issues of Home and to experiment with some recipes and DIY projects. Due to the hardware stores being closed, if I don’t have the appropriate paint or tool, I place a friendly “please assist me” on our complex’s WhatsApp chat group – we all help each other where possible. Thanks so much for a wonderful magazine; I look forward to purchasing it every month.

– Bernadine Ponte, Lakeside, Cape Town I had such a chuckle reading Karin Brynard’s column in the April issue.

We too have a large group of birds living in the big trees in our front garden.

In summer, they start making noises at about 4am and I find it reassuring and comforting. It means I’m alive and can still hear the beautiful sounds of nature.

There are a few birds that, over the years, have become family, with distinct calls we recognise. One of them even comes into the dining room to eat the cats’ food; we call him Pikkie. When clients phone us, they always want to know if we are in an aviary because of the bird sounds. What a privilege to be able to enjoy this orchestra performing especially for us! – Stella Jacobs, Springs, Gauteng The writer of the winning letter gets a Spindel laundry dryer worth R2 699!

Keeping up with endless laundry is a daunting, expensive task – especially in the colder months. Meet the Spindel: compact, portable and ready to tackle your laundry load to save you time, money and electricity. Available from homeware stores and takealot.com, Spindel uses spin power, not heat, to remove up to 80% of moisture and detergent residues from clothing in just three minutes and it’s also safe for winter woollens and delicates.

Visit spindel.co.za and SpindelSA on Facebook for details.

WIN!

The editor reserves the right to edit letters at his discretion.

WINNING LETTER

Send décor and lifestyle news to news@homemag.co.za.

what’s new

Compiled by Shané Barnard

We’re a creative nation and our response to Covid-19 is no exception! Check out these unique reusable face masks – and help curb the spread of the virus.

Samesyn’s unique design features three layers of fabric: cotton on both sides and a water-resistant inner layer. The mask (R140 each or R390 for a pack of three) is secured with elastic bands and it’s reversible. For details, go to samesyn.co.za.

Wren Design’s double-layered Classic (R130) and Deco (R180) face masks are made from paper and brushed cotton; they have double tucked-in pleats and are edged with soft cotton black bias tape. These reusable masks are available in various designs and also come in children’s sizes. The outer paper surface is waterresistant and anti-microbial, and it lasts between six and 12 months. To clean, simply use a soapy cloth and wipe.

Go to thewrendesign.com.

Ballo’s handmade easy-to-fit face masks (R150 each) feature a double layer of pleated cotton.

The outer sustainably-sourced cotton layer comes in various colourful patterns; these designs vary according to availability. For every mask purchased online, Ballo will donate one to someone in need. Go to ballo.co.za to get yours.

[ A GOOD CAUSE! ] Masks4SA, led by Bruce and Kimlyn Harbottle, is asking all South Africans to help make homemade masks for people across the country. Their website offers step-by-step instructions on how to make your own mask in both an adult and child’s size. Go to masks4sa.co.za.

Twig and Fi’s masks are made from 100% linen, cotton and hemp linen. Each mask (R70) is made to order and you can choose from a wide range of Twig & Fi’s romantic fabric designs.

Browse the selection at twigandfi.co.za.

Mungo’s pure linen masks feature a double-layer design and an inner lining that serves as an extra pocket into which an additional filter/N-95 mask can be inserted for added protection. They’re available in packs of three (R300) or five (R500) and for each mask sold, Mungo will donate one to a worthy cause.

Shop online at mungo.co.za.

None of these masks have been medically tested; they serve as a preventative measure to minimise the spread of the disease.

Wash fabric masks at a high temperature after every use. Many of the suppliers have a lead time of between two and 10 days to produce masks.

fresh ideas

Green and gold A single colour can make a stunning impact!

By Shané Barnard Photographs Francois Oberholster Styling Marian van Wyk and Shelly Bergh

Stairway to heaven A flight of stairs in a daring shade of green grabs your attention in this otherwise neutral space in Stefan Blom and Albie du Toit’s home in Green Point, Cape Town. The pair painted the staircase after their first visit to Amsterdam. “It reminds us of the fresh colours of the city, the lush grasslands in the Netherlands – and even the inside of a flower!” says Stefan.

Like this paint colour?

Try one of these shades:

t Min g n i orn xM u l u D n gree y e l ai mB a r u D

Paint colour

Plascon Sunkissed

Sunshine yellow Fred and Cassandra Cockrell have always admired Frida Kahlo’s artworks, which is why they named their holiday home in Langebaan “Casa Kahlo”.

A cheerful yellow focal wall at the braai adjacent to their kitchen creates a strong contrast to the grey of the cabinets.

“We wanted to incorporate a vibrant Mexican style in our home,” says Cassandra. “We spend many happy hours in this space making potjie, baking bread and cooking on the little stove, which also adds warmth to the house during the chilly winter months. The island is used for preparing meals and mixing cocktails!” Cassandra’s parents gave her the bamboo drinks trolley and it complements the Mexican theme perfectly. Rainbow-coloured bottles that Cassandra has collected over the years are displayed on the narrow shelves in the kitchen.

A show of hands Annamarie and Dirk Blom created this mural on the stoep at their home in Betty’s Bay as a fond reminder of family members who have spent holidays with them.

The wall was painted with Dulux Weatherguard after which the couple added their own handprints – plus those of their four sons, their sons’ partners and their six grandchildren – in white paint.

“Before the devastating fires in Betty’s Bay in 2019, the green wall echoed the trees and shrubs in our surroundings; now it helps us to remember how precious nature is,” says Annamarie.

Paint colour

Dulux Indian Ivy

Artwork entitled Thrown II by Gabrielle Raaff

Top drawer A table custom built by artist Gabrielle Raaff’s father serves as a desk tucked into the corner of the open-plan lounge and dining area in her Lakeside family home. From here, she has a lovely view of the garden and her studio.

“My dad used to collect pieces of driftwood on his walks on the beach in Kommetjie. He would disappear into his workshop for hours to make furniture,” Gabrielle recalls. The original colours of the driftwood provide interesting detail and texture on the drawers. “For me, the beauty of this table lies in the combination of its tapered legs, narrow dimensions and, of course, my dad’s personal touch.”

A quirky pendant designed by Porky Hefer that Gabby bought at Design Indaba years ago adds a playful touch to the space.

CONTACT Gabrielle Raaff 021 709 0703, gabrielleraaff.com Porky Hefer 083 441 0662, animal-farm.co.za

June 2020

home 11

#ROOKIESTYLIST2020 The search is on for Home’s Rookie Stylist 2020 in partnership with MRP Home. Enter and win!

L

ast year, we were blown away by our readers’ creative entries in our first-ever Rookie Stylist competition – more than 1 400 entrants displayed their favourite nooks in their own homes on Instagram.

We’re passionate about all things beautiful and love to celebrate the ways in which South Africans decorate their spaces, a philosophy we share with MRP Home, so the Rookie Stylist competition is back in 2020!

Every week, one lucky entrant will win a MRP Home voucher worth R2 000 (the recipient will be selected by the Home team) and, ultimately, the overall winner and Rookie Stylist for 2020 will receive a R15 000 MRP Home voucher to spend on whatever delights their senses.

This winner will also be chosen by the Home team, and as an added bonus, the winner’s home will be shot for publication in an upcoming issue of Home, SA’s best-selling décor and gardening magazine.

Unleash your creativity!

Use the MRP Home voucher included in this issue to buy the perfect showpiece at your nearest store.

HOW IT WORKS To participate, take a photo of any nook in your home, using your cellphone (take it in natural light for best results). Do a close-up or step back for a wide-angle shot. You could choose a room, a stoep, a focal wall, shelf or bed – anything goes, as long as it’s pretty and styled to your satisfaction.

Upload this picture to your Instagram account. If you don’t have an account, create one by downloading the app in the Apple app store or on Google Play.

Write a short caption, add the hashtags #rookiestylist2020, #tuishomemag and #mrphome, and also tag @mrp_home and @tuishomemag – and off you go!

• The competition runs from 25 May to 17 July 2020.

1

2 3

PROMOTION Chenille Sari scatter cushion (60 x 60cm) R199.99

Leoni Aucamp Colab blanket (200 x 230cm) R699.99

Leoni Aucamp feather scatter cushion (60 x 60cm) R399.99

Edge-stitch natural scatter cushion (50 x 50cm) R159.99

Decorate LIKE A PRO!

Leoni Aucamp printed rug (120 x 180cm) R599.99

Unleash your inner stylist with these beautiful buys from MRP Home.

Jute classic border rug (200 x 300cm) R2 500

M EE T T H E A RT I ST Two-tone white and natural utility basket (medium) R359.99

Rattan side table R999.99

Leoni Aucamp of Hermanus has joined up with MRP Home for their latest Colab series, which includes scatter cushions, rugs, blankets, placemats, gift bags, notebooks and body care items.

How do you go about making art?

I use a technique called eco printing: I transfer natural foliage onto hemp fabric and paper through a boiling and steaming process to create each unique artwork.

What inspired this collaboration?

The theme is ‘heritage’ and I live in fynbos country, so it was a perfect match! I was particularly inspired by the gorgeous Protea nitida, one of the few Protea species that grows into trees and can survive veld fires. My work is all about collaborating with nature and I believe that we can all collaborate more with one another, too.

• View Leoni’s art at aucamp.studio.

Wood and glass lantern (medium) R299.99

Leoni Aucamp 4-pack cork placemats (29cm) R149.99

Images supplied by MRP Home

Bamboo flower mirror R999.99

Cotton diamond natural throw (150 x 200cm) R259.99

A man Bernie Diedericks may be a seasoned renovator of dilapidated houses but this time he almost met his match.

By Elna van der Merwe • Photographs Francois Oberholster Styling Marian van Wyk

reader home Bernie chose the old garden set on the back stoep (opposite) because he loved the different colours it had been painted. He built the low wall for “purely aesthetic reasons”. It provides no support and its only purpose is to give the house character. He drew the design on cardboard, cut out a template and then built the wall.

WHO LIVES HERE? Bernie Diedericks WHERE Villiersdorp SIZE 252m²

Garden furniture from Milnerton Flea Market

Bernie bought the table – with all the graffiti engraved on it – from an “old Chinese man” in Observatory, Cape Town and the easy chair from a homeless man in Woodstock who was wheeling it down the road on a shopping trolley. One of the chair legs was broken off and a nameplate on the back read “Parliament”. Bernie restored it and had it reupholstered. The bay window in this guest room overlooks the street. >>

June 2020

home 15

reader home

Sunroom-cumdining area

Kitchen

Study

Living area

Bedroom Bath

Bedroom

Bath

16 home June 2020

Sitting room

Bedroom

Front stoep

Side stoep

A dry wild dagga stem from the garden (left ) now works as dĂŠcor in the sunroom-cum-dining area.

The Queen Anne table was bought at auction and the lion ornaments on the shelf are from India.

Bath

Back stoep

The two long narrow tables were originally used for displaying photographs taken by the Cape Town Photographic Society. Placed side by side, they now serve as Bernie’s dining table.

Bernie collects old doors which he then repurposes as wall panels.

Chairs from Ashbey’s Galleries

Chairs from Gister

D

uring his lifetime, Bernie Diedericks has built and renovated plenty of homes and he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge, but this old house in Villiersdorp in the Western Cape almost drove him over the edge.

The house, which he purchased from the bank, had stood empty for three years. “It was awful, a total nightmare,” says Bernie.

“The garden was so overgrown, you couldn’t set foot in it.”

So why buy such a run-down house in the first place?

“If money was no object, I would fix up all the old homes in the world. I get so frustrated when I see how places have deteriorated,” he says. “But this house... I wasn’t in my right mind! The dreamer in me failed to take into account what it would cost to rebuild it from top to bottom. But I mos have these delusions of grandeur.”

Bernie has previously built two homes from scratch: one in Riebeek-Kasteel in the Swartland, the other in the Lynedoch Eco Village near Stellenbosch. He has renovated six houses – in Cape Town, Paarl and Greyton – as well as three units in Kylemore outside Stellenbosch.

And then came Villiersdorp. “It was as close to Cape Town as I could afford,” Bernie explains. He started the project in March 2016 and only three years later, just in time for our annual Fix it with Flair competition, was he satisfied with the end result.

The Home team was then able to photograph his latest accomplishment. >>

Homeowner, builder and renovator Bernie Diedericks on the stoep of his all-white Victorian home (right). The “exceedingly heavy” golden cement lion on the wall next to him was a lucky find at Artefact Antiques & Interiors in Wynberg.

I always simplify a space and remove everything that detracts from it or creates clutter so that I can start from scratch. – Bernie

The sink atop the trestle table was a temporary solution when Bernie moved into the unfinished main house, having rented out the flat on the property. He believes that if you have a sink, you have a kitchen; freestanding cabinets work well in the rest of the space. The black star against the wall was made from metal used for World War II airplanes.

18 home June 2020

reader home

Bernie repurposed a tin trunk he bought at auction as a coffee table in the sunroom-cum-dining area.

Sofa from Onsite Gallery

A distinctive style Bernie has successfully created a stylish pared-down look that showcases his flair for décor. “I prefer functionality over aesthetics.

Things must work and they must be utilised; they shouldn’t just be pretty to look at,” he says.

Years ago, someone described his aesthetic as “Voortrekker Zen”; Bernie calls it a style “born out of necessity”. He explains: “I only use what I have. It just so happens that all my possessions are old.” This last statement is perhaps a little too modest; Bernie knows exactly how to use antiques to create an attractive interior.

He also has a knack for discovering treasures in second-hand stores – and although some pieces may be broken, he is a dab hand at restoring them to their former glory.

Using brown as the primary colour in a décor scheme is a gamble that not many people are willing to take, but Bernie nails it.

“It’s the blank canvas that shows off the décor to best effect. It is like an exhibition space or art gallery. You can put anything in here and it will look lovely.”

Bernie says that if he gets the opportunity to renovate or build his dream home, he will create an even more pared-down look.

“I can take any four walls and fix them – that’s not a problem for me. For my dream home, I would make only one wall brick and the rest glass or big windows. It should be simple. I like to make things as inexpensive and as beautiful as possible. And I will have a vegetable garden. I actually just want to garden.”

For now, he is happy to make a property beautiful before reselling and moving on. True to form, Bernie has already put this freshly renovated home on the market. “Every time I go through this process, I effectively set the scene for a new homeowner.”

In the study (also opposite), Bernie’s desk has been placed on wooden blocks as he prefers to work at a table with a bit of extra height. The rug was purchased at auction.

20 home June 2020

Paintings and wooden box from Milnerton Flea Market

The doors leading out from the living areas to the back stoep were second-hand buys; Bernie had their frames custom made.

Table and chair from Wauhaus; anatomical poster from White Elephant Collectables

So much joy!

During his previous building projects, Bernie became accustomed to living in the midst of chaos, but this time round he first converted the outside room on the property into a comfy bachelor flat for himself.

“Before, I lived in the middle of a building site, amongst all the rubble, and just got on with fixing things up around me. But that takes its toll. Here, for the first time, I could enjoy a normal life while I was building.”

The original house had three bedrooms and two bathrooms; now there are four bedrooms and three bathrooms, including the outside room which has been converted into a small flat. The latter is rented out on Airbnb. “There is also a cold outdoor shower under the plum tree for those sweltering summer days,” he adds.

This Victorian house makes Bernie very happy: “To me, the sense of space and abundance of natural light is similar to that of an art gallery – and I love the simple, clean lines.” Bernie has never used an architect or draughtsman. “The plans just come to me and what’s required is as clear as daylight,” he explains.

“Between the living room and a guest room, I installed an old green oval window that catches the morning light beautifully.

And then there’s the gorgeous backdrop against which the house was built: a lush street surrounded by majestic mountains and a garden full of sparrows, sunbirds and even an owl or two that visit some nights.

“One day, I walked out onto the back stoep to take a break from work and when I looked up, there were two fish eagles soaring in the most beautiful blue sky with the imposing mountains in the background. I hadn’t realised that the view from my back garden was so fantastic!” >>

Junior clerk’s table from King Olaf Furniture & Collectables in Riebeek-Kasteel; painting from Milnerton Flea Market; circular wall rack from Ashbey’s Galleries

Bernie says that before installing the old sash window in the main bathroom, the space was so dark “you could film a thriller in it”.

CONTACTS AND STOCKISTS Artefact Antiques & Interiors 021 762 6793, artefact.co.za Ashbey’s Galleries 021 423 8060, ashbeysgalleries.co.za Bernie Diedericks 082 782 4936 Gister 021 852 4827, facebook.com/gistervintagedecor Hertex 021 914 3390, hertex.co.za King Olaf Furniture & Collectables 082 517 3249, facebook.com/KingOlafFurniture Milnerton Flea Market 021 551 7879 Onsite Gallery 021 462 1357, onsitegallery.co.za Wauhaus 021 448 2884, wauhaus.co.za White Elephant Collectables 083 305 8249, facebook.com/WhiteElephantCollectables

A wooden table was sawn in two and each half was repurposed as a vanity in two of the bathrooms. Each one has just two legs, which makes cleaning around it easier.

This bedroom also got a new window. The typewriter and board on the wall were gifts from “a very good friend with excellent taste” and Bernie bargained for the chair at an antique store in Kalk Bay. He inherited the handmade trestle (with a door as a tabletop) from his mother.

reader home EX PERT AD VI CE Renovating a house built with unbaked clay bricks like Bernie’s requires special measures.

“If you’re in any doubt, avoid products that weren’t available in the olden days,” recommends Henry Paine (right), a conservation architect and heritage practitioner in George. Here’s his advice: PVA must be removed completely before you • Cement It is very important to use as little cement apply slaked lime. It should be re-applied at as possible on old houses. Cement gets very hard least once a year, but it is inexpensive and easy when it dries and it’s quite brittle. It doesn’t adhere to do. to clay or sun-dried bricks and it has a different • BreatheCote is a good paint for the interior of coefficient of expansion and contraction. an old house. It contains no plastic and literally • Slaked lime is the oldest method of waterproofing ‘breathes’. This product works well on walls with walls and ridges of thatched roofs. Slaked lime, rather damp issues, especially old walls where the dampthan ordinary paint, works best for covering exterior proof layer at the base has disintegrated. However, walls. It is waterproof but allows the walls to breathe. you will have to reintroduce a damp-proof layer if you Since it expands and contracts at roughly the same have a major damp problem in your walls. rate as the mud walls or mud plaster of yesteryear, it CONTACT 044 880 1133, doesn’t flake off like modern PVA-based paint would. henrypainearchitects@gmail.com Remember, you cannot apply lime over PVA and the

The headboard and footboard of this bed were a gift from a former gardener, 72-year-old Moos Parsley; the cover is vintage Sanderson.

The bedside table was rescued after being tossed from a burning building in Cape Town; Bernie still plans to restore it.

Similar Sanderson ranges available from Hertex

June 2020

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Trading places

Once the De Wets had outgrown their cottage, they swapped houses with granny and grandpa, who live on the same property, and created a home with rich heritage.

By Maryke Roberts Photographs Francois Oberholster • Styling Marian van Wyk

24 home June 2020

WHO LIVES HERE? Hennie and Jacomien de Wet with their kids Christiaan (9), Amri (6) and Júha (20 months) WHERE Onrus River SIZE 285m²

Under construction

The wardrobe with blue stained-glass panels and the white sofa by the window in the entrance hall are from Jacomien’s mom. “My dad made the long sideboard under the mirrors for Hennie for his 30th birthday,” says Jacomien. Most of the floors in the house, with the exception of those in the bedrooms, are pigmented cement, which is ordinary cement mixed with Earthcote paint in the colour Husky. >> Rug from Hertex; windows from Botrivier Boeremark

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A

bout five years ago, Hennie and Jacomien de Wet of Onrus River outside Hermanus made a deal with Jacomien’s parents: they would, at their own expense, build a small house in a secluded corner of her parents’ property, provided they could swap houses when the young family grew too big for their own place.

These days, Hennie, Jacomien and their three kids live in Jacomien’s childhood holiday home, which they’ve given a brand-new look.

Jacomien’s parents, Hans and Irma Herbst, bought the property 16 years ago. They knew Onrus River well as this Overberg coastal town had been their holiday destination for 28 years.

Back then, a much smaller house next to the beach suited their needs but when the family moved there permanently, more space became a priority, so they chose this house on a 3 000m² plot.

Jacomien, who as a 24-year-old was working in Cape Town at the time, wasn’t very impressed.

“I thought it was an ugly house too far from the beach.” But the home suited Hans and Irma down to the ground. >>

26 home June 2020

Under construction

“From the get-go, we knew we wanted to make the stoep part of the house, but we didn’t want to lose the stoep feel,” says Jacomien. “We decided to enclose the area by installing large windows that can slide open completely between the old stone pillars.” The dining table and benches were made using beams from an old milking shed on the De Wet family farm in the Overberg; the ‘scars’ in the seats are evidence of years of wear and tear from the cows.

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Under construction

The large Oregon pine cabinet against the wall used to belong to Hennie’s grandmother; the panes are still the original rolled glass. When Hennie discovered the piece in the old stables on his family’s farm, it had a painted top section and rotten lower cupboards.

While he sanded the top cabinet, Jacomien’s dad and a team of carpenters made them a new lower cupboard unit.

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Paint colour

Plascon Plaster

Pendants from Eagle Lighting; island slab by Oelofse Skrynwerke

Old and new plans

After Hennie and Jacomien were married in 2008, they lived on the De Wet family farm in the Overberg. The property was sold in 2011 and the young family – Christiaan was then nine months old – also moved to Onrus, where they initially rented a house.

Then in 2014, Jacomien’s dad came up with the bright idea that she and Hennie should build a home on his spacious property.

“It was already divided,” explains Jacomien. “The agreement was that we would build a retirement home for my parents in which we would live until it became too cramped for us. When Júha was born in late 2018, the time was right – our family was officially too big for the house!”

Although Jacomien’s parents had refurbished their house to their taste, Hennie, a construction project manager, and Jacomien, with her creative flair, were ready to put their own stamp on it.

“I took the old plans and altered them myself, using a ruler, eraser and pencil,” says Jacomien. She and Hennie decided to retain the old house’s footprint but add an extra garage and an entrance hall with huge windows that offer fantastic views of the mountain.

As the couple had bright, open spaces in mind, quite a few walls were “Tipp-Exed out”. They also had to make a plan with the low ceilings that made the house feel dark and cramped.

“We started by removing the entire roof structure and building the walls higher; we then reinstalled the roof. This gave all the rooms a lovely open feel,” says Jacomien. They also converted the covered stoep with its braai fireplace into a sociable dining room-cum-living area that conveniently links with the kitchen.

“We love our home. It suits our lifestyle perfectly. And it’s wonderful that the garden always feels like part of the house.

I can’t believe I thought it was a bad buy in those days...”

When Jacomien’s mom Irma lived in the house, she created this nook, reminiscent of those she’d seen in movies in which Italians eat and socialise around a long table under a grapevine-covered pergola.

A rich inheritance The De Wets’ extensive collection of antique furniture takes pride of place next to more contemporary additions on whitewashed cement floors. “The style of our home is modern Afro-chic with colonial touches, but it’s the inherited pieces that draw the eye,” says Jacomien.

The couple loves antique and dark wood furniture; Hennie’s mother preserved most of the antiques from the family farm and passed them on to the pair and Jacomien’s father Hans has always had an eye for classic old pieces.

“When I was a little girl, we used to stop in Graaff-Reinet on our way back to Johannesburg from the coast to search for old treasures. Our Volkswagen Caravelle was packed to capacity, with us kids squeezed in-between!” says Jacomien.

Hans is a talented carpenter who likes to work with old wood.

The long sideboard at the front door and the dining table in the braai room are his handiwork. “The Oregon pine beams in the cowshed on our family farm were badly damaged and had to be replaced,” says Hennie, “But I wanted to rescue them and make something special. Then my father-in-law and a group of helpers jumped in and made a beautiful dining table. We even kept the metal hoops that the cows were tied to during milking; Jacomien uses them as placeholders when we entertain guests.” >> Hennie and Jacomien with baby Júha on her hip, Amri and Christiaan in the tree, and their Weimaraner Max (right).

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Paint colour

Plascon Moody Blue

The two beds in Christiaan’s bedroom (above) are also heirlooms. “I wanted to get proper bunk beds to free up floor space but then we decided to just bolt one bed above the other,” says Jacomien.

Wall decals from littlelovekids.com

Bright idea!

Simple wooden squares serve as bookshelves above Christiaan’s desk.

When the family gets back from the beach, they can rinse off in the shower and antique Bulgarian bath under the tree outside the main bedroom.

The yellowwood chest at the foot of the bed is from Hennie’s parents’ home.

Rug from MRP Home

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A wooden deck adjoining the main bedroom is the ideal place to kick back and relax in summer. Jacomien saw the deck chairs outside a second-hand shop in Hermanus and loaded them into her car immediately.

STOCKISTS Botrivier Boeremark 028 284 9641 Eagle Lighting Hermanus 028 313 0553, eaglelighting.co.za H.C. de Wet (project management) hcdewet@whalemail.co.za Hertex 021Â 914 3390, hertex.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Oelofse Skrynwerke 082 574 6991

The light

fantastic

When her dream home on the slopes of a mountain became a reality, this reader knew exactly how to redesign and decorate it to best effect.

By Cecile Greyling Photographs Greg Cox Styling Marian van Wyk

34 home June 2020

Paint colour

Plascon Light Stone

WHO LIVES HERE? Antoinette Stockley and her daughter Emma (19), as well as their pooches Laya and Fudge and three cats, Artemis, Twitch and Yuki WHERE Somerset West SIZE 445m²

The living room benefits from the perks of being a double-volume space and a blue palette in combination with white and grey walls creates a fresh, cool feel.

Antoinette says the unexpected pop of red in the Paul Marais painting next to the stairs is not an obvious match for the colour scheme in the living room, yet it works so well. “The moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it!” she says. Furniture arranged in various nooks creates a cosy atmosphere.

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Two handmade clay-and-glass chandeliers were the first décor items Antoinette bought for the house. “When they’re switched on in the evening, the reflection on the floor and against the glass is incredible,” she says. A glass panel above the steel-framed windows lets in additional natural light.

Chandelier from Mud Studio

Antoinette loves to entertain guests around her long table.

Since she likes to combine different styles, she chose Ghost replica chairs as a contrast to the traditional design of the table, and had a built-in bench custom made. “Otherwise, there would be too many ‘loose’ chairs,” she says. The Nguni hide on the floor brings an earthiness to the contemporary style of the space.

36 home June 2020

E

ven though she wasn’t the owner of a rather ordinary house situated on the slopes of the Helderberg mountains in Somerset West, Antoinette Stockley knew exactly what she would do with it if it was hers.

For seven years she had been a regular visitor to the house while a friend was renting it. Then, one day about a decade ago, the property came on the market and Antoinette became the proud owner. She immediately set about implementing significant changes.

“All that remained were the foundations and one half of a wall,” she says. “I wanted lots of glass as the property is surrounded by so much natural beauty.”

The central point of the home is the double-volume living area on the ground floor. Glass doors on the west-facing side reveal the garden and indigenous forest beyond and an abundance of light streams through the steel-framed windows, the greenery forming an almost seamless part of the interior.

Although the open-plan space catches the hot afternoon sun, Antoinette loves her surroundings too much to block it out with shutters or curtains. Double glazing helps with the heat, while solid wooden floors, high ceilings and the perfect colour scheme, including white kitchen cabinets and stainless-steel countertops, contributes to a cool aesthetic.

Custom-made glass panels feature in every room, as well as in the roof. “When I approach the house in the evenings and Emma has already turned on the lights, it looks like a glass box.

All you see is light. In the daytime, I love that I can see the mountains with the clouds rolling over them.” >>

Painting by Natalie Bulwer

Antoinette finds it difficult to resist a beautiful vase or set of candlesticks; the glass perfectly complements the light-filled aesthetic in her home.

Thriving pot plants add a green element to the living area. Antoinette loves Asian statuettes and suggests that collections be subtly displayed so as not to resemble a shrine.

Clay figurine by Evette Weyers

Paint colour

Plascon Rhine Castle

Clay sculpture by Celia Degenaar

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The pantry adjoining the open-plan kitchen is conveniently located, yet out of sight.

Antoinette loves gardening as much as she does cooking, so she uses the pantry windowsill for growing cuttings and herbs – the room gets just the right amount of light.

The shelves on the walls are wide enough for storing larger kitchen equipment close at hand instead of stuck away in a cupboard, and the stainless-steel countertops are easy to keep clean.

It’s in the detail

Modern white melamine cabinets and stainless-steel countertops complement the linear design of the kitchen.

38 home June 2020

Style with soul Antoinette has lived in this house for seven years. Initially, she kept a file full of pictures and ideas as inspiration for her décor.

The file no longer exists because over time she has mastered her own style, which she describes as modern yet homely.

“I like mixing vintage and contemporary elements,” says Antoinette. “For the first year or so after I moved in, everything was very streamlined. There was no clutter. But I love Buddha statues, which I display among my plants so the space doesn’t look like a shrine.”

And so she began putting her own stamp on her space.

“My décor reflects my own interpretation of style,” she explains. “It’s a process that changes continuously and I constantly come up with new ideas. You shouldn’t just work with other people’s ideas and rules because that doesn’t make a house a home.

“If I had to take away all the things I have around me, it would just be a shell without a soul. And a house must have soul – that’s my thing. You must be led by the things you like as an individual.”

After a moment’s contemplation, Antoinette adds with a smile: “Actually, there are no rules.”

The heart-shaped stone was a gift from friends; the smaller stones and pebbles were collected by Antoinette’s kids while on a hike over the mountains from Somerset West to De Hoop Nature Reserve.

[ KEEP IT INTERESTING ]

Antoinette says it’s easy for her to keep her house from becoming boring – she simply changes things up regularly. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune: • Introduce cooler colours when the weather warms up. Luckily, the blue in the kitchen is an easy colour to work with against the grey-andwhite backdrop.

• In winter, swap accessories such as scatter cushions and throws on a sofa with others in a warmer shade or richer texture.

• Don’t hesitate to exchange décor or furniture with friends. For example, Antoinette swapped two upholstered easy chairs for two leather chairs that belonged to a friend.

• Seek advice. “My friend and I have very similar ideas, although her house looks completely different to mine. If I’m not sure about something, I always ask her for advice.

She knows exactly what works in my house and I know exactly what works in hers.”

• Browse second-hand shops in your neighbourhood for bargains (and take ‘that friend’ with you). >>

Antoinette decided on school windows in the kitchen (left); these allow plenty of fresh air to circulate through the house.

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Scatter cushions from Baraka

The sunrises here are so beautiful, I can’t get enough of them! – Antoinette

Copper planters from MRP Home; kikoi from Baraka

Indoors and out

Two outdoor entertainment areas on the ground floor serve as a link between the house and garden. A solid L-shaped deck extends from the front stoep around a corner to the pool area. This allows Antoinette to relocate her cane furniture as the sun moves, and affords her a wonderful view of the garden, ocean or mountains from every vantage point. On fair weather days, the glass doors are opened completely so that the interior and outdoors become one – which, of course, also increases the entertainment space.

As much as Antoinette loves her plants and nature, cooking and entertaining are also a passion. “On the spur of the moment I’ll tell my friends, ‘Hey, let’s braai tonight’. Then I throw open all the doors and everyone just sits where they want. In summer it’s lovely outside; in winter we gather around the fireplace. My house easily adapts to whatever the weather throws at us,” she explains.

When she designed her open-plan house, Antoinette made sure that her kitchen was located near the dining area. “If I invite a whole bunch of people over, we can gather inside or outside. But I set the table indoors near the kitchen. It’s just so much easier when it comes to serving the food and clearing up afterwards.”

She has also succeeded in keeping the outdoor living spaces practical and comfortable by creating several seating areas – just like indoors.

“I like the idea of different nooks where people can sit and relax whenever they want. Not like the lounges of old that were only used for special occasions,” she says with a smile. >>

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My mother has exquisite taste, so I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by beautiful things. – Antoinette The walls in the main bedroom and en-suite bathroom were recently given a facelift with wallpaper.

Scatter cushions from Baraka; bedside lamp from @home; throw from Arabesque; wallpaper from Builders

The upholstered, gold-coloured easy chair, which Antoinette bartered for with a friend, comes from the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town.

42 home June 2020

Main bedroom

Dressing room

Garage

Lounge

Kitchen

Ground floor

Entrance

Stairs

Bathroom Bathroom

Scullery

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bathroom

Study

Stoep

Top floor

Kikoi from Baraka

The two pretty bedside tables in Antoinette’s bedroom previously belonged to friends. Instead of spending money on revamping the weathered tops, Antoinette had mirrors cut to size.

Cement steps lead up to the main bedroom en suite on the top floor (left). The space faces south and west, with a breathtaking view over False Bay. “Which is exactly why I don’t want curtains,” says Antoinette.

STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS @home 0860 576 576, home.co.za Arabesque 021 424 1234, arabesqueshop.co.za Baraka 021 425 8883, barakashop.co.za Builders 0860 284 533, builders.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Mud Studio 083 658 9714, wescover.com/creator/ mud-studio-south-africa

44 home June 2020

Getty Images

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Fabric of life

Woven, printed, embroidered or stitched... Thanks to new techniques, this décor element is more versatile than ever! We look at how you can use fabric in your own home.

Tip

Liezie used this tablecloth as a focal point but a large piece of fabric can also serve as a room divider: attach curtain hooks to the top of the fabric and install a curtain rail on the ceiling so you can pull the material back and forth like a ‘door’!

A fine art Up the wall Liezie Mulder-Färbinger bought this striking tablecloth at Babylonstoren in Franschhoek a few years ago and decided to hang it up against a wall in her home on Thesen Island in Knysna, rather than use it over a table.

She nailed the tablecloth to the cornice but soon realised that this wasn’t ideal as it created small tears in the fabric.

“Rather wrap the top edge of the fabric around a piece of wood and then nail the plank to the cornice or wall to prevent damage to the material,” she says.

“I love the colours of the fabric – and the extra material that pools on the floor gives it a luxurious feel.”

46 home June 2020

By Shané Barnard • Photographs Francois Oberholster, Henrique Wilding and Elza Cooper Styling Marian van Wyk, Shelly Bergh, Henrique Wilding and Amanda van Wyngaardt

fabric The fabric is held firmly in place on the railing with bulldog clips.

From ceiling to floor Clarisse Coetzee also used a piece of fabric from Babylonstoren as an artwork on the wall behind the dining table in her Cape Town apartment.

Clarisse, who works in the public relations industry and is one of the project leaders of Garden Day (celebrated on 11 October this year), used bulldog clips to hang the fabric – printed with the first Garden Day advertising material – on a curtain rail at the same height as the railing of the bedroom on the mezzanine level.

This not only emphasises the 3m height of the double-volume room; it’s also an eye-catching showstopper in this compact space.

[ PRINT YOUR OWN ] Colourful fabric like this works well in a neutral space.

You can easily have your own fabric printed: digital printing companies such as SmartArt, ArtLab, La Perle, Dunamis Textile Printers, Beyond Innovation, Startex and Fabric Addict can print any photo you like on a piece of material.

Either use your own pics or purchase and download one from photo agencies such as Shutterstock (shutterstock.com), Unsplash (unsplash.com), Creative Market (creativemarket.com) or iStock (istockphoto.com).

décor

décor

fabric

Well hidden!

When Linde Liebenberg discovered this piece of linen at a bric-a-brac store in Kalk Bay two years ago, she knew it would be perfect for her kitchen in Hout Bay. “I thought it was so beautiful, I wanted to display it immediately!”

The curve at the top of the illustration on the fabric creates the illusion of an arched window, while the trees are reminiscent of the natural vegetation in the area. Linde simply nailed the fabric to a thin plank and mounted it on the wall like a painting. The ‘artwork’ is also practical – it hides the ugly electricity distribution board behind it.

The full picture Artist Hermien van der Merwe had one of her creations, inspired by the devastating fires on Table Mountain, printed on linen to make these striking curtains. The original artwork, New Life After the Fire, is just 400 x 295mm in size but was enlarged by means of high-quality scanning so that it could be printed on 2.4 x 1.5m fabric.

“I divided the artwork in half digitally from top to bottom and had the two halves printed on the left and right curtain respectively. When the curtains – made from pure linen – are drawn, the artwork can be seen as a whole,” explains Hermien.

“Because there are only 10 prints of this artwork, it’s still exclusive but it’s much more affordable than an original piece.” >>

Converting art – whether it be a painting or photograph – into a functional item makes it much more accessible. – Hermien June 2020

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Pretty and practical Now you see it, now you don’t

The previous owners of Home features editor Shané Barnard’s house in Wellington devised this clever idea to conceal the TV in the living room. A beautiful piece of linen was hemmed, a stick was threaded through the hem and then the stick was suspended from the ceiling using two pieces of string.

“It’s such a simple way to conceal something that is so often an eyesore in a living area,” says Shané. When she and her husband Francois watch TV, they simply flip the fabric over the stick so that it hangs behind the screen.

50 home June 2020

fabric

A match made in heaven

Tammy and Alistair Holmes love the combination of yellow and grey, which is why they decided on this palette for their study in Parkmore, Johannesburg. The full-length curtains with a tropical design from Constantia Fabrics provide visual drama.

décor

[ KNOW YOUR FABRICS ] The type of fabric you choose depends on what you want to do with it; Lindy Kriek, co-owner of Samesyn, advises: LINEN is a natural fibre that has been used for centuries. This material is highly breathable and extremely absorbent. “Linen has a characteristic coarse texture, but one of its best features is that it becomes softer and more absorbent the more you use it and wash it,” says Lindy.

Linen is extremely durable but for that reason, it’s also more expensive than other fabrics. “And, of course, it wrinkles very easily!”

Any colours that are printed on linen, such as Samesyn’s digital photos, become more muted over time. “Those who love linen understand that the beauty of this fabric lies in exactly that aspect.

The characteristics of linen constantly evolve; the fibres become softer and the bright colours more muted. It is precisely the imperfections of linen that make it so beautiful and unique.

“If you want bedding, tablecloths and tea towels that will last a lifetime, linen is your best investment.”

COTTON is a highly versatile natural fibre that is used in many kinds of woven fabrics such as denim, flannel and damask. “Cotton is softer than linen and it’s super-absorbent – the colour also lasts longer and you can wash it in the washing machine,” says Lindy.

“Cotton is a good choice for napkins, tea towels and our new face masks because it is very soft. It is also ideal for baby blankets and bedding.” (continued on page 54)

It’s in the detail

Yellow pompoms around the edge of the scatter cushion are repeated on the curtain.

A neat seat

One of Samesyn’s beautiful designs was used as a cover for an ottoman in this cosy lounge. About 1.7m of fabric was needed to upholster it, says Lindy Kriek, co-owner of the printed fabric company. “This particular design is called Mzansi – it’s on polyester, which is easy to clean, but you can also use linen, velvet or faux linen.” >> White faux fur stool from MRP Home June 2020

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Bedroom beauties Heads-up

Ronelle and Möller Bester’s holiday home, Villa Kersbos in Britannia Bay on the West Coast, may be in the platteland but it has all the modern elements that a city dweller could wish for. Elsjé Schonken, the interior designer who helped with the project, chose peaceful, subtle elements for this minimalistic bedroom.

She initially considered using wallpaper with a natural design but ultimately went for a simpler solution. “The botanical hues of the Walnut Botanical Linen design from Babylonstoren echo the colours of fynbos featured in the rest of the house and add a tranquil feel to the space,” says Elsjé.

“It was the ideal opportunity to make the fabric the hero by hanging it over the frame of the four-poster bed to resemble a headboard.” >>

52 home June 2020

Bed, lampshade and scatters from Weylandts; rental agency Perfect Hideaways

décor

fabric

Needles and thread When Izette Carinus recently renovated her guesthouse, Fransmanshuijs in Stellenbosch, she dreamed of having a beautiful embroidered headboard with an authentic African feel (right). “I wasn’t able to find the right material in the right size, and coincidentally saw the most gorgeous embroidered fabric on the Mapula Embroideries Facebook page, an art upliftment project,” she says.

Izette immediately bought three different pieces of embroidered art created by three different women, and asked a fourth woman to sew the pieces together and embroider the bits in-between so that the three pieces of fabric form one combined work of art. “Every stitch was done by hand!” she says.

Green trim was then added to the ‘artwork’ after which upholsterers used it to cover a headboard. “The headboard is not a standard size – since the fabric is so lovely, I asked the upholsterer to make it as big as possible so that none of the embroidery would be lost.”

Tip Have matching scatter cushions made from sale fabric, as Izette did here with fabric from Hertex.

In this guest room in Bernie Diedericks’ home in Villiersdorp (see page 14), a beautiful design from Makietie Fabrics adds a touch of greenery to the antique bed. The fabric is a blend of cotton and linen, and with a width of 1.5m, it’s a perfect fit for the single bed. The Forest Fern design complements the wooden furniture and other antiques that Bernie favours.

[ KNOW YOUR FABRICS ] (continued from page 51) Lindy Kriek, co-owner of Samesyn, says that if linen or cotton isn’t your preference, a synthetic fabric such as polyester or a blend also has its virtues – in some instances it is, in fact, a more practical option.

POLYESTER is a synthetic material, so it isn’t very absorbent, but it has many other benefits: in addition to being affordable, colours printed on it won’t wash out easily. “Polyester is easy to clean and has fewer washing instructions than cotton or linen; for example, it can be washed in a washing machine and does not need to be ironed as it doesn’t wrinkle,” explains Lindy. “It’s okay to spill wine on your polyester tablecloth! Marks caused by food and wine wash out easily.” Just be cautious with any polyester fabric near an open flame and don’t use it for aprons, she adds.

“The polyester on which we print some of our tablecloths resembles real linen. Some people can’t tell the difference!” It also works well for ottomans and other upholstery because it’s easy to keep clean and dirty marks can be spot cleaned.

BLENDS When polyester is mixed with other fabrics, its properties change: if used with linen, the polyester ensures that the linen washes better and its colourfastness lasts better; it also wrinkles less and gives the linen a softer touch, albeit a synthetic feel. At Samesyn, we use a polyester-velvet blend that’s lovely and soft and the printing looks brighter.

This faux velvet is great for upholstery because it’s easy to clean. At the same time, it looks luxurious as only velvet can!

CONTACTS AND STOCKISTS ArtLab 021 448 1421, artlab.co.za Babylonstoren 021 300 3019, shop.babylonstoren.com Beyond Innovation 031 700 2939 Constantia Fabrics 021 761 9648, constantiafabrics.co.za Dunamis Textile Printers 082 350 9876, textileprinters.co.za Elsjé Schonken Interior 083 442 1751, schonkeninterior.com Fabric Addict fabricaddict.co.za Hermien van der Merwe facebook.com/ hermienvandermerweartist Hertex 021 914 3390, hertex.co.za La Perle 021 871 1663, laperle.co.za Makietie Fabrics 084 206 9898, makietie.com Mapula Embroidery Project 082 903 1178, mapulaembroideries@gmail.com MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Perfect Hideaways 021 790 0972, perfecthideaways.co.za Samesyn samesyn.co.za Smart Art 021 447 0872, smartart.co.za Startex 031 502 3422, startex.co.za Weylandts 0860 103 400, weylandts.co.za

C A S T R ALVO P1119AM

GE M IN I O4 81

CA N TO B 12 8W

C A RPEN TO CH272

Cape Town (Head Office) : 9 Racecourse Road, Milnerton, 7441 | Tel: +27 (0) 21 528 8400 | Email: info@eurolux.co.za Johannesburg: 72 5th Street, Wynberg, Sandton, 2090. | Tel: +27 (0) 11 608 2970 | Email: jhb@eurolux.co.za Durban: Talksure House 62 Umhlanga Ridge Boulevard, Umhlanga, Durban. | Tel: +27 (0) 31 263 0088

Material world

Hand-painted art and top photography make these limited-edition fabrics an absolute must-have!

By Shané Barnard • Photographs Francois Oberholster • Styling Shelly Bergh

1 From Ester with Love panel (100% linen; 1.4m W) R985/m, SophiaHelen Design

1

2

3

2 Agapanthus Print table runner (raw linen; 45cm x 1.5m) R500, Liza Kerrod Botanical Art 3 Master tablecloth (100% linen; 1.5 x 2m) R3 850, Mitat

4

5

4 Japonika burnt-orange linen runner R760/m, Makietie Fabrics 5 Hand-drawn, embroidered hemp cushion covers (30 x 60cm) R670 each, Threads That Bind Us 6 Succulents linen tablecloth (1.5 x 2.5m) R680, Schattig

56 home June 2020

6

shopping

7 Japonika blue cotton runner R520/m, Makietie Fabrics

7

8

8 Delft linen tablecloth (1.5 x 3.5m) R990, Schattig

11

11 Peonies linen tablecloth (1.5 x 2.5m) R680, Schattig

9 Dark Flowers 100% linen tablecloth (1.5 x 3m) R4 400, Mitat

9

12 From Mariana with Love panel (100% cotton) R800/m, SophiaHelen Design

12

10

13

10 Lemon Delight cotton tablecloth (1.5 x 2.5m) R1 300, Makietie Fabrics 13 Protea Print raw linen table runner (45cm x 1.5m) R500, Liza Kerrod Botanical Art STOCKISTS Liza Kerrod Botanical Art lizakerrodbotanicalart.wordpress.com Makietie Fabrics 084 206 9898, makietie.com Mitat 083 375 8501, mitat.co.za Schattig 083 348 0727, schattig.co.za SophiaHelen Design 021 976 0114, paintdecordiy.com/sophiahelen Threads That Bind Us 063 140 8575, threadsthatbindus.co.za

do it yourself

Fun with

fabric!

Jazz up a tired bench – and create your own artwork.

Shelly Bergh

By Shelly Bergh Photographs Francois Oberholster

You will need SHOPPING LIST • bench • fabric of your choice • mod podge TOOLS • paintbrush • scissors • staple gun

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 1/10 Skill level 1/10 Time needed 2 hours Do it yourself for R1 095: bench R500, tea towel R290, printed fabric R250, mod podge R55

Another great idea!

Simply stretch beautiful fabric over a canvas or frame it and hang it on your wall as an artwork. Beautiful!

Still Life with Yellow Peonies (above left) from Twig and Fi; Granate 003 from Samesyn (top right); Juliet Rose (middle right) and Peonie #4 (bottom right) from The Whimsical Duchess; scatter cushion cover from Threads That Bind Us; frames from MRP Home

58 home June 2020

Get started...

1 1 Position the first piece of fabric on the bench, making sure that it can fold over the edges to the bottom. Mark where the fabric ends on the seat.

2 2 Apply the mod podge to the area you marked in step 1; apply to the top of the seat and the sides.

3 3 Place the fabric on the prepared area and smooth it out with your hands.

4 4 Repeat steps 1–3 with the second piece of fabric. Remember to fold hems into the fabric as you stick it down, if it doesn’t have stitch-in hems already.

5 5 Turn the bench over. Cut excess fabric away but leave just enough to fold the fabric (with a hem) over the bottom edge of the seat.

6 6 Fold the fabric over the edge of the seat, fold a hem in the fabric and then staple it in place.

7

Juliette Flowers in Yellow from Twig and Fi; Kwepers en Blare tea towel from Samesyn

7 Turn the bench the right way around again. Apply three coats of mod podge on the fabric, alternating the direction in which you paint each time. Let the mod podge dry between coats.

STOCKISTS MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Samesyn samesyn.co.za The Whimsical Duchess 079 742 4624, thewhimsicalduchess.co.za Threads That Bind Us 063 140 8232, threadsthatbindus.co.za Twig and Fi 084 450 5020, twigandfi.co.za

June 2020

home

59

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advice

Ask the experts Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za

Keen to update your floors or try out a new paint effect? You ask – we find the answers.

Easy does it

Linda Joubert of Montagu writes I love the look of the seamless white floors in Anwar Davids and Simoné Visagie-Davids’ home in your April 2020 issue. How did they do it?

Simoné VisagieDavids replies We used a white epoxy from a.b.e. Construction Chemicals over our raw cement floors. It’s very easy to apply: no primer is required; you simply spray a bit of water on the cement to settle the dust.

Allow to dry before you start the application. Use a short-pile wool roller to paint on the epoxy and let it dry for 24 hours. There are various other colours available, including light grey and charcoal if you prefer darker floors.

62 home June 2020

Compiled by Shané Barnard

ASK US ON FAC EBO OK Do you have an urgent question that just can’t wait? Then join our Tuis|Home Experts group on Facebook and get help from the team, professionals and other readers.

Put a shine on it

Elrien Breed Garbers of Bloemfontein writes The sideboard in Trish Wiese’s entrance hall on page 41 of your October 2018 issue is so beautiful! How did she achieve that look?

Dale Niehaus of Chisel & Chalk replies To get that look on your furniture, follow these steps: • It is important to first lightly sand the wood with fine-grit sandpaper (between 120 and 220). The goal is to expose the grain of the wood to enhance the effect of the whitewash technique – you want the exposed wood to be visible under the metallic paint.

• Coat the wood with silver metallic paint (try Tjhoko Paint Charm’s Silver). Most metallic paints only develop a solid look after two or even three coats, so a single coat will give it this whitewashed, slightly shiny look. >> CONTACT 083 446 9984, dale@chiselandchalk.co.za

A subtle yet stunning metallic look!

Quick questions Q: What colour paint was used on the kitchen walls on page 21 of your January 2020 issue? – Corinna Quinlivan, Cape Town A: The Du Preezs used Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat ‘brush-on’ in the colour Oat and sealed it with Coprox Wall & Floor Clear Sealer (coprox.com).

Q: The almost life-size artwork on page 19 of your March 2020 edition is so beautiful! Where can I get something similar or how do I commission a piece? – Amoré van der Merwe, Bloemfontein A: The artwork is by Stellenbosch artist Marié Stander (mariestander.co.za).

Unicorn

LLavender Fields

dare to

DREAM

TREND

Margarita

Sangria

Rose Moon

Cosmopolitan

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Martini

Matt Black

Mojito

Available in a range of beautiful colours!

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A unique formulated, silky smooth water based décor paint with exceptional adhesion properties. r &BTZ UP BQQMZ r /P QSJNJOH SFRVJSFE r /P QSF TBOEJOH SFRVJSFE

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Adheres to almost any surface: r 1SFWJPVTMZ QBJOUFE TVSGBDFT r 8PPE r 1MBTUJD r (MBTT r 'BCSJD r $PODSFUF r .FMBNJOF r .FUBM

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VINTAGE

473 Sam Green Road Tunney Ext 9 | 1401 P.O. Box 10449 Edenglen 1613 Tel : 0861 12 7425 (ASHAK) Fax : 086 676 6232 www.cameodecor.co.za

Copper

Jacquard

Gold

Chinz

Silver

Chocolate

Rose Gold

6053 ASHAK Home MAY2020 1/2pg

PROMOTION

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DREAM KITCHEN ONLINE! Create your own dynamic space with Milestone Kitchens’ gorgeous freestanding units.

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ilestone Kitchens offers a range of freestanding kitchen units in three styles: African Allure, French Flair or Swedish Style.

Each kitchen unit is carefully handcrafted and constructed using solid wood. Milestone Kitchens sells their units online, and they are available throughout Southern Africa and the rest of the world.

Contact us to ďŹ nd out more Email: info@milestonekitchens.co.za Phone: 076 949 5745 Website: milestonekitchens.co.za milestonekitchens2010

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June 2020

home 65

advice

Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za.

Don’t move, improve!

THE HOMEOWNER Warren Spiro WHERE Cape Town SIZE 95m²

A dated Art Deco apartment now boasts a bright and breezy new look.

By Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel Photographs Henrique Wilding Production Marian van Wyk

Tiles from Hadeda Tiles; security shutters from American Shutters

An upholstered couch serves as seating at the dining table on the enclosed balcony, while leafy wallpaper adds to the contemporary look and feel.

Wallpaper from Hertex; chairs from Pezula Interiors; banquette bench custom made by Dynamic Furniture Contracts

hen Warren Spiro bought one of four units in an old apartment block in Green Point, Cape Town in 2018, he considered it the ideal prospective project. The block is located in an upmarket area, while the building is charming with its Art Decoinspired architecture.

The spacious flat consisted of two bedrooms and one bathroom, but the interior was dated with typical ’80s-style finishes, soiled carpets and old curtaining.

Warren called in the help of Craig Olckers of Oolong Blue to manage the renovation, but as with any project there were a few surprises; not least of which was Craig being rushed to hospital for open-heart surgery after a near heart attack in the middle of the project. He asked Lynette van Zyl of Ressource Interiors to take on the project management and interior design on his behalf. A quadruple Craig Olckers bypass and three and Lynette van Zyl angioplasties later, Craig has thankfully recovered.

As a bonus, when Lynette needed to move house at short notice, the apartment was ready and Warren could welcome her as his first tenant; Lynette’s classic furniture and décor (shown here) complement the space perfectly.

The team describes the project as a “beautiful renovation that came out of a traumatic experience”.

Besides updating the finishes, their main goals were to open up the interior by removing most of the passage wall and to extend room and door openings at the top to create a sense of height and volume.

What they’ve created is an Art Deco triumph!

Couch from Klooftique; carpet from Hertex

LIVING ROOM

After demolishing most of the passage wall and increasing the height of the opening to the enclosed balcony (see opposite) as well as the opening to the kitchen, the living room now feels spacious, light and airy.

The dated carpets were lifted and the Oregon pine floors underneath were sanded and sealed with LobaDur’s 2K InvisibleProtect for a natural look. New Art Deco cornices and light fixtures are a stylish addition. >>

Before

Construction by Alexander Builders; electrical work by Legrand Electrical; floor sealant from Zimbo’s Flooring Solutions June 2020

home

67

A sound structure Buying a unit in an old apartment block doesn’t mean you won’t be able to change the layout; in fact, it’s entirely possible to alter or remove interior walls, says engineer Paul Cameron of Craft Consulting Engineers. “Multi-storey apartment blocks are usually designed and built as concrete-frame structures; basically a grid of concrete supports with concrete floor slabs and non load-bearing interior and exterior walls. My advice to renovators would be to pursue sound expert advice before committing to a project.” Paul’s top tips include: • Almost anything is possible from a structural point of view. It comes down to effort, which in turn equals cost. Keeping it simple will reduce costs.

• Getting a structural engineer involved in the planning stages will help identify and set structural constraints. The designer, whether an architect or interior designer, can start their concept work with this in mind.

• Obtain as much information on the building as possible, such as existing plans, management and conduct rules, as well as written consent from the trustees of the Body Corporate.

• Ensure good communication and relationships with neighbours and consider doing a dilapidation survey of their property before starting your own renovation work. This way, you safeguard yourself by having documented any existing defects such as cracks in walls, tiles and floors that were not caused by your building work.

• It is prudent to understand risks associated with your specific project, such as accidental damage to neighbouring properties. Discuss this with the Body Corporate and ensure that you have the required insurances in place.

Structural engineers have professional indemnity insurance and a reputable builder will have builder’s insurance. However, it is sometimes necessary to consider additional cover, depending on the project’s size, complexity and risk.

CONTACT 072 181 2935, craft-sa.co.za

Before

On the job...

The door opening to the kitchen was also extended at the top to create a sense of height and spaciousness.

Cupboard doors and drawers from City Boards; oak cladding and shelves from Hollywood Kitchens; countertop from Artmar Natural Stone; plumbing by CP&B Plumbing; floor sealant from Zimbo’s Flooring Solutions

68 home June 2020

advice KITCHEN

In the kitchen, the dated cupboard doors were replaced with sprayed high-gloss white fronts and all the hinges and runners were replaced with ‘soft close’ fittings.

Grey Neolith stone tops were fitted for a contemporary and durable finish, while the dated sanitary ware and appliances were exchanged for more modern models.

The Oregon pine floor was previously stained dark and has now been sanded and sealed for a more natural look similar to the rest of the house. Oak cladding with shelves creates a striking feature wall.

On the job...

DINING ROOM

The opening between the lounge and enclosed balcony was heightened to allow more natural light into the living room and to create better flow between the two areas. A dated carpet was lifted and the cement floor beneath was finished with patterned tiles for added interest.

Stylish security shutters were fitted to the windows. >>

advice Bathroom

Bedroom

Common lobby

Balcony

Kitchen

Living room

Bedroom

Fireplace Enclosed balcony

Bedroom door by Art Glassworld

70 home June 2020

BEDROOM

As in the rest of the house, the wooden floors were sanded and sealed. The door opening was extended at the top and a new door with leaded glass was fitted to match the Art Deco style of the building. Glossy green metro tiles now spruce up the old fireplace, while the cupboard doors boast a luxurious look, thanks to floor-toceiling sliding mirrored doors.

Cupboards by Fineline Solutions

Wall tiles from Pudlo Tiles; floor tiles from Hadeda Tiles; lighting from Victorian Bathrooms; vanity from Hollywood Kitchens; sanitary ware from CP&B Plumbing; bath, toilet and basin from Italtile; shower screen from Showerline

Total: R457 770 Builder, electrical and plumbing

172 000

Structural engineer

1 750

Architect and floor plans

4 000

Security shutters

44 700

Glass door and window

14 700

Door hardware

3 000

Sanitary ware

35 700

Tiles

46 400

Kitchen materials and labour

69 300

Bedroom cupboard doors

28 800

Shower screen Shelves and cabinet Lights

2 500 26 790 8 130

On the job...

EN SUITE

The dated bathroom was gutted and new sanitary ware, floor tiles and wall tiles were fitted. A new shower screen with its steel frame adds a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic.

STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS Alexander Builders 079 974 8962 American Shutters 087 238 2123, americanshutters.co.za Art Glassworld 021 976 9967, stainedglasswindows.co.za Artmar Natural Stone 021 556 0202, artmar.co.za City Boards 021 551 3998, cityboards.co.za CP&B Plumbing 021 949 0499, cpandb.co.za Dynamic Furniture Contracts 021 511 9518, dynafurn.co.za Fineline Solutions 011 477 5408, finelinesolutions.co.za Hadeda Tiles 011 788 5774, hadeda-tiles.com Hertex 021 914 3390, hertex.co.za Hollywood Kitchens 021 701 7737, hollywoodfurniture.co.za Italtile 010 271 2272, italtile.co.za Klooftique 021 424 9458, klooftique.com Legrand Electrical 011 444 7971, legrand.co.za Oolong Blue 083 546 2474, oolongblue.co.za Pezula Interiors 021 424 2661, pezulainteriors.co.za Pudlo Tiles 021 448 0607, pudlo.co.za Ressource Interiors 083 635 9192, ressource.co.za Showerline 021 797 3695, showerline.co.za Victorian Bathrooms 021 418 0855, victorianbathrooms.co.za Zimbo’s Flooring Solutions 021 511 4693, zimbosoakflooring.co.za

KEEP COOL WITH

ISOBOARD Improve your home’s insulation with energy-efficient IsoBoard.

I

soBoard offers an easy-to-install insulation solution to fit to new builds or retrofit to existing buildings.

This enables your home to manage external temperature fluctuations with ease, maintaining comfortable living and working spaces for the lifetime of your building.

Suitable for all the different areas in your home, this environmentally responsible thermal insulation solution is as versatile as it is effective.

You’ll keep your home’s temperature steady, which means using less electricity for heating or cooling.

72 home June 2020

GET IN TOUCH CAPE TOWN 021 983 1140, southsales@isoboard.com DURBAN 031 569 1800, dbnsales@isoboard.com PRETORIA 012 653 8204, northsales@isoboard.com

PROMOTION

IsoBoard is easy to install; watch the video at homemag.co.za.

Did you know?

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IsoBoard can be treated with water-based paints and wood stains to suit your own colour scheme.

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When replacing a ceiling, leave the existing ceiling as is and simply install IsoBoard directly underneath – a quick and permanent solution with minimal mess or fuss!

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Adjacent boards interlock with tongue-andgroove edges, providing easy installation and a continuous layer of thermal insulation.

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Use IsoBoard concealed fixing clips and an adhesive when installing your ceiling.

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IsoBoard is available in thicknesses ranging from 25–80mm and lengths up to 8m to match your thermal insulation requirements.

For more tips, tricks and information, visit isoboard.com, like us on facebook.com/ isoboard and follow us on Twitter @isoboard.

advice

Email your queries to pets@homemag.co.za

Animal antics Compiled by Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel

Get cosy, it’s winter!

It’s a numbers game

Sussie is a Rummikub champ. – Anél Wentzel, Paarl

Centre of attention Tilda loves all things snug and warm.

– Jane Paterson, Piket-Bo-Berg, Western Cape

Don’t make me!

Classic catnap

Honey contemplates hibernation.

– Charné Dreyer, Johannesburg

Madigan, meaning ‘little dog’, is reluctant to face the winter chill.

– Shaunnagh de Villiers, Kuruman

Q&A

Make a difference

Linda Brodie of Centurion writes My pooch recently passed away due to old age and while I’m a big animal lover, I don’t want to own a dog again any time soon. How can I get involved at animal shelters without adopting?

Hot product The Pawbreakers Catnip Ball (from R49, canineandco.co.za) is a toy and treat in one. Made from natural catnip rolled up into a solid edible ball, it will keep your furry friend busy for hours.

In style for season

Nelson wards off the cold in his hoodie.

– Stefnie Britz, Centurion

The hot spot

Zing and Rigby huddle up next to the fireplace. – Diana Hefferman, Kyalami

Each owner whose pet is featured here wins an extra-large PAW x 4 for dogs or a small Cosy Cup for cats from Wagworld (wagworld.co.za). Available from leading vet and pet shops, the PAW x 4 is Wagworld’s rugged “off-road” companion to their existing futon range. Suitable for outdoors, it’s ideal for wet or messy pooches as well as big dog breeds due to its excellent support and durability. The Cosy Cup’s plush coral fleece and extra-soft filling creates the most luxurious cuddle spot for your fur baby. Send your pics (at least 2MB each) and contact details to pets@homemag.co.za – you could be a winner too! See competition rules on page 112.

WIN!

Dr Roxanne Jones, veterinarian and owner of online pet care portal zuki.co.za, replies Animal shelters are always in need of support and there are lots of ways in which you can help, even if you aren’t keen to adopt. Here’s how: Walk the dogs Most shelters are short on volunteers but packed to the rafters with animals that need to be walked, played with and generally fussed over. They’re usually thrilled to have an extra pair of hands and you don’t need any special skills to enjoy a lovely stroll around your neighbourhood with a happy little pup.

Donate items you no longer need Some shelters have charity shops that sell second-hand goods, so donating items that you no longer need (but are still in usable or wearable condition) can help them to generate much-needed funds. You can also donate pet items you no longer use such as blankets and towels, leashes, toys, beds, brushes, food and food bowls, newspapers, shade cloth, cleaning supplies and medication such as flea and tick control.

Share posts on social media to help animals find homes Social media has immense power when it comes to finding homes for animals in need. Posting takes a second but could change an animal’s life forever.

Foster an animal Fostering has many advantages. For example, it allows you to enjoy an animal’s company without the long-term commitment and you don’t have to worry about vet bills (the shelter covers that), which means you get to enjoy all the good bits without major financial impact.

Make a donation There is generally a critical shortage of funds at the majority of animal charities. Often, people who want to help out make a financial contribution because it’s easy and always gratefully received. The bottom line is that all animal charities need money to keep their doors open and without it there’s no way to pay for food, vet bills and other necessities.

Spread the word If you can’t adopt, talk to others about the animals you’ve met. Be ready to make recommendations about shelters and point people in the right direction if they’re looking to adopt. Also encourage people to spay and neuter their pets. If everyone sterilised their animals, there’d be far fewer unwanted pets in the world, and they wouldn’t end up in shelters.

CONTACT zuki.co.za

June 2020

home

75

crossword #142

Compiled by Gerda Engelbrecht

WIN!

One of eight NB Publishers books worth R295 could be yours.

Are we frogs boiling slowly to death in a pot, or do we simply need to adjust our expectations of South Africa? Can we truly understand where our country is at while we are locked into pessimism? What really lies beneath our anxiety about our future and where can we look for hope? Business Day and Times Select columnist, and the author of the bestselling The De Villiers Code, Tom Eaton explores these and other questions in his trademark razor-sharp, laugh-out-loud style that has made him one of the country’s most beloved commentators.

The first eight readers whose correctly completed crosswords are drawn will each win a copy of Is It Me or Is It Getting Hot in Here? worth R295.

Send the completed crossword, and your details, to Home Crossword #142, PO Box 1802, Cape Town, or scan in your completed crossword and email it to competition@homemag.co.za to reach us by 30 June 2020. See our competition rules on page 112.

Name ............................................................................. Address ..........................................................................................................................

Postal code .................. Cell .............................................. Tel. (w) ............................................. Email .........................................................

76 home June 2020

Note The solution to crossword #140 is online at homemag.co.za.

advice

Send garden info and queries to gardens@homemag.co.za.

Gardening notebook June is the ideal month to plan a new flowerbed or border in your garden.

Compiled by Gillian Eva • Photographs Francois Oberholster and supplied

Gardens of friendship

G

ardens and gardening have many benefits, improving our physical and mental well-being – all the more important during these uncertain times we’re currently experiencing worldwide. Gardening helps us to create social links and friendships with others, whether it be through exchanging cuttings and plants with others, or joining an online community in which people share their gardens with us. With the winter months being a quieter time in the garden, why not plan a new pavement garden or ecofriendly border that you can implement in spring?

Try these ideas:

Neighbourhoodfriendly pavements What does your sidewalk garden say about you? Neat verges and attractive plantings create a favourable first impression and improve the appearance of your property.

What you plant depends on space and local conditions. Disguise a boundary wall with indigenous Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) and black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata) with its heart-shaped leaves and lemon, pink or orange flowers.

Suitable low-growing plants that do not block vision on street verges include Achillea, Arctotis, agapanthus, Artemisia, Bulbine, day lily, Dietes, gaura, gazania, Tulbaghia and verbena. Good lighting is important for safety; steps and walkways should be well illuminated too.

78 home June 2020

Thunbergia alata

THRILLERS, SPILLERS AND FILLERS

Gillian Eva

Brighten your garden, patio and entrance with colourful pot plants. Place vertical plants (thrillers) in the centre of the pot, cascading plants (spillers) to soften the edges, then add filler plants.

Experiment with a single colour, a blend of shades or contrasting hues.

To create a waterwise garden, choose plants that are regionally appropriate and can cope with heat and low water requirements. Try spekboom (Portulacaria afra) with its unusual succulent stems and leaves, Senecio mandraliscae with its pencil-like foliage and Cotyledon orbiculata with orange-red tubular flowers and large grey-green, waxy foliage. Plants that have leaves with a small surface area, such as Bulbine frutescens, and others with fine hairs, such as Helichrysum petiolare, withstand dry conditions.

Grow the pencil plant (Euphorbia tirucalli), Phormium tenax ‘Flamingo’ and ‘Rainbow Maiden’ for their colour and structural form, and underplant with succulents such as Echeveria and Sedum.

Introduce movement with feathery Aristida junciformis and the arching grass-like leaves and tiny white starry flowers of Chlorophytum saundersiae.

Festuca glauca, with silver-blue foliage, forms neat mounds and makes an excellent groundcover if massed together.

Senecio mandraliscae

Photograph Gillian Eva

Water-friendly beds

Bulbine frutescens

Pollinator-friendly gardens

Make your front garden and your neighbourhood more environmentally friendly – and connect suburbia with nature – by transforming it into a pollinating floral corridor that will attract bees, butterflies and birds.

You will have a wider choice of plant material if the garden gets five to six hours of sunshine a day and has well-drained soil with generous amounts of compost added.

Begin with low-maintenance foundation plants, such as Euryops daisies, agapanthus, Anisodontea, Freylinia, Coleonema, lavender, Polygala fruticosa ‘Purple Butterfly’, blue Salvia africana and golden Salvia aurea.

Add day lilies, daisy bushes, Scabious, gaura and penstemon in drifts and clusters.

By Kay Montgomery

Become a bee protector!

Candide, the free community gardening app that connects gardeners, launched an exciting new campaign on World Bee Day (20 May) entitled #PolliNationSA. This campaign aims to recruit a minimum of 100 000 South Africans to become bona fide bee protectors and runs until March 2021. Here’s how you can get involved: • If you’re not already part of the Candide community, download the free Candide app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

• Snap a pic of a bee-friendly plant growing in your garden, on your stoep, windowsill or balcony.

• Share the pic on the Candide app using the hashtag #PolliNationSA. • Once posted, you’ll receive a #PolliNationSA icon that will be added to your Candide profile pic, confirming your bee protector status.

• You’ll also automatically be added to the campaign’s countrywide map depicting the spread and reach of this growing movement.

For more information visit candide.co.za.

Water smart

Waterwise plant of the month

Alluring aloes

Photograph Gillian Eva

If you want brilliant winter colour in your garden, plant aloes (see page 84 for more on aloes). Their bold form and brightly coloured candelabras of flowers are most effective in indigenous gardens, on sunny slopes and among weathered rocks. They have growth habits ranging from stemless, to medium and large which makes them extremely versatile plants. Aloes also make splendid Father’s Day gifts for dads who are bird enthusiasts, as these plants attract a myriad feathered friends to the garden.

We love succulents!

Lewisia cotyledon ‘Elise Mix’

This plant hardly looks like a succulent, but it is, and it bears strikingly beautiful blooms to boot! Originating from the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains in America, Lewisia ‘Elise Mix’ is a flowering perennial hybrid that is low-growing and compact (15–30cm high and wide). Sprays of brightly coloured flowers, in shades of pink to deep magenta, yellow, peach, and orange, appear from late spring to early winter (or the first frost).

The blooms are carried above a rosette of fleshy, spoon-shaped green leaves.

How to grow In cooler climates, Lewisia does best in full sun, but in warmer areas it prefers semi-shade.

It needs well-drained, moderately fertile, gritty soil that provides perfect drainage around the plant’s crown.

Once established it is drought tolerant. It flowers best with regular watering but allow the soil to dry out before irrigating again, to prevent it from rotting. Feed once a month during its growing season with an all-purpose fertiliser at half strength.

Garden uses It is ideal for rockeries, in-between pavers and in mixed plantings with other succulents or plants with low water needs. It also thrives in containers, as well as indoors if grown in bright light or sun.

Did you know? Lewisia cotyledon ‘Elise Mix’ received the prestigious Fleuroselect Gold Medal in 2018.

Common problems If overwatered in winter it will rot.

Make sure the soil drains well and that it dries out before watering. Also protect from aphids, slugs and snails.

CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za

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INDOOR PLANT OF THE MONTH

Begonia ‘Valentino’

‘Valentino’ is a new variety of tuberous begonia with semi-double flowers in the deepest pink or red around a golden heart. The plant is compact and rounded, 20cm high and wide, with dense, dark green foliage that shows off the flowers. Tuberous begonias are at their best indoors in winter. They thrive in bright to medium indirect light and a warm room, so don’t keep them too near a window while night temperatures are low.

Begonias do not handle cold well. Keep the soil slightly moist but do not allow it to become soggy. Water below the leaves to prevent fungal disease. Fertilise with a liquid fertiliser for flowers once a month.

In summer, watering can be increased to half a cup of water, once or twice a week. Push your finger into the potting mix and if it is still moist, delay watering by a day.

CONTACT plantimex.co.za

advice

Ludwig’s rose corner Annemarie van Wyk of Pretoria writes I planted ‘Forever Delight’ in

‘Forever Delight’

pots and they receive a lot of afternoon sun. During the past two hot summers they have not done well, even though I watered them every day.

Jennifer Simmons of East London writes I would love to combine my ‘Amarula Profusion’ and ‘Deloitte & Touche’ roses with ornamental grasses for a more natural look. What can you recommend?

Ludwig replies For starters, you have chosen the right roses; floribunda roses are bushy and flower profusely, so they stand out among grasses.

Choose compact, low-growing ornamental grasses that don’t spread too quickly and with a fine leaf blade like many of the Carex varieties (Carex ‘Amazon Mist’ and ‘China Blue’). Be prepared to trim them regularly so that the rose has room to grow.

And remember to prune the roses high in winter so that they are above the ornamental grasses and will catch the sun (which roses need for sprouting and blooming).

CONTACT ludwigsroses.co.za

Regional rose tasks for June Summer rainfall This is the best month to move roses that are in the wrong place. Prepare the new positions first.

Water and trim the rose bush by a third the day before transplanting. Label the plant because it is easy to get confused when the blooms have been cut off.

You may reduce watering to once a week.

Spray fully foliaged bushes one more time with Chronos or Rose Protector to prevent black spot and add Ludwig’s Insect Spray for pests.

Winter rainfall Protect roses from black spot, rust and downy mildew during rainy weather by spraying with

Grewia

Plants for privacy Lyzinda Kock of Klerksdorp writes

Ludwig replies It is possible that the roots in the pots became very hot from the direct afternoon sun, especially if the pots are plastic. Does the water drain out every time you water and do they receive a dose of Vigorosa once a month?

Another alternative is to make a raised bed, filled with lots of organic matter for good drainage and transplant the roses into the soil. Their roots will be cooler, especially if you mulch. ‘Forever Delight’ needs to be in full sun to show off its colouring.

‘Deloitte & Touche’

Ask JJ

Chronos or Rose Protector; alternating the two sprays will have the best result.

Roses that have lost their leaves don’t need to be sprayed, they can be left to go dormant. Do not prune or cut back your roses just yet. Roses in the wrong spot may be transplanted this month.

Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal coast Fertilise with Vigorosa to encourage flowering, cut off dead blooms and water deeply twice a week. Manage pests and prevent black spot by spraying with a mix of Ludwig’s Insect Spray and Chronos every two weeks. Roses may be transplanted this month.

We are currently building a new house and laying out the garden. On one side of the property there’s unsightly electric fencing and on the other, my neighbour’s house. We are not keen to build walls.

What can we plant to conceal the electric fence and to create privacy? We get quite a bit of frost in winter and it’s extremely hot in summer. The house is on a slope, so the plants/trees must grow tall. We also don’t want to wait 10 years for privacy. The plants must be evergreen and fairly waterwise.

JJ replies There are a few plants you can try but I would keep them at least 2m away from the electric fence so that you have enough space to move around them to prune them. Indigenous options include Nuxia, Grewia and Rhamnus. Exotic plants that will work well include conifers, bay trees, Viburnum and Photinia.

Worm woes Jeanette Smit of Johannesburg writes Can you tell me what is causing these holes in my arum lily leaves? My gardener says he saw Indian mynah birds eating them, but I’m not so sure.

JJ replies No, it’s not the birds. It’s probably worms or beetles, which the birds are then snacking on. Check the plants in the late afternoon/early evening to see if you can spot the culprits.

Listen to JJ’s gardening tips and tricks on Derrich Gardner’s show Brekfis met Derrich at 07:40 every Saturday on RSG. June 2020

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DÉCOR SCHOOL

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re you a creative décor enthusiast who wants every corner of your home to be picture-perfect? Or have you always been curious about what a Home photo shoot entails, how to plan and prepare for it, what should be in your styling kit if you want to make a career out of decorating someday, and how to put together a beautiful story in the magazine?

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WHO LIVES HERE? Femma and Rick Hackland WHERE Bishopstowe, KZN SIZE 2 hectares TYPE OF SOIL Mixture of loam and clay, in some places shale

Plant list Single-stem aloes • Aloe candelabrum • A. marlothii • A. thraskii • A. rupestris • A. africana • A. speciosa Stemless aloes • A. vanbalenii • A. spicata • A. chabaudii • A. cryptopoda • A. gerstneri Multi-stem aloes • A. arborescens • A. dawei

reader garden

with aloes

A thirsty rose garden was replaced with a glorious collection of these waterwise indigenous beauties.

By Beatrice Moore-Nรถthnagel โ ข Photographs Sally Chance June 2020

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Aloe marlothii

Aloe camperi

Various steps and railings make it easier to walk in the sloping garden.

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reader garden

A

t first, Femma Hackland wasn’t a fan of aloes as orange isn’t exactly her favourite colour…

And the thought of a garden with only aloes in it really didn’t appeal to her. Little did she know that aloes come in all shapes and sizes – and colours!

Her husband Rick has been living on his family farm east of Pietermaritzburg his entire life and when he and Femma got married in 1995, they slowly started replacing the many blue gums with lawn, fever trees, cabbage trees (Cussonia spicata), shrubs and later beds of roses. “I ended up with about 800 roses,” says Femma. “I loved them but we had such trouble with spotted cucumber beetles that arrived in swarms and shredded every rosebud in sight. We had to spray constantly. The roses also needed a lot of water. It was just too much.”

As Rick has always loved aloes, in July 2012 Femma decided to remove some of the roses and replace them with a few of these succulents. It was the start of a brand-new passion and her love for aloes has since grown exponentially. “I didn’t realise that they come in so many different colours,” says Femma. “And they put on an unbelievable display when they all flower at the same time.”

Versatile plants

Once they had decided where to place the aloes – using rocks from the surrounding cane fields as indicators – Femma and Rick visited Rocky Wonder Aloe Nursery in Ashburton and Gwahumbe Nursery in Eston to purchase their first plants.

“With the help of a book on aloes, we were able to see which plants had short stems and which were of the tall-stemmed variety – we had so much to learn!” says Femma with a laugh. “Now we buy aloes from all the places we visit – it’s really fun to collect them. They are such interesting plants with their different-shaped leaves. Most of our aloes are local varieties but some are from other parts of Africa including Kenya, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.

“People don’t know this, but there are many different aloes that flower almost all year round. Aloe gerstneri and A. reitzii, both short-stemmed, flower in February, while A. pruinosa (also short-stemmed) blooms in March – it has a beautiful silvery stem with lovely pale pink flowers.”

The Hacklands also have a large collection of Sunbird hybrid aloes. “Breeder Leo Thamm of Pretoria specialises in growing hybrids and uses the best parent plants to ensure the best characteristics,” explains Femma. “Some have as many as 10 parent plants.”

One of their favourite Sunbird hybrids is ‘Erik the Red’, which has been extremely popular at the annual Ashburton Aloe Festival over the past few years.

The Hacklands have their own nursery and sell their plants directly from the soil. Both the nursery and garden are open to the public by appointment throughout the year.

‘Erik the Red’

Plant guide Various aloes Full sun to partial sun Waterwise Height and width vary Wind-resistant Most are frost tender

Aloe dawei

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reader garden

Aloe maculata Aloes like rich welldrained soil, but have little tolerance for heavy clay. To improve poor drainage, try raising the beds by adding about 30cm of river sand and a generous helping of compost.

Most aloes need full sun but there are exceptions, so do a bit of research.

Generally, those grown in full sun have better colouring, flower strongly and are less susceptible to pests and diseases.

Aloe marlothii

Companion plants

In addition to aloes, the Hacklands’ garden is home to quite a large cycad collection. “They complement the aloes so well,” says Femma. Besides cycads, pincushions add another colour, while agaves and strelitzias are great for texture.

“Crassula, pig’s ear (Cotyledon orbiculata) and Plectranthus look good as groundcover between the aloes,” explains Femma. “But try to use plants that don’t need too much watering as you will find the aloes can survive mostly on rainwater.”

When planting, Femma groups the same plants together as she says this creates a fantastic display when they bloom.

“And don’t plant aloes too close together; they become overcrowded when they are full size and it’s a big job to move them.”

[ PERFECT PARTNERS ] Aloes go well with the following plants: Shrubs Agave, cycad, pincushion, strelitzia, Kalanchoe beharensis Groundcovers Crassula, Plectranthus, Cotyledon orbiculata, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, K. pumila, K. sexangularis, Senecio crassifolius, vygie

Choose your aloe For pots The Sunbird hybrid ‘Candy Floss’, Aloe maculata For mass planting Aloe marlothii, A. vanbalenii, A. arborescens ‘Limelight’ For dainty flowers Aloe camperi Femma’s favourites ‘Erik the Red’, A. dawei

Ficus sur Strelitzia nicolai

Kalanchoe beharensis Cycad natalensis

Did you know?

The Aloe genus is restricted to Africa and Madagascar, and many species are indigenous to South Africa.

Aloes occur in a wide range of climates, so the variance in the species is huge – from tree-like aloes, such as Aloidendron barberae (syn. Aloe barberae), to the clump-forming A. arborescens, rosette-forming A. maculata and tiny A. parvula. Flower colours range from white to shades of yellow, orange, red and pink.

Most aloes are drought-tolerant, making them a good choice for waterwise gardens. Aloes produce copious amounts of pollen and nectar, attracting birds and insects when they are in flower. Many aloe hybrids have been cultivated to suit garden conditions.

Aloe arborescens ‘Limelight’

Aloe marlothii

Pests and diseases Femma was rather disappointed to discover that aloes are also prone to diseases. “Some are susceptible to rust, which starts as a small yellow spot on the leaf,” she explains. “If left it can spread to other aloes as it forms a crust, breaks open and then the spores get airborne and spread. The best way to get rid of it is to cut the leaf off as soon as you see the first signs of rust. No fungicide spray is very effective.”

Femma also advises keeping an eye out for any type of deformity developing on the stem between the leaves. “It can look like a flower developing but it’s a mite that is causing that,” warns Femma. “It’s called a cancer. The best way to get rid of it is to use a sharp knife to carefully cut it away. The wound must then be sprayed or painted with an insecticide.”

Remember that all pieces of diseased leaves must be put into a packet and burnt to prevent the disease from spreading in the garden, adds Femma.

Another pest is the snout beetle. “Unfortunately, you often only notice this one when the aloe is almost dead – and it can happen overnight. The beetle lays its eggs in the stem and when the larvae hatch, they eat the flesh from the inside. As soon as you notice small puncture holes on the leaves, you need to use a systemic drench such as Bandit on the soil by the roots,” advises Femma. “But don’t use this when the aloe is flowering as it could kill bees.”

Additional source Hackland Aloe Garden STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS Gwahumbe Nursery 076 019 2460 Hackland Aloe Garden 083 628 1290 / 083 636 0881, hacklandaloegarden.co.za Ndundulu Aloes 082 727 2075, ndundulu-aloes.business.site Rocky Wonder Aloe Nursery 082 728 7467

90 home June 2020

reader garden Aloes in the garden respond well to organic fertilising, especially at the beginning of spring (for better summer growth) and in February to March (to enhance owering). Aloes love well-rotted kraal manure.

It can be mixed into the planting hole or potting mixture, or use it as top dressing around the base of established plants.

Conservation status: All species of Aloe (except for A. vera) appear on CITES (Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) appendices, meaning that trade in aloes is controlled to prevent utilisation that would be incompatible with their survival. In South Africa most aloes are also protected, with very few exceptions, by environmental legislation in all nine provinces. It is thus illegal to remove plants from their natural habitat without the necessary permits issued by a provincial or other nature conservation authority, and consent from the landowner.

Aloe excelsa

Open garden

If lockdown restrictions allow, pop in at Hackland Aloe Garden for their open days on 13–14 and 20–21 June. Talks and refreshments will be on offer, as well as a plant sale. Ruthe Gray of Ndundulu Aloes will be selling Sunbird hybrids while the Hacklands will be selling some of their indigenous aloes.

June 2020

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Colourful chrysanthemums Chrysanths put on a beautiful display in the garden – and also make stunning show blooms. Bernard Mentoor of Johannesdal tells us more about his passion for cultivating ‘mums’.

By Marié Esterhuyse • Photographs Kosie Jansen van Rensburg and Francois Oberholster

plant of the month

B

ernard Mentoor cultivates the most beautiful show chrysanthemums on his property in Johannesdal, just beyond the Helshoogte Pass outside Stellenbosch. His hobby not only gives him a great sense of joy, it makes his wife Anne happy too. “Because he is at home all day and the flowers keep him busy in his retirement!” she says with a smile.

Bernard first became acquainted with these striking blooms at the age of 22, and it was Anne who ‘planted the seed’, so to speak. “We were still dating when she introduced me to friends who were propagating chrysanths.

I had never even heard of them,” he recalls.

Those friends encouraged Bernard to try his hand at growing mums and gave him a few as a gift. “My first blooms were small and not a success at all. But then later while working in Stellenbosch, I met some people who were exhibiting chrysanths. I was gifted some more plants and a year later I was very chuffed to produce huge flowers.” That was in 1964. >>

gardens

The Mentoors have a wonderful view of the Groot Drakenstein mountains.

Bernard’s chrysanths are grown in homemade structures covered with shade cloth.

June 2020

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gardens

plant of the month

Accolades By 1965, Bernard was exhibiting his first chrysanthemums, yet awards eluded him for many years. “A friend told me to stop trying.

But I was passionate about the plants – it wasn’t just about getting the top spot in a show. In 1972, I won my first award and from then on there was no stopping me. I have made a clean sweep at quite a few shows since then!” he says.

All of Bernard’s chrysanthemums grow under shade cloth structures he has erected in his backyard. Over the years, he has acquired many plants from other growers and has also imported five special chrysanthemums from Japan. After the flowering season, he uses only his best plants to expand his collection by either dividing them or taking cuttings.

How many chrysanths does he have? “I have no idea!” he says.

“I never count them. I just keep planting until I run out of space.

“These flowers make me very happy. I sell some of them, while others are given to friends and family who share my passion.

“I have learned a lot from other growers over the years and I’ve read countless books about these flowers. It’s impossible for me to choose a favourite as they’re all so gorgeous.” Bernard says his show blooms are at their best from late April to early May, “but by Mother’s Day – when everyone is on the hunt for flowers – they’ve finished blooming!”

Chrysanthemum flowers come in different shapes – from large, rounded blooms to those with a spider-like appearance (right).

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Bernard leaves just three stems on each plant, from which his show blooms will develop. These flowers will soon be at their best!

[ YEAR-ROUND CARE ] Bernard cultivates his chrysanths in well-prepared, compost-rich soil that drains well. To give his plants a boost, he works with horse manure he gets from farms in the area. Timing is important, as the blooms must be at their best during the week of the show. Over the years, Bernard has learned exactly what is needed to get his timing right; this is what he does: In May, when the chrysanthemums have finished flowering, he cuts off the stems about 30cm above the ground; this encourages new growth at the base of the plant.

In June he lifts the mother plant, rinses it with diluted Jeyes Fluid to get rid of any diseases and carefully breaks off any newly formed plants. Then he plants the mother plant and all the new ones in containers filled with homemade compost. As the plants take root, he transplants them to bigger containers.

From August to October Bernard takes cuttings of these plants. He cuts off a 5cm-long stem, leaving two to three leaves on the cutting. He then dips the cutting in hormone rooting powder and plants it in a special mixture of equal parts clean river sand and peat.

In December, when the plants’ root systems have developed well, he plants them in well dug-over soil under his shade cloth structures. To prevent water run-off, he inserts a bottomless plastic pot into the soil around each plant (see pic, right). If he runs out of space for new plants, they are simply left in the pots.

As the chrysanthemums grow bigger, they are staked and he removes some of the side stems. Eventually, each plant is left with just three stems on which the show flowers form. Bernard keeps a close eye on the flowers and foliage for any signs of disease and sprays as needed with his own concoction. He says red spider can be quite a problem.

[ HOW MUCH WATER? ] Initially, Bernard waters the plants well twice a week. In the growing season in summer and before the show, he keeps them well watered; they are irrigated every second day. “If your plants get too little water before the show, it’s game over,” explains Bernard, who uses mountain run-off water stored in tanks.

gardens

plant of the month

My first visit to a chrysanthemum show was quite an experience.

It was so beautiful, I thought I was in heaven! – Bernard

[ SHOWTIME ]

A chrysanthemum exhibition is usually held at the church hall in Pniël, Johannesdal’s neighbouring village, in early May every year. “At the start of the week before the show, we prepare our exhibition space; I also start picking blooms,” says Bernard.

He exhibits up to 100 flowers at a time. He cuts off 60cm-long stems and puts them in vases or green wine bottles that he gets from a wine estate. The flowers are placed in neat rows in the exhibition venue. To get the leaves to shine, he sprays them with a mixture consisting of a cup of milk in 5L of water. This obviates the need for buffing the foliage.

Bernard explains that the flowers are judged on their shape, size and freshness. “Back in the day, we won prizes such as tea sets or glasses, but these days the winners receive money, which they usually spend on their flowers again! After the show, the blooms are sold or we share them among friends and family.”

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A chrysanthemum with interesting spider-like blooms.

ASTER OR CHRYSANTHEMUM? These flowers are sometimes incorrectly referred to as asters.

Chrysanths belong to the Chrysanthemum genus, which is part of the Asteraceae family, a large group of plants – hence the confusion.

From pots to flowerbeds If you’d like to grow chrysanthemums, buy one as an indoor plant and then transplant it into your garden later. These potted plants are usually available at nurseries and retail stores throughout the year in almost every colour possible. Some have single blooms and others have double with big or small flowers in a variety of shapes.

Place the potted plant in a room with enough natural light or on a stoep that gets morning sun.

Water it regularly – potted plants dry out faster than those in the garden – but make sure the soil has dried out slightly before watering again. Trim off spent flowers regularly and cut back the plant by about 5cm after it has bloomed. If you cut back too much, the plant might die.

Gradually expose the pot plant to more sun before transplanting to a sunny bed in the garden.

Chrysanthemums like well-drained, compost-rich soil and prefer morning sun to afternoon sun, which can get too hot. Cut off the bedding plant’s dead flower stems regularly to encourage it to bloom more, and water regularly in summer, especially in winter rainfall regions.

In the garden, chrysanthemums bloom from February until late autumn, providing an abundance of colour in a mixed border. Plant them with Michaelmas daisy (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii), autumn-flowering salvias and gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia hirta) for a gorgeous display.

Chrysanthemums make excellent cut flowers.

Tip Feed your plant, whether in a pot or in the garden, with fertiliser such as Seagro for healthy growth and Hadeco Pokon for beautiful flowers. Follow the instructions on the containers.

Plant guide Common name Chrysanthemum Botanical name Chrysanthemum hybrids Semi-shade to full sun Average water needs Moderately frost-tolerant Height varies

Sources Gardening with Keith Kirsten by Keith Kirsten; The South African What Flower is That? by Kristo Pienaar; Reader’s Digest A South African Garden for All Seasons with chief contributor Jennifer Godbold-Simpson; Cape Garden (021 988 4137, capegardencentre.co.za)

favourite No matter what the question is, the answer is always chocolate!

CHOCOLATE AND CITRUS TART

Recipe on page 103.

By JohanĂŠ Neilson Photographs Francois Oberholster

chocolate

food

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Recipe on page 103.

June 2020

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food

chocolate

CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH PEARS, GINGER AND ALMONDS

Recipe on page 103.

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Chocolate and raspberry Hertzog cookies These treats are worth all the effort!

Makes 12 cookies • Preparation time: 1 hour Baking time: 35 minutes • Oven temperature: 180°C • • • • • • • • •

375ml (210g) flour 125ml (50g) cocoa powder 45ml castor sugar 10ml baking powder pinch of salt 150g butter, at room temperatur 1 egg 1 egg yolk about 30ml ice water

FILLING AND TOPPING • 3 egg whites • 250ml (210g) castor sugar • 500ml (160g) coconut • 5ml baking powder • cold raspberry jam • extra flour

1 Prepare the dough by sifting the flour, cocoa powder, sugar and baking powder together. Rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs (or use your food processor). Mix in the egg and egg yolk, plus enough of the ice water to make a manageable dough. Knead gently until smooth, shape into a flat disc and leave to rest in an airtight container in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2 On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3mm.

Press out dough circles that will fit in the cavities of a shallow muffin pan and line each cavity with a circle. Preheat the oven.

3 Whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks and then whisk in the sugar, a spoonful at a time, until the mixture is shiny and stiff. Stir in the coconut and baking powder until just combined.

4 Roll about 1 teaspoon of jam in the extra flour at a time to form a coating around the jam, and place one jam ball in each tart shell. Spoon the egg white mixture on top and bake for about 20–25 minutes until cooked and golden-brown. Carefully remove from the muffin pan and cool on a wire rack. >>

COCONUT AND CHOCOLATE CHIP BISCUITS

Recipe on page 105.

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chocolate

Chocolate and citrus tart A hint of citrus gives this tart a zesty twist.

Makes 1 x 23cm tart Preparation time: 40 minutes, plus resting time Baking time: 35 minutes Oven temperature: 180°C

Accessories Plan B Vintage (082 491 3677, planbvintage.co.za)

CRUST • 140g (250ml) flour • 30ml castor sugar • 75g butter • 1 egg FILLING • 90g dark chocolate • 125ml cream • 1 extra-large egg • 30ml castor sugar • 5ml Van der Hum liqueur or brandy • 1 Clemengold or naartjie, peel zested and fruit sliced • pinch of salt • candied naartjie peel, extra naartjie slices and crème fraîche (optional) 1 Make the crust Sift the flour and sugar together then rub in the butter with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the egg and mix with your hands until the dough comes together.

Knead gently until just smooth. Shape the dough into a flat disc and rest in an airtight container in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2 Preheat the oven. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3mm and slightly larger than your tart pan. Lift the dough gently into the pan and press down against the bottom and sides with your fingers; trim off any excess dough. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with baking paper and dry beans, and blind bake the pastry shell for about 10 minutes. Remove the beans and baking paper and bake for another 5 minutes.

3 Make the filling Melt the chocolate and cream together until smooth. Beat the egg, sugar, liqueur and naartjie zest together until light and fluffy. Gently fold in the chocolate and pour into the pastry shell.

Bake for 15–20 minutes. Let the tart stand for 20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with syrupy strips of candied naartjie peel, fresh naartjie slices and dollops of crème fraîche.

Tip If you’re short on time, feel free to make a crumbed-biscuit-and-butter crust, or buy ready-made shortcrust pastry if you aren’t keen to make the dough from scratch.

Chocolate cake with pears, ginger and almonds Jane Hornby featured a similar cake baked with hazelnuts and pears in BBC Good Food magazine in which she used a 400g jar of Nutella in the batter. I’m too stingy with my Nutella, so I prefer to use a smaller jar supplemented with melted chocolate.

Serves 8 Preparation time: 20 minutes Baking time: 45 minutes Oven temperature: 170°C • 100g butter, at room temperature • 3 eggs • 180g Nutella chocolate spread • 150g dark chocolate, melted • 2cm fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 140g (250ml) self-raising flour • 30ml cocoa powder • 2 ripe but firm pears, peeled and quartered • about 30ml runny honey • 60ml almond flakes 1 Preheat the oven. Grease a rectangular baking dish or tart pan with butter and set aside.

2 Beat the butter and eggs together until well mixed. Add the chocolate spread, melted chocolate and ginger to the butter mixture and beat again until just combined.

Sift in the flour and cocoa powder and beat until smooth and well mixed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.

3 Using a sharp knife, make four incisions in the bulge of each pear quarter and arrange on top of the tart in a fan shape (push them slightly into the batter).

Drizzle with honey and sprinkle the nuts on top. Bake for about 45 minutes; the cake must not bake completely dry.

Remove the cake from the oven and allow to stand for at least 15 minutes. Serve with Greek yoghurt.

Chocolate comes from cocoa, which is a tree.

That makes it a plant.

Chocolate is a salad.

– Anonymous

Chocolate cheesecake This impressive cheesecake is decadent, so you might like to serve it in thin slices.

Both milk chocolate or dark chocolate will work – just remember that the sweeter the chocolate, the sweeter the cake.

Makes 1 x 30cm cheesecake Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus 1 hour in the fridge • 3 x 180g packets Oreos FILLING • 3 x 210g tubs medium-fat cream cheese • 125ml icing sugar, sifted • 30ml cocoa powder, sifted • 5ml vanilla essence • 2 slabs (80g each) chocolate, melted • 250ml cream, beaten until stiff GARNISH • 1 slab (80g) dark chocolate • a few extra biscuits, crumbled 1 Prepare the cheese filling by beating together the cream cheese, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and chocolate until just smooth. Lastly, fold or beat in the cream until just combined.

2 If you have a 30cm cake tin, you can assemble the cheesecake in that. If not, simply use a cake stand or platter and assemble a free-form cake. Start by arranging one packet of Oreos close together in a circle on the bottom of the cake tin or platter. Spoon a third of the cream cheese mixture on top of the biscuits and spread evenly. Arrange another layer of Oreos on top of the filling, followed by another layer of filling, another layer of biscuits and finally the last of the cream cheese mixture.

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until set.

3 Using a vegetable peeler, make chocolate curls with the last slab of chocolate; use these and the crumbled biscuits to garnish the cake. >>

food

Coffee cupcakes with peanut butter frosting Replace the coffee with hot water and a spoonful of vanilla essence if the kiddies will also be tucking into these cupcakes.

Makes 12 • Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus cooling time Baking time: 20 minutes • Oven temperature: 180°C • 30ml cocoa powder • 125ml brewed coffee, hot • 150g butter, at room temperature • 160g (190ml) castor sugar • 3 eggs • 140g (250ml) self-raising flour

FROSTING • 125ml soft butter • 125ml unsweetened peanut butter • 5ml vanilla essence • 250ml icing sugar, sifted (plus another 125ml if needed) • 12 shards peanut butter praline (recipe below)

1 Preheat the oven. Beat the cocoa powder and coffee together until smooth; set aside. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until well blended. Beat in the flour and cocoa mixture until just smooth.

2 Line the cavities of a muffin pan with cupcake cases, spray with non-stick cooking spray and divide the batter between the cases. Bake the cupcakes for about 20 minutes or until cooked and risen. Cool on a wire rack.

3 Make the frosting by beating together the butter, peanut butter, vanilla and icing sugar until well blended. Judge for yourself whether more sugar is needed for texture. Spoon the icing into a piping bag with a star nozzle and decorate the cupcakes. Top each one with a shard of peanut butter praline.

Tip For a lavish surprise, make a small hole in each cupcake before you decorate it and fill it with a Lindor ball or a dollop of chocolate mousse.

Peanut butter praline Enough for 1 tray • Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes • 180ml sugar • 125ml boiling water • 250ml roasted salted

peanuts, coarsely chopped • 1 slab (80g) white chocolate, melted

1 In a small saucepan, dissolve the sugar in the water over medium heat. Once all the sugar has melted, bring to the boil and cook without stirring until the caramel turns a lovely golden colour. Remove from the heat.

2 Place a sheet of baking paper on a baking tray and spread the nuts in a single layer on top. Pour the hot caramel over the nuts and tilt the tray so that the caramel forms a thin layer, edge to edge. Take care not to burn yourself! Set aside until the praline has cooled and hardened.

3 Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the praline.

Break the praline into shards as soon as the chocolate has set. The shards are a delicious treat as is, or use them to decorate cupcakes or sprinkle over chocolate ice cream.

chocolate

food

Coconut and chocolate chip biscuits

These biscuits have a lovely chewy texture with a surprise in every bite.

Makes 12 biscuits • Preparation time: 5 minutes Baking time: 12 minutes • Oven temperature: 180°C • • • •

250ml icing sugar 125ml cocoa powder 125ml desiccated coconut whites of 3 large eggs

• pinch of salt • 8 marshmallows, chopped • 2 slabs (80g each) dark chocolate, chopped

1 Preheat the oven. Line a large baking tray with baking paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder together.

Stir in the coconut and whisk in the egg whites and salt with a balloon whisk until just combined. Stir in the chopped marshmallows and chocolate chips.

2 Using a tablespoon, spoon 12 dollops of batter onto the baking tray and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the biscuits look shiny (they will harden as they cool). Carefully slide the baking paper onto a wire rack and allow the biscuits to cool completely.

Easy chocolate mousse

Quick to make with just a handful of ingredients, this pudding couldn’t be easier.

Makes 6 small portions Preparation time: 5 minutes, plus 1 hour setting time • 100g dark chocolate, chopped • 160ml coconut cream, cold • 12 medjool dates, pitted (or 1 cup pitted dates) • pinch dried chilli flakes (optional) • pinch sea salt flakes 1 Melt the chocolate in the microwave.

2 Place the coconut cream and dates in a cup and beat with a stick blender. Pour in the chocolate and process until well blended. Season with chilli flakes and salt.

3 Spoon the mixture into six pretty glasses and refrigerate for 1 hour to set. Enjoy as is or garnished with sifted cocoa powder, a sprinkling of chocolate chips or, if you’re feeling daring, chopped chilli.

June 2020

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food

step by step

Semolina gnocchi Gnocchi alla Romana is made from semolina our, not potatoes, and its buttery goodness is the ultimate in comfort food, whether served on the side or as the main event.

By JohanĂŠ Neilson Photographs Francois Oberholster

Serves 6–8 as a side dish • Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus cooling time Cooking time: 30 minutes • Oven temperature: 200°C • • • • •

1L milk 1 heaped cup (180g) semolina 3 egg yolks 250ml Parmesan, grated 125ml butter, room temperature

• a large pinch of nutmeg • fresh herbs like origanum and sage

1

2

1 Warm the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat until steaming, whisking occasionally to prevent scorching. Season the milk with salt, freshly ground black pepper and nutmeg, lower the heat and whisk in the semolina in a steady stream. Switch to a wooden spoon and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching on the bottom of the saucepan.

2 Once the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides, remove from the heat and stir in half the cheese and a large knob of the butter.

Stir quickly until combined and slightly cooled.

Add the egg yolks and mix quickly until combined – you don’t want scrambled egg!

The grand finale

3

4

3 Spread the hot mixture onto a baking tray lined with baking paper to a thickness of about 1.5cm and allow to cool. You can make this the night before, if you are entertaining.

4 Preheat the oven. Turn the cooled semolina out onto a greased cutting board and cut into rounds or triangles.

5 5 Arrange the semolina rounds on an ovenproof platter then dot with the remaining butter and hardy herbs. Sprinkle the cheese over and bake for about 15 minutes, or until a light golden crust has formed and the gnocchi are heated through and turning golden-brown. You can use your grill, if you prefer.

Serve as a vegetarian main meal, as a rich side dish with your favourite roast or use as a baked topping for a stew.

Rich tomato sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and cream or vegetable ratatouille are great alternatives to the herb butter in this version. Semolina gnocchi is almost like an Italian paptert and additions such as crispy bacon, chilli and mature cheddar will all complement the neutral flavour of the semolina porridge – so experiment!

June 2020

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We’ve got supper sorted!

Subtle spices and a hint of chilli will warm you up this winter.

By Johané Neilson • Photographs Francois Oberholster

Hake with a bacon crumb

Under R140 • Serves 4 • Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes • Oven temperature: 200°C • 12 slices butternut, about 5mm thick • 30ml olive oil • 700g hake portions, skinless • 45ml creamy mayonnaise • 6 rashers streaky bacon, chopped and fried until crispy

• 125ml dried breadcrumbs • 3 spring onions, chopped • a generous sprinkle of chipotle Tabasco or your favourite chilli sauce • lemon and fresh coriander • cooked rice

1 Preheat the oven. Mix the butternut with the oil, season well and spread in a single layer in a baking tray. Bake until the butternut starts to soften (about 20 minutes).

2 Remove the tray from the oven and turn the butternut slices over.

Move the veg to the side of the tray and arrange the fish in a single layer on the open side or on top of the butternut, if you prefer.

3 Spread each piece of fish generously with mayo. Mix the bacon, crumbs, spring onions and chilli sauce and top each portion with this, pressing down so that it sticks.

4 Bake the fish and butternut for 10 minutes (the flesh of the fish should be flaky). Cooking time will vary, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Serve with fresh herbs, lemon and rice.

108 home June 2020

Curried potato soup

Under R75 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes • Cooking time: 30 minutes • 30ml vegetable oil • a large knob of butter • 1 small onion, chopped • 2 leeks, white parts chopped • 3 large potatoes, cut into 1cm cubes • 15ml each cumin and coriander • 5ml each paprika, turmeric and mustard seeds • 1 green chilli, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped • 2cm fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 750ml chicken stock • 1 large tomato, chopped • 30ml fresh coriander, chopped • 15ml fresh mint, chopped • 15ml red wine vinegar • a pinch of sugar • flaky Indian flatbread and Greek yoghurt to serve

1 Melt the oil and butter together and slowly fry the onion and leeks together until soft. Add the chilli, garlic and ginger and fry for a few more minutes until fragrant.

2 Add the potatoes and spices and mix until combined. Stir in the stock, bring to the boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

Simmer the soup until the potato softens (about 20 minutes).

3 Make the salsa Mix the tomato, herbs, vinegar and sugar with salt and pepper to taste.

4 Taste the soup and season. Use a stick blender to purée the soup; leave as much or as little texture as you like.

Serve topped with the tomato salsa, a spoonful of yoghurt and flatbread for dipping.

quick food

Sriracha pork steaks with cauli-rice

Broccoli–and-pesto pasta

Under R145 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes • Cooking time: 20 minutes

Under R160 • Serves 6 Preparation time: 10 minutes • Cooking time: 10 minutes

• • • • • • •

4 boneless pork neck steaks 30ml sesame oil about 10ml sriracha sauce 15ml soy sauce 15ml honey 15ml sesame seeds 380g cauli-rice

• 250ml baby spinach, chopped • 15ml butter • 250ml corn kernels, steamed • 125ml red kidney beans, warm • 3 spring onions, chopped

1 Heat a frying pan, add the sesame oil and sear the steaks over high heat until nicely brown on all sides. Lower the heat and cook until the steaks are almost cooked through.

2 Mix the sriracha, soy sauce and honey together and glaze the steaks while still on the heat. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and remove the steaks to rest.

3 Melt the butter in the same pan that the steaks were cooked in and add the cauli-rice and spinach. Cook together until the spinach is wilted and the cauli-rice is al dente. Season with salt and pepper and dish onto four plates.

4 Mix the corn, beans and onions and add to the plates. Top each serving with a steak and enjoy!

• 300g mini chicken fillets • 30ml olive oil • a generous pinch of dried chilli • 125ml basil pesto • 300g broccoli, steamed and chopped

• 125ml cashew nuts, roughly chopped • 300g wholewheat pasta, cooked until al dente • 60ml Parmesan, grated • a sprinkling of micro herbs or fresh basil, to serve

1 Coat the chicken in the oil and season with the chilli flakes, salt and pepper to taste. Heat a frying pan and sear the chicken over high heat until golden-brown all over.

Don’t stir too much; the chicken will steam and it won’t turn a lovely deep colour.

2 Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the heat and add the pesto, broccoli, pasta and nuts to the pan. Toss to coat and dish onto a platter or into individual serving bowls.

Sprinkle the cheese and some fresh herbs over the pasta and serve with lots of freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Tip Add a bit of the pasta water to the sauce if it looks dry; this will bring all the ingredients together.

June 2020

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MAKE A MEAL OF IT Find all your favourites at SPAR – and cook up a comfort food feast!

MEXICAN MINCE BAKE PREP TIME 15 minutes COOK TIME 15–20 minutes SERVES 8–10

SMOKED OYSTER AND MUSSEL SPAGHETTI PREP TIME 10 minutes COOK TIME 30 minutes SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS • 500g SPAR spaghetti • 1 x 410g tin SPAR tomato-and-onion mix • 1 x 85g tin SPAR smoked mussels • 1 x 85g tin SPAR smoked oysters • 500ml (2 cups) SPAR fresh cream • salt and black pepper, to taste METHOD 1 Boil the spaghetti for 10 minutes in salted water until cooked.

2 Simmer the tomato-and-onion mix with the smoked mussels and oysters, then add the cream to the mixture and simmer together.

3 Place the cooked spaghetti in the sauce, add some salt and black pepper to taste and serve hot.

110 home June 2020

INGREDIENTS • 30ml (2 tbsp) SPAR olive oil • 2 SPAR Freshline onions, chopped • 15ml (1 tbsp) pressed garlic OR 4 fresh cloves • 2 SPAR Freshline carrots, grated • 1kg SPAR mince • 250ml (1 cup) SPAR frozen sweetcorn • 2 x 400g tins SPAR diced tomatoes • 2–5ml (¼–1 tsp) chilli powder • 2 packets nacho chips • 259ml (1 cup) grated Cheddar • SPAR Freshline coriander, to garnish • guacamole, to serve • sour cream, to serve METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C. 2 Heat the oil and sauté the onions, garlic and carrots until translucent and soft.

3 Add the mince and fry until golden-brown.

4 Add the sweetcorn, tomatoes and chilli powder, and cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5 Pour the mince mixture into an ovenproof dish and top with the nachos. Sprinkle the cheese on top and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese melts.

6 Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with guacamole and sour cream.

ADVERTORIAL

CHOCOLATE MUD PIE PREP TIME 30 minutes COOK TIME 25–30 minutes SERVES 6–8

PIZZA SNACK TRAY PREP TIME 30 minutes COOK TIME 40 minutes SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS • 1 x 400g roll puff pastry • 90ml (6 tbsp) onion marmalade • 1 x round SPAR Marksbury Camembert, sliced • punnet of SPAR Freshline tomatoes, halved and drizzled with olive oil and black pepper • SPAR Freshline rocket, to serve • SPAR olive oil and balsamic vinegar, to serve METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C. 2 Spray a baking sheet with non-stick baking spray.

3 Spread the pastry out onto the baking sheet.

4 Spread the onion marmalade out evenly, then add thin slices of cheese, followed by the tomatoes.

5 Bake according to the instructions on the pastry packet.

6 Top with fresh rocket and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Cut into squares and serve on a wooden board as a starter or a snack.

INGREDIENTS Crust • 1 packet SPAR tennis biscuits, crushed • 125g melted butter Chocolate filling • 125g softened butter • 250ml (1 cup) sugar • 2 SPAR eggs, beaten • 60ml (¼ cup) cocoa powder • 60ml (¼ cup) cake wheat flour • 1.25ml (¼ tsp) vanilla essence

The SPAR special recipe book Everyday Food for Everyday People costs R350 (VAT included) and is available at all SPAR stores in the Western Cape.

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2 Combine the biscuits and butter, and press into a greased pie dish.

3 Cream the butter and sugar for the filling. Add the rest of the ingredients to the sugar and butter and mix well.

4 Pour into a pie dish and bake for 25–30 minutes.

Serve hot with ice cream.

SHOP WINDOW

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Dancing towards happiness When the virus descended on us and the whole world suddenly ground to a halt – death lurking at our doors – many of us had not an inkling of what had hit us or what to make of it.

First off was the deluge of jokes and goofiness. To counter the panic, there was frenetic shopping, spring-cleaning, visits on WhatsApp and Zoom; a kind of euphoric hysteria. And in the background, flickering on TV screens, frightful images of dying people and the endless rows of hearses. Surreal.

As the shadow of the virus grew and an eerie silence filled the world, there were those whose thoughts turned inwards.

In Stellenbosch, where I live, the bells of our historic Mother Church rang out at noon each day, its melancholy chimes sounding you to pause.

“Ask not for whom the bell tolls,” the chant reminded us.

“It tolls for thee.”

On the radio and in the newspapers, more reports started appearing about getting one’s affairs in order, about death and dying and how to make sense of it all.

In the midst of this, I was glad to find a forgotten little book on happiness and longevity in my bookshelf. The book deals with research in a small Japanese community on not only the oldest people in the world, but apparently also the happiest.

Their secret? Ikigai. It roughly translates as the happiness of always being busy.

The idea is that we all possess something that drives us, a passion of sorts, a gift or interest. It can be your vegetable garden or some big deal, like the theory of relativity. Whether it’s your job or a hobby, it’s your raison d’etre. It gives your life meaning, fulfils you and makes you glad to meet each day...

For the rest of your life.

Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, authors of Ikigai, focused on a small town called Ogimi on the north coast of the island Okinawa. The centenarians who live there survived the Second World War and other dreadful disasters. Yet they are famous for their lightness of being, their contented joyfulness.

Their secret, revealed in more than a hundred interviews, was eating light and getting enough rest and moderate exercise

114 home June 2020

but, most especially, nurturing friendships. And never ceasing to be active.

They take pleasure in routine tasks, say the authors.

You have to do these things anyway, the philosophy goes – so you may as well add value to it and practice it as a meditation. In the West, Bill Gates, the philanthropist billionaire who created Microsoft, is a prime example of the principle.

He does the dishes every evening. It helps him to clear his mind and relax, he says. And he tries to do it a bit better every day. Every day. Calmly, following a set pattern and with concentration.

To the old folks of Ogimi, retirement still means going to bed early, rising early daily and going for a walk, saying their prayers and then settling into the routine of working, cooking and eating.

And everyone emphasises the close bonds of friendship and family. One grandmother attests to never stressing: “I go out onto the street every day and say ‘Hello!’ and ‘See you later!’

Then I go back home and tend to my garden. In the evenings, I visit my friends and once a week I go dancing.”

“Take it slower,” says another. “You live longer with less haste. Do one thing at a time, but be attentive. Then you don’t feel overwhelmed.”

“I often dance with my grandchildren,” says someone else.

“And sing with them.”

According to the authors, not once did they see a grandfather just sitting on a bench doing nothing. Everybody is busy.

They come and go all the time, laughing and chatting, helping each other in the fields, building houses, tackling community projects. And they hang out. Sing karaoke, dance. They keep pushing the years past 80, 90, even 100. Always with a smile.

Having finished the book, Corona was still stomping the world. But I could smile again. Life, I now realised, can often seem complex and dense. But happiness is quite straightforward, dangling right under our noses. It comes down to happy simplicity: about staying active, about love and hope. And about dancing. With gentle ease, to the beat of your own heart.

Illustration Paula Dubois • Translation Hettie Scholtz

Sometimes you capture it in a moment, other times only in a dream.

But mostly, happiness is right under our noses, writes Karin Barnard.

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