SEEFF SPRING MAGAZINE

Property Pages WELCOME TO OUR WORLD HOME SWEET HOME SUMMER LIVING ALL YEAR ROUND NON RESIDENTS BUYING/SELLING IN SOUTH AFRICA HERMANUS CLIFF PATH PLACE NAMES ORIGINS

More than 70 exclusive proper es to view

Hermanus| Edition 8 www.seeff.com BENGUELA| FISHERHAVEN| VERMONT | ONRUS | SANDBAAI | HERMANUS |VOëLKLIP

Seeff is honoured that for the past half a century hundreds of thousands of people have trusted us with their stories. Start your next chapter with one of our 1 200 property experts nationwide.

“With more than half a century of expertise in buying and selling properties, we understand it is more than just a transaction - this is your story - and we are honoured to write this chapter with you.� -Samuel Seeff

CHALLENGING ECONOMY REMAINS AN OBSTACLE FOR THE PROPERTY MARKET

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hile the challenging economy remains an obstacle for the property market, it should be noted that the market is far from dead. In fact, there is still plenty of activity.

While some areas are struggling and an overall tightening in the sales volumes and price growth, combined with a rise in stock levels, are evident, there are many areas which are doing quite well under the circumstances.

The recent decision by the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to retain the repo rate at the current level of 6,50% (base home loan rate of 10%) is a welcome reprieve in an economy characterised by rising costs.

Although the currency fluctuation poses a risk of monetary policy tightening, analysts believe that while inflation remains within the 3%-6% target range, the Reserve Bank is likely to keep the interest rate flat for the rest of the year. That said, the bank did caution that interest rate hikes remain a possibility, but perhaps only late this year or early next year.

The flat interest rate is good news for consumers and

property owners, especially those with mortgage bonds.

At the same time, the flat price growth and high stock levels makes it a good time to buy.

The flipside to this, is that sellers need to continue keeping their price expectations in check. Bear in mind that aside from the economic pressure, the political noise and policy uncertainty around land expropriation are all factors that will keep the property market constrained this year. Many buyers, especially at the top end of the price bands and those who do not have to buy right now, remain hesitant, both local and foreign buyers alike.

The risk of further cost hikes on the back of a weaker currency and petrol price hikes means that the economy is likely to remain sluggish throughout the year.

This will leave us with an overall weaker property market although there are pockets of good growth in turnover and prices.

Overall, despite the challenges, we believe that the market is holding up, and while slower, there is still price growth and plenty of reasons to buy. Many areas are seeing excellent trade with especially

the lower to mid-market sectors being quite active.

seeing stellar profits, but they are still making money.

Market commentators and analysts tend to highlight the downside of the market without necessarily weighing the balance. Any market is a scale and when one side goes down, the other goes up, and there is opportunity in every market.

When the sales side of the property market scale tips and finances are under pressure, the rental side of the market tends to go up with more demand for rental property.

Although rates are under pressure, the good news for landlords is that they can still fill their units/homes and at least continue earning returns.

While downmarket conditions are often characterised by speculators looking for bargains, it also brings serious buyers, but of course you need to know the difference and this is where a skilled estate agent can assist. Many sellers are still making good deals as they adapt to the changing conditions. They may not be

SAMUEL SEEFF Chairman, Seeff

“When the sales side of the property market dips and finances are under pressure, the rental side of the market tends to go up. Although rental rates are under pressure, it is still good news for landlords.”– Samuel Seeff

PUBLISHED FOR SEEFF BY THE VILLAGE NEWS EMAIL: DEWAAL@THEVILLAGENEWS.CO.ZA CELL: +27 (0)83 700 3319

LEGAL

NON-RESIDENTS BUYING/SELLING IN SOUTH AFRICA

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n South Africa there are currently no restrictions on ownership of immovable property by non-residents (provided they are not classified as illegal immigrants) irrespective of whether they are individuals or legal entities (i.e. companies, close corporations or trusts).

As an alternative to individual ownership, non-residents may own immovable property through shared ownership in a company (South African or foreign) or membership in a close corporation (unique to South Africa). However, there are certain procedures that have to be followed and requirements that have to be complied with in the event of a foreign company purchasing fixed property in South Africa: •

•

The company, although registered as such elsewhere in the world, will also have to be registered in South Africa as an “external company”; A South African resident public officer will have to be appointed for a South African company should shares in the said company be owned by a non-resident.

In addition, there are certain restrictions on the granting of mortgage loans to non-resident purchasers of fixed property, whether individuals or legal entities: •

They may not borrow more than 50% of the purchase price;

•

The loan will be subject to foreign exchange approval by the South African Reserve Bank, the acquisition of which is normally undertaken by any one of the local commercial

banks on behalf of the non-resident.

Foreign funds (normally the deposit, the balance of the purchase price and/or the relevant transfer costs) can be paid into any nominated bank account in South Africa which in most cases will be the trust account of the transferring attorney.

South African Reserve Bank ruling B5 (i) states that “Authorised Dealers (normally commercial banks) may permit foreign nationals to re-transfer abroad the capital which had been introduced into the Republic provided that they can substantiate the original introduction of the funds. Therefore, whenever funds are transferred from a foreign source to a South African bank account, a “transaction advice” is supplied by the local bank which has to be carefully preserved by the non-resident purchaser as it will have to be presented when the property is sold and the non-resident wishes to repatriate the proceeds of such sale.

The proceeds of a sale of immovable property belonging to a non-resident together with any profit derived from the sale (proportionate to his/her shareholding in the property in the case of a legal entity being the registered owner), may be repatriated in terms of SA Exchange Control Regulations. However, if the source of funds for payment of the initial purchase price (or any portion thereof ) was a mortgage loan (bond) obtained in South Africa, the portion that was financed cannot be repatriated unless the total amount of the bond was settled with foreign funds.

The repatriation of funds is subject to

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payment of capital gains tax by a nonresident seller. In order to control and facilitate payment thereof, an obligation has been imposed on purchasers of immovable property, when buying from non-residents for a price exceeding R2 million (two million rand), to retain and pay to the South African Revenue Services: •

7.5% of the purchase price in the case of a non-resident individual;

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10% in the case of a non-resident company; and

•

15% in the case of a non-resident trust as an advance collection of the non-resident’s income tax liability for the year of assessment in which the property was sold.

Whenever transfer and/or bond documents are signed outside the borders of South Africa, High Court Rule 63 has to be complied with. In terms thereof, the relevant documents have to be signed before a Notary Public in certain specified countries. However, in most countries the documents will have to be signed at the South African Embassy or any Government authority of such countr y charged with the authentication of documents under the laws of that country.

SUMMER LIVING ALL YEAR ROUND

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ole Mandate. This home with its charm and sophisticated appeal, remains a cosy family home, whilst the well thought-out spaces and levels make it an entertainers dream.

This masterpiece consists of an en-suite master bedroom with walk-in closet, high ceilings and sliding doors onto the pool deck. Two additional en-suite bedrooms also boast high ceilings for an amazing sense of space as well as their own balconies to enjoy the most stunning sea views. A very spacious, well vented loft enjoys all the charms of the house and has multiple uses for a library, gym, lounge to even a kid’s play room. The kitchen is a cook and entertainer's dream with ample space and sectioned off scullery that all adds to the glorious dining room and formal lounge.

The entertainment area flows through stacking doors from the large outside covered patio which boasts a built-in braai. The stacking doors create ensures one can enjoy seamless entertaining from outside or inside. This opens the otherwise cosy inside living area into an airy and blissful space. The charm of the coastline and magnificent mountains provides exquisite views. These living spaces flow onto a private patio with a large koi pond The experience is enhanced by the sound of running water, taking you to another world of tranquility all while soaking in the most amazing ocean views.

A spacious foyer divides the entertainment areas from a large private sound proof lounge/cinema or a music room for the music enthusiast.

The lounge flows out onto a gorgeous breakfast terrace and private back garden where you and your loved ones can an enjoy a charming breakfast while enjoying the most amazing mountain views.

The home has a large private study with built-in cupboards and patio, with its own private access separate from the house as well as its own address so that any business may be conducted without invading your privacy.

3 spacious garages all with automated access includes ample storage space as well lockable built-in cupboards.

A beautifully presented swimming pool with water features, Eco heating and ionizer keeps the pools maintenance at a minimum all year round. The pool is coupled with a gorgeous pool room that is set up as a Japanese tea garden. There is a full bathroom to accommodate guests using the pool.

PRICE: R8 950 000 WWW.SEEFF.COM WEB REF: 465171 FEATURES: 3 BEDROOMS | 4 BATHROOMS 3 GARAGES | 3 PARKINGS PROPERTY SIZE: 1 995 m² | BUILDING SIZE: 458 m² AGENT: IRMA HERBST | email irma.herbst@seeff.com [0] +27 028 316 3171 | 060 070 1965

HERMANUS PROPERTY SHIFTS TO A BUYERS’ MARKET The whale and flower season have arrived, and as we enter the warmer spring months, Hermanus is already abuzz in anticipation of another busy summer tourist season. The holiday months are now fast approaching and we look forward to welcoming many visitors to our town, hopefully many of whom will take the opportunity to look around at the excellent property investments on offer.

Hermanus is one of the most sought-after coastal towns of the Overberg. The close proximity to Cape Town and the superb facilities and amenities on offer locally make it a popular choice for a variety of buyers and investors, from locals looking to buy up or down as their property needs change to people looking to relocate to the town from other inland provinces and areas such as Johannesburg and Pretoria. The town is of course a top choice for mature buyers and retirees and those looking for holiday and second homes.

In 2017 more than 1200 property transactions with a combined value of over R2 billion, took place in Hermanus in the first nine months of the year – the highest rand value ever recorded for the town. A 2017 Lightstone Property report showed the median price for property in the area increased by about 12% over the preceding two years and by more than 40% in under five years.

Until recently, it was one of the most dynamic coastal property markets in the Western Cape and performed well above expectation, despite the poor economic climate. The town

and its surrounds have become a sought-after property destination, with luxury properties reaching prices of R20 million to R40 million.

For all these reasons, Hermanus property will always be in high demand, but the market has been subjected to the same economic and property market pressures as the rest of the country. These shifts have resulted in a drop in the demand levels in the town since the start of the year. This change in market conditions has notable consequences for sellers. It translates to fewer buyers in the market, and those who are looking to buy or invest, are well informed about conditions and will not pay high prices.

Price growth has been quite robust in recent years, causing somewhat of a property bubble with prices climbing drastically.

The macro-economic landscape though has now had a dampening effect and we are beginning to see a decline in prices offered by buyers. We are seeing strong resistance from potential buyers who then move their searches to other towns in the Overberg that offer better value.

With price growth and demand slowing at a progressive pace, sellers need to be more market related with their price expectations. In fact, our agents are citing high prices as one of the draw-backs for the Hermanus market right now.

We therefore see that reasonably priced property still sells at a brisk pace when sellers are negotiable with their asking prices.

The local property market now needs to adjust to national economic and political influences and there is no doubt that the land issue has introduced some uncertainty into the investor market here and in the entire province. That said, where a seller adjusts their asking price to more realistic market related levels, these properties sell quickly showing that there is still a healthy demand.

Hermanus still offers many advantages over other smaller towns along the Cape Coast. These include several schools, with Generation Schools opening a Generation International College which will offer students the opportunity to continue their studies right here in town. The Hermanus University College is also set to open by January 2020, which will further enhance the town as an education centre.

LICENCEE

In 2019, a new holiday resort at De Mond in VoĂŤlklip will open its doors and construction on a large housing development on the Sandbaai Common is set to commence in 2019. A plan to develop a hotel at the Yacht Club and Marina in Fisherhaven is also on the cards.

As we have seen over the last few years, when the economy and property market takes a turn for the better, property values follow.

With the shift in the market and so much development in progress, there is no doubt that it is a great time to buy and invest in Hermanus.

A multi-million rand Sports Centre with a gymnasium, swimming pool, squash and tennis courts and various other training facilities is also under construction.

Hermanus also offers worldclass health facilities ranging from the Provincial Hospital and MediClinic to the Day Hospital, Pain Clinic, Oncology Unit and the only periodontal practice outside of a metropolitan in the country.

Paul Kruger Managing Director, Seeff Hermanus, Sandbaai, Onrus & Vermont

HERMANUS CLIFF PATH: WHAT’S IN A NAME?

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he Cliff Path in Hermanus is currently the most frequented tourist attraction in the town. It offers a safe and enjoyable walk of 12 kilometres from the New Harbour in the west to the Klein River Estuary (the lagoon) in the east. The fore-runners of the Cliff Path were dozens of informal paths made and used by fishermen going to specific fishing points. It follows that a significant number of the place names along the Cliff Path have links with fishing.

One of the advantages of the Path is that it can be accessed by car and on foot at many points of interest, so you do not have to commit to the entire 12 km at once. You can walk portions of it on different occasions. Also, some sections are wheelchair-friendly, especially those

nearer the Old Harbour and on Hoy’s Koppie.

private sector contribution to the preservation of the Path, some parts of which had fallen into disrepair. Over the past 17 years the Group has raised and spent more than R3 million on improving and extending the Path. They work closely with the Municipality, which funds some aspects of the work.

The process leading to the creation of the Cliff Path was started in 1960 by Eric Jones, an RAF airman who had been stationed in Hermanus in WWII and settled here after the War. He proposed the idea at a Hermanus Botanical Society meeting, where it was immediately supported. The first Cliff Path, shorter and more informal than the present Path, was physically constructed by Jones, Dr Ion Williams and members of the Hermanus Botanical Society.

Now the Hermanus History Society and the Cliff Path Management Group are cooperating to research the origin and meaning of all the place names along the Path. Part- funding of the project has been made available by Sumaridge Wine Estate.

Early in the present century, David Beattie who has family connections with Hermanus, retired here and set up the Cliff Path Management Group to make a

Please contact Robin Lee if you have more or different information about these names on 028 312 4072 or robinlee@hermanus.co.za

Hermanus Cliff Path – Place Name Origins ■ Scotsman’s Point (Skotsmans Punt) – Near the New Harbour, rocks at this point make it possible to look over the fence and view the activities in the New Harbour without paying an entry fee to get in through the gate.

■ The Blowhole (Blaasgat) – The blowhole was a feature of Stil Bay before the New Harbor was built there. Waves crashed into a low cavity in the rocks at this point. Air in the ‘hole’ was compressed and escaped noisily through a fissure in the rocks. This blowhole is now submerged.

■ Rietfontein (Reed fountain) – This area is a wetland fed by a sub-terranean spring (fontein). The water supports growth of reeds (riet). The European settlers camped here on arrival in Hermanuspietersfontein in1857.

■ Hottentotsbank – Named after a species of fish that were caught in numbers off the rocks at this point.

■ Tamatiebank (Tomato bank) – Oxidation of the rocks at this point gives them a pink colour, not unlike a half-ripe tomato.

■ Preekstoel (Pulpit) – A high rock in the shape of a church pulpit.

■ Fick’s Pool – There are two versions of the origin of this name. In one, a school principal in the 1930s persuaded the Municipality to build a pool here for use mainly by high school pupils who could not easily access Grotto Beach. In the other version, a retired gentleman named Fick bathed here so regularly that the pool was named after him.

■ Biodiversity Walk – On this stretch between Fick’s Pool and Gearing’s Point you’ll find: Hermanuspietersfontein – A spring (fontein) named after an itinerant school teacher, Hermanus Pieters, who camped at

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this spot and from whom the town of Hermanus, (originally Hermanuspietersfontein) gets its name.

Wasbakkies – In early Hermanus all surface water was coloured brown by tannins from the fynbos. Clear water came only from the natural streams bubbling up in places. The Municipality built concrete structures where white laundry items from the Sanatorium and hotels could be washed without becoming brown.

Die Piering (The Saucer) – a saucer-shaped bay within the larger Walker Bay. ■ Gearing’s Point – Named for Sydney Gearing, a prominent citizen and engineer who regularly holidayed in Hermanus in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Around Gearing’s Point you’ll find the Boiling Pot, a small offshore island of rugged rocks around which, in rough seas, the water churns as if boiling; Castle Rock, a tall guano-covered rock that resembles castle battlements; and Die Kombuis (The Kitchen). The origin of this name is unknown.

■ Old Harbour – Today a National Monument and open-air museum commemorating the involvement of the town with the fishing industry from its origins in 1855 until all fishing activity moved to the New Harbour in the 1950s.

■ Piet se Klip – Origin uncertain, but probably the favourite fishing spot of a fisherman named Piet.

■ Marine Pool – A public tidal pool below The Marine Hotel, it was once known by residents as ‘Bientang se baaigat’. Bientang was regarded as the last of the Khoisan people in Hermanus and was reputed to live in a nearby cave. as you face the sea.

■ Roman Rock – A popular fishing spot where the rock formation below creates conditions favoured by the Red Roman fish that were prolific off this rock.

■ Mickey – Origin unknown.

■ Kraal Rock – Legend has it that members of the leper colony in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley grazed their sheep and cattle nearby and kept them in a kraal (corral) at this spot.

■ Die Gang (The passage) – Here a narrow channel separates a rocky outcrop from the mainland. At one time a connecting concrete bridge was constructed to give fishermen access to the seaward side of the island.

■ Klein Eiland (Small Island) – a flat rock offering a good fishing place, which has a concrete bridge linking it with the rocky shore.

■ Sabonka – There are two possible origins of the name: Either it is the nickname of a gillie who fished here or it is derived from a Shangaan or Tswana word. No evidence can be found to support either explanation.

■ Siever’s Punt – The favourite fishing spot of a wealthy resident by the name of Siever.

■ Sonop, Sononder (Sunrise, Sunset) – In summer months the sun rises to the left or east, and sets to the right or west of this spot

■ Die Neus (The Nose) – A part of the rock formation at Kwaaiwater rocks, which resembles a nose protruding into the bay.

■ Kwaaiwater (Angry Water) – Named for the unusually rough seas crashing against the rocks at this point.

■ Mossel River (Mussel River) – The mouth of the small river of this name that has its source in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Large numbers of black mussel shells are regularly deposited by the sea on the beach here.

■ Local fishermen named two prominent rocks along the coast between Mossel River and Langbaai. They are: Rykmansklip (Rich man’s Rock), so named because a fisherman had to be ‘wealthy’ to afford the cost of continually replacing the fishing tackle lost at this point, and Laagwaterbankie (Low tide rock), accessible for fishing only at low tide.

■ Langbaai (Long Bay) – a long, narrow bay affording safe bathing.

■ Karwessa – A once popular fishing spot probably named after a fish species.

■ Platbank (Flat Rock) – Another once popular fishing spot.

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■ Kammabaai – Possibly a second-ary or offshoot bay to Voëlklip. Another story connects the name with two 1970s schoolgirls, being a combination of letters in their names.

■ Voëlklip (Bird Rock) – The roosting place of many birds, predominantly cormorants, it derives its name from this once guanocovered rock that serves to protect the safe bathing beach.

■ Rowweklip – The water surrounding the rocks is very rough (rof).

■ Hardlopersbank (Runners rock) – A flat rock from which fishermen frequently had to retreat hastily to avoid being swept away by the waves.

■ Grotto Beach (Originally Riviera Beach) – Riviera Beach was named for the Riviera Hotel near the Lagoon. This stretch of safe bathing beach gets its present name from the grottos, or caves, in the cliffs near the beach.

■ Piet-se-bos – A natural milkwood forest named after Piet ‘Orgie’ Geldenhuys, a wellknown resident and relation of the Bishop family of Voëlklip.

■ Kleinriviermond (Klein River Mouth) – The estuary of the Klein (Small) River that has its source in the Kleinriviersberge and runs through the village of Stanford into the lagoon.

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Kelp beds and kreef

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n 1981 two marine biologists published Living Shores. The book has become a classic, much loved by generations of marine scientists and lovers of coastal wildlife.

Now the book has been updated in a new edition and Whale Coast Conservation had the privilege of hosting the authors Prof George Branch and fellow “beach bum par excellence” wife Margo at the launch in Hermanus.

one sees on rocks, especially in rock pools.

They are the preferred settlement sites for juvenile abalone. Urchins offer protection to small abalone under their spines and also prevent microalgae from smothering corallines. Rock lobsters eat urchins, keeping their numbers stable. In turn, predator fish eat rock lobsters; and otters also eat urchins. A perfect food web.

The book contains a wealth of science-based information and will be a favourite read in my home for many years.

How are these eco-systems holding up along the Whale Coast? What we see here in the southern Cape is an “invasion” of rock lobsters, leading to an imbalance in the kelp beds.

In his talk, George illustrated the interconnected ecological webs in nature, where very few organisms exist independently of others.

For example, a kelp bed is an amazing ecosystem of natural biodiversity. The plants, animals and micro-organisms are in balance, with one forming the food source for another, which, in turn, is the food source for yet another. Predating and being predated prevents population explosions or disasters. The system is self-regulating.

What does this mean? A kelp bed eco-system is in balance when kelp and other algae (including encrusting coralline), abalone, sea urchins, rock lobsters, predator fish, and Cape otters all coexist. Corallines are the pink algae

Rock lobsters eat black mussels and sea urchins, decimating urchin numbers. As said before, urchins are critical to the survival of abalone. They also clear microalgae from corallines which are the preferred settling place for abalone larvae. Without urchins the tiny abalone can’t settle to grow. Baby abalone need the urchins to provide them with a safe place under their spines to hide.

A healthy population of urchins is thus necessary for abalone to survive. Urchins are an important food source for otters as well.

Where do the large numbers of kreef (rock lobsters) come from? It appears that they are steadily leaving their traditional habitat on

the West Coast and moving south. Why? Rising sea temperature due to climate change may be part of the reason. But, more importantly, the southern coastline provides an attractive habitat for them, with few predators. How so? What happened to the lobster predators? The simple answer is that they have been fished out by humans.

Due to overfishing, only about 5% of large predator fish like romans and red stumpnose that can predate lobsters remain. Gone are the days when an angler could catch a dozen large fish in a morning. Overfishing disrupts the balance of the entire food web.

The result? Overfishing kills top predator fish, rock lobsters invade from west, urchins are all eaten, small abalone lose protection and also get eaten, microalgae increase, encrusting corallines and juvenile abalone decrease and otters lose their favourite food.

Sadly, the answer is not that we should eat more rock lobsters. The West Coast Rock Lobster is in fact highly endangered. It is all but fished out along the West Coast. The bulk of the harvest is either exported legally or poached illegally at huge profit. For the rest of us it’s on the SASSI Red List.

- Anina Lee Whale Coast Conservation

Restoring Homes is Our Story

Guest Speakers: Hykie Berg and Wouter Snyman

Venue sponsored

by The One Heaven and Earth

Hermanus Initiative

m

Family r u o to u rs yo

Date: 9 Nov 2018 Time: 18:30 for 19:00 Dress: Black tie Price per table: R10 000 Venue: Graciously sponsored by The One Heaven and Earth Bookings per table: Bianca le Roux bianca@coastlineevents.co.za

Fro

One Life

OneLife was established by Seeff Hermanus in an effort to contribute to the community where we work and reside.

We will be doing an annual fundraiser for distressed families involved in substance abuse enabling the provision of care in a safe environment.

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[0] +27 (0) 28 313 0390 |

Awards

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RECIPE

Delicious Chocolate Mousse INGREDIENTS Serves: 6 • 150 grams mini marshmallows • 50 grams soft butter • 250 grams Lindt Orange flavor chopped into small pieces • 60 ml hot water (from a recently boiled kettle) • 250 ml double cream • 1 tsp Franjelico or Cointreau or vanilla essence

METHOD 1. Put the marshmallows, butter, chocolate and water in a heavy-based saucepan.

2. Put the saucepan on the stove, over heat, though keep it fairly gentle, to melt the contents, stirring every now and again. Add the liqueur and stir through. Remove from the heat.

3. Whip the cream and then fold into the cooling chocolate mixture until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture.

4. Pour or scrape into 6 cups or ramekins, and chill until you want to eat. The sooner the better!

Recipe by Neil Stemmet – neil@dekeldersprivateretreat.com PROPERTY PAGES | 58

A prayer for spring P

erhaps one day I shall understand my unique world on the earth below me; my life that has fleetingly become part of this place, this earth I call home.

Observe, the seasons open doors, and I traverse spring as if in the wink of an eye. Yesterday it was summer, and now I find myself in the autumn of my earthly life. All around me the leaves of my thoughts flit like a whirling cloak; while I try to catch them and hold them in my wrinkle-hands like so many white prayer doves.

I wish to arrest the clock of time so that I may experience my autumns for longer.

I realise how my life is shooting like a star, as if the time is running away from me.

The more I try to catch up with time, the faster her footsteps leave me behind.

Is this why I enjoy the silence around me so much now – the time I now allow myself to simply sit, close my eyes and make life’s nothingness into a pillow for my head? In silence you catch time, you cherish it in your hands and make it your own.

I always ask older people how it feels to be old: Are your thoughts any different? I ask. And all answer: Niël, in my thoughts I am, and always remain, young. It’s only the body I travel in that tires with the passing of my own life-seasons.

I clear out the shelves of my soul, dust off my thoughts. I discard all ugliness, and polish beauty until it gleams with a new life. My life becomes a scrapbook of photographs that I collect without hesitation, without thinking of how much time it steals of my life here on Earth.

We dwell mostly in the future or the past, but forget to live in this moment, here and now.

The passing of the years bring wisdom, and along with that, the knowledge that you should cherish the greatest gift of all – time – as your very own treasure, and hold the minutes of your life-time close to your heart.

This is my spring prayer for you, dear Reader: Live your days to the full, daily, for even though your life has been divided into seasons, every day brings the gift of spring to treasure and savour, jubilantly!

The extract is from my book back+page, available at neil@dekeldersprivateretreat.com

You GROW girl!

Nobody in his or her right mind will ever offer to judge a garden competition.

One is always forced into it…

A

bird of steel will spit you out at an ungodly hour at an airport in a province you have always feared.

While standing outside the terminal to have a quick smoke, the roads and even the bushes along the verge will be foreign to you and you will wonder who the organisers have commandeered to pick you up. In charge of proceedings it might be a young ‘windgat’ who takes great pleasure in telling you about all the hi-jackings along the way; or the stressed-out working mom.

Both will drive like raving lunatics in barely roadworthy cars, and both will do it while continuously screaming at somebody on his/her cell phone!

When you meet the other ‘judges’ (there will always be more than one person judging gardens. This combats corruption and crookery) there is an interesting atmosphere in the air.

Each garden we visit is unique. Some turn you green with jealousy and desire.

Others make you wonder why you have never thought of this idea or that plant before. In most cases the so-called ‘judging criteria’ thought out by nongardeners is hopelessly harsh.

Meeting the gardeners is also an experience. They follow you (mostly to check out whether you are going to ‘gaps’ a few cuttings), look at you with questioning eyes, or talk your ears off.

We will check and smell each other out like fox terriers, and then there will be a sprint to reach the front passenger seat of the mini bus we will travel in! Garden judges, apparently all get terribly car sick from riding around between suburban gardens all day long. Nobody wants to sit in the back!

All of them think you have skipped a few meals lately, as they decorate their patios with pastries and cream scones which give you a murdering attack of heartburn, later.

Cheers to proud home owners and their pretty gardens!

After a wild chase between competing gardens, which can span from Pretoria

to Brits, one is dropped at the end of the day at a guest house. Most of these institutions are barely open for business during the day. If you arrive after dark, don’t expect a host, you will simply find your room key lying in a wooden box next to a ‘moerse’ spider at the locked front door. After finding your way over dark garden paths littered with loose paving stones and fighting to unlock your room, the black dog of loneliness will bite you when you fall on your bed.

An ordeal like this can carry on for quite a few days if it is a big garden competition.

By day two, the judges will have long, friendly conversations with each other.

It will never be about the gardeners or their gardens in question - we keep that to ourselves until the end and are never told what the outcome was! It is more about our collective love for plants and people.

At the end, one returns home all sunburned and for a while very ‘bedonnerd’.

But, being allowed into the private abodes and plots of people you did not know before, is a great privilege.

Great appreciation to Anna Celliers for this article The Gardener/Die Tuinier

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