No.1
9 771814 165001
home an dg magazinarden e
01166
your practical guide to beautiful living
SA’s
R43.50
(vat incl.) Namibia N$46.00
January 2019 FOOD
Kofta, tzatziki and Parmesan chicken
A Lebanese feast! 4 yummy seafood dishes
DIY
A versatile bench& Easy cement pavers
5
PICTURE PERFECT
A dreamy garden inspired p byy Monet Choose the best waterwise groundcovers
reader homes
Coastal cool Easy-going style in Scarborough Timeless décor in Agulhas • A longhouse in Langebaan The Tin House of Stilbaai + Quirky & creative in Jacobsbaai
72 DIY
Reader home
Reader home
38
Reader home
110
Garden party
Cover photograph Francois Oberholster • Styling Marian van Wyk
102 Reader garden 16 décor 12 16 18 26 38 52 64
Fresh ideas for a whole new look Retail therapy Add a pop of colour A cosy cottage surrounded by nature in Scarborough Ample space for family and friends at the southern tip of Africa From longhouse to luxurious holiday abode in Langebaan A beach home with a difference in Jacobsbaai The Tin House of Stilbaai
do it yourself
giveaways
72 76
6 86 88
Build and paint a bench Make your own pavers
in the garden 90 98 102
Plants of the month Waterwise goundcovers Garden diary Reader garden Pretty as a picture in Northcliff, Johannesburg
regulars 8 10 80
in the kitchen 110 120 122 124
Garden party An al fresco feast! We’ve got supper sorted! Rice paper rolls, step by step Food & drinks to feed your senses
Write in to Your Space and WIN Send us your pet pics and WIN Complete Crossword #122 and WIN a Pieter-Dirk Uys book worth R280
130
Diary January highlights What’s new on the décor scene Ask the experts to solve your problem 82 Décor dilemma 85 Trash or treasure? Let’s find out 85 JJ’s garden solutions 86 Pets and their peculiarities Last words from Karin Brynard
16
Hello My godchild is cheeky. She’s 11, and has more than enough to say for herself. Full of witticisms, that one. The other day she was moaning to my mom about something. Ouma, fast approaching 80, was irritable and clearly at her wit’s end when she snapped at Leake: “Just do whatever you want”. To which Leake replied: “When a lady says ‘Do whatever you want’, rather take a deep breath and do nothing.” What’s that saying? Out of the mouths of babes... It was also she who one day said to the poor Labrador: “Stand aside, you are in my beauty space”. And told her father that they needed a bigger car because then her sisters could sit “there at the back in Hartenbos” and she could be “right at the front in Stellenbosch” in her own peaceful zone whenever the family went anywhere. (Quick footnote: Ouma also speaks her mind. Recently, she and Leake were sleeping over and just before bedtime my mom prayed out loud for the two of them. Leake must have started fidgeting because in mid-prayer my mom suddenly admonished her in her stern Ouma voice: “Leake, sit still so I can finish praying”. She then carried on calmly in her church voice, listing all the people in need of care from up above.) But back to my godchild’s first pearl of wisdom: “Rather take a deep breath...” Good advice for the beginning of a new year, wouldn’t you agree? I think we’d better prepare ourselves for a few hiccups in 2019, what with an upcoming national election, the rand taking strain, and the petrol price continuing to soar... But I love it here. And there’s certainly no shortage of beauty. Just take a look at the gorgeous beach homes in this issue: Jacobsbaai, Langebaan, Agulhas, Stilbaai and a little spot in Scarborough near Cape Point. Then there’s Ramona Afonso’s garden in Johannesburg. What a wonderful surprise! She and her husband were the runners-up in our 2017 Fix it with Flair competition and when Elza, our Jo’burg photographer, took pictures of their kitchen back then, she phoned us excitedly afterwards to say: “Never mind the kitchen, you should see their garden!”. And sure enough, this family’s creative touch is evident both inside and outside their home. Ramona even cooked up a feast for us – she’s clearly artistic on all fronts (check out page 102). Another highlight of this issue is a reader’s letter about a beautiful garden in the township of Sharpeville. Suzette Nortjé writes about how she accidentally discovered a lovely oasis there and has taken plants and other garden goodies to Samuel Thokoa because she found his space so inspiring. We all talk and write and complain too much about how bad everything is, and it’s probably inevitable. But this is the year we should try to focus on the good things in life. Hanneli Denner summed it up so neatly when describing her dream home in Jacobsbaai. “We are so content here. We only have one life and we believe in living it! Seize the day!” I hope this will also be true for you.
EDITOR CAPE TOWN OFFICE Cape Town postal address Office Manager JOHANNESBURG OFFICE EDITORIAL Features Editor Creative Editor Food Editor Art Director Designer Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Digital Editor Multimedia Journalist Photographer Retoucher CONTRIBUTORS
Brand Manager Marketing Assistant Production Manager General Enquiries ADVERTISNG HEAD: Advertising Sales (Cape Town and KZN) Key Account Manager (CT) Sales Manager (JHB) Classified Sales STUDIO Managing Editor Commercial Manager CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Product Manager
Wicus Pretorius • editor@homemag.co.za 19th Floor, Absa Building, 4 Adderley Street, Cape Town PO Box 1802, Cape Town 8000 Amina Essop 021 408 3525 Media Park Building, 69 Kingsway Road, Auckland Park
Kim Arendse • kim.arendse@media24.com Marian van Wyk Johané Neilson • johane.neilson@tuis.co.za Andrew Maritz Jade Cupido Tessa Jean-Jacques Gillian Eva Shané Barnard • shane.barnard@media24.com Suné Esterhuizen Francois Oberholster René Nortjé Ramona Afonso, Shelly Bergh, Johletta Brits, Karin Brynard, Elza Cooper, Deon de Goede, Gerda Engelbrecht, Marié Esterhuyse, Desiree Hartney, Frieda le Roux, Kay Montgomery, Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel, Marie Opperman, Ludwig Taschner, JJ van Rensburg, Amanda van Wyngaardt, Henrique Wilding Roxanne Cloete Andile Nkosi Kerry Nash Donvé Myburgh 021 443 9830
Sarah Curtis-Bowles 021 461 2396 Charlene Meyer 082 928 5970 Susan Pienaar 083 281 7300 Evonne Mehl 021 461 2396 Gerda Engelbrecht Lise Coetsee Adele Minnaar 011 713 9440 Janine Snyman 011 713 9918
Subscriptions, renewals and enquiries TEL 087 353 1300 • FAX 086 296 6681 EMAIL subs@media24.com SMS “home” to 32361 (R1 per SMS) WEB Zinio.com or Magzter.com
Published by Media24, Naspers Centre, 40 Heerengracht, Cape Town, 8001. Tel: 021 406 2121
editor@homemag.co.za ENTRIE S F RO M O UR A NNUA L FIX IT WITH FLAI R C O M PE TITIO N Finishes
Seeing is believing! Old rre reservoir eservoir now ow w a guest cottage
BUILT FROM SCRATCH
in KZN page
10 Paint colours Suppliers
Readers show you how...
19011
projects
Kitchens bathroo bathro , g , BEFORE Kitchens, outdoor spaces all transformed!
&AFTER
R60 50 (vat included) Nam bia N$63 00
9 772073 882005
of
Budget breakdowns
es 100 cre ve
4 home January 2019
Floor plans
,ŽŵĞ ZĞŶŽǀĂƟŽŶƐ, our popular annual issue featuring entries from the Fix it with Flair ĐŽŵƉĞƟƟŽŶ͕ ŝƐ ŶŽǁ ŽŶ ƐĂůĞ͘ Ɛ ĂůǁĂLJƐ͕ ŝƚ ŽīĞƌƐ ŚĞĂƉƐ ŽĨ ŝŶƐƉŝƌĂƟŽŶ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ĂŶĚ ĂŌĞƌ ƉŚŽƚŽƐ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ƌĞĂĚĞƌƐ͛ ĂŵĂnjŝŶŐ ŚŽŵĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ͘
CEO: Media24 Ishmet Davidson CEO: Media24 Print Media Rika Swart GM: Media24 Lifestyle Minette Ferreira Head of Finance: Media24 Lifestyle Jameelah Conway GM: Media 24 Monthly Magazines Nerisa Coetzee Copyright Media24. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the publisher. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers, the editor, proprietors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise therefrom. Home has the right to make alterations to any material submitted, and cannot be held responsible for the loss of or damage to any material submitted for publication. All prices stated are subject to change and may vary from store to store; retail prices in-store should be considered the final confirmed amount.
Vortex
P48 0 P4 80 WG P4 80 BG
Lot us
W3 30
Qubo O5 4 1
Cleo
CH 2 6 5 B K
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.
/ ũƵƐƚ ǁĂŶƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƐĂLJ ƚŚĂŶŬ LJŽƵ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĨĂŶƚĂƐƟĐ dũŚŽŬŽ WĂŝŶƚ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ ŝŶ ^ƚĞůůĞŶďŽƐĐŚ͊ tĞ ŚĂĚ ƐŽ ŵƵĐŚ ĨƵŶ ʹ ǁĞ͛ƌĞ ĚĞĮŶŝƚĞůLJ ĨĂŶƐ͊ ,ĞƌĞ͛Ɛ Ă ƉŝĐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŚĞĞƐĞďŽĂƌĚ / ŵĂĚĞ͘ – Trish Pentecost, Somerset West
INNING LETTER
arden inspiration uzette Nortjé of Sasolburg writes One day I appened to be travelling through Sharpeville when came across this beautiful garden. Residents really battle with their refuse as the municipality doesn’t take it away. There are hardly any clean open spaces but as the locals explained to me: what must they do when they don’t have a vehicle to take it to the dump? But in the middle of all of this is a garden oasis: it’s tiny – about 5m2 – but absolutely lovely. The grass is green, the plants are healthy and avid gardener Samuel Thokoa has created a focal point with thoughtfully placed plants in an interesting design. I’m lucky to get bags of kraal manure, so one day I decided to deliver some to him. I didn’t get to meet Samuel but later decided I’d also take some waterwise plants and this time he was at home. What a pleasure it was to meet him – and he was so surprised that someone admired his garden; he was speechless but very proud! I really feel he and his garden deserve a place in a magazine. I think Home is the right choice because it is for us ordinary folk who make something out of nothing and within our means. The pictures I took don’t do it justice – I hope his garden will inspire others in Sharpeville to make their surroundings more beautiful.
A stunning stencil effect
&ƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ŵŽŵĞŶƚ ǁĞ ĂƌƌŝǀĞĚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ dũŚŽŬŽ WĂŝŶƚ ǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ͕ ǁĞ ĨĞůƚ Ă ƐĞŶƐĞ ŽĨ ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ ĂŶĚ ĨƵŶ͖ ŽƵƌ ďŽdžĞƐ ĐŽŶƚĂŝŶĞĚ ĞǀĞƌLJƚŚŝŶŐ ǁĞ ŶĞĞĚĞĚ ƚŽ ƵŶůĞĂƐŚ ŽƵƌ ĐƌĞĂƟǀŝƚLJ͘ dũŚŽŬŽ WĂŝŶƚ ŐƵƌƵ EĂĚŝŶĞ sŽƐůŽŽ͛Ɛ ŝŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶƐ ǁĞƌĞ ĞĂƐLJ ƚŽ ĨŽůůŽǁ ĂŶĚ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ůŽŶŐ Ăůů ŽĨ ƵƐ ŚĂĚ ƉƌŽĚƵĐĞĚ ƐƚĞŶĐŝůůĞĚ ŶĂƉŬŝŶ ŵĂƐƚĞƌƉŝĞĐĞƐ͊ tĞ ůŽŽŬĞĚ ŽǀĞƌ ĞĂĐŚ ŽƚŚĞƌ͛Ɛ ƐŚŽƵůĚĞƌƐ͕ ƋƵĞƌŝĞĚ ĐŽůŽƵƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƐǁĂƉƉĞĚ ĐŽŵƉůŝŵĞŶƚƐ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ǁĂƐ ǁŽŶĚĞƌĨƵů ĐŚĞŵŝƐƚƌLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌŽŽŵ͖ ǁŚĞŶ ǁĞ ĞdžĐŚĂŶŐĞĚ au revoirs, ǁĞ Ăůů ĨĞůƚ ƵƉůŝŌĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĂĐĐŽŵƉůŝƐŚĞĚ͘ ʹ ŝ >ŽŶŐŵŽƌĞ͕ ŽŶƐƚĂŶƟĂ
After
Claudine Snyman of Griquatown writes I’d like to share some before and after photographs of a project I did in my bathroom. I used a stencil and paint to cover the floor and create a fresh new look. I’m so pleased with the results!
Before Success with succulents Sally Ludi of White River writes A while ago, my daughter sent me a photo of a log filled with succulents made by a friend of hers in KwaZulu-Natal. This immediately took my fancy – we were going through a serious drought and we could only water our plants twice a month via a canal feed. To cut a long story short, I tried a small log first and was so impressed that I’ve since done three more!
The writer of the winning ůĞƩĞƌ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞƐ Ă ŝĞůŽ ǀŽƵĐŚĞƌ ǁŽƌƚŚ Zϭ ϱϬϬ͊
WIN!
WĂƐƐŝŽŶĂƚĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ŐƌĞĂƚ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ĂŶĚ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶƚ ĚĞƐŝŐŶ͕ ŝĞůŽ ŽīĞƌƐ Ă ǁŝĚĞ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ŚŽŵĞ͕ ĚĠĐŽƌ ĂŶĚ ůŝĨĞƐƚLJůĞ ŝƚĞŵƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ĨƵƌŶŝƚƵƌĞ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ƉĂƟŽ͕ ŽĸĐĞ͕ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵ͕ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĚŝŶŝŶŐ ƌŽŽŵ͘ džƉůŽƌĞ ƚŚĞ ĨƵůů ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚ ƌĂŶŐĞ Ăƚ cielo.co.za͘
dŚĞ ĞĚŝƚŽƌ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĞƐ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ƚŽ ĞĚŝƚ ůĞƩĞƌƐ Ăƚ ŚŝƐ ĚŝƐĐƌĞƟŽŶ͘
IN SHORT
diary
Compiled by Suné Esterhuizen Send diary entries to diary@homemag.co.za at least three months before the event.
January flashes
ON THE BOX On Fill Your House For Free (Season 1 starts 21 January on the Home Channel, 176 on DStv), ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞƌŝŽƌ ĚĞƐŝŐŶ ŐƵƌƵ <ŝƌƐƟĞ ůůƐŽƉƉ helps people transform their homes with furniture that’s been sourced for free, proving that ƐĞĐŽŶĚͲŚĂŶĚ ŝƐ ĚĞĮŶŝƚĞůLJ ŶŽƚ ƐĞĐŽŶĚ ďĞƐƚ͊ With assistance from salvage expert and designer Charis Williams, inventor and furniture ŚĂĐŬĞƌ DĂdž DĐDƵƌĚŽ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂƌƟƐƚ ĂŶĚ ƵƉĐLJĐůĞƌ >ĞĞ ĂŬĞƌ͕ <ŝƌƐƟĞ ƐŚŽǁƐ ŚŽǁ ƐŝŵƉůĞ ŝƚ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ƚŽ ŐŝǀĞ ŽůĚ͕ ŶĞŐůĞĐƚĞĚ ĨƵƌŶŝƚƵƌĞ Ă ŶĞǁ ůĞĂƐĞ ŽŶ ůŝĨĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ĐŽŵƉƌŽŵŝƐŝŶŐ ŽŶ ƐƚLJůĞ͘ ŽŶ͛ƚ ŵŝƐƐ ŝƚ͊
DELHEIM’S 2019 HARVEST FESTIVAL 26 January: Delheim Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Make the most of Delheim’s tranquil picnic area along the shady banks of the Klip River vineyards and spend the day grape-picking and stomping or enjoy a vineyard tour and tractor rides. Tickets on quicket.co.za cost R650 per adult and R150 for children between five and 17 years old; call 021 888 4600 or visit delheim.com for further information.
Happy New Year! 31 December • Ring in the New Year with a feast at Spier in Stellenbosch. The evening will ŬŝĐŬ Žī ǁŝƚŚ ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ ĚƌŝŶŬƐ ĂŶĚ ĐĂŶĂƉĠƐ͕ ĨŽůůŽǁĞĚ ďLJ Ă ĨĞƐƟǀĞ ůŽŶŐͲƚĂďůĞ ďƵīĞƚ dinner. Music and a supervised play area ǁŝůů ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ŝƐ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶĞĚ͊ Tickets cost R1 400 per adult (includes ĚƌŝŶŬƐ ĂŶĚ Ă ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ŐŝŌ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ŚŽŵĞͿ ĂŶĚ R350 per child; to book, call 021 809 1100 or visit spier.co.za. • Share in the joy of the Nieu Bethesda Arts ĞŶƚƌĞ͛Ɛ EĞǁ zĞĂƌ͛Ɛ ǀĞ &ĞƐƟǀĂů ŽĨ >ŝŐŚƚƐ͘ Make your own lantern, or choose one made at the centre, and take part in a parade through the local community, enjoy outdoor theatre performances, a braai and dancing under the stars. Tickets from dŚĞ ĞƚŚĞƐĚĂ ƌƚƐ ĞŶƚƌĞ ĐŽƐƚ ZϭϱϬ ƉĞƌ adult and R75 per child; call 049 841 1731 for more details. • Celebrate the start of 2019 with a New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance in the 1920s-style pavilion at The Marine in Hermanus. Tickets cost R1 100 per person ĂŶĚ ĂůƐŽ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ Ă ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ ĚƌŝŶŬ͕ ĐĂŶĂƉĠƐ and a glass of bubbly to toast the New Year. To book, call 023 313 1000 or visit themarinehotel.co.za.
8 home January 2019
1: Happy New Year! 1–31: Visit the brand-new Suncoast Barnyard Theatre in Durban for a rock and roll circus show. Big Top Rock features live music, aerial acts and dance. Get tickets from R130; call 031 940 0500 or go to barnyardtheatre.co.za. 1–31: The Alex Hamilton Studio Gallery in Woodstock, Cape Town hosts a solo exhibition by resident artist Alex Hamilton called “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World”. The works investigate the traditional view on beauty through alternative portraiture. Call 021 447 2396 or visit alexhamilton.co.za. 1–31: Visit Stellenbosch Hills for the Fizz & Fudge Summer Pairing. For just R40 per person, a duo of Polkadraai bubblies can be sampled with fudge created d by Basilei Handcrafted Confectionary. To book, call 021 881 3828 or check out stellenbosch-hills.co.za. 3–7: Catch the breathtakingly beautiful bubble magic show at the e Sun Arena at Time Square, Pretoria. This world-class act is in SA for the first time, so be sure not to miss it! Get tickets from R120 on webtickets.co.za; go to billionsbubbleshow.co.za. 4–5: The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate Racing Festival promises two days of racing, stylish attire and top entertainment at the Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town. For ticket options and costs, visit lqp.co.za or call 021 874 9023 for more info. 14: February issue of Home on sale. 26: Pop in at Market @ The Sheds in Pretoria for local art, design, food and the best live music. Visit marketatthesheds.co.za for more details. 26: Spend your Saturday outdoors at the Summer Picnic Concert at Overhex Winery & Bistro in Worcester. Spoegwolf will keep you entertained while you enjoy a delicious picnic. Tickets (incl picnic) cost R250 per person; call 023 347 5012. 27: Join the fun at PinkDay ODI at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium in Sandton in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Tickets are available at ticketpros.co.za; for details, call 011 340 1500 or visit pinkday.co.za.
Please send décor and lifestyle news to news@homemag.co.za.
what’s new Compiled by Kim Arendse
MORE IS MORE! Add texture to your latest DIY project with these gorgeous polyester resin embellishments from Tjhoko Paint. Visit tjhokopaint.co.za to view their wide range, to order online or to find a list of their stockists.
C REATE, INNOVATE!
B BUSINESS Velt W WHO Nicola Andrag WHERE Cape Town W H e into HER WORK Nicola turns her love of nature striking, one striking one-of-a-kind of pieces. She uses a special preserving and pressing process for the plants, flowers and seaweed she collects before adding them to her handmade glass frames, comb bining the rustic elements of nature with sleek modern frame designs. To order her pieces, which range between R450 and R1 300, call 081 333 3077 or email veltcapetown@gmail.com.
Save the date
Keep track with this beautiful 2019 wall calendar (R330; shop.babylonstoren.com); it features images of produce from the Babylonstoren farm and quick-and-easy recipes by Maranda Engelbrecht. The glossy pages can be re-used as wrapping paper, colourful table runners or placemats.
Fine fabric Add a chic coastal touch to your interior with the 100% cotton Boat Club Cobalt and Coral Seaweed curtaining fabrics from Stuart Graham (R495/m; 137cm W). Take a look at stuartgraham.co.za.
O the On light side W love the minimalist look of the new We one-light LED Symmetrical Wire Fitting (R R770; 400cm L) from K.Light. It’s also avvailable in three and six light fittings; goo to klight.co.za.
Green scene
TOP SHOP
Weylandts has launched a brand-new store at 220 Main Road in Port Elizabeth – their 12th outlet in South Africa. It’s breathtaking with its double-volume, Japanese-inspired, open-plan space, showcasing their furniture and homeware. If you shop up an appetite, you can pop into the store’s nearby bistro-style coffee shop, The Kitchen. Go to weylandts.co.za.
We love the new collaborative collection from Carrol Boyes and sustainable lifestyle brand The Joinery. The range includes this handmade pouch (R495; 23.5 x 15.5cm) made from recycled plastic bottles – it’s perfect for storing everything from makeup to stationery! Check out carrolboyes.com.
A good cause Gavin Rajah’s latest India-inspired range available from @home includes these sequined palm scatters handcrafted by women in his White Light Movement, a non-profit organisation that provides training and jobs for victims of gender-based violence and abuse. Visit home.co.za to see more.
IT’S PARTY TIME! Keep your party décor on point with this vibrant, 14-piece tropical decorating set (R325) from new online party shop fancyparties.co.za. You’ll also find a variety of exciting items sorted by theme, colour, holidays and more.
Say farewell to grouting with the new Plexitile from online print studio photoblox.co.za. The 1.5mm-thick tiles (R680/box of eight; 15 x 15cm) are made from plexiglass, an acrylic similar to perspex which can be used for splashbacks, on countertops, furniture and walls. They are re-usable and will stick with double-sided tape or a silicone adhesive.
On-trend tiles How clever is this ceramic wall tile from CTM? Designed to create the illusion of wallpaper, the 30 x 60cm Provence decorative tile (R239.90 each) is digitally printed, which allows for a realistic imitation of recycled painted wood – perfect for a soft, romantic or beachy interior. Go to ctm.co.za.
January 2019
home 11
Paint colour Paint colour Paint colour
For similar colours try: Paint colour Dulux Amethyst Falls 2
12 home January 2019
Dulux Sweet Sundae 5
Dulux Javan Dawn 2
Dulux Ruby Fountain 5
fresh ideas
A change is
AS GOOD AS
a holiday! Create a fresh new look with pastel paint, trop g. By Johané Neilson and Suné Esterhuizen Photographs Francois Oberholster and Elza Cooper Styling Amanda van Wyngaardt and Marian van Wyk
Block party When we featured Bryony Webster and Johnny Scholtz’s Melville home in our June 2018 issue, their kitchen cupboards were off-white. Soon after, Bryony jumped in and started a quick kitchen renovation with a pastel palette – and just look at the dreamy results! In three days, they transformed their kitchen with a few (carefully applied) licks of paint. Bryony was inspired by an image of a 1960s colour-blocked kitchen she spotted online. “People either love the cupboards
or they think it’s too much. Mostly, they seem to like them,” she says. “I’m a maximalist and a ‘thrifter’, so I’m always picking up bits and pieces from second-hand shops which I use to add to the layers in my home.” Bryony created a digital mock-up of the space to plan which colours would go where before they started painting – and the results speak for themselves. Dining set found on olx.co.za; rugs and bowls from furbelowshop.com (Bryony’s online shop); tea set from Poetry
Open and closed Open shelving can be a nightmare to keep tidy! When decorating her two-year-old daughter Ivy’s playroom, interior decorator Tammy Holmes chose a unit from Lovely Bug Creations with pull-out drawers on sliders for every second cubby. This not only creates a striking checkerboard effect, but also turns cleaning up after playtime into a fun activity as kids can decide what to hide and what to display. For the floor covering, Tammy chose stainproof Belgotex carpeting with underfloor heating for cold winter days. About the posters on the wall, she says: “I love the idea of inspiring Ivy with powerful, meaningful words that she sees and subconsciously takes in every time she’s in her playroom. I’ll probably change the quotes in the frames as she gets a little older, so they don’t simply become ‘wallpaper’.”
It’s a jungle out there While designing Ivy’s playroom, Tammy wanted to make sure that should a sibling come along, the space could easily be turned into a gender-neutral nursery. After many hours spent looking for ideas and weighing up her options, she decided to print a Shutterstock image of a world map featuring the animals that live in all the different countries – a fun element for kids of all ages! The daybed works for playtime and sleepovers with plenty of comfy cushions that create a secure space. “I bought a gorgeous tablecloth from Zara Home and used it to cover the cushions. The side scatters were covered in velvet from Hertex.”
Pendant lamps from Amatuli
Twice as nice! Upstairs, Tammy has created an office space, two guest bedrooms, a bathroom and this beautiful kitchenette so that clients and guests can make morning coffee and snacks without having to schlep downstairs. The galley kitchen might be small but it packs a punch! Colourful wallpaper with an oversized print (custom-printed from a Shutterstock image and installed by BBS Projects) has been combined with two large pendant lamps positioned close to the wall so that they not only brighten up the entire space but also serve as task lighting. “I wanted to create a wow factor and draw on the colours featured in the guest bedrooms to create a cohesive look,” she explains.
14 home January 2019
fresh ideas
Soft ’n dreamy Renovators Ashleigh and Brett Holmes of Port Elizabeth designed a romantic open-plan en-suite bathroom that’s beautiful and budget-savvy. Instead of investing in expensive long-length or custom-made curtains, they draped sheer fabric over a curtain rail positioned close to the ceiling to create the same effect. “The fabric really softens the room,” says Ashleigh. Instead of towel rails, the couple opted for a coatstand. “We got this one from Colonial Antiques for just R600. To add some greenery to the space, we hung a macrame planter on one of the hooks. This is a nifty way to hang plants if you don’t want to drill holes into your ceiling or wall.” STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS Amatuli 011 440 5065, amatuli.co.za Belgotex 033 897 7500, belgotex.co.za BBS Projects (Dominic Mitchell) 083 240 9699 Colonial Antiques 041 484 2617 Hertex 0860 437 839, hertex.co.za Ivy Décor and Design (Tammy Holmes) 083 650 4177, ivydecor.co.za Lovely Bug Creations 072 387 3707, lovelybugcreations.com Poetry 021 671 5254, poetrystores.co.za Zara m/zara.com
A f o p o p
Crushed unlined curtain drop (230 x 218cm) R149.99, Sheet Street
! r u o l o c By Kim Arendse
Orlene chandelier R1 099.95, Eurolux Flexible magnetic hook (17.6cm H) R179.95, Pylones
Brighten up a neutral palette with these vibrant buys. Mini metal fan (15cm D) R129, Leroy Merlin
Oh, so comfy Jello two-seater couch R3 999, House & Home
Scatter (60 x 60cm) R249, @home
Basket (35cm D x 26cm H) R299, Makro
STOCKISTS @home 0860 576 576, home.co.za Block & Chisel 021 691 0878, blockandchisel.co.za Design Store 082 940 9200, designstore.co.za Eurolux 011 608 2970, eurolux.co.za House & Home 0861 008 861, houseandhome.co.za Leroy Merlin 010 493 8000, leroymerlin.co.za Makro 0860 300 999, makro.co.za Milestone Kitchens 076 949 5745, milestonekitchens.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Poetry 0860 555 529, poetrystores.co.za Pylones 021 418 0911, pylones.co.za Sheet Street 0800 212 535, sheetstreet.com The Cotton Company 060 505 7894, thecottoncompany.co.za Woolworths 0860 022 002, woolworths.co.za
16 home January 2019
Yes, you cane! Coral cane chair R3 500, Design Store
shopping
Stool R599.99, MRP Home
Bordo basin mixer (R899) with ISCA interchangeable colour trim kit (R449), plumbitonline.co.za
Tutti frutti Willa knit scatter (33.5 x 14 x 17cm) R499, Woolworths Greta occasional chair R2 495, Block & Chisel
French Flair display cupboard (61cm W x 43cm D x 173cm H) R11 530, Milestone Kitchens
Palm cut-out side table R899.99, MRP Home
Soft touch Sheepskin R1 250, woven-green.com
Teaspoon set (pack of four) R250, Poetry
Throw (175 x 95cm) R420, The Cotton Company
Cactus print bench (82cm L x 40cm W x 22cm H) R2 000, MRP Home
THE HOMEOWNER Megan de Beyer WHERE Scarborough, Western Cape SIZE 70m2
Tickey creeper covers the front stoep walls and will eventually grow over the latte ceiling too. Chairs from Weylandts, wroughtiron table is a hand-me-down from Meganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister
18 home January 2019
The pathway made from local mountain stone meanders through a richly textured and hardy fynbos garden to the front door.
Summer
reader home
IN SCARBOROUGH
This little cottage with its awesome ocean and mountain views makes for an idyllic getaway. By Kim Arendse â&#x20AC;˘ Photographs Francois Oberholster â&#x20AC;˘ Styling Marian van Wyk
Once a bustling crèche, the exterior walls of this little wooden cottage were painted a bright green, the interior finishes were far from luxurious and the front garden was nothing but a big, flat patch of lawn. That is until it was put up for sale in 2013 and Megan de Beyer leapt at the opportunity to turn the tiny space nestled in the Scarborough mountainside into a heavenly getaway. “The house boasts expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as Cape Point Nature Reserve,” says Megan, a psychologist and facilitator of workshops for mothers of sons. She often retreats to the cottage to spend quality time reconnecting with her own boys, James and Jonathan Bailes – both adults who have moved out of home. “The first thing we do after waking up is throw open the doors, then it’s time for breakfast on the stoep followed by a brisk walk up the mountain, a cycle to the nearby nature reserve or a walk down to the beach which is just five minutes away,” says Megan. “In between, our days are spent reading or gardening. It’s rejuvenating, especially since our home is surrounded by nature which provides the perfect place for us to catch up and just be together.” >>
20 home January 2019
A comfortable old Cécile & Boyd sofa, Nguni rug, natural textures and pops of blues and greens create a relaxed, beach-style living area. Pendant lights and ottoman from Abode; rug from Woodheads
reader home
We have the most marvellous views of the Cape Point Nature Reserve – it’s not unusual to spot a zebra, ostrich or blesbok while sitting on the deck. – Megan
The Table Mountain hook rack in the kitchen is from Abode. Above it, a weathered shelf displays some of Megan’s treasures. January 2019
home 21
reader home
Metal stacking doors serve as window dressing and security in the living area.
Floor plan Stoep
Stoep
Kitchen
N
Living area
Bathroom Bedroom Bedroom
Shelf from @home, chair from Weylandts
22 home January 2019
A sugar gum deck alongside the house serves as an outdoor entertainment area. Megan recently added a large stone fire pit next to it. “We love to light a fire and relax on this side of the house as it’s always sheltered from the wind,” she says.
The kitchen (below) opens up onto the deck, which is a favourite spot for al fresco lunches. The curtain rod is a simple latte pole picked up from the side of the road in Kommetjie, and Megan found the weathered curtains, previously used as a tablecloth, on a trip to Mozambique.
Cosy and cool
Stove from Tafelberg Furnishers, island from Froggatt & Frost
Megan grew up in Durban and says being accustomed to the sea air, ocean views and a “veranda lifestyle” is the reason she was keen on a coastal holiday home. One of the first things she did was replace windows with glass stacking doors at the front and back of the home to maximise on light and views of the surrounding landscape. The impressive setting then served as inspiration for the décor. Megan previously had a beachfront holiday home in KZN and kept many of her most prized possessions, including an old Cécile & Boyd couch, inherited crockery and gorgeous throws. But this time round, she also incorporated touches of green, tan, grey and blue to reflect her tranquil surroundings. Even the textures in her home are nature-inspired. “I love things that are interesting to touch,” Megan says. “I love rich cotton, wool and, of course, anything woven – I guess that explains why my space is filled with so many second-hand pieces, which are generally much richer in character than new purchases.” >>
A strict budget prevented Megan from getting the wooden floors she wanted. She also considered coir carpets. “I decided on painted white concrete floors as they offer the next best Zen look; they’re also easy to clean and wet feet don’t pose a problem!” she explains. January 2019
home 23
I chose a four-poster bed as it speaks to my romantic side and I loved the idea of linen drapes surrounding me at night. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Megan
The main bedroom is the only other room, besides the lounge, that has a view of the ocean. Bedding from Weylandts
24 home January 2019
To rinse off sandy feet, a simple shower with latte walls was installed outside.
Megan had the copper ring in the bathroom specially made for the shower curtain; patterned cement tiles from Moroccan Warehouse on the side of the bath add an exotic touch.
“Although our little home is surrounded by mansions, we still have a great view of the sunset from the front stoep!” says Megan.
CONTACT AND STOCKISTS Cottage rental airbnb.com/rooms/2169388 @home 0860 576 576, home.co.za Abode 072 261 3540 Cécile & Boyd 021 424 8890, cecileandboyds.com Froggatt & Frost 021 715 9089, froggattandfrost.co.za Moroccan Warehouse 021 461 8318 Tafelberg Furnishers 021 944 3330, tafelberg.co.za Weylandts 021 914 1433, weylandts.co.za Woodheads 021 461 7185, woodheads.co.za
reader home
ON THE OF Africa Strepies van Wyk’s grandchildren play in the same tidal pool she swam in with her own kids many years ago – but today she calls the spot right in front of it home. By Johletta Brits • Photographs Francois Oberholster • Styling Marian van Wyk
The tidal pool opposite the Van Wyks’ home is known as Soldiers’ Pool. According to legend, during the Second World War there was a radio station on the mountain staffed solely by female soldiers who were deployed to the area to monitor the coast for enemy submarines and other vessels. The tidal pool was their favourite hang-out spot – hence its name. >>
WHO LIVES HERE? Piet and Strepies van Wyk with their Siberian cats, Joseph and Olga WHERE Agulhas, Western Cape SIZE 414m2
Lounger cushions from Woolworths
January 2019
home 27
reader home
Every day when Strepies van Wyk travels to work and back, she marvels at the natural beauty along the strip of coast that she and her husband Piet call home. Years ago, when her children were young, she would swim with them in Soldiers’ Pool – a gorgeous tidal pool at the southern tip of the continent. “My husband Piet farmed in the area,” Strepies explains. “And every time we came here for a dip, I would admire the houses right next to the ocean.” In 1992, the Van Wyks became involved in the local real estate industry and later moved to Struisbaai. “In 2006, I held a show house for the then owners of our property and I immediately felt so at home here – even though there wasn’t much of a kitchen or an en-suite bathroom,” says Strepies. Ultimately, Piet and Strepies bought the home. The previous owners used the house mostly as a holiday home, so it wasn’t really equipped to serve as a permanent residence. “Instead of a kitchen, there was a bar with 14 stools,” recalls Strepies. As a real estate consultant, she understands all too well that it’s not just about beautifying a property; you must also add value. She wanted her home to have a seamless flow from the interior to the outdoors, a fantastic advantage when family come to visit, while Piet wanted an indoor braai, which they built next to the bar before they moved in.
A year later, they began to upgrade the kitchen and a few years after that they turned their attention to the bathrooms. Four years ago, the couple added a new main bedroom and last year the kitchen was given its finishing touches. A laundry was also built on and the outdoor guest rooms were enlarged and updated. Strepies was fortunate in that she could call on her daughter Carol, a Cape Town interior designer, for help with the layout and planning of each project, while architect Hendré Pitout saw that the house retained its simple style on the exterior. “The house suits our needs perfectly. We love it when our family gathers here. Two of our kids live in Struisbaai and often join us for a meal on Sundays; and when Carol comes to visit, the others come over for a braai. In summer, our grandkids have lots of fun at the tidal pool right in front of the house – they just have to run across the road to grab snacks!” >>
They say that the further south you go in a country, the more laid-back the people are. – Strepies What’s a summer holiday without watermelon? Strepies, her daughter Carol and her grandchildren Philip and Mischa (Strepies’ son Philip is their father) enjoy spending time on the stoep with its stunning view of the coastline from the tidal pool (inset) to Struisbaai and its 14km-long beach. Hammock from Beach House Interiors & Homeware; beach towel from Woolworths
28 home January 2019
The Van Wyks discovered the cupboard next to the ďŹ replace at Napier Antiques about 28 years ago. Side tables from Weylandts and Montebello Design Centre; throw from Hertex; artwork by Jan Le Witt; scatters from Montebello Design Centre
Strepies and Piet bought the yellowwood table from a man called Manie Groenewald about 40 years ago. “I remember it was hanging from the rafters in his garage,” says Strepies. The sideboard behind it was purchased at Napier Antiques 15 years ago. Pendants from Pezula Interiors; table lamp from Cécile & Boyd; statuettes by Rudi Neuland
30 home January 2019
reader home Cane furniture, a sisal rug and planter baskets add texture to the open-plan living area. Cane chairs from Weylandts; cushions upholstered in linen from Mavromac; leather sofa from Klooftique; scatters from Montebello Design Centre; throw from Hertex
January 2019
home 31
The kitchen boasts Caesarstone slabs in the colour Snow White and handmade terracotta tiles with an off-white glaze. A white Cape ash cupboard and ďŹ&#x201A;oating shelves add warmth to the space. Tiles from Douglas Jones; taps from Exquisite Bathrooms; carpentry by Tip of Africa Creations
32 home January 2019
reader home From temporary to permanent residence Many holidaymakers will agree: it’s pretty easy to make do with uncomfortable spaces in a holiday home when you know it’s only for a week or two. But if you and your family plan to use the house year round, it can present problems. “Piet loves cooking and we enjoy entertaining our family and friends,” says Strepies. “The original kitchen was narrow and the scullery was located in a tiny passage, which really didn’t work for us.” Carol explains how she approached the layout: “We had to create more space to make it easier to move around and for storage.” With a large undercover stoep, it made sense to enclose a section as extra living space. “The appliances and built-in cupboards in the kitchen were mostly in good condition, so we kept them. For a fresh look, we used white Cape ash timber for floating shelves and a few solid cabinets. We also had shutters made from the same timber to close off the scullery area when necessary and we incorporated ergonomic interior shelves to make maximum use of the cupboard space.” >>
The blue display cabinet came with the house. “We simply repainted it,” says Strepies. Bench from Block & Chisel; artwork by Leszek Skurski
January 2019
home 33
[ PRACTICAL DÉCOR FOR A SEASIDE COTTAGE ] ^ƚƌĞƉŝĞƐ ůŽǀĞƐ Ă ŶĞƵƚƌĂů ƉĂůĞƩĞ͕ ŚĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚůLJ ǁŚŝƚĞ ĂŶĚ ŽīͲǁŚŝƚĞ ƐƵƌĨĂĐĞƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ĂůůŽǁƐ ŚĞƌ ƚŽ ǀĂƌLJ ƚŚĞ ĂĐĐĞŶƚ ĐŽůŽƵƌƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ƟŵĞ͘ ͞ ƚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽŵĞŶƚ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂĐĐĞŶƚƐ ĂƌĞ ŵŽƐƚůLJ ĐŚĂƌƚƌĞƵƐĞ ĂŶĚ ƌƵƐƚ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ŚŝŶƚƐ ŽĨ ĚĂƌŬ ďůƵĞ ŚĞƌĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞƌĞ͕͟ ƐĂLJƐ ĂƌŽů͕ ǁŚŽ ŚĞůƉĞĚ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ ƚŚĞ ƉĂůĞƩĞ͘ ĂƌŽů ĂůƐŽ ŝŶĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞĚ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ƚĞdžƚƵƌĞƐ ƚŽ ĂĚĚ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌ ƚŽ ŚĞƌ ŵŽƚŚĞƌ͛Ɛ ŚŽŵĞ͘ ͞EĂƚƵƌĂů ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐ ĂƌĞ ƟŵĞůĞƐƐ͖ ƚŚĞLJ ŵĂŬĞ LJŽƵ ĨĞĞů ŐŽŽĚ ǁŚĞŶ LJŽƵ͛ƌĞ ƐƵƌƌŽƵŶĚĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞŵ͘͟ >ŝŶĞŶ͕ ŚĞŵƉ ĂŶĚ ĐŽƩŽŶ͕ ĐĂŶĞ ĂŶĚ ƐŝƐĂů ĐƌĞĂƚĞ Ă ůĂLJĞƌĞĚ ĞīĞĐƚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ŚŽƵƐĞ ʹ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚƌŽǁƐ ŽŶ ǁŝĐŬĞƌ ĐŚĂŝƌƐ ƚŽ ďĂƐŬĞƚƐ ĂŶĚ ůŽŽƐĞ ƌƵŐƐ͘ dŚĞLJ ĐŽŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ĞĂƌƚŚLJ
An exposed brick wall adds impact to this guest bedroom where Joseph the cat likes to get comfortable. Blue cushion and throw from Mungo; towels from Arabesque
ƚĞdžƚƵƌĞƐ ŽĨ ŽůĚ ĂŶĚ ŶĞǁ ǁŽŽĚ͕ ďƌŝĐŬ ĂŶĚ ůĞĂƚŚĞƌ͘ &Žƌ ĐŽŶƚƌĂƐƚ͕ ƌĞŇĞĐƟǀĞ ƐƵƌĨĂĐĞƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ŐůĂƐƐ ĂŶĚ ĐĞƌĂŵŝĐƐ ǁĞƌĞ ĂĚĚĞĚ͘ ƉĂƌƚ ĨƌŽŵ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŝŶ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ďĂƚŚƌŽŽŵƐ͕ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ŇŽŽƌƐ ĂƌĞ ĐŽǀĞƌĞĚ ŝŶ ůĂŵŝŶĂƚĞĚ ǁŽŽĚ͘ ͞/ƚ͛Ɛ ĚƵƌĂďůĞ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ ĨŽƌ ƐĂŶĚLJ ĨĞĞƚ ĂŶĚ ǀĞƌLJ ĞĂƐLJ ƚŽ ŬĞĞƉ ĐůĞĂŶ͕͟ ƐĂLJƐ ĂƌŽů͘ ^ŚĞ ĚŽĞƐŶ͛ƚ ďĞůŝĞǀĞ ŝŶ ƉĂĐŬŝŶŐ ĂǁĂLJ LJŽƵƌ ĨĂǀŽƵƌŝƚĞ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ǁŚĞŶ ĨĂŵŝůŝĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ LJŽƵŶŐ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĐŽŵĞ ƚŽ ǀŝƐŝƚ͘ ͞ ŚŽŽƐĞ ĨĂďƌŝĐƐ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ƚŽƐƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ǁĂƐŚŝŶŐ ŵĂĐŚŝŶĞ ĂŶĚ ƐƵƌĨĂĐĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŽŶ͛ƚ ƐĐƌĂƚĐŚ ĞĂƐŝůLJ͘ ƵLJ ĐƌŽĐŬĞƌLJ ƚŚĂƚ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ĐĂŶ ƵƐĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ŚĂǀŝŶŐ ƚŽ ǁŽƌƌLJ ĂďŽƵƚ ŝƚ ŐĞƫŶŐ ďƌŽŬĞŶ͕͟ ƐŚĞ ƐĂLJƐ͘
reader home [ BUYING A BEACH HOME? ]
Kitchen Dining room
Bathroom
Family room
Bathroom
Bedroom
Bedroom
Bedroom
Floor plan Bathroom
/Ĩ LJŽƵ͛ƌĞ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌŝŶŐ ŝŶǀĞƐƟŶŐ ŝŶ Ă ĐŽĂƐƚĂů ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ͕ ^ƚƌĞƉŝĞƐ ŚĂƐ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ͗ ͻ >ŽĐĂƟŽŶ EĂƚƵƌĂůůLJ͕ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂů ŶĞĞĚƐ ĚŝīĞƌ͘ ^ŽŵĞ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ďĞ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ǁĂůŬŝŶŐ ĚŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ďĞĂĐŚ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ ǁĂŶƚ Ă ƐĞĂ ǀŝĞǁ͘ • /ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ǀĂůƵĞ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ďƵLJ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ŚŽŵĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ŐŽŽĚ ůĂLJŽƵƚ͕ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ ŝƐ ĂůǁĂLJƐ Ă ŐŽŽĚ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ʹ ŶŽ ŵĂƩĞƌ ǁŚĞƌĞ ŝƚ ŝƐ͘ Ğ ŐƵŝĚĞĚ ďLJ Ă ƌĞƉƵƚĂďůĞ ĂŐĞŶƚ͘ • &Žƌ ƌĞƟƌĞŵĞŶƚ dŚĞ ƌĞůĂdžĞĚ ĂƚŵŽƐƉŚĞƌĞ ĂŶĚ ƉĞĂĐĞĨƵů ůŝĨĞƐƚLJůĞ ŽīĞƌĞĚ ďLJ ƚŽǁŶƐ ƐŝƚƵĂƚĞĚ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ ^ŽƵƚŚ ĨƌŝĐĂŶ ĐŽĂƐƚ ĂƌĞ ĚƌĂǁĐĂƌĚƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŽƐĞ ǁĂŶƟŶŐ ƚŽ ĚŽǁŶƐŝnjĞ͘ ƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂƉĞ ŐƵůŚĂƐ ŵƵŶŝĐŝƉĂů ĂƌĞĂ ŽīĞƌƐ Ă ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ƉƌŽƐƉĞĐƚƐ ĨŽƌ ƌĞƟƌĞĞƐ͘ • &Žƌ ƐŚŽƌƚͲƚĞƌŵ ƌĞŶƚĂůƐ ŐĂŝŶ͕ ƚŚŝƐ ĚĞƉĞŶĚƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂůŝƚLJ ĂŶĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĞĚƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚͲƚĞƌŵ ƌĞŶƚĂů ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘ dŚĞ ĐůŽƐĞƌ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĂ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ĨĂĐŝůŝƟĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƌĞ ĐŽŶǀĞŶŝĞŶƚ ƚŚĞ ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƟŽŶ͕ ƚŚĞ ďĞƩĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƚĞŶƟĂů ŝŶĐŽŵĞ͘ хх
Living room Stoep Stoep
N
The chair in the family bathroom has a wonderful story behind it. “When my Oupa Ben retired from Barry Handelshuis in Robertson, he was given this chair in recognition of his years of loyal service,” Strepies says. White alder timber cladding by Victor Hugo Originals; taps from Lavo Bathrooms; bathmat from Weylandts January 2019
home 35
The antique chair in the main bedroom en suite is an heirloom from Strepies’ paternal family. “It belonged to my father’s parents,” she says. “He inherited this ‘ouma’ chair and his brother got the ‘oupa’ chair.”
There’s nothing better than coming home to this amazing sea view and the peace and quiet. – Strepies
Rug from Ecoco; Tabula Bianco wood-look porcelain tiles from Italcotto
In summer, when it gets unbearably hot inland, there’s always a welcome breeze here. The floor in the main bedroom, installed about four years ago, is whitewashed solid pine. Chair and bench with rope detail from Weylandts; bedside lights from LIM; light yellow cushion from Woolworths; rug from Ecoco; solid French oak bedside cupboards by Victor Hugo Originals
CONTACTS AND STOCKISTS Arabesque 021 424 1234, arabesque-shop.com Beach House Interiors & Homeware 028 313 0383, beachhouse.co.za Caesarstone caesarstone.co.za Carolina Van Wyk Interior Consultants 083 372 1638, morehomelove.co.za Cécile and Boyd cecileandboyds.com Douglas Jones 086 166 7242, douglasjones.co.za Ecoco 021 424 3339, ecoco.co.za Exquisite Bathrooms 021 418 7626, exb.co.za Hendré Pitout 021 976 8774 Hertex 0860 437 839, hertex.co.za Italcotto 021 425 4192, italcotto.co.za Klooftique 021 424 9458, klooftique.com Lavo Bathrooms 021 461 0180, lavo.co.za LIM 021 423 1200, lim.co.za Mavromac 021 797 4739, mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Montebello Design Centre 021 685 6445, montebello.co.za Mungo 021 201 2374, mungo.co.za Napier Antiques 028 423 3314 Pezula Interiors 021 424 2661, pezulainteriors.co.za Strepies van Wyk 082 801 6154 Tip of Africa Creations 028 435 6131, tipofafricacreations.co.za Victor Hugo Originals 028 425 2881, victorhugooriginals.co.za Weylandts 0860 103 400, weylandts.co.za Woolworths 0860 022 002, woolworths.co.za
ISOBOARD PROMOTION
THE COOLEST SUMMER
WITH ISOBOARD Stay chilled with this stylish and energy-efficient insulation solution.
K
eeping your cool in warmer weather has never been more affordable! IsoBoard offers an easy-to-install insulation solution to fit to new builds or retrofit to existing buildings. This enables your home to manage temperature fluctuations with ease and you to maintain 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. Heat gain in residential homes is largely through the roof structure. Insulated ceilings retard heat flow into the living areas in summer and contain generated heat in winter, providing a comfortable living environment. With IsoBoard you have a rigid insulation board that can incorporate the ultimate in complete insulation design from the ground up, literally.
For more tips, tricks and information, visit isoboard.com, like us on facebook.com/isoboard and follow us on Twitter @isoboard.
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
reader home
WEST coast BLISS
Once a barn, this Langebaan ‘longhouse’ is now a simple but luxurious holiday home. By Kim Arendse Photographs and styling Henrique Wilding
January 2019
home 39
WHO LIVES HERE? Bruce and Nadine Tedder with their daughter Tristen (16) WHERE Langebaan, West Coast SIZE 250m2
40 home January 2019
The exterior staircase and one indoors lead to the loft which accommodates a double bed and two single beds.
Love this colour? Try Plascon /ŶĚŽ 'ƌŽƩŽ͘
A little stoep nook shaded by latte was added. Hanging buoys and window shutters painted a cheerful blue create a beachy atmosphere. >>
With its breathtaking views of the nearby lagoon and rolling hills covered in lush, colourful succulents, it’s no surprise that Bruce and Nadine Tedder decided to name their holiday home on the West Coast “Panorama”. Set in the heart of Langebaan, the couple’s home is a rustic gem – they fell in love with its casual coastal appeal and rich history. The double-storey house was once a storage barn on a large wheat farm that was divided into plots which now make up a large part of Myburgh Park. Nestled between many far more contemporary abodes, this home has a typical West Coast ‘longhouse’ structure with one narrow open-plan space and a thatched roof. “It’s thought to be older than 200 years,” says Nadine. “We can still see the old cow sheds from here, although they’re all dilapidated now.” The farm’s original homestead, situated across the road from the Tedders, is now the popular Farmhouse Hotel. On their property, Nadine and Bruce have converted a garage into a cottage and added a “playroom” where extra guests can spend the night when need be. And there are guests aplenty. “During family holidays, friends visit regularly and the days are packed with activities such as sailing, water-skiing, fishing and riding bicycles in the nearby West Coast National Park. “Come sunset, we’ll have drinks on the stoep, play boules on the lawn and have a big braai before heading indoors to play board games. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else making these happy, lifelong memories,” says Nadine. >>
A wall was built at the front door of the main house to shelter it from the wind.
42 home January 2019
A small garage was converted into a selfcontained one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage opposite the main house. Bruce saved a scaffolding plank that served as the top of an old, dilapidated stoep table to make this suspended version; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attached to the latte with rope and block and tackle.
It’s in the detail
dŚĞ dĞĚĚĞƌƐ ŽƉƚĞĚ ĨŽƌ ĂīŽƌĚĂďůĞ pine furniture and whitewashed it ƚŽ Įƚ ƚŚĞ ďĞĂĐŚͲĐŚŝĐ ƐƚLJůĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŚŽŵĞ͘ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĂů ƚĞƌƌĂĐŽƩĂ ƟůĞĚ ŇŽŽƌ ĞŶŚĂŶĐĞƐ Ă ůĂŝĚͲďĂĐŬ ĂĞƐƚŚĞƟĐ͘
There is no Wi-Fi or TV here. We wanted it to be a place where you can truly get away from it all… – Nadine
reader home
The open-plan kitchen and living areas make up the bulk of the downstairs space. “In winter, we love to gather around the fireplace to play cards after supper,” says Nadine. She kept the décor minimal to accentuate the textured white walls and exposed roof beams. >>
We love
It’s in the detail
this hammock hung from the exposed beams – it adds another casual but stylish touch.
^ůŝƉĐŽǀĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ ƐŽ ǀĞƌƐĂƟůĞ͊ They can easily be removed when they need a wash and you can ƵƉĚĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ůŽŽŬ ŝŶ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ĐŽůŽƵƌƐ Žƌ ƉĂƩĞƌŶƐ͘
January 2019
home 45
In the main house, the old barn loft was converted into a spacious bedroom.
reader home
Practical and unpretentious The first time Nadine and Bruce saw the property was 16 years ago. They were holidaying in Langebaan and vividly recall walking their daughter Tristen (now 16) past the little longhouse in her pram and dreaming of owning it one day. The couple, who both work in the boating and tourism industry, had wonderful experiences in Langebaan as kids and wanted the same for their own daughter. As luck would have it, the house went up for sale that year and they leapt at the opportunity. “We fell in love with its original West Coast aesthetic – including thick, lime-washed walls and a thatched roof,” says Nadine. Since the house had just undergone a renovation, all the Tedders had to do was decorate. “We didn’t have a big budget, so we were thrilled that the home had been beautifully restored and could speak for itself,” Nadine explains. “Much of the old structure was maintained, including the exposed roof trusses, yellowwood beams above the doors and windows and wide fireplace – it all creates an old-world charm and tranquil atmosphere perfect for a retreat.”
Bright and beautiful With limited funds, the Tedders had to furnish their space cleverly: they opted for furniture that would be comfortable as well as easy on the eye and bought several pine pieces such as the dining room table, benches and beds, which they painted white to match their beach-themed interior. This allowed them to invest in the best quality linen they could afford as well as sofas, throws and scatters. In addition, they shopped around the little coastal town for second-hand furniture. Nadine and Bruce adorned their walls with framed photographs from their overseas travels and black-and-white photos of old Langebaan, which they sourced from the Western Cape Provincial Archives. “We wanted to brighten up the space as a contrast to all the wooden elements, so we decided on a palette of cream and white and included a few pops of colour such as brightly coloured buoys collected from various beaches over the years to bring in some energy,” Nadine says. >>
Main house: ground floor Cupboard
Bedroom Lounge
Bed
Dining area
Stairs to loft
Fireplace
Latte over stoep
Bathroom Basin
Kitchen area
Cottage
Table Bath
Wooden elements such as the dado rail pair perfectly with the plastered white walls to create an earthy look in the bathroom. >>
Hanging table
Cupboards & bench
Shower
We love simplicity and the main bedroom was already such a beautiful space, so we decided not to decorate and detract from its striking neatness. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nadine
Want to stay here? You can book accommodation through Perfect Hideaways (021 790 0972, perfecthideaways.co.za).
N
reader home
We love
this ĚĞĐŽƌĂƟǀĞ ƌŽƉĞ ůĂĚĚĞƌ that was once used on Ă ƐŚŝƉ͘
The cottage bedroom is big enough to accommodate as many as four people. “My daughter is a teenager now so if she brings friends along for the holiday, they like to stay in the cottage – separate from us!” Nadine says with a chuckle. Scatters covered in red-and-white striped cotton fabric enhance the nautical theme.
50 home January 2019
To save on water and space, the Tedders opted for a shower instead of a bath in the cottage. The sandstone walls were left unplastered and simply painted white to match the main house.
Latte conceal the outside shower, perfectly positioned to catch the afternoon sun.
reader home
WHO LIVES HERE? Hanneli and Nico Denner with their daughters, Matista (18) and Halinka (17) WHERE Jacobsbaai, West Coast SIZE 620m²
A beach home From the street it looks like any ordinary West Coast home but the green-red-and-blue front door is an indication that something special awaits inside! By Marie Opperman • Photographs Francois Oberholster • Styling Shelly Bergh
The West Coast feel of the house is enhanced by a combination of white walls, a corrugated-iron roof, old-fashioned wooden sash windows and sea-green shutters. Gutters are not permitted so that rainwater can be absorbed directly into the ground. An exterior staircase next to the entertainment area behind the house (opposite) leads to the upper living area.
January 2019
home 53
We’re not worried about uniformity in the house, as long as nothing is skew. – Hanneli
A glass back door in the scullery behind the red brick wall allows light to shine through the glass cubbies in which old sewing machines are displayed. The barn door on the right leads to the pantry and linen room.
So pretty! Hanneli had the island custom made with ample storage space and then painted the doors herself.
The work surfaces next to the gas stove are made of cement and boast wooden drawers. Hanneli painted one of the drawers to resemble an old suitcase, complete with handles from her mom’s school bag (also opposite, top right). Island made by Oldwood Creations; steel and canvas bar stools from Mabibuch; sandstone floor tiles in the colour Desert from Mazista
54 home January 2019
Cutlery in the island drawer is neatly stored in old Butterfield loaf pans.
A cow skull on the front stoep, antique sewing machines on display in the kitchen, a pendant rigged from an old ladder and chains, a handful of old crank telephones, and even half a telephone pole... In Hanneli and Nico Denner’s home, you’d best expect the unexpected! “If it’s here, it’s because it’s beautiful,” says creative Hanneli of her surprising décor. The couple conceptualised plans for their dream home a long while back and when they started building three years ago, Hanneli had the sketches ready as well as all sorts of accessories and furniture. “Some of my ideas left practical Nico a bit gobsmacked,” she recalls. “Fortunately, we like the same décor style.” From the moment you enter the house, the corrugated-iron walls, rough cement finishes and stonework all create a warm atmosphere. “Being artistic is like breathing for me; it just happens,” says Hanneli. And each and every accessory has been selected and used with great care. “The stone on the exterior walls was unearthed when the foundations were excavated. Nico picked up the cow skull in the veld and made the colourful clay birds sitting on its horns in a pottery class in Paternoster,” Hanneli explains. “The front door is new but I painted it to look old. After a long search, I found the perfect handle and sanded it until it looked weathered.” >>
Bright idea! Corrugated-iron sheets add texture to the wall.
The living area on the first floor has a balcony with a sea view. It is also fitted with a fireplace and small kitchen.
Three lights hang from an old ladder suspended from roughly-hewn saligna rafters by means of chains and pulleys.
Kitchen Lounge/Dining area
Patio
Scullery
Ground floor
Patio
Pantry Studio
Stoep Study
Staff quarters Garage
TV room Bedroom Bathroom
Attic
Bath
Bedroom
Main bedroom
First floor
N Stairs
The dining nook next to the kitchen leads out to the back stoep with its builtin braai. Portholes are a prevalent theme: there are two in the wall above the server and there’s even one inside the braai!
The staircase wall is decorated with family photos and wooden blocks that spell out the family’s favourite catchphrases.
Hanneli got the inspiration for the banister made of rusted copper pipes from a French magazine. “I love the way the French combine old and new.”’
Cute!
'ůĂƐƐ ďŽƩůĞ ďŽƩŽŵƐ ǁĞƌĞ ƐĞƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐĞŵĞŶƚ ůĂŶĚŝŶŐ͘
A little bit of everything Hanneli was born in North West and has owned her own interior decorating business, Annerkant die Draad, for 14 years. “I do a little bit of everything,” she says. “I paint, I love architecture, design, fabrics, historical novels, sewing and gardening. I’m also an amateur photographer.” But she’s actually a trained teacher! Hanneli and Nico designed the house themselves. “It took many hours of drawing sketches. Nico’s insight and practical, logical input helped a lot. I used a computer program to do the sketches and an architect submitted the final plans to the municipality for approval. “The building regulations for the town are quite strict. The height and width of the house, as well as the size of the windows and doors, are subject to stringent rules. Due to the height limitation, the upper level is situated largely in the roof. “When it came to construction and design, it was like working with a blank slate. Our previous property was old and we renovated it, but this was the first house we built from scratch. Everything that bothered us in the past, we could do differently here.” Hanneli has only one regret: “If we could change one thing, we would have made the house a little smaller. We were so excited about the dream of moving to Jacobsbaai that we totally forgot our kids would one day leave the nest.” Fortunately, there is now more than enough room for when they visit with their friends! >>
January 2019
home 57
One of Hanneli’s paintings hangs in Matista’s bedroom, while an old ammunition kist by the window provides storage space.
Rustic authenticity The Denners lived in Rustenburg in North West but spent their holidays in Jacobsbaai for many years. They bought the plot on which the house now stands in 1998. “You can see, hear and smell the ocean from here,” says Hanneli. “The property adjoins a green belt and it feels as if we’re living on a farm. In winter, it’s so pretty with all the green and then in spring the flowers bloom.” Construction began in March 2015. “We were scheduled to move in at the end of that year but it only happened the following March,” she says. The house was designed around their furniture, most of which comes from their parents’ homes or antique stores. “I like old things. We buy from interesting places and we don’t follow trends and fads. I’m inspired by the French rural style, but also by local towns such as Rosendal in the Free State. It’s there that I got the idea to use stonework inside and outside the house.” Hanneli says the Cemcrete finish on the walls accentuates the rustic appeal of the house. “All of the walls are painted with Earthcote Worn Leather in the colour Bakgat. On the ground floor we laid sandstone tiles and on the upper level the floors are recycled Oregon pine.” Hanneli’s favourite part of the house? “The kitchen,” she says immediately. “It’s the heart of our home. It’s where we cook, make coffee, drink wine and entertain. In winter, the coal stove makes it lovely and cosy – even the cats are hesitant to budge from there. “We are so content here. We only have one life and we believe in living it! Seize the day!” >>
58 home January 2019
Halinka’s bedroom is decorated with colourful rosettes she has won in equestrian competitions. Hanneli discovered the kist at the foot of the bed in the veld and restored it.
Hospital bedside cabinets and a rough stone wall add impact to the guest bedroom.
The basin in the main bedroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s en-suite is mounted on a huge wooden slab suspended from the rafters by steel cables.
[ TIPS FOR BUILDING A HOUSE ] ,ĂŶŶĞůŝ ŽīĞƌƐ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ŽŶ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ĚƌĞĂŵ ŚŽŵĞ͗ • Stay true to your style. • The design of your house should match your lifestyle. • Before you appoint a building contractor, check their references and draw up a comprehensive contract. ͻ ,ĂǀĞ ǁƌŝƩĞŶ ƉƌŽŽĨ ŽĨ ĐŚĂŶŐĞƐ ŵĂĚĞ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ building process. • Don’t make hasty decisions – building a home is expensive. ͻ ^ƟĐŬ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ ďƵĚŐĞƚ ĂƐ ŵƵĐŚ ĂƐ ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ͊ &Žƌ ĞdžĂŵƉůĞ͕ ǁŚĞŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ĐŽƐƚƐ ǁŽƌŬĞĚ ŽƵƚ ŵŽƌĞ ĞdžƉĞŶƐŝǀĞ ƚŚĂŶ ƉůĂŶŶĞĚ͕ ǁĞ ŚĂĚ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ĐŚĞĂƉĞƌ ůŝŐŚƟŶŐ͘
Hanneli and Nico sleep on a fourposter bed they bought in Pretoria many moons ago; the backrest of the riempies bench broke off but Hanneli restored the piece anyway.
Bright idea!
ƟŶ ďŽdž ŬĞĞƉƐ ďĂƚŚ ĂĐĐĞƐƐŽƌŝĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ŚĂŶĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐŝƌůƐ͛ ďĂƚŚƌŽŽŵ͘
The girls’ bathroom with its red bricks was inspired by old station buildings. Hanneli had the wooden cabinet custom made, while the mirror frame was part of an old pressed-steel ceiling.
White bath and tin box from Les Collectables
Hanneli painted the framework for the vanity; the top is French oak.
The guest bathroom’s tin bath comes from Koöperasie Stories; today, these types of baths are used as troughs in France! Towels are stored on an old pot stand; the mosaic artwork is by Hanneli. >>
Basin from CTM; taps from Victorian Side Bathrooms
Hanneli’s grandfather made the small table on the braai stoep next to the guest suite for her mother many years ago. When the sun sets, the old windmill looks stunning.
Lantern from Dassiesfontein
Pebbles and shells collected on the beach add interest to the cement block pathway (below) to the front door. Waterwise Australian rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) provides greenery.
Geologist Nico Denner with the family horse Faan on Jacobsbaai beach.
H Hanneli sits b between her d daughters, M Matista and H Halinka – both aare equestrian eenthusiasts.
STOCKISTS Annerkant die Draad 082 875 0087 Cemcrete cemcrete.co.za CTM 0800 010 810, ctm.co.za Dassiesfontein 028 214 1475, dassies.co.za Earthcote paintsmiths.co.za Koöperasie Stories 076 303 9336, kooperasiestories.co.za Les Collectables 021 761 6085, lescollectables.co.za Mabibuch 018 632 3912, mabibuch.co.za Mazista mazista.co.za Oldwood Creations 044 690 6192, oldwoodcreations.co.za Victorian Side Bathrooms 021 982 0461, victoriansidebathrooms.co.za
62 home January 2019
reader home
THE HOMEOWNERS Nicol and Vilhéta Retief WHERE Stilbaai West, Southern Cape SIZE 432m2
FOR THE NEXT After 50 years of holidaying in Stilbaai, the Retiefs knew exactly what they wanted for their home in this resort town: an open welcoming structure that pays tribute to the original fishermen’s cottages and comfortably accommodates their entire family. By Frieda le Roux • Photographs Francois Oberholster Styling Marian van Wyk
It’s in the detail
dŚĞ ĐĞŝůŝŶŐƐ ĂƌĞ ĮŶŝƐŚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƉĂŝŶƚĞĚ EƵƚĞĐ͘
The main bedroom has its own balcony with a stunning view of the ocean. One of architect Johann Slee’s design characteristics is the use of high ceilings to create the illusion of space in small rooms.
January 2019
home 65
reader home
The living area (also opposite) on the ground floor opens out onto a secluded courtyard with a balau deck. The sliding doors are wider and taller than normal to create a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor areas. There are no curtains in the Tin House; the aluminium shutters are purpose-made to provide protection from the sun’s rays and a measure of security.
66 home January 2019
The dining room forms part of the open-plan living area which also includes the kitchen. A separate scullery is out of sight – an asset when you want to hide the holiday dishes!
The Retief family has a long history with the popular coastal town of Stilbaai – in fact, it dates all the way back to the 1940s. “My husband Nicol has been coming to Stilbaai since he was about four – that’s almost 75 years!” says Vilhéta. As newlyweds and for the following 15 years, the couple spent their holidays at the well-known Ocean View boarding house owned by Ella van der Merwe on the eastern side of the Goukou River. In 1985, they bought their first property in town – also located on the eastern side. But over the years, more and more of their The neutral palette in friends settled on the western side... the living room has “In 1991, on the spur of the moment, we walked into a real been brightened up with estate agency and asked if there were any beach homes available colourful cushions and a in Stilbaai West. As luck would have it, this house was on the bold painting. market as an urgent sale from a deceased estate.” Cushions from Biggie Best The Retiefs made a cash offer and it was accepted. “It was actually a bit of a shock,” recalls Vilhéta. “But in hindsight, the gamble paid off because I don’t think we could have invested in a better place.” At the time, one of Stilbaai’s original houses was located on the property but wood borers in the floors and rafters, a very impractical layout, tiny windows and a bathroom that was horribly outdated presented quite a few challenges. “We decided to clad the exterior of the house with asbestos panels, which at least updated the look!” says Vilhéta. It wasn’t until almost 20 years later, in 2008, that the Retiefs decided to demolish the old house and build again from scratch. Since the original structure was so riddled with dry rot and because of all the alterations that had been made over the years, the house had long since lost its original character and the couple had no problems with the Heritage Council. They were able to build a house that would meet their needs and those of their children and grandchildren. And so the Tin House was born. >>
reader home
On the same page After years of holidaying in the original house, the Retiefs knew exactly what they wanted for their new abode. They approached Stellenbosch architect Johann Slee with a list of requirements. “Fortunately, we clicked from the start,” says Vilhéta. “We were very much on the same page and he accomplished the near impossible by accommodating all our needs, especially considering that the homes along the beach are only permitted to be built on half of a stand, in this case an area of 476m2.” The Retiefs’ double-storey house has a footprint of just 216m2 so it falls within this building restriction. Vilhéta says huge windows on the sea-facing side were non-negotiable. She also wanted to be able to see the beach from the kitchen and not feel excluded from the activities in the living area. “Sufficient bedrooms and bathrooms for our family – including children, grandchildren and our housekeeper – was also a requirement, as was storage for all our sports equipment, an outdoor shower and indoor braai. Limited floor space presented a challenge but high ceilings create the illusion of space, even though the rooms aren’t very big.” For Nicol, a storage area for their boat and enough parking space behind the house on the street side was vital. “It’s always a crisis during the holidays when everyone descends on us!” says Vilhéta. When summer arrives, the Retief home is a hive of activity but there’s enough space for all, thanks to six bedrooms, four bathrooms and a guest toilet. There’s also an outside room with its own bathroom. Vilhéta says that in the “old days” – before Stilbaai had its own municipality – everyone came to collect water from their property. “There are many springs running out to sea and the water isn’t all of the same quality; ours is much less brackish than that of the other springs.” Apparently, it’s this sweet water that has resulted in the prolific growth of the manatoka tree that Vilhéta planted shortly after they bought the property in the early nineties. “It’s for my grandchildren someday,” she says. Today, this beautiful tree shields them from the harsh morning sun in the summer months. “The tree is a bit lopsided from the south-easter but two poles give it support.” >>
A wooden staircase leads to the garages and parking area at street level. To the right is a freestanding guest suite with a storage room above.
The Retiefs’ stoep offers a breathtaking view; from this vantage point, you can see across the mouth of the Goukou River to the main swimming beach in Stilbaai East.
An outdoor shower is handy for rinsing off beach sand.
Ground floor plan
Braai
Guest suite
Entrance Sunscreen
Boat store Kitchen
Bedroom
N
Bedroom
Bedroom
Bedroom
Laundry
Scullery
Dining room
Living room Walkway
Store
Bathroom
Loft store
Courtyard Main bedroom
TV room
Loft floor plan The ceiling with its off-shutter concrete finish and a Flowcrete cement floor complement the neutral palette that Vilhéta favours; they’re also practical and fuss-free – a bonus in a laid-back home that gets plenty of visitors over the holidays.
January 2019
home 69
We got exactly what we envisioned. The approval process was just as seamless because our architect kept to the required stipulations... and all the neighbours were happy. – Vilhéta Authentic character The natural spring that runs through the property put a bit of a spanner in the works during the building process. “The builder had to literally build a pond to store the spring water while he was building; it was pumped out later.” Because of the groundwater they also decided on a floating foundation. Although the Tin House was built with bricks, it was clad with Colorbond roofing sheets. “The advantage of this is that the house now has a double cavity wall,” explains Vilhéta. “It keeps the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. I’m the practical one in the house and at first I wasn’t sure of the ‘corrugated-iron’ idea because I was worried about rust here at the seaside! But they convinced me because it’s something different! And a big plus is that this cladding doesn’t need to be painted.” While it may seem strange at first, the design is reminiscent of the original corrugated-iron fishermen’s cottages in Stilbaai and this certainly helped with municipal approval. “If it wasn’t for the roof sheeting, we might have struggled to get the otherwise modern house plans passed – the sheeting gives it that ‘old’ feel.” While Vilhéta had to come round to the idea of corrugated-iron cladding, she instantly loved the flooring. The couple first encountered Flowcrete, a German product, at their local fruit market; it was evident that the forklifts driving over the shop floor weren’t damaging it in any way. “At first, it was difficult to choose the right flooring but when we came across this product, we were confident. It isn’t cold underfoot or slippery when wet.”
The sliding doors in the bedrooms are larger than standard interior doors and reach all the way to the ceiling, contributing to an open feel throughout the house. When the giant sliding doors in the hallway are opened up, this area connects the bedrooms with the courtyard.
Cushions and throw from Biggie Best
Bright idea!
In a beach home, you need plenty of hooks for towels, beach bags and other ŚŽůŝĚĂLJ ŶĞĐĞƐƐŝƟĞƐ͘
Vilhéta’s love for neutral colours is also evident in the bathrooms, which all have the same finish.
The main bedroom is on the upper level in the loft space. The bed is the perfect place to enjoy the ocean view, as is the shower in the en-suite bathroom. Blue blanket from Biggie Best
On the décor When the Retiefs bought the house, the furniture was part of the deal. “The previous owner’s son, whom we bought the house from, asked us very nicely to never sell the stoep chairs. We still have them, although they’ve been reupholstered.” These very heavy chairs are made of ironwood and have slats on the sides. Vilhéta says she decorated the home’s interior herself. “A friend of ours made all the other wooden furniture. Since the rooms are quite small, we had to work precisely with our measurements which, of course, was limiting.” However, this kind of exercise forces you to be practical as far as materials and space are concerned. “Anyway, I’m a firm believer in less is more!” says Vilhéta happily.
STOCKISTS AND CONTACT Biggie Best 021 534 8662, biggiebestwebshop.co.za Flowcrete flowcretesa.co.za Slee+co (architect) 021 887 3385, slee.co.za
January 2019
home 71
AS EASY AS Deon de Goede Shelly Bergh
By Deon de Goede and Shelly Bergh Photographs Francois Oberholster Styling Shelly Bergh
1, 2, 3!
A wooden bench can be used for seating, as a side table or a display area. And this one is so simple to make, why not build a trio of them!
QUICK PROJECT GUIDE
Project notes • Remember to drill pilot holes. • Sand your wood beforehand.
Hat, scarf, shoes, glasses, plate and bowls from Woolworths; watermelon plate from H&M Home
Hard labour 4/10 Skill level 4/10 Time needed 1 to 2 hours Make three benches for less than R1 400: wood R1 170, screws R100, sandpaper R26, wood filler R30 (paint/varnish excluded)
You will need SHOPPING LIST • 22 x 220mm planed pine, cut to: three 1 000mm lengths (seats) six 400mm lengths (legs) • 22 x 95mm planed pine, cut to: six 1 000mm lengths (sides) • 22 x 44mm planed pine, cut to: twelve 360mm lengths (struts) • one packet 6mm x 50mm screws • wood filler • sandpaper
TOOLS • cordless drill, 3mm drill bit and 35mm spade bit • pencil • tape measure • try square • tenon saw • jigsaw • chisel • hammer • clamps
do it yourself
How to build the benches
1
Timber supplied by Timbercity
2
1 Cut the ends of the 44 x 360mm struts at a 45º angle (see photo). Measure and mark the position of the legs 100mm from each end of the 220 x 1 000mm seat; mark a strip as wide as the thickness of the legs to indicate where the screws will come, then drill pilot holes. Glue and screw the legs to the seat. 2 Measure and mark the position of the struts: 255mm from the top of the seat to the edge of the leg, and 255mm from the edge of the seat against the front edge. Position the strut and mark where you need to cut out a joint in the leg and the seat. Draw the cut-out lines using the try square and also mark the thickness of the strut on the side of the leg and on the seat (see inset).
3 3 Saw along the lines to the marked depth, then use the chisel and hammer to chip out the wood so that the strut is flush with the edge of the seat and leg. Drill pilot holes and glue and screw the strut. Repeat to create four struts for each bench. Tip Use a wood clamp if you’re working alone to make things easier and to ensure that the legs are at right angles to the seat.
4
5
4 Place one of the 95 x 1 000mm side planks on the side of the bench and mark where you need to apply the glue to the struts. Glue and screw the plank flush with the top and ends of the seat. Mark the thickness of the seat on the end of the side piece and draw a 45º line. Cut along the line to finish off the side. Repeat on the other end and with the other side piece.
Three benches can be used together in different combinations to suit your needs. – Deon Page over to see how to decorate your benches.
5 Turn the bench over and mark the V-shaped cut-outs for the legs (see photo). Using the spade bit, drill a hole at the apex of the V, then cut out the rest of the V with the jigsaw. Fill all screw holes with wood filler and allow to dry before sanding the bench thoroughly. Repeat the process for the other two benches. January 2019
home 73
do it yourself
QUICK PROJECT GUIDE
Change your stripes
Hard labour 1/10 Skill level 3/10 Time needed 1 day Do it yourself for ±R385: 7 sample pots of paint at R55 each
Paint your benches for a fresh and fun effect. You will need TOOLS • paintbrushes • G-clamps
SHOPPING LIST • leftover paint in the colours of your choice • chalk paint, wax or sealant • broad masking tape (ours was 7.3cm wide)
1 1 Coat the seats of two of the benches with two layers of white or off-white paint. Let the paint dry between coats.
3 3 Paint all the exposed stripes with two coats in different colours. Let the paint dry between coats.
6
Project notes If you use PVA or enamel, you’ll need to prime the wood first. And if you use chalk paint, remember to seal it with wax afterwards.
2 2 While the two white benches are drying, measure and mark the centre on the remaining bench. Use the masking-tape roll to mark intervals of the same width across the top of the bench. Mask every second stripe.
5
4 4 When the second coat has dried, carefully remove the tape.
5 Tape over the lines you painted in step 3.
Masking tape
7
8
6 Paint all the exposed stripes with two coats in different colours. Let the paint dry between coats. Once the paint has dried, remove the tape. 7 Stack the three benches on top of each other with the striped one at the top. Use offcut timber as spacers between the legs and clamps to secure them together. 8 Mask the bottom edge of the bench with the solid stripes, then extend these with paint in the same colour and a very wet brush. Stop applying the paint halfway down the middle and let it drip down the bottom bench. Paint every second line, and let it dry. Then continue to do the lines in-between. Let the benches stand like this until the paint has dried completely. STOCKISTS AND CONTACT Deon de Goede 084 589 5026, deon@diydeon.co.za H&M Home 0860 690 707, hm.com/za Timbercity 021 927 5000, timbercity.co.za Woolworths 0860 022 002, woolworths.co.za
74 home January 2019
Shelly Bergh
UP THE
garden path... Make your own unique pavers! By Shelly Bergh Photographs Francois Oberholster
do it yourself
You will need SHOPPING LIST • 2kg modelling putty • 2kg polyurethane rubber (Vytalex 30; Part A and Part B) • Ease Release • Aquacon • offcut pieces of melamine (you’ll need one 600 x 450mm sheet and four strips about 60mm wide x 450mm long) • cement • sand • water TOOLS • cake roller • knife • bowl • ruler • jigsaw • glue gun • spray bottle • mixing bowls • flat mixing stick (we used a plastic ruler) • hammer • latex gloves • paintbrush
Get started
1 1 Work on the sheet of melamine. Shape the modelling putty into a ball then flatten it into a circle. Use the four melamine strips in pairs as spacers on either side of your putty, and use the cake roller to flatten it some more. You want your putty to be about 32mm thick.
Project notes • The amount of chemicals you use will vary, depending on the size of your pavers. • Always work with chemicals in a well-ventilated area and be sure to wear latex gloves.
2 2 Use the knife and bowl to cut a circle out of the putty.
3 3 Make small marks at the edge of your putty circle on the middle line and another mark on the edge halfway between these marks.
QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 1/10 Skill level 5/10 Time needed holiday project Do it yourself for ±R740 (chemicals R450, cement R170, modelling putty R120) Chemicals for polyurethane rubber mould from AMT Composites
4 4 Use the bowl to connect the marks you made in step 3 with a bowed line.
5 5 Cut the putty away on the lines you made in step 4.
Page over for the mould and casting steps. January 2019
home 77
do it yourself
6
6 Use the knife to bevel the edge of your shape, then use your fingers to smooth the putty. Take your time with this step as this is the prototype for all your paving stones. You can use an old bank card and knife to help you smooth all the surfaces.
7
7 Use hot glue to stick the 60mm strips around your shape to create a box. You will need to cut the last strip with a jigsaw to ensure that it fits. Build the box quite tightly around your shape; about 20mm from the putty. Use the hot glue to seal the edges of your box and spray with Ease Release (this will loosen the set rubber).
9 Pour the polyurethane rubber into the box you made in step 7. Pour just in one spot (the deepest area) and let the rubber find its way around the shape. Allow it to cure for 24 hours. Tap the strips of melamine with the hammer to remove them from your rubber mould. Lift the mould away from the putty shape. Tip If you think you won’t have enough polyurethane rubber to fill in all the negative space in your box, fill the corners with modelling putty before pouring.
8 8 Mix the two-part polyurethane rubber in a clean bucket with a flat mixing stick. Stir for 3 minutes.
10 10 Prepare your mould with a release agent (Aquacon). Spray it on and smooth it out with a clean brush. Let it dry.
STOCKIST AMT Composites 021 511 2669, amtcomposites.co.za
78 home January 2019
11 12 12 Remove your first paver from the mould. Repeat steps 11 and 12 until you have enough pavers.
11 Mix the cement (1 part cement: 3 parts sand: 1 part water). Cast the cement into your mould. Shake the mould a bit to get rid of any air bubbles in the cement. Let it dry overnight.
SaatchiCPT451670/E
YOUR PASSION. OUR EXPERTISE. Whether it’s tackling a DIY project, renovating your home or lovingly restoring an old favourite, we’re the project partner for the job. Let’s bring your vision to life. Visit one of our 40 nationwide branches today.
Cutting | Edging | Boards | Timber | Hardware | Delivery
Your Project Partner
advice
Ask the experts
Keen to add colour to a neutral lounge or create privacy for an en-suite bathroom? You ask – we find the answers.
Compiled by Desiree Hartney
ΊE t KE & KK < Do you have an ƵƌŐĞŶƚ ƋƵĞƐƟŽŶ ƚŚĂƚ just can’t wait? Then join our Tuis|Home Experts group on Facebook and get help from the team, professionals and other readers.
Tired of tiles Jaco Barnard of Swellendam writes My builder is convinced that tiles are the only way to go in a bathroom. What other options are there for wall and floor coverings? Brendon Fisher, technical consultant t Coprox, replies If you’re not keen on tiles, ement coatings are popular as a wall or floor finish. Coprox Masonry Waterproofing and Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat eliminate the need for plaster, paint nd tiles, providing a unique mottled and rustic finish that ages beautifully. The substrate is finished and waterproofed in one lic io both products are available in 20 attractive colours; they can also be painted over with traditional paint. A fresh coat of Coprox is all it takes to maintain the look! Coprox Masonry Waterproofing is applied with a brush and Coprox Waterproof Dualcoat can either be applied with a brush for an elegant textured finish or trowelled on to create a smooth skim coat finish on walls and floors and over clay tiles. You can find detailed instructions as well as application videos on the Coprox website. CONTACT coprox.com
Every effort is made to answer all questions; unfortunately, we cannot answer every question personally. Home reserves the right to edit questions for publication.
80 home January 2019
Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za.
Colour schemes In need of some colour
Dekriet (Paint & Décor)
Patricia Finlay of Noord oe writes I d love to add some colour Western Myall (Dulux)
to my lounge. I also want to buy a rug for the floor and I’d like to relocate the TV; the dresser would work better elsewhere. Any suggestions?
Thames Dusk (Plascon)
Jani Augustyn-Goussard of Paint & Décor eplies What a lovely room! Although I don’t know our style preferences, I’ve created four ways in hich you could introduce colour. I’m a paint nthusiast simply because it’s such a powerful and mediate tool with which to revamp a space at a action of the cost of new décor items and furniture. The tricky thing in this particular room is the fact attention to a wall that features elements in a similar shape: the TV and two windows are all rectangles. You also have to compete with the pitched roof. Consider these shapes when you plan your makeover.
Kruidjie-roer-my-nie (Paint & Décor)
Pale Sage (Dulux)
Option A To balance out the rectangular shapes, paint a dark colour on the wall that will make the TV less prominent. I suggest Dekriet from Paint & Décor’s ecofriendly paint range, or other moody colours such as Western Myall from Dulux or Thames Dusk from Plascon. Also consider a low TV wall unit that runs all the way from one side of the room to the other. Add wooden shutters to the windows next to the TV – this will introduce a natural element that works well with any wall colour.
&ůŽĂƟŶŐ /ƐůĂŶĚ ;WůĂƐĐŽŶͿ
Option B This example uses a little more colour and also turns the TV into the only rectangle that contrasts with the walls. Painting your shutters in the same colour as the wall is a great plan! You can also add detail and creativity with a stencil (Paint & Décor stocks these). I’d paint the lovely chandelier in the same colour or a similar shade to the walls or stencil pattern so it creates a cohesive whole.
Karoonag (Paint & Décor)
Harpoon (Dulux)
Fat Alley Cat (Plascon)
Option C This choice is a lot of fun! I wouldn’t use a modern TV unit like the one suggested in option A, but rather something rustic with lots of texture and painted in a bright colour. Paint the shutters a colour that complements the shade on the wall (green and blue are neighbours on the colour wheel). Karoonag from Paint & Décor is a beautiful deep teal that will work very well with greens, or use Fat Alley Cat from Plascon for a rich purple-blue. Create extra oomph by painting the chandelier bright yellow!
Option D
Follow Me (Paint & Décor)
You could also go botanical with a trendy deep green wall; try Follow Me from Paint & Décor or Emerald from Dulux. Make use of a wooden TV unit that matches your floor and create blinds reminiscent of posters or works of art. The fabric can be custom-printed for you with any botanical print we have in-store at Paint & Décor; otherwise, visit your favourite fabric stockist for something that tickles your fancy. >>
Emerald (Dulux)
Mayor Green (Plascon)
CONTACT paintdecordiy.co.za January 2019
home 81
Décor dilemma Bathroom blues Edna Ellman of Gordon’s Bay writes The entrance to our en-suite bathroom is right at the foot of our bed, which doesn’t allow much space for a regular door. What alternative can you suggest that won’t take up too much space or cost too much? Jenny Collins of Red Cat Design replies You have two ptions: my first recommendation would be to replace your bed with ne that doesn’t have a footboard. Yours takes up about 20cm of valuable space between the bed nd bathroom. I you ve less than 70cm between the foot of the bed and the bathroom wall, consider a soft, flexible solution such as curtains to provide privacy. Instead of using store-bought curtains, find a beautiful piece of fabric with an interesting pattern or print. The curtains will close the space off and add visual interest to the room. Sliding panel blinds serve as a stylish alternative to curtains. They’re similar to vertical blinds, but each fabric panel is about 500mm wide and you would slide them to one side to access your bathroom. The panels hang on a rail. If there’s at least 70cm between the foot of the bed and the start of the bathroom wall once the footboard has been removed, you have enough space to brick up the opening; you could use drywall and leave an opening just as a doorway. If you have a space of 80cm or more at the foot of the bed, you can install a sliding door that opens towards the dressing table on the bedroom side of the new partition (a hinged door will not work in this space). Barn-style sliding doors are very popular but a louvered door or shutters will work just as well. CONTACT redcatdesign.co.za
82 home January 2019
Splurge
ŽŶ ƐŚƵƩĞƌƐ ĨƌŽŵ dĂLJůŽƌ tŝŶĚŽǁ ůŝŶĚƐ ;ƚĂLJůŽƌďůŝŶĚƐ͘ĐŽ͘njĂͿ͘
The problem space
Repurpose ƐĂůǀĂŐĞĚ ĐŽƩĂŐĞ ĚŽŽƌƐ͘
Email your queries to experts@homemag.co.za.
Add elegance with curtains.
Recycle If you can find unused louvre cupboard doors or shutters this could be a good solution. Attach one door to the wall either permanently or with hinges and then attach the next with hinges as well. Small castor wheels added under the doors will allow them to open and close smoothly and they’ll support the weight of the doors. >>
Weekend project You will need • Perma Self-Sticking Utility Rack • Perma Self-Sticking Cup Hooks
Peel off the backing paper and stick!
1
Neaten up your living spaces with these nifty storage tools.
PERMA PROMOTION
1 Sort out a messy wardrobe With six hooks and doublesided mounting tape for easy installation, the Perma Self-Sticking Utility Rack is a simple storage solution for a full wardrobe. 2 Wall-mount WiFi modems Perma Self-Sticking Cup Hooks provide the perfect nesting space for modems. Lift them out when you’re on the move and replace them when you get home. There is no drilling required – perfect for rental homes!
2 Visit www.permaproducts.co.za for details or call the Sticky Questions Helpline toll-free on 0800 222 400 for expert advice.
Quick questions
Q: I love the table and chairs featured on page 23 of your August 2018 issue; where can I get them? – Jene Strydom, Cape Town A: The table is from Solid Goods (082 804 0111); the homeowner, Arno, made a few modifications to it. The chairs are from Fab Interiors (083 275 4491).
Q: Where did the homeowners buy the table and chairs on page 21 of your June 2018 issue? – Leandi Schalekamp, Pretoria A: The table is from @home (home.co.za) and the chairs are from Red Apple (redapple.za.com).
Q: What type of finish was applied to the walls and floor on page 48 of your November 2015 issue? – Leana Vlok, Pretoria A: The walls were finished with CreteStone (gyproc.co.za) and the floors were screeded with white pool cement mixed with golf course sand.
Q: I’ve been looking everywhere for a curtain rail like the one on page 68 of your June 2018 issue; where is it from? – Vanessa Berry, Durban A: The rail is made to order by Sara Interior (sarainterior.co.za).
Email stashit@homemag.co.za
Email gardens@homemag.co.za
Stash it or trash it?
JJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corner Screen off
Into the woods
Yvette Loots of Pretoria writes
Hafsa Jamadar of Benoni writes What is the value of these plates, individually or as a set? I would like to sell them.
What kind of bamboo can I plant to create privacy in my yard?
Sophie-Louise FrĂśhlich of Stephan Welz & Co. replies Enoch Wedgwood was an English potter who founded Wedgwood & Co in 1860. This was a separate business to that of his T ffamous cousin, Josiah Wedgwood. This is the woodland pattern and pricing would depend on the size of the set. CIRCA late 19th century VALUE R2 500â&#x20AC;&#x201C;R4 500 CONTACT ct@stephanwelzandco.co.za
JJ replies Your best option would be hedging bamboo. The variety â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Golden Goddessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will suit your needs; it grows about 4m high and spreads slowly. >Ĺ?Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ĺś Ć&#x161;Ĺ˝ ::Í&#x203A;Ć? Ĺ?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x161;Ä&#x17E;ĹśĹ?ĹśĹ? Ć&#x;Ć&#x2030;Ć? and tricks on Derrich Gardnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;ĹŹÄŽĆ? ĹľÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x161; Derrich at 07:40 every Saturday on RSG.
Photograph Lisa Romerein/Getty
WALL GARDEN SYSTEM
WITH BUILT-IN IRRIGATION
The WATEXÂŽ patented DIY Expandable Green Wall with built in drippers allows you to transform a wall into a lovely, colourful growing space. 5IF TZTUFN JT TJNQMF UP TFU VQ BOE DPNFT JO B LJU GPSN UIBU JT GVMMZ FYQBOEBCMF Each kit contains: r Y #BDLJOH QBOFM XJUI ESJQQFS r Y TFUT )FSC 'MPXFS QPUT r Y %SJQ 5SBZ r Y 4UBJOMFTT 4UFFM CSBDLFU r Y 4DSFX QMVHT r Y JODI 4DSFXT r Y JODI 5BQ BEBQUPS r Y XBZ DPVQMJOHT r Y JODI 5BQ BEBQUPS XJUI CBSC r Y 1SFTTVSF SFEVDFS
Available from Leading Hardware Stores and Nurseries.
www.watex.co.za 5575 WATEX Home Green Wall 1/2 pg janâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;19
advice
Animal antics Compiled by Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel (and her Beagle, Frodo)
It’s a dog’s life!
My happy place! Friskie the Yorkie loves Manaba Beach on the South Coast just as much as his human family. – Yvonne Benecke, Welkom
Daisy, daisy Chuppy waits patiently for the ball to be thrown. – Elaine Visser, Melkbosstrand
Wingin’ it Frolicking on the beach in Jeffreys Bay is one of Lulu’s favourite activities! – Lila van der Vyver, Kirkwood
Salty sea dog Rescue pet Emma makes the most of her first time on the beach at Melkbosstrand! – Elizma Visser, Brackenfell
86 home January 2019
Email your queries to pets@homemag.co.za
Q&A
Cool as ice Lily White of Johannesburg writes I love to make pet treats; do you have a recipe for something cool on hot summer days?
Row, row, row your boat Roxy and her pups, Bella and Nala, enjoy harbour life in Struisbaai. – Monica Rademeyer, Brackenfell
Sister Valdette Muller, owner of online store shingavet.co.za, replies Just like humans, our furry friends also enjoy nibbling on something cool. Here’s an easy ice lolly recipe: You will need • water • carrot, grated (this will flavour the water and give the lolly a lovely orange colour) • apple, grated • dog biscuits of your (or your pet’s) choice • water-resistant toys • chicken stock with low salt content
On the lookout Purdey gazes out to sea at L’Agulhas. – Mark and Marize Barnard, Ashton
Hot product Both adult cats and kittens will enjoy hours of fun with the CA-Tumbler Mushroom (R235, apetslife.co.za) – an unpredictable toy and feeding apparatus all in one. Simply fill up a third of the cup with dry treats, pop two spoons of catnip into the compartments and watch what happens! The challenge level can also be adjusted.
Each owner whose pet is featured here wins a large K9 Camper or Car Seat Hammock for dogs from Wagworld (wagworld.co.za). Available from leading vet and pet shops, the durable K9 Camper canvas is water-resistant, making it perfect for dirty paws and wet bums. It’s also easy to clean: simply hose the bed down and give it a gentle soap scrub. The Car Seat Hammock will protect your car from scratches, water and dirt while keeping your pooch safe on the back seat. 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 129.
WIN!
Proudly South African!
Method 1 Cut a hole in the lid of an empty plastic container, such as a margarine tub – make the hole just big enough so that the handle of a wooden spoon can fit through it. 2 Mix the carrot, apple, biscuits and chicken stock with just enough water to fill the plastic container. 3 Add the toys as well as the wooden spoon to the mix. Close the lid with the handle of the wooden spoon sticking through the hole. 4 Place in a freezer until completely frozen. 5 Remove the lid and stick the handle of the spoon into the grass. 6 Remove the plastic container and let the fun begin! The frozen toys together with the lolly will keep your pet busy for hours, while cooling them off at the same time. CONTACT shingavet.co.za
crossword #122
Compiled by Gerda Engelbrecht ƌĞ LJŽƵ Ă ĐƌŽƐƐǁŽƌĚ ĨĂŶĂƟĐ͍ Look out for this special issue from our sister ƉƵďůŝĐĂƟŽŶ Fairlady ʹ ŝƚ͛Ɛ ƉĂĐŬĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĐƌŽƐƐǁŽƌĚƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉƵnjnjůĞƐ͊ KŶ ƐĂůĞ Ăƚ ƌĞƚĂŝůĞƌƐ ĐŽƵŶƚƌLJǁŝĚĞ͘
WIN!
One of eight NB Publishers books worth R280!
The Echo of a Noise by Pieter-Dirk Uys is an intimate memoir that’s both moving and hilarious. This time – earlier memoirs include Elections and Erections (2002) which focused on AIDS and Between the Devil and the Deep (2005) which documented his theatre career – he recalls his forbidding and musical father, his brilliant but disturbed mother, his sister the child prodigy and Sannie Abader, the woman who worked in the Uys household, a second mother to Pieter. It features his Afrikaner matriarch “Paarlse Ouma” and strudel-baking German Oma, his friendship with Sophia Loren, his invention of Evita Bezuidenhout, and all the joys and sorrows of his remarkable life. The first eight readers whose correctly completed crosswords are drawn will each win a copy worth R280. Send the completed crossword, and your details, to Home Crossword #122, PO Box 1802, Cape Town, 8000 or scan in your completed crossword and email it to competition@homemag.co.za to reach us by 31 January 2019. See our competition rules on page 129.
Name ............................................................................. Address .......................................................................................................................... Postal code .................. Cell .............................................. Tel. (w) ............................................. Email .........................................................
88 home January 2019
CARPETS OF
[Our experts]
Helia Smit, horticulturist from Cape Garden in Joostenbergvlakte
Neville Orsmond of Create a Landscape
Anja Freysen of Shadowlands Wholesale Nursery
Wouter Kruidenier of De Kruidenier Exclusive Gardens
gardens
plants of the month
Ground-covering plants can make all the difference to a garden! By Marié Esterhuyse • Photographs Francois Oberholster and supplied
Groundcovers not only add colour and interest to your flowerbeds, they also keep the soil cool and attract welcome birds and insects to your garden with their unique habitat. We asked four gardening experts to give us examples of groundcovers that, with little effort, will quickly cover a bed. Here are some of their favourites.
White carpet (Falkia repens) Neville White carpet is a hardy, mat-forming groundcover with a flat growth habit. Despite its delicate appearance, white carpet will thrive in the heat, in arid ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶ poor soil.
It has attractive leaves with rounded tips and bears large pale pink to white trumpet-shaped flowers from September to December. This indigenous groundcover thrives in the sun as well as semi-shade and although it grows well in fairly moist areas, it is also happy with less water once it is well-established. White carpet is a good option for in-between Plant guide pavers or as an edging for a bed. It will quickly • Sun and semi-shade cover an open piece of ground and can be used • Indigenous as an alternative to grass where there isn’t • Frost-hardy much foot traffic. You can also plant this • Average water needs fast-growing beauty in a pot – it looks lovely • Height 5–10cm trailing over the sides of the container.
Carpet daisy (Dymondia margaretae)
Helia and Neville Hardy carpet daisy is indigenous and grows quickly with a neat and compact growth habit. It is also drought-hardy and suitable for a waterwise garden as long as it gets enough sun. Carpet daisy blooms almost all year round but is at its best in spring and summer. Small, yellow, stalkless flowers are borne just above the plant’s attractive blue-grey foliage. An added bonus of this indigenous groundcover is that it can handle some foot traffic once it is established so it can be used as a waterwise alternative to lawn; it requires much less water than grass. Because carpet daisy grows so low, it works Plant guide well between pavers in a • Full sun to light, sunny courtyard or along dry shade a hot pathway. It also • Indigenous thrives in rockeries and • Waterwise in coastal gardens. >> • Moderately frost-hardy • Height 5cm
January 2019
home 91
Golden vygie (Lampranthus aureus)
Helia As cheerful groundcovers go, golden vygie – with its bright orange or yellow blooms – is hard to beat. It is a fast-growing plant that will soon cover a bare piece of ground and will brighten up any waterwise garden. It occurs naturally along the south-western and western coast of the Western Cape. It grows especially well in winter rainfall areas with hot, dry summers. Thanks to its succulent Plant guide leaves, it can survive dry periods • Full sun with very little water. Golden • Indigenous vygie grows well in sandy to • Waterwise loamy soil and needs plenty of • Light frost sun. The flowers open when the • Height 40–50cm sun shines and it blooms at its best in August and September.
Parrot’s beak (Lotus berthelotii)
Anja
Plant guide
Red aptenia (Aptenia cordifolia) Helia and Wouter
• Full sun • Indigenous • Waterwise • Moderately frost-hardy • Height 10cm
This hardy groundcover grows quickly and is a mainstay in waterwise gardens. It is also ideal for stabilising soil on steep slopes and is an excellent choice for planting in retaining wall blocks; it will cover them in no time at all. With its beautiful glossy foliage and dark, deep red flowers it is always eye-catching. The flowers appear from August to April and open during the brightest time of day, usually from late morning into the afternoon. Red aptenia is highly adaptable and will thrive in almost any conditions and soil. It grows easily from cuttings and although it doesn’t look as good during the winter months in winter rainfall areas, it recovers quickly in spring. Although red aptenia is drought-hardy, it can also handle being watered more often. It grows well in coastal gardens and doesn’t mind wind and sea spray. It also attracts myriad butterflies and bees to your garden. This groundcover occurs naturally in summer rainfall regions, the Eastern Cape coastal areas and in KwaZulu-Natal.
92 home January 2019
This one is a showstopper – its dainty, grey needle-shaped leaves and exotic flowers in shades of yellow, orange and red immediately attract attention. It flowers at intervals throughout the year but is covered with blooms in spring and summer. Plant it in well-drained, compost-rich soil about 45cm apart to ensure adequate cover of the bed. It grows well in full sun but prefers a cooler climate – in hot regions it will do better in semi-shade. Water regularly until it is well-established and thereafter only when the soil is dry. Soil that is too soggy and clogged can lead to root-rot. When it forms new shoots, break off the tips carefully; this encourages the plant to make side-shoots that will create denser growth. New plants can be grown from cuttings. Parrot’s beak also looks great in hanging baskets and pots and is perfect for covering embankments. >>
Plant guide • Full sun • Frost-sensitive • Average water needs • Height 20cm
plants of the month
gardens
>ŽƚƵƐ ďĞƌƚŚĞůŽƟŝ blooms resemble a parrot’s beak, hence its common name.
January 2019
home 93
Spoon-leaved crassula (Crassula spathulata)
Wouter and Neville This evergreen succulent groundcover is extremely hardy, fast-growing and easy to cultivate. With its lime-green spoon-shaped leaves and dainty pink and white blooms, it makes a beautiful display in the shade. It flowers in spring and summer with many tiny pollinators regularly visiting the blooms. This crassula looks great planted en masse under trees, along the edge of a bed or in pots and hanging baskets where it can tumble over the edge. Crassula spathulata is also useful for planting Plant guide on slopes to stabilise the soil. It does well in • Semi-shade almost any type of soil, as long as the drainage to shade is good. Although it is a succulent and needs • Indigenous little water, it will also thrive in a garden with • Waterwise normal irrigation. It grows easily from cuttings • Light frost and seeds. • Height 10cm
CH OOSE WI SE LY!
Groundcovers are the hard-working, often unappreciated plants in your garden that retain moisture in the soil and keep the surface green. – Neville [ GENERAL TIPS ] • Prepare the soil well. Find out about the requirements of your chosen groundcover from your local nursery. If the plants get what they need from the start, they will soon grow over the area you need covered. ͻ ŽŶ͛ƚ ƚƌLJ ƚŽ ĐŽǀĞƌ LJŽƵƌ ĞŶƟƌĞ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ Ăůů Ăƚ once. Select an area and grow more plants there, rather than just a few; the more plants per square metre, the faster the soil will be covered. • Check if the groundcover of your choice is available in a six-pack – it’s always a more ĂīŽƌĚĂďůĞ ŽƉƟŽŶ ƚŚĂŶ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ƐŝŶŐůĞ ƉůĂŶƚƐ͘ • Plant bulbs under a creeping groundcover that doesn’t grow taller than the bulbs; this allows them to come and go as they please ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ŐĞƫŶŐ ĚĂŵĂŐĞĚ ďLJ Ă ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ĨŽƌŬ when they go dormant.
94 home January 2019
More stalwarts • Angelina stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) • Carpet geranium (Geranium incanum)* • Coppertone stonecrop (Crassula nussbaumerianum) • Creeping foxglove ( ƐLJƐƚĂƐŝĂ ŐĂŶŐĞƟĐĂ)* •Gazania hybrids* • Othonna capensis* • Ground morning glory ( ŽŶǀŽůǀƵůƵƐ ƐĂďĂƟƵƐ) • Pink carpet ruschia (Ruschia lineolata)* ͻ ZĞĚ ŇĂŵĞƐ ;Crassula capitella)* • Vygie (Delosperma spp.)* * Indigenous
There are many ways to cover the soil or open areas between trees and shrubs, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Helia tells us why a living cover for the soil is so beneficial: “In most instances, a living cover for soil is easier on the eye than pebbles or even bark,” she says. “Ground-covering plants have ornamental value in the garden, whether it be with pretty flowers, interesting texture or striking foliage colour. “There are a wide variety of groundcovers from which to choose for different garden uses. Before you buy, check how much sun or shade the area you want to cover will receive. You also need to know if you’ll be planting them in a drier or wetter part of the garden. Keep in mind the particular look you want to achieve, as well as the purpose of the groundcover. Choose something that complements the plants in the immediate vicinity and is suitable for the purpose; for example, mat-forming species between pavers or more rampant growers for under trees. Get advice from the experts at your local nursery. “Once groundcovers are well-established, they will quickly cover an open piece of soil. In the process, they will also smother weeds, which means less maintenance. The plants will keep the soil cool, and if they are waterwise, you won’t need much water to keep them lush. The root system of groundcovers helps rainwater to seep into the soil rather than run off, as is usually the case with bare soil.”
plants of the month
gardens
Dwarf spekboom (Portulacaria afra ‘Prostrata’)
Anja This indigenous succulent is a hardy, low-growing member of the spekboom family. Whereas the better-known bushy spekboom grows upright, this variety has a creeping growth habit that makes it an excellent groundcover. Plant it in well-drained soil in sun or shade. It thrives in poor soil and dry conditions, so it is ideal for a waterwise garden. Wait until the soil has dried out before watering again. Spekboom also grows easily from cuttings – simply break off a twig and push it into the soil. With its small, succulent leaves on arching and trailing rust-brown stems, it is also lovely for a pot, hanging basket or retaining walls. It thrives in coastal gardens and copes well with wind. >>
Plant guide • Full sun to shade • Indigenous • Moderately frost-hardy • Waterwise • Height 15cm
Planting groundcovers is like creating a carpet for your garden. – Anja
Smelly spurflower (Plectranthus neochilus)
Wouter The less water it gets, the better the smelly spurflower blooms! If it gets too much water, it grows too lushly and too tall. This indigenous groundcover thrives in hot, sunny, dry gardens as well as in the shade. It copes with any type of soil but prefers sandy soil with good drainage. Smelly spurflower grows quickly and is very easy to propagate from cuttings – just push a stem into the soil. Even a piece that lands on the soil will quickly root and grow. Renew the bed every two years if it starts to look messy; simply plant cuttings of the existing groundcover in-between the old plants and gradually remove the Plant guide parent plants. • Full sun and semi-shade Smelly spurflower blooms abundantly • Indigenous and continuously from September to • Moderately frost-hardy April. The flowers are carried above the • Waterwise grey-green leaves, which have a strong • Height 25cm aroma when rubbed or crushed.
Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Helia Although star jasmine is often used as a climber, it also makes a wonderful Plant guide groundcover. In late spring and early • Shade to sun summer, especially, it is covered with • Moderately white star-shaped flowers that have a frost-hardy heady fragrance. Even when not in • Average water needs flower, the glossy, dark green leaves are • About 30cm high still beautiful. as a groundcover If you’d like to use it as a groundcover, you don’t need to buy the usually more expensive taller plants; smaller ones will work perfectly. Space star jasmines about 40cm apart in well-prepared, compost-rich soil. Trim off the long shoots regularly to encourage the plant to form a dense groundcover, but don’t do this just before the flowering season. The plant can also be cut back after it has bloomed to achieve a uniform appearance. Once the plant is established, it needs less water.
CONTACTS Anja Freysen Shadowlands, anjafreysen1@gmail.com, shadowlands.co.za Helia Smit Cape Garden 021 988 4137, capegardencentre.co.za Neville Orsmond neville@createalandscape.co.za, createalandscape.co.za Wouter Kruidenier De Kruidenier Exclusive Gardens, dekruidenier.co.za Sources Waterwise Gardening in South African and Namibia by Ernst van Jaarsveld; Gardening with Keith Kirsten by Keith Kirsten; Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden; lifeisagarden.co.za; pza.sanbi.org; theplantlibrary.co.za
plants of the month
gardens
Fairy crassula (Crassula multicava)
Neville and Anja Crassula multicava is a hardy groundcover that thrives in damp or dry areas and in light to deep shade. It is the perfect solution for difficult beds under trees – plant masses of them together for a beautiful display. It blooms from May to November and adds colour during winter with its dainty star-shaped flowers. This crassula also looks good in pots and grows easily from cuttings – break off a twig or even a leaf and push it into the soil. It’s a fast grower and will tolerate dry conditions.
This easy grower works well in ƐŚĂĚLJ ĂƌĞĂƐ ƚŚĂƚ ŐĞƚ ůŝƩůĞ ǁĂƚĞƌ͘
Plant guide • Semi-shade to shade • Indigenous • Moderately frost-hardy • Average water needs • Height 30cm
January 2019
home 97
Send garden info to gardens@homemag.co.za.
Garden diary Gardening in 2019 is all about caring for the environment and reconnecting with nature. Compiled by Gillian Eva Photographs: Francois Oberholster and supplied
Head outdoors!
Your garden in January By Kay Montgomery
Pentas
Install a pond to encourage wildlife into your garden.
Tip of the month Gazania ‘Sunbathers’ are ideal waterwise plants for gardens in beach homes as they will grow in coastal sand; their vibrant blooms also attract bees and butterflies.
Grow bee-friendly plants such as poppies. Vachellia
The future of gardening in 2019 is positive, with the emphasis on reconnecting and strengthening our bond with nature. Work and social demands for adults, and the central role electronic media has in children’s lives, has resulted in less time spent in the real world and interacting with nature. Angelique Kritzinger, a lecturer in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Pretoria says “urban dwellers have been separated from nature; there’s a disconnect between us and the environment”. Make it your goal in 2019 to spend more time outdoors – your garden is a good place to start! Gardeners can reconnect with nature by creating ecofriendly gardens that restore and create habitats for wildlife, by growing bee-friendly flowers on verges and in borders, by building log walls, compost heaps and ‘bug hotels’ for insects, and installing ponds for frogs and dragonflies. Water-conscious gardeners will continue to focus on low-water landscaping and waterwise plants, installing rainwater tanks under roof downspouts, and by directing and slowing the flow of water to low-lying areas to allow it to slowly soak into the soil.
Valuable reading • In his book, The Moth Snowstorm, environmental author Michael McCarthy writes of “the thinning of the insect world” and of the urgent need to work with nature to protect and save the environment which will, in turn, save us. To do this, not only flowers for bees must be grown, but also shrubs such as Buddleja, Pentas and Freylinia, and trees such as the indigenous acacia (Vachellia), white olive (Buddleja saligna), tree fuchsia (Halleria lucida) and pride of De Kaap (Bauhinia galpinii) for all beneficial insects.
98 home January 2019
e m a g. c
Visit homemag.co.za to see how to create one with pallets.
za
Grow a vertical garden!
o.
ho
m
www.
Green love
Rooftop gardens, such as this one in Stellenbosch, add greenery to urban areas.
The term ‘biophilia’ was first introduced by the Greek philosopher Aristotle as the “love of life or living systems” and used by psychoanalyst Eric Fromm in 1973 to describe “the love of all that is alive”, so this concept is not new. Biophilic design integrates cities and urban landscapes with nature by re-foresting to give shade and improve air quality, by incorporating green spaces in the form of large and mini parks beneficial to residents, and with vertical gardens and green rooftops that lower temperatures and cool buildings. Johannesburg is one of 45 cities worldwide to join the World Resources Institute’s ‘Cities4Forests’ initiative, committed to conserving and restoring their urban forest. There is a serious threat to trees, including Jo’burg’s urban forests which are dying from infestations of the polyphagous (i.e. having many host plants) shot-hole borer from Asia. >>
Tasks for the month • For a late summer show, plant colour bags of marigolds, salvia, zinnia and vinca. • Give shrubs and climbers a light summer pruning if they have outgrown their space. • Where trees are blocking light from getting to plants at ground level, remove one or two of the lower branches on a sunny day so that you can see the immediate affect and don’t remove too much. • Camellias should not be trimmed back now as they are already initiating flower buds. This also applies to
spring-flowering shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons. • If good rains have fallen in your area, much of the fertiliser applied early in the season will have leached out; apply more fertiliser now to keep plants healthy and productive. • Indoor pot plants require more watering and feeding in summer. Move pots away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching the foliage. • Look out for caterpillars that bore into agapanthus flower buds; spray with Margaret Roberts Biological Caterpillar Insecticide.
Vinca
Marigold
Zinnia
Salvia
garden diary
Garden goodies Solar power
Move on up
The Irrigatia Solar Automatic Watering System uses solar power to detect the weather and then adapts the watering of your garden according to the prevailing conditions. The more sun your garden gets, the more the system waters. Simply connect the system to your rainwater tank and it uses the sun’s energy to water via drip irrigation, eliminating the need for a timer. Easy to install, the Irrigatia system is ideal for small to medium-sized gardens and can also be used for pots, raised beds and hanging baskets up to 5m above the water source; it is not suitable for use with the municipal water supply. Go to irrigatia.co.za for more details.
Aeroponics is the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium. The Impilo vertical towers, the first of their kind in South Africa, are growing towers that can be used for veggies, herbs, flowers or medicinal plants. They are available in different sizes and come with a built-in plug-and-grow irrigation system. To find out more, check out impiloprojects.com.
Waterwise plant of the month Weeping anthericum Popular with garden landscapers, hardy and low-maintenance weeping anthericum (Chlorophytum saundersiae) is a useful groundcover in sun or semi-shade, for verges and bee gardens, and it’s effective alongside ponds. It is clump-forming with light green, strap-like leaves and small, white, star-shaped flowers with prominent yellow anthers on thin arching stems. The blooms appear from October to March. Chlorophytum ‘Starlight’ has variegated leaves.
New in nurseries! SunPatiens ‘Compact White’ is a pure white variety of impatiens, suitable not only for white-themed gardens but also for adding sparkle to any flowerbed. It grows in sun or semi-shade, which makes it a useful plant for those difficult spots in the garden that get equal amounts of sun and shade. Plants are compact and neat (60cm tall and wide), flower profusely and are resistant to downy mildew. They also cope with wet or dry weather but need frequent watering during hot spells if grown in full sun. They are also good for containers. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za
Visit ludwigsroses.co.za and send queries to gardens@homemag.co.za.
‘St Dunstan’s Centenary’
Ludwig’s rose corner Rose guru Ludwig Taschner offers expert advice…
New rose! ‘St Dunstan’s Centenary’ is a hybrid tea that can claim the world-famous ‘Peace’ rose as part of its ancestry. This rose was named for the centenary celebrations of St Dunstan’s College in Benoni and being a hardy Eco-Chic rose, it’s disease-resistant and therefore less susceptible to black spot and downy mildew. It bears pointed yellow buds that slowly unfold into large, full blooms lightly shaded with a sheen of pink. The fully-open blooms last well on the bush and in the vase. The upright mature bush reaches a height of 2m.
Q: Even though I spray my ‘Black Tea’ roses, they still seem to be affected by black spot after the rains. Do you have any advice? There could be several reasons for this. Roses that are undernourished (with light, greenish-yellow leaves) are susceptible to black spot, despite spraying. Apply Vigorosa around the plants, water in well and within a week, the light green leaves, which are a clear indication of nitrogen deficiency, should turn green and increase in size. It could also be that the leaves were already infected when you sprayed, so the fungicide would not have had any effect. During extended rainy periods, the spray is washed off by another shower. Use Chronos (with a sticker like Picanta); it penetrates the upper layer of the leaf and won’t be washed off. It also has a curative action on roses that are already infected. ‘Black Tea’
Q: The leaves of my ‘Fragonard’ rose have a lacy appearance; what causes this? The leaves are being eaten by the chafer beetle, also known as the Christmas beetle. It is active at night when it eats the leaves, leaving them with a lacy appearance. When you notice the beetles, spray with Ludwig’s Insect Spray or Rose Protector, or dust the leaves with Karbadust. To make a trap, set up a light with a bucket of water and oil underneath or use a blue insect light.
Patio plant of the month FlameThrower ‘Salsa Verde’ Coleus The bright lime-green leaves of this coleus make it the perfect choice as an accent plant in mixed containers. It thrives in the heat, growing in sun or shade and fills out to 46cm tall and wide. In containers it needs daily watering in summer and feeding once a month with a liquid fertiliser such as Margaret Roberts Organic Supercharger. Pinch off any flower spikes that appear. Good container companions are impatiens and begonias. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za
‘Fragonard’
Regional rose tasks for January
Summer rainfall Reduce the height of roses that have grown too tall, or thin out dense bushes, but only if the roses can be regularly watered. It is best to cut back gradually, over two to three ǁĞĞŬƐ͘ Ž ŶŽƚ ĐƵƚ ďĂĐŬ ĚĞĨŽůŝĂƚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞƐ ďƵƚ ǁĂŝƚ ƵŶƟů ƚŚĞLJ ŚĂǀĞ ƌĞĐŽǀĞƌĞĚ͘ &ĞƌƟůŝƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ Vigorosa in mid-January and spray every two weeks with Ludwig’s Insect Spray mixed with Chronos or use Rose Protector to control fungal diseases and pests. Water deeply two to three ƟŵĞƐ Ă ǁĞĞŬ ;ƵƐŝŶŐ ŐƌĞLJ ǁĂƚĞƌͿ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĂďƐĞŶĐĞ ŽĨ ƌĂŝŶĨĂůů͘ Winter rainfall Summer pruning can be carried out on roses that are well covered in leaves and ŝĨ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ ŝƌƌŝŐĂƟŽŶ͘ KǀĞƌ Ă ƐƉĂĐĞ ŽĨ ƚǁŽ ƚŽ ƚŚƌĞĞ ǁĞĞŬƐ͕ ƌĞĚƵĐĞ ƚŚĞ ŚĞŝŐŚƚ of overly tall roses or thin out dense bushes to allow new stems to grow. Water two to three ƟŵĞƐ Ă ǁĞĞŬ͕ ĨĞƌƟůŝƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ sŝŐŽƌŽƐĂ͕ ĂŶĚ ƐƉƌĂLJ ǁŝƚŚ >ƵĚǁŝŐ͛Ɛ /ŶƐĞĐƚ ^ƉƌĂLJ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ƉĞƐƚƐ͘ Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal coast The challenge of the intense heat is to keep roses covered ǁŝƚŚ ĐŽŽůŝŶŐ ůĞĂǀĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĂůƐŽ ƐŚĂĚĞ ƚŚĞ ƌŽŽƚƐ͘ tĂƚĞƌ ĚĞĞƉůLJ ƚǁŽ ƚŽ ƚŚƌĞĞ ƟŵĞƐ Ă ǁĞĞŬ ĂŶĚ mulch to keep the soil surface cool. Don’t remove dead blooms or trim the roses, as this will ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ƐƉƌŽƵƟŶŐ͘ ^ƉƌĂLJ ǁŝƚŚ >ƵĚǁŝŐ͛Ɛ /ŶƐĞĐƚ ^ƉƌĂLJ ƚŽ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ƉĞƐƚƐ͖ ĚƌĞŶĐŚ ƚŚĞ ƵŶĚĞƌƐŝĚĞ ŽĨ leaves to prevent red spider. Should there be good rainfall, boost growth with Vigorosa and spray with Chronos. January 2019
home 101
dream
By Marie Opperman Photographs Elza Cooper
Pale pink roses, beard irises that resemble a Monet painting and ďŹ&#x201A;uttering lavender give this garden old-world charm.
An imposing water feature is framed by the glorious purple blooms of a wisteria in spring, with the golden hues of cypresses and a towering pink bougainvillea providing a lovely backdrop.
102 home January 2019
reader garden
The garden is my private space. It is a reflection of who I am. – Ramona
WHO LIVES HERE? Ramona and Nuno Afonso and their daughters Aurora (11) and Luna (5) WHERE Northcliff, Johannesburg SIZE OF GARDEN 1 000m²
In summer, white ‘Iceberg’ roses take centre stage in front of the water feature.
Just three years ago, Ramona Afonso knew nothing about gardening. Now she cannot imagine life without her beloved garden – a romantic haven perfumed with the sweet scent of roses and lavender. Ramona and her husband Nuno were the 2017 runners-up in Home’s Fix it with Flair competition with their kitchen renovation. Interior decorator Ramona runs a small décor business, Ruffles and Rust, and is also creative director of the company Busby Promo. She admits that gardening was never really part of her lifestyle. “Previously, we lived in a cottage on my parents’ property south of Johannesburg,” she explains. “The only flowers I recognised when we moved here five years ago were the lavenders and hydrangeas.” The garden on this 1 500m² property was already well-established when they bought the house. “It was very pretty but a bit old-fashioned. There were huge trees and curved flowerbeds surrounded by lawn. And about four rose bushes. I love trees but removed two tall yuccas, and replaced the huge lavenders in front of the bedroom windows with roses.” When Ramona started gardening, she had no preconceived ideas about her garden’s design. “It just evolved,” she says. “Whenever I do designs, they take on a life of their own. I just go with the flow. If it works, it works, and I build on that. I’m not a landscape designer, so I’m learning as I go along. In about two years’ time, my garden will look different; more mature and more beautiful. After all, a garden is a work in progress...” Today, Ramona’s garden plays a huge role in her life. “It’s very therapeutic. I work in the garden almost every day – in the morning while I drink my tea, and again in the afternoon.” A gardener helps once a week. “I plan everything and mark out what I want done. We have a borehole and irrigation system; I water each garden zone daily for an hour.”
I love roses; I cannot imagine my life without them. I pick roses and arrange them in the bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen. – Ramona 104 home January 2019
reader garden
A passion for roses Ramona started gardening three years ago after joining a friend on a bus tour organised by Ludwig’s Roses. “We visited four rose gardens,” she says. “There were masses of roses of all kinds. That’s when I first saw the David Austin rose, ‘Sharifa Asma’. Its pale pink hue and wonderful fragrance was simply irresistible and I immediately fell in love with roses. “I have created a romantic garden by planting more than 350 rose bushes in a similar way to which European gardeners do it: I covered the area around the roses with other flowering plants and groundcovers so that no soil is visible. Traditionally, nothing is planted next to roses so that they get all the nutrients out of the soil. But this isn’t necessary. It also looks too formal and doesn’t create the rural aesthetic I’m after. “I adore UK rose grower David Austin’s fragrant old-fashioned roses,” she says. “I also love planting ‘Iceberg’ roses in the background – they show off my other plants to perfection.” Ramona does a lot of research on gardening and plants. “I watch YouTube videos and check out Pinterest. I have a Pinterest board with a list of all the roses in my garden.” >>
A yellow ‘Lady Bank’s’ climbing rose adorns a garden wall.
The David Austin rose, ‘The Generous Gardener’. Double pink poppy
‘Deloitte & Touche’
The David Austin rose, ‘Princess Alexandra of Kent’.
White ‘Iceberg’ standard roses provide a showy display in this part of the garden, while lavender bushes soften the pathway. Ramona uses the white shed next to the pool for propagating plants. A neatly clipped hedge of Duranta ‘Sheena’s Gold’ frames a water feature.
106 home January 2019
I’ll live anywhere in the world, as long as I am able to garden. – Ramona
All things French A French door leads out from the main bedroom onto a pergola-covered stoep. Here, a crystal chandelier gently sways in the breeze and the pink blooms of a ‘Fandango’ climbing rose peek out between the leaves and bunches of grapes on the vine. Ramona describes her garden as follows: “It has a French look and a rural French feel. I’ve always loved an old-world aesthetic. With this in mind, I replaced the old lawn with gravel and laid cement block pathways surrounded by gravel. Because it is cheaper, we used the coarser builder’s gravel. It looks great but I must admit, it’s difficult to walk on!” Ramona plays with floral colours in her garden like a painter with a paintbrush. “The flowers in my garden are mostly soft shades of pink,” she says. “I have no red blooms at all; they would clash with the soft, romantic hues.” Lavenders perfectly complement her garden style. “I planted lavender bushes in a row and trimmed them to form a hedge,” she says. “Others have been trimmed into circular topiaries. Pruning extends the lifespan of lavender plants; it’s best to prune them before they form hard wood.” In one area against a wall in the garden, Ramona has planted only white blooms: arum lilies, hydrangeas and foxgloves with their tall clusters of flowers. And blooms in all shades of purple are grown around a large shade tree. She also has hundreds of different beard irises in lemon-yellow, peach and purple. “Bearded irises go so well with this palette,” she says. “I ordered them online from Mooiplaas Iris & Daylily Nursery in Centurion and had them delivered. “I also love sage (Salvia officinalis) in different shades and cornflower (Scabiosa atropurpurea) in white, purple and blue. I’ve planted lime-green Duranta ‘Sheena’s Gold’ in the front of the borders and trimmed it neatly to form a compact hedge.” >>
White bougainvillea
‘Sharifa Asma’ roses and ‘Princess Alexandra of Kent’ roses provide soft pink colour beneath the bedroom windows.
‘Iceberg’ roses provide the perfect setting for one of the nooks in Ramona’s garden.
A large shade tree is surrounded by ‘My Granny’, ‘Simplicity’ and ‘Burgundy Iceberg’ roses, while the bed is edged by grey lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina).
The three Bantam chickens – Shadow, Lavender and Bliss – are kept in a wrought-iron and chicken-wire coop; the surface is covered in dried lavender leaves and flowers.
The seating area next to the braai area is sheltered by a pergola covered with white bougainvillea in full bloom.
Outdoor entertaining As a designer and interior decorator, it goes without saying that Ramona has also decorated her garden to best effect. “My husband says I’m playing house out here,” she says with a chuckle. Four years ago, she supplemented the existing brick surface at the braai area with a layer of builder’s gravel and erected a pergola for shelter. The latter is bedecked with white bougainvillea, the yellow climbing rose ‘Gold Bunny’ and strings of fairy lights. Ramona points to the many clusters of white bougainvillea blooms hanging from the pergola. “When we held my 40th birthday party here, the blooms were really impressive; some people weren’t even sure if they were real.” Two old windows discovered at a scrapyard serve as doors under the built-in braai. “I store crockery, cutlery, napkins and glasses there for our braais. There’s even an electrical plug point and a kettle.”
Bearded iris, ‘Shy Violet’.
108 home January 2019
A potted trimmed Eugenia underplanted with pink pelargoniums is surrounded by cerise pink salvias, which provide colour for months on end.
[ RAMONA’S GARDENING TIPS ]
Chinese wisteria
• Find your passion. Mine was roses and / ĚĞĐŝĚĞĚ ƚŽ ĮŶĚ ŽƵƚ ĞǀĞƌLJƚŚŝŶŐ / ƉŽƐƐŝďůLJ ĐŽƵůĚ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚĞŵ͘ ͻ 'ƌŽƵƉ ƉůĂŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ ŐƌŽǁŝŶŐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞŵĞŶƚƐ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ʹ ůŝŬĞ ƚŚŽƐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŶĞĞĚ ůŽƚƐ ŽĨ ǁĂƚĞƌ Žƌ ǀĞƌLJ ůŝƩůĞ͘ ^ŽŵĞ ƉůĂŶƚƐ ĂƌĞ ǀĞƌLJ ĂĚĂƉƚĂďůĞ ĂŶĚ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ŐƌŽǁŶ ĂŶLJǁŚĞƌĞ͖ ĞdžƉĞƌŝŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƐĞĞ ǁŚĂƚ ǁŽƌŬƐ ŝŶ LJŽƵƌ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ͘ ͻ ĐŽŚĞƐŝǀĞ ĐŽůŽƵƌ ƐĐŚĞŵĞ ǁŝůů ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵ ƚŽ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞ Ă ĐŽƵŶƚƌLJ ůŽŽŬ ŝŶ LJŽƵƌ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ͘ ͻ / ůŽǀĞ ŐƌŽƵŶĚĐŽǀĞƌƐ͖ ƚŚĞLJ ĨŽƌŵ Ă ŶĂƚƵƌĂů ŵƵůĐŚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐŽŝů ;see our story on groundcovers on page 90). ͻ ůŽŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ŵĂƐƐĞƐ ŽĨ ŇŽǁĞƌƐ͕ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĂůƐŽ ƵƐĞ ŚĞĚŐĞƐ ƚŽ ĂĚĚ ƐŚĂƉĞ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ͘ ͻ / ĨĞĞĚ ŵLJ ƌŽƐĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ >ƵĚǁŝŐ͛Ɛ sŝŐŽƌŽƐĂ͘ /Ŷ ƐƉƌŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƌĂŝŶLJ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ƚŚĞLJ ĂůƐŽ ŐĞƚ ŚƌŽŶŽƐ ;/ ƉŽƵƌ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƐƐŽůǀĞĚ ŵŝdžƚƵƌĞ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƌŽŽƚ njŽŶĞͿ͖ ŝŶ ǁŝŶƚĞƌ / ƉƌƵŶĞ ƚŚĞ ƌŽƐĞƐ ďĂĐŬ ƋƵŝƚĞ ŚĂƌĚ͘ ͻ / ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ĂƉŚŝĚƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ƐƉƌĂLJ ŵŝdžƚƵƌĞ ŽĨ ϱ ƚĂďůĞƐƉŽŽŶƐ ĚŝƐŚǁĂƐŚŝŶŐ ůŝƋƵŝĚ͕ ϱŵů ĞƵĐĂůLJƉƚƵƐ Žŝů ĂŶĚ ϱ> ǁĂƚĞƌ͘
An angel sits atop a birdbath (above) – one of six water features in the garden. STOCKIST AND CONTACT Mooiplaas Iris & Daylily Nursery 082 461 6102, mooiplaasnursery.co.za Ruffles and Rust rufflesandrust.co.za
Double pink poppies are beautifully displayed against the purple flower clusters of Chinese wisteria.
Page over to see how Ramona entertains in style.
AL FRESCO
feast!
With a garden designed to bring people together, creative cook Ramona Afonso loves to lay a sumptuous table outside, celebrating her Lebanese heritage with an inspiring combination of traditional dishes and contemporary classics. By Ramona Afonso and JohanĂŠ Neilson Photographs Elza Cooper
garden party
Menu Welcome drinks Mini gin bar with homemade lavender & vanilla syrup and a grapefruit & black pepper shrub Starters Luxurious cheeseboard Hummus and chilli olives Blue cheese and beetroot terrine
“I set up a DIY gin bar for my 40th birthday party held in my garden in October, and my guests loved getting creative with their own drinks,” says Ramona. “I came up with a few surprises, like infusing whole chillies in a bottle of gin for about a month beforehand – this added a delicious twist!” Start with a variety of gins and good quality tonics displayed in ice buckets
so that they stay cold. Also set out a pretty buffet of aromatics such as star anise, dried chilli flakes, cinnamon sticks, lavender sprigs and rose petals along with sliced citrus (lemon, lime and grapefruit are all delicious) and fresh cucumber ribbons. And make sure you have enough glasses and ice! >>
Accessories Ruffles and Rust (rufflesandrust.co.za)
Main course Chicken Parmesan Lebanese grape leaves Kofta with tzatziki Dessert Vanilla panna cotta with berries
Mini gin bar
January 2019
home 111
garden party
Grapefruit & black pepper shrub This infusion makes for a sweet, acidic mixer; you can experiment with your own herb and spice combinations too! Makes about 125ml Cut a large grapefruit, skin and all, into fairly small chunks. Add a few peppercorns then cover with sugar. Allow this to sit in a cool place for about a week or so, but check on it regularly; it might need a stir once in a while. Once the fruit has macerated with the sugar to create syrup, add about 50ml white wine vinegar to the solution. Strain the peppercorns and peel the grapefruit, then bottle and refrigerate until ready to use. You can also dry the grapefruit peels in a low-heat oven then grind them to a powder and use them to make a grapefruit sugar for garnish.
Did you know?
^ŚƌƵďƐ ĂƌĞ ĂŶ ĂĐŝĚƵůĂƚĞĚ ĐŽŶĐŽĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ĨƌƵŝƚ͕ ďĞƌƌŝĞƐ͕ ĂƌŽŵĂƟĐƐ͕ ƐƵŐĂƌ ĂŶĚ ǀŝŶĞŐĂƌ͘ dŚĞ ǁŽƌĚ ƐŚƌƵď ŝƐ ĚĞƌŝǀĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ƌĂďŝĐ sharab ǁŚŝĐŚ ŵĞĂŶƐ ͚ƚŽ ĚƌŝŶŬ͛͘
Lavender & vanilla syrup Mix a dash of this fragrant syrup into your G&T and garnish with fresh lavender. For a refreshing summer drink, try it mixed with water and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Makes about 350ml Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 35 minutes • 500ml sugar • 375ml water • 1 vanilla pod, split open (or 5ml vanilla extract) • 10 sprigs fresh lavender Combine all the ingredients in a pot over medium heat and stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook without stirring over medium heat for 30 minutes. Allow to cool before pouring into a pretty bottle and sealing it. It’s best to keep this fragrant syrup in the fridge.
[ HOMEMADE HUMMUS ] ƌĂŝŶ ĂŶĚ ƌŝŶƐĞ ϭ ƟŶ ŽĨ chickpeas. dŚĞŶ ĂĚĚ Ϯ ƐŵĂůů ĐůŽǀĞƐ ŽĨ garlic, ĂďŽƵƚ ϭϱŵů tahini paste ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŐƌĂƚĞĚ ƌŝŶĚ ĂŶĚ ũƵŝĐĞ ŽĨ ϭ lemon. WƌŽĐĞƐƐ ŝŶ Ă ďůĞŶĚĞƌ ƵŶƟů ƐŵŽŽƚŚ͕ adding olive oil ƵŶƟů ƚŚĞ ĐŽŶƐŝƐƚĞŶĐLJ ŝƐ ƐƉƌĞĂĚĂďůĞ͘ ^ĞĂƐŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ƉŝŶĐŚ ŽĨ salt͘ dŽ ƐĞƌǀĞ͕ ĚƌĞƐƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ƐƉƌŝŶŬůĞ ŽĨ paprika ĂŶĚ ĂŶŽƚŚĞƌ ĚƌŝnjnjůĞ ŽĨ ŽůŝǀĞ Žŝů͘
A well-balanced cheeseboard for a small party of four doesn’t require more than two or three cheeses. – Ramona
Pickled chilli olives “In a Lebanese household, you always have olives and a tin of chickpeas on hand so you can whip up a spread for unexpected guests,” says Ramona. 1 Slice freshly picked olives lengthwise, as soon as possible after picking, and cut right to the pip; a scalpel blade works well. Place in fresh water for 18 days and make sure to change the water daily. 2 Allow the olives to stand in brine for five days. To make brine, dissolve 750g salt in 4L of water and cool. Remember to stir your olives every day. 3 Next, place the brined olives in a vinegar solution (mix 3L vinegar for every 1L of water) for five days. Make sure that
the olives are covered. Again, stir the olives daily. 4 Now place the olives in sterilised glass bottles and fill with a new brine solution made with 100g salt dissolved in 1L warm water and then cooled. 5 Flavour with your choice of hardy herbs such as thyme, bay leaf, a chilli or two, lemon peel, orange peel and blanched garlic. Seal the jar with a layer of olive oil and let it stand for at least a month to mature. >>
Take the short cut!
ZŝŶƐĞ ϱϬϬŵů ƐƚŽƌĞͲďŽƵŐŚƚ olives ĂŶĚ ŵĂƌŝŶĂƚĞ ƚŚĞŵ ŝŶ Ă ŵŝdžƚƵƌĞ ŽĨ ϭϮϱŵů olive oil ĂŶĚ ϲϬŵů red wine vinegar ŇĂǀŽƵƌĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ϭ ĐŚŽƉƉĞĚ garlic ĐůŽǀĞ͕ ϭ ĐŚŽƉƉĞĚ chilli͕ Ă ƐƚƌŝƉ ŽĨ citrus peel ĂŶĚ Ă ĐŽƵƉůĞ ŽĨ lemon or bay leaves and ĂůůŽǁ ŝƚ ƚŽ ŵĂƌŝŶĂƚĞ ŽǀĞƌŶŝŐŚƚ͘ ĞůŝĐŝŽƵƐ͊ January 2019
home 113
Along with roses and vine leaves from the garden, Ramona decorates her table with tempting fruits such as strawberries and grapes. Not only does it look inviting, but guests can also snack on the fruit later in the evening.
Blue cheese and beetroot terrine Recipe on page 117.
garden party
The Lebanese just chuck; we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even measure! Everyone has their own unique style when it comes to cooking. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ramona
Chicken Parmesan
Recipe on page 117.
January 2019
home 115
Kofta with tzatziki Recipe on page 118.
Lebanese grape leaves Recipe on page 118.
116 home January 2019
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because there are lots of breakables at the dinner table and the kids often get bored of the adult conversation, I pack their dinner in a picnic basket with an extra sweet treat or two for them to enjoy. They love it!â&#x20AC;? says Ramona.
garden party
Blue cheese and beetroot terrine This terrine is all about presentation; beetroot quickly turns everything it touche pink, so work carefully when making a layered creation. Makes enough to fill 1 medium-sized loaf pan Preparation time: 10 minutes • • • • • •
3 cooked beetroots, thinly sliced 6 strawberries, thinly sliced 200g creamy blue cheese, crumbled 125ml mascarpone freshly ground black pepper mint and basil micro greens
1 Line a loaf pan or mould with cling film. Add a layer of beetroot and strawberries, overlapping them slightly to form a solid base. 2 Mix the blue cheese and mascarpone then carefully add half of this on top of the beetroot, pressing down to create an even layer. 3 Sprinkle with pepper and herbs before adding another layer of beetroot and strawberries. 4 Add the rest of the cheese, again smoothing it over, before finishing with a final layer of beetroot and strawberries. To serve Turn over the terrine on a pretty platter and remove the cling film. Garnish with extra pepper and herbs, and serve with crisp melba toast or crackers.
Chicken Parmesan “I love how beautiful this simple dish of fragrant crumbed chicken served with pesto pasta and marinara sauce looks – it always takes centre stage at the dinner table!” says Ramona. Serves 6 Preparation time: 45 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes • 6 chicken breast fillets • about 250ml homemade breadcrumbs • 180ml grated Parmesan • 1–3 garlic cloves (to taste) • 1 bunch fresh herbs such as oregano, parsley and thyme • a good pinch of paprika
• • • • • • • •
3 eggs about 200ml flour oil for shallow-frying 6 slices mozzarella 6 sprigs thyme about 80ml basil pesto about 300g pasta fresh basil
MARINARA SAUCE • 15ml olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 clove garlic, chopped • 1 tin whole tomatoes • 3 fresh tomatoes, grated on the large holes of a box grater • 3 sprigs fresh oregano • a good pinch of dried chilli • a good pinch of sugar • 125ml cream 1 Heat the olive oil for the sauce in a pot over medium heat and fry the onion until glossy. Add the garlic and stir-fry for another minute. Add the fresh and tinned tomatoes, herbs and spices. Use a potato masher to break up the whole tomatoes. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer gently, uncovered, while you prepare the chicken. Keep an eye on the consistency. 2 Make an incision on the underside of each fillet to butterfly the meat. Then place between two layers of cling film and flatten with a meat mallet until about 1cm thick. 3 Mix the breadcrumbs, 120ml Parmesan, garlic and herbs in a food processor. Add a good pinch of paprika, salt and pepper and mix well. Place in a shallow bowl, ready for dipping. Whisk the eggs with the remaining Parmesan and another pinch of salt and pepper in a second shallow bowl and get a third one ready with some flour. 4 Dip the prepared chicken in the flour, then in the egg and, lastly, in the seasoned crumbs. Rest the chicken in the fridge for 10 minutes before frying to allow the crumbs to settle. 5 Preheat the oven. Put the pasta water on to boil and get the mozzarella and pesto ready. Shallow-fry the chicken on both sides until browned. Do it in batches, if necessary, so you don’t crowd the pan. Place the chicken on a baking tray, top with the mozzarella and thyme and bake for about 8–10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling. Cook the pasta until al dente and mix with the pesto. Add the cream to the marinara sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper.
6 To serve Add a spoonful of marinara sauce to each plate followed by a portion of pesto pasta. Top with a piece of chicken and a couple of fresh basil leaves. >>
I often double up on the marinara sauce and freeze some for later. – Ramona
garden party
Lebanese grape leaves “The older generation of Lebanese women, like my mother Maureen, believes that the first grape leaves on the vine are the most tender and make the best stuffed grape leaves,” says Ramona. “You can save time by buying pickled grape leaves from the deli, but remember to rinse them well before filling them. Bear in mind that store-bought leaves might be tougher than those that are freshly picked.” Makes about 25 Preparation time: It’s a long process – rope in a few family members! Cooking time: 1 hour • • • • • • • • •
1kg minced lamb 250ml uncooked rice a good pinch of salt and pepper a good pinch of cinnamon a good pinch of mixed spice juice of 1 lemon 15ml fresh parsley, finely chopped butter / oil / sheep tail fat about 25 grape leaves, blanched
1 To make the filling Mix the meat and rice with the spices and lemon juice. Add the herbs and combine well. 2 Lay 1 grape leaf flat on a work surface and trim the stem, if necessary. Put a spoonful of the filling on top, fold in the edges like you would an envelope then carefully roll up the leaf into a cigar shape. Make sure to roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling. 3 If you’re using sheep fat, add it to the bottom of a large pot or, alternatively, dot the pot with butter – this is a very rich dish! Now arrange the grape leaves in a tight spiral on top, adding layers until you’ve used them all up. Add a couple more dots of butter, position a plate snugly on top of the leaves to weigh them down and cover with boiling water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour. Test to make sure the leaves are tender then carefully lift the grape leaf rolls out with a slotted spoon and serve warm or at room temperature.
Always butter; never margarine! – Maureen Fortuna
Kofta with tzatziki “When my mother’s sister Aunt Tilly passed away, the family made a special recipe book full of all our favourites, including kofta, and anecdotes to remember her by. The kofta almost never make it to the table – they’re so good,” says Ramona. Makes about 18 Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus 1 hour standing and 2 hours cooling time Cooking time: 15 minutes • 500g lean minced meat • 1 large onion, finely chopped • 1–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or 1cm knob, peeled and chopped • 3 slices of bread, crumbed • about 60ml flat-leaf parsley, chopped • about 30ml fresh mint, chopped • fresh chilli, chopped (optional) • oil for shallow-frying TZATZIKI • 1 large cucumber, finely grated • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped • 250ml thick plain yoghurt • 10ml finely chopped mint • juice of 1 lemon • a drizzle of olive oil 1 Make the tzatziki Grate the cucumber and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Allow to sit in a colander for about 1 hour to reduce the water content. Press out excess moisture and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours before serving. 2 Make the kofta Mix all the ingredients, except the oil, in a food processor. Roll into small balls with wet hands then shallow-fry in olive oil in batches until golden-brown all over. Drain on paper towel then serve with tzatziki and extra lemon wedges.
Vanilla panna cotta This simple dessert is perfect when cooking for a crowd as all the work is done ahead of time. Makes 8–10 portions, depending on the size of the glasses Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: about 10 minutes
• 3 gelatine sheets • 500ml cream • 100ml milk • 125ml sugar • 1 vanilla pod, split open and seeds scraped out • extra berries and edible flowers for garnish BERRY SAUCE • about 300ml fresh or frozen mixed berries • about 80ml sugar, or to taste • 45ml water 1 Place the gelatine sheets in a bowl and pour a little cold water over them. Leave to stand for 5–10 minutes to soften then gently squeeze out the excess water. 2 Bring the cream, milk, sugar and vanilla seeds to the boil and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. Stir in the squeezed gelatine until it melts. You can gently heat it up again, if necessary, but do not boil. Once the gelatine has dissolved, remove from the heat and allow it to cool. Pour the panna cotta mixture into the glasses and refrigerate for 3–4 hours or overnight to set. 3 Make the sauce Mix the berries, sugar and water together. Bring to the boil, remove from the heat and allow it to cool. Blend with a stick blender for a smoother texture and strain if you prefer. 4 To serve Add a dollop of sauce to each dessert and garnish with extra berries and edible flowers.
Vanilla panna cotta
Anthea, Constantine and Gabriel Fortuna joined Nuno, Ramona, Aurora and little Luna-Scarlett Afonso for the party. Ramona and Gabrielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mom Maureen Fortuna helped with the preparation. January 2019
home 119
By Johané Neilson Photographs Francois Oberholster
We’ve got supper sorted! If you’re craving seafood, these four dishes will hit the spot. Seafood and chicken noodles Under R150 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes • Cooking time: 20 minutes • 30ml olive oil • 4 chicken breast fillets • 15ml Thai red curry paste • 350g green veggies such as broccoli florets, peas and baby marrows • 300ml coconut milk • 15ml fish sauce
• juice of 1 lime • about 250ml frozen marinara mix, defrosted • 1 bunch fresh coriander, chopped • 300g cooked egg noodles • soy sauce, to serve
1 Heat the oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden-brown all over. Stir in the curry paste and fry until fragrant. 2 Add the vegetables and cook for a minute or two to infuse the flavour of the paste. Add the coconut milk, fish sauce and lime juice and simmer with the lid on for about 5 minutes. Add the seafood and sprinkle the coriander over; simmer for another few minutes to steam the seafood. 3 Check if the chicken and seafood is cooked. Divide the noodles between four bowls and add a chicken breast and some seafood to each bowl. You can also cut the meat into bite-sized cubes to make the dish easier to eat. Serve with soy sauce to taste.
120 home January 2019
Creamy mussel risotto with fennel Under R140 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 35 minutes • Cooking time: 30 minutes • • • • • • •
125ml white wine 1kg half-shell mussels 1.5L fish or vegetable stock 15ml each olive oil and butter 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 bunch spring onions, chopped 2 small fennel bulbs, chopped
• 1 red chilli, chopped • 15ml tomato paste • about 250ml risotto rice • 80ml sour cream or crème fraîche • chopped fennel leaves, to garnish
1 Bring the white wine to the boil, stir in the mussels and steam for 3 minutes with the lid on. Scoop out the mussels and add the stock to the wine. Set aside. 2 Heat the oil and butter in a separate pan and fry the garlic, spring onions, fennel, chilli and tomato paste for a minute or two until fragrant. Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes until it’s coated with the mixture. Stir the stock, a ladle-full at a time, into the rice. Wait until the stock is completely absorbed before adding more; stir occasionally. After about 15 to 20 minutes, the rice should be al dente. Avoid the last bit of stock at the bottom of the pot in case there’s sand or shell residue in it. If you wish to rinse the mussels beforehand, don’t do so excessively as you’ll spoil the seafood flavour. 3 Season the rice with salt and pepper, then stir in the cooked mussels and sour cream, along with a sprinkling of fennel leaves. Remove from the heat and allow to stand for 2 minutes before dishing up. Tuck in immediately!
quick food
Fish and baby marrows in tomato sauce Under R130 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 20 minutes • Cooking time: 35 minutes • 30ml olive oil • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 clove garlic, chopped • 1 red chilli, chopped • 3 anchovy fillets, chopped • about 60ml white wine (optional) • 1 tin whole tomatoes
• a few sprigs fresh thyme • 60ml red wine vinegar • 350g mixed baby marrows, thinly sliced • 4 hake fillets • chopped fresh parsley • lemon wedges
1 Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion, garlic and chilli until glossy. Add the anchovies and white wine and cook briskly for a minute or two. Stir in the tin of tomatoes and purée with a potato masher. Finally, stir in the thyme and vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 5–10 minutes until thick and fragrant. Add a dash of water if it starts to thicken too much. 2 Heat a griddle pan and fry the sliced baby marrows in batches until done with lovely char lines on both sides. (Or cook all together under your oven grill to save time). Set aside. 3 Spoon the fish on top of the tomato sauce in the pan and sprinkle the cooked baby marrows on top. Put the lid on and steam for about 15–20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. Season the fish with salt and pepper and sprinkle the fresh parsley on top; serve with lemon wedges and fragrant rice or mash.
Rice salad with salmon Under R145 • Serves 4 • Preparation time: 20 minutes • 125ml Greek yoghurt • 125ml creamy mayonnaise • 30ml lemon juice • 60ml chopped coriander • 250ml brown rice, cooked • 1 red onion, finely chopped • 1 tin red kidney beans, drained
• 250g cherry tomatoes, halved • 2 carrots, peeled and grated • 2 mealies, grilled and kernels cut off • 2 ripe avocados, halved • 200g smoked salmon offcuts
1 Beat the yoghurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice and coriander and season generously with salt and pepper. Dilute with a spoonful of boiling water if it is too thick to drizzle. 2 Mix the rice, onion and kidney beans with the tomatoes and carrots, season with salt and pepper and spoon onto a platter; sprinkle the mealie kernels on top. Divide the salmon between the halved avocados and place them on the platter. Alternatively, you can slice the avos and arrange them with the salmon on top of the salad. Drizzle some of the dressing over and serve the rest in a bowl. The salad is delicious as is or as a filling for tortillas. Tip Look out for smoked salmon offcuts rather than ribbons at your supermarket or deli; they’re cheaper and just as tasty, especially in salads and pasta dishes. January 2019
home 121
food
step by step
Fold, roll & dip Rice paper rolls
1
Experiment with your favourite fresh filling ingredients such as julienned vegetables, cooked pulled pork or chicken, herbs and seeds. And don’t forget the dipping sauce! Serves 6 Preparation time: 30 minutes
Vietnamese rice paper rolls make the perfect appetiser or light snack. By Johané Neilson Photographs Francois Oberholster
1 Prepare all the filling ingredients before you start rolling: soak the noodles in water according to the instructions on the packet; cut the prawns in half lengthwise, ensuring that there are no bits of shell; have the edamame beans, strawberries, avocado and leaves ready.
• 6 rice paper wrappers • about 100g dried vermicelli noodles • 9 prawns, shelled • about 100ml edamame beans, steamed • about 3 strawberries, sliced • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and sliced (sprinkle lemon juice over it to prevent it from discolouring) • fresh mint and basil leaves • 6 crispy lettuce leaves such as cos, veins removed
Dipping sauce
Choose a sauce that complements your ĮůůŝŶŐ͘ KƵƌ ŝŶŐƌĞĚŝĞŶƚƐ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ĨƌĞƐŚ͕ ĐůĞĂŶ ƚĂƐƚĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞLJ ŚĂǀĞŶΖƚ ďĞĞŶ ƐĞĂƐŽŶĞĚ ƐŽ Ă ƚĂŶŐLJ ďĞůů ƉĞƉƉĞƌ ƐĂƵĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ďŝƚ ŽĨ Ă ďŝƚĞ Žƌ Ă ůŽǀĞůLJ ƐǁĞĞƚ ƉůƵŵ ƐĂƵĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĚĂƐŚ ŽĨ ƐĂůƚLJ ƐŽLJ ƐĂƵĐĞ ĂŶĚ Ă ĨĞǁ ĚƌŽƉƐ ŽĨ ĮƐŚ ƐĂƵĐĞ ĂƌĞ ŐŽŽĚ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ͘ ŶŽƚŚĞƌ ĨĂǀŽƵƌŝƚĞ ŝƐ ƉĞĂŶƵƚ ƐĂƵĐĞ ŵŝdžĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĐŚŝůůŝ͕ ƐĞƐĂŵĞ Žŝů͕ ƐŽLJ ƐĂƵĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŚŽŝƐŝŶ ƐĂƵĐĞ͘
3 2 o soften the rice paper, soak the wrappers in lukewarm water for about 15–20 seconds, then lift them out carefully without crumpling or folding them and immediately place flat on a damp tea towel. Work with one wrapper at a time.
rr e ree r , i e cu i e facing up, in the middle of the wrapper. Add a few edamame beans, sliced strawberries and herbs. Place a few noodles, a slice of avocado and a crispy lettuce leaf on top. Fold the two ends of the rice paper over the filling, then roll up into a cigar shape – it's so easy! Repeat with all six wrappers and serve with a dipping sauce within an hour or two; the rolls tend to become rubbery if not eaten timeously.
What are edamame beans?
These are young, green soya beans. We found frozen ones at Woolworths but you can also look at Asian markets. Blanch the frozen pods and ƐŚĞůů ƚŚĞ ďĞĂŶƐ͘ ůƚĞƌŶĂƟǀĞůLJ͕ ƐƵďƐƟƚƵƚĞ ƚŚĞ edamame beans with bean sprouts or chopped ƉĞĂŶƵƚƐ ʹ ƚŚĞLJ͛ůů ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ũƵƐƚ ĂƐ ŵƵĐŚ ĐƌƵŶĐŚ͊
January 2019
home 123
& food
drinks
By Johané Neilson • Photographs: supplied
Try something new in 2019!
Drinks on me! Planning a party? Be the host with the most with this Clinton Friedman serving tray (R429; yuppiechef.com)
Whet your appetite Fans of TV personality and chef Zola Nene will know that she doesn’t do bland or shy, and her latest cookbook Simply Zola (R290; Penguin Random House) is no exception! Prepare to be enticed and amazed by the likes of a barley, grape and pecan nut salad, rocky road waffles with salted caramel sauce and a chicken and butternut pan roast. With chapters devoted to making meals for one, all-day breakfasts and vivacious veggies, there are plenty of reasons to get cooking!
A sweet surprise LUST FOR LIFE Situated on the Vrede en Lust wine estate in Franschhoek, Lust Bistro & Bakery is known for its “home away from home” ambience. In addition to a new menu, Lust has extended its trading hours with a dinner service every Friday and Saturday until 10pm. Enjoy the fresh and uncomplicated dinner menu alongside a selection of the finest wines. Visit lustbistro.com.
CHEERS! The pale pink 2015 Dainty Bess Méthode Cap Classique (R255; daintybess.co.za) is 100% Pinot Noir with two-thirds of the grapes sourced from Klein Optenhorst in Wellington and an additional third from a cool climate vineyard in Elgin. The nose inspires with raspberry, crème patissiere and a touch of spice with a crisp finish.
124 home January 2019
Take it with you These new mini salt and pepper shakers from Oryx Desert Salt (R42.95; wellnesswarehouse.com) are so convenient! Just pop them in your picnic basket when you go for a hike, on a road trip or camping. >>
Jennings Fine Foods has a new handmade range of Bon Bon Gift Boxes (R55 each; 140g) available from leading retailers, pharmacies, delis and gift shops countrywide. You can choose from Original fudge, Creamy Vanilla fudge or Assorted made up of Original fudge, Coconut Ice and Date Crunchies. Yum!
ON SALE NOW! E IS TESTOSTERONE THE NEW BOTOX?
‘I’M NOT ON HRT’
THE 6 MOST REQUESTED BEAUTY PROCEDURES
HERE’S WHY
from mild to mega
ON BECOMING INVISIBLE
12
GREAT WOMEN WHO ONLY HIT THEIR STRIDE IN THEIR 40S
THE 3AM DREADS A
nxious? You’re not alone FASHION
WTF happened to my style?
!
YES PLEASE! WHAT, WHEN & WHERE
01
HOW TO GET BACK IN YOUR GROOVE
201
RSA R60.50 (VAT INCLUDED) NAMIBIA 8/2019 N$63.00
ARE YOU A MIDSTER LIKE US? A bit sweary, teary, funny, fed up and OVER IT? Then this is the magazine for you. Seriously – it’s going to give you proper help. And it’s going to make you laugh. Because you’re not alone – we’re all in this together. Meet us in HOT!
food&drinks
Spring into summer The Earth Laughs in Flowers is the name of Chantel Dartnall’s stunning summer 2018 menu at Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient Hotel in Elandsfontein, Pretoria. It’s rated one of the finest restaurants in Africa and the menu, with which Dartnall pays homage to Mother Nature, features the chef’s signature Botanical Cuisine, using only the best seasonal produce. ‘From the Frozen Ocean’, a magical piece of culinary theatre in which Arctic salmon is prepared in front of the diners, is a real treat, while ‘Cherry Blossom’, showcasing duck wings and lightly smoked duck breast with luscious cherry flavours, is also likely to become a firm favourite. Go to restaurantmosaic.com.
Lunchbox favourite Montagu’s new No… No… fruit flakes (apple, blackcurrant, mango, mixed berry, peach and strawberry) contain no added sugar, preservatives or artificial colourants and they’re packed with Vitamin C and fibre. Get your 40g snack pack for R12.90 at all Montagu outlets. See more at montagudriedfruitnuts.co.za.
YOU’RE INVITED Looking for a hostess gift this party season? Poetry offers a wide selection, ranging from Cederberg Rooibos Tea (R125) and a Floral and Gold Butter Dish (R350) to Gold Twig Salad Servers (R299). Visit poetrystores.co.za.
Say no to single-use plastic Awesome on the palate and kind to the planet – that’s award-winning Jozi brewery Mad Giant! Now they’re changing from shrink wrap to cardboard packaging. “Paper labels cost almost double but we can’t imagine the future cost of trying to clean the ocean,” says brewmaster and founder Eben Uys. Expect to pay R24–R25 for a single Killer Hop and R85–R90 for a four-pack; visit madgiant.co.za.
It’s a classic! KWV Classic Collection wines highlight single varietals from a beloved Chenin Blanc to the more unusual Grenache Blanc and Moscato. The Classic Collection Moscato is an aromatic wine with floral, tropical and peach aromas on the nose and hints of litchi on the palate – perfect for summer! Follow brand ambassador Chef Mynhardt’s lead and pair it with tandoori veg or creamy chicken pasta for a perfect match. Go to kwv.co.za.
126 home January 2019
WORT THE WAIT Tokara, a family-owned Stellenbosch wine estate in the Helshoogte Pass, has released its first 10-year-old pot still brandy. Honouring the age-old Cognac tradition, the Chenin Blanc base wine is double distilled in Limousin oak barrels for a minimum of 10 years. The brandy is available at the cellar door for R650 as well as at selected purveyors of fine wines; for online purchases visit tokara.com.
A Bible for our times Enjoy the New Testament now in a beautifully illustrated magazine
Available at selected retailers for
only R149
THE
Bible NEW TESTAMENT
A ďŹ rst of its kind in South Africa and something youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll treasure forever. This picturesque magazine is illustrated with captivating images, a rich visual feast that complements the spirituality of the Word. Order yours today Tel: 087 740 1077 | Sms: Bible to 32361 | Email: subs@media24.com
E/D > &hE͊ ŶŝŵĂů ĨĂĐƚƐ ĐĂƌĚ
DĂŐŶĞƟĐ ƉƵnjnjůĞ ďŽĂƌĚ
<ĞĞƉ LJŽƵƌ ŬŝĚƐ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŝŶ Ă ĨƵŶ͕ ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟǀĞ ǁĂLJ ƚŚŝƐ ŚŽůŝĚĂLJ͊ dŚĞ ĐƌĞĂƟǀĞ ŵŝŶĚƐ Ăƚ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ Θ ůĞŝƐƵƌĞ ŵĂŐĂnjŝŶĞ ŐŽ͊ ŚĂǀĞ ĐƌĞĂƚĞĚ Ă ƐĞƌŝĞƐ ŽĨ ϭϬ ďĞĂƵƟĨƵůůLJ ŝůůƵƐƚƌĂƚĞĚ ŵĂŐŶĞƟĐ ƉƵnjnjůĞƐ͘ ĂĐŚ ďŽĂƌĚ ĚĞƉŝĐƚƐ Ă ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ƌĞŐŝŽŶ ŝŶ ^ŽƵƚŚĞƌŶ ĨƌŝĐĂ ĂŶĚ ǁŝůů ƚĞĂĐŚ LJŽƵƌ ŬŝĚƐ ĨƵŶ ĨĂĐƚƐ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚŝŐĞŶŽƵƐ ǁŝůĚůŝĨĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ϭϬ ƌĞŐŝŽŶͲƐƉĞĐŝĮĐ ĂŶŝŵĂů ŵĂŐŶĞƚƐ͘ WůĂLJ ĂŶĚ ůĞĂƌŶ͊ ŽůůĞĐƚ Ăůů ϭϬ ƉƵnjnjůĞƐ͘ zŽƵ ǁŝůů ĮŶĚ ŝƚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŐĂnjŝŶĞ ƐƚĂŶĚ ŝŶ Ă ƐƵƉĞƌŵĂƌŬĞƚ ŶĞĂƌ LJŽƵ͘ WZ/ ͗ ZϱϬ ƉĞƌ ƉƵnjnjůĞ͘
DĂŐŶĞƟĐ ĂŶŝŵĂů ƉƵnjnjůĞ ƉŝĞĐĞƐ
ͻ ĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚĂů ƚŽLJƐ ͻ WƌĞƚĞŶĚ ƉůĂLJ ͻ WƵnjnjůĞƐ ͻ ĐƟǀĞ ƉůĂLJ Θ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌƐ ͻ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ƉĂĚƐ ͻ ƌƚƐ Θ ĐƌĂŌƐ ͻ ůŽƚŚŝŶŐ Θ ĂĐĐĞƐƐŽƌŝĞƐ ͻ &ƵƌŶŝƚƵƌĞ Θ ĚĠĐŽƌ
^ŚŽƉ ŽŶůŝŶĞ Ăƚ ǁǁǁ͘ŵŝůĂĂŶĚŵŽŽ͘ĐŽ͘njĂ KRPH
# /$&#$/ ! '* *' $#&* &# !
#& * # - ! # # */*# */ -&! *-& % #%0 ...% # */*# */ -&! *-& % #%0 1 , +++ ("++ # */*# */ -&! *-&
$' + !$ . " ! ' 0"$# $ +0+$ +0 .'# +.' & $&1 ///& $ +0+$ +0 .'# +.' & $&1 2 , -)) -%( $ +0+$ +0 .'# +.'
# ! !! $ &!! $ !# $&!# !) $ *!'# # && ( & # "
12 025( 5$,1 '867 25 '(%5,6 %/2:,1* 81'(5 <285 *$5$*( '225 .((36 0267 52'(176 61$.(6 $1' 60$// &5($785(6 287 89 5(6,67$17
%HIRUH
(DV\ WR LQVWDOO
$IWHU
12:
:HDWKHU VHDO \RXU JDUDJH IURP $// VLGHV
%UXVK VHDO IRU WRS DQG VLGHV
7R RUGHU FRQWDFW 0DUOHVH %RWKD ( PDLO RUGHUV VDOHV#ELJDOWUDGLQJ FR ]D )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ ZZZ ELJDOWUDGLQJ FR ]D
&
" % &
! " # & ' $ $
$ $ $
& # $ $
# $ '
% % " '
& # & ' '
$ % &
" $ $ ' " # "
" $
' & (( "
back page
WHEN CRYING
is healthy
I had an aunt who believed that one should have a good cry early in the new year. Apparently, it helps a lot. About what, she never said and I guess the secret went with her to her grave. This thought crossed my mind over the festive season when I encountered a child sitting in a supermarket trolley, weeping. It wasn’t a huge, furious storm but more of a sad, B-minor wail accompanied by fat, healthy tears. You could see he wasn’t crying out of necessity; rather, he was beset by the greater burdens of the world. His mother, hot and bothered, wisely ignored him. All the way down the tinned food aisle, he sat and wept in that fashion, past the rice and pasta and on to the Omo specials. Then they disappeared around the corner and out of sight. A good cry at the right time, says a psychologist friend, is an important survival mechanism. It clears the soul and the mind. It also evokes empathy and protectiveness in others. It is an evolutionary marvel, still largely confined to the human species. We are the only ones who can shed tears. Wolves howl, yes. And so do dogs. But they don’t shed tears. There may be other mammals who cry, who knows. I know rats can laugh. Seriously! Scientists have designed a device that can capture the frequency of rat laughter, making it audible. When they tickle the rats, you can hear it. But as far as crying is concerned, I’m not sure (maybe that requires another machine). Whales are related to rats. Are they capable of crying? It is anybody’s guess, because how do you measure the tears of an animal that is already swimming in them? Crocodile tears don’t count; they belong in the same category as hen’s teeth. Which brings us back to people – men included. (Show me a man who can watch a movie like The Shawshank Redemption dry-eyed.) My own family is a bunch of weepers, especially on my mom’s side. Given the slightest provocation, they weep buckets of tears.
130 home January 2019
My dad’s family, on the other hand, is completely different. They come from the Hantam Karoo. Arid drought people. They don’t waste water. I am my mother’s child. Since childhood, however, I have staunchly rebelled against it. And so far I have managed to get it right. But there are times when those ingrained family genes frantically pull against those constrictions. Like the time my hairdresser went a bit berserk with her scissors in a fit of inspired madness. I walked out of there looking like a hurricane victim. This, already, was reason enough for tears, I reckon. But now add a traffic cop with a grim moustache to the mix... and boom! Why it always has to be a traffic cop, heaven only knows. Because traffic cops aren’t tough guys. Once, my unexpected tears had a beefy guy in Mbombela completely bewildered. “Sorry, Mama, sorry,” he pleaded desperately. “Please don’t cry. Look. I will tear up the ticket.” Then he offered me his handkerchief. And a packet of Triple-X mints from his pocket, his own lip trembling dangerously. On another occasion my tears brought a Johannesburg traffic court to a standstill. When it came time for me to plead my case, my mind went inexplicably blank and I couldn’t get a word out. And to crown it all, I’m a nose-weeper. Fifty percent of my tears come out of my nose. And, of course, I never have a tissue with me. The magistrate, a young fellow with an early case of baldness and an embarrassed look on his face, blushed tomato-red and then promptly adjourned the court and fled outside. Perhaps he went to phone his mom. Or his psychologist. Apparently, the average person cries about 65 litres of tears in their lifetime – just over three bucketfuls. If my aunt was right, the time has come for your first cry of the year. Even if you don’t have a good reason to do so. There’s bound to be a valid reason sometime in the future. Whether from pain or joy. The time will come.
Illustration Paula Dubois • Translation Gillian Eva
Human beings are the only species that can shed tears, whether from joy or sorrow. Maybe the time has come to treat weeping with more respect, says Karin Brynard.
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