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SA’s

No.1

9 771814 165001

home an dg magazinarden e

11164

your practical guide to beautiful living

R43.50

(vat incl.) Namibia N$46.00

November 2018 READER HOME

An homage to heritage Budget-savvy with a nifty pantry solution!

FOOD

We

love

fridge tarts!

p

DIY

Build a brick garden bench Make a beaded chandelier FIX IT WITH FLAIR

Our Top 5 renovators READER GARDEN

Stoeps

with style From a seaside sanctuary & tropical paradise to a charming country retreat

COOL AND LUSH IN THE KAROO WIN!

Artificial lawn & braai goodies


SHOP IN-STORE OR ONLINE WWW.HOME.CO.ZA


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Reader home

22 Reader

48 Reader home

home

64ps with style

112

Stoe

Fridge tarts

Cover photograph Francois Oberholster • Styling Marian van Wyk

Reader garden

décor 22 36 48 56 64

20

Fresh ideas Play with patterns Retail therapy Mad about motifs A Victorian abode in the Mother City that ticks all the right boxes An homage to the heritage of the charming town of Greyton Reader home An eclectic blend of inherited and second-hand pieces Kitchen renovation From dark and poky to a sociable hub of the home Stoeps Six stylish outdoor entertainment areas

do it yourself

giveaways

78 80

8 34

Make a pretty beaded chandelier Build a garden bench

in the garden 92 100 104 108

Antiques and décor accessories add interest to a Prince Albert paradise A clever landscaping solution for a sandy patch of lawn Plants of the month Blue blooms Garden diary

in the kitchen 112 120 122 124

Fridge tarts make a comeback We’ve got supper sorted! Spinach and feta pie, step by step Food & drinks to feed your senses

88 90

Write in to Your Space and WIN WIN artificial grass and braai goodies worth R12 537 Send us your pet pics and WIN Complete Crossword #120 and WIN a book hamper worth R1 725!

regulars 10 12 82

130

Our Top 5 renovators in the Fix it with Flair competition

Diary November highlights What’s new on the décor scene Ask the experts to solve your problem 87 Trash or treasure? Let’s find out 87 JJ’s garden solutions 88 Pets and their peculiarities Last words from Karin Brynard

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Hello Doing nothing is an art, and in my opinion it’s a skill we all should hone. I’m not advocating laziness – on the contrary. Think about it: how many times have you stood up from your desk, or walked to the kitchen, or opened the fridge and found yourself unable to remember what you wanted to do? Information overload is to blame – it’s the bane of our existence! As you set out to do whatever it was at that moment, there was probably a deluge of other thoughts flashing through your brain: things you need to remember, decisions you’re agonising over... All the ‘noise’ that causes your thoughts to get lost in the highway of your mind. And it’s little wonder. Thanks to technology, there is now more information out there for us to absorb than ever before. Admit it, gone are the days of lying on the sofa at home, just watching TV. Nowadays, you’re multitasking, cellphone in hand: keeping an eye on social media, maybe reading a news article on your favourite app, or checking a text message that’s just come through. And so your mind ricochets between different chunks of information. Very soon it all becomes, well... just one loud and distracting noise. Which is probably why ‘mindfulness’ continues to be a buzzword; the idea that we should all live in the moment and experience it in its fullest, satisfying simplicity. Eat without watching TV, chew food slowly and taste it before you swallow. Sit somewhere outdoors with the sun on your back and really feel its warmth... You probably know this joke: what is South Africa’s national sport? Braaiing. Well, if there were a national ‘hang-out spot’, it would definitely be the stoep. And that’s what we’re celebrating in this issue. (See page 64.) They come in all shapes and sizes. Braai rooms, patios, balconies, verandas. Call them what you will, they all have one thing in common: this is where we unwind. And, of course, eat, entertain, enjoy our hobbies and read – you name it! But above all, they provide us with somewhere to relax, somewhere to just sit. I’ve recently had the pleasure of travelling and ‘switching off’ did not come easily. Stress is actually a form of addiction; it takes a bit of effort to shake it off. But once you get it right – oh, the bliss! At this hectic time of year, with Christmas just around the corner (can you believe it?), my advice is this: sit on your stoep, even if the paving needs to be repaired, the table could do with some sanding and painting, and your roses need trimming. Just go and sit there for a while. And do nothing. You deserve it.

editor@homemag.co.za

6 home November 2018

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 Shelly Bergh, Karin Brynard, Sally Chance, Elza Cooper, Deon de Goede, Gerda Engelbrecht, Amora Erasmus, Marié Esterhuyse, Desiree Hartney, Sharmine Livingstone, Kay Montgomery, Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel, Melissa Rautenbach, Juané Scheepers, Ludwig Taschner, Chrissi van Dyk, 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 087 740 1077 • 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

CEO: Media24 Ishmet Davidson GM: Media24 Lifestyle Raj Lalbahadur 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.



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. WINNING LETTER

For the women… Kk Bulunga of Pretoria writes As a young man, I’ve done two things this month that I never would have thought possible in order to give my mother a rest. It’s Women’s Month, after all, and this gives us an opportunity to put ourselves in their shoes and show them that we appreciate every little thing. I’ve been cooking supper at home, every night. I run out of ideas at times and wonder how my mom does it every night with ease. She is a self-taught natural master of traditional South African food and never refers to a cookbook. I got so stressed at times and woke up in the middle of the night, thinking about what I was going to cook the next day and how I could make it so my family would want to come back for seconds, like when it’s my mom cooking. I surprised everyone on Women’s Day when I made the curried lamb chops with coconut rice from the August issue of Home (page 118). It came out perfectly and, for the first time, my family asked for more. I’ve now gained confidence and look forward to cooking every night. Even opening the freezer to decide what to cook is a thrilling experience. I’ve come to realise that maybe there is hope that I can actually be a good father one day. I even came up with names for my imaginary children! Thank you Home team; we had a fabulous Women’s Day!

All kinds of ideas

Well done to all involved in the Cape Town Homemakers Fair. I thoroughly ĞŶũŽLJĞĚ ŝƚ͊ / ǁĂƐŶ͛ƚ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ĂƩĞŶĚ ůĂƐƚ year, so this year I came away totally inspired – every room in my house is ŐŽŝŶŐ ƚŽ ŐĞƚ Ă ŵŝŶŝ ŵĂŬĞŽǀĞƌ͘ DLJ ƉĂƟŽ ŽƌŶĂŵĞŶƚƐ ĂƌĞ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ Ă ďŝƚ ĚƵůů ĂŌĞƌ ŽƵƌ harsh Cape winter so they will get some chalk paint treatment. I read Home from cover to cover every month and enjoy trying out the lovely recipes too. Keep the great ideas rolling! – Bernadine Ponte, Cape Town

As a child, I was given a printer’s tray by my mother (it was hers when she was a ĐŚŝůĚͿ ĂŶĚ / ŚĂĚŶ͛ƚ ĨŽƵŶĚ Ă ƉƌĂĐƟĐĂů ƵƐĞ for it in years. Eventually, with a heavy heart, I decided to take it to the charity ƐŚŽƉ ĂƐ / ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ůŝŬĞ ĐůƵƩĞƌ͘ As I was carrying it to the car, it hit me: one thing Home has taught me is that there’s no such thing as rubbish, everything can be recycled! I went online ŽŶůLJ ƚŽ ĮŶĚ Ă ƉůĞƚŚŽƌĂ ŽĨ ŝĚĞĂƐ ĨŽƌ recycling printer’s trays! And this is what I did with mine – now the only problem is that both of my daughters want one too! – Kirsten Thompson, Pretoria

dŚĞ ĞĚŝƚŽƌ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĞƐ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ƚŽ ĞĚŝƚ ůĞƩĞƌƐ Ăƚ ŚŝƐ ĚŝƐĐƌĞƟŽŶ͘

your space

IN SHORT

Buzz and Hanni Bazley of Hermanus write

Your best issue yet! Lynne-Alice Crabtree of Durban North writes All I can say about your September 2018 issue is: wow! It is phenomenally excellent and of the highest standard. You can see the pure love, extreme effort and devotion that resulted in the Home team producing the very best décor magazine in South Africa. Well done! My favourite article is the ‘Well-contained space’ on page 32. Many folk want to downsize and this space shows one how to really live with less. It is so wellproportioned, so sweet and inviting – a home to live in forever, without wanting or needing more.

8 home November 2018

We’ve finally started b d i building our small two-bedroom retirement home in our children’s garden. With an open-plan kitchen and living room, we thought we had our design all mapped out – until my August issue of Home arrived. There are so many new ideas as well as cost-cutting and time-saving tips which are invaluable for anybody planning a new kitchen. It’s obvious that a lot of thought went into the layouts created and photos presented – congrats to your team. We also absolutely love your latest edition of Home Yard! Most of our outdoor space will consist of a small patio with a braai and a balcony/terrace off our upstairs bedroom – and this issue is filled with great ideas! We can’t wait to implement some of the suggestions on flooring, seating, walls and plants. Thank you!

The writer of the winning ůĞƩĞƌ ŐĞƚƐ Ă WŚŝůŝƉƐ sŝǀĂ ŽůůĞĐƟŽŶ ůĞŶĚĞƌ ǁŽƌƚŚ Zϭ ϱϵϵ͊

WIN!

ZĞŶŽǁŶĞĚ ĨŽƌ ŝŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ ŚŽŵĞ ĂƉƉůŝĂŶĐĞƐ͕ WŚŝůŝƉƐ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞƐ ƚŽ ŝŶƐƉŝƌĞ ŚŽŵĞͲĐŽŽŬĞĚ goodness and value for money. Whether you’re an expert cook or simply into a healthier lifestyle, a smoothie is fast ďĞĐŽŵŝŶŐ ĂŶ ĞƐƐĞŶƟĂů͕ ƟŵĞͲƐĂǀŝŶŐ ŵĞĂů͘ Developed with ProBlend6 technology for ĞīĞĐƟǀĞ ďůĞŶĚŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŵŝdžŝŶŐ͕ ƚŚĞ ϵϬϬt motor is strong enough to process your ĨĂǀŽƵƌŝƚĞ ŝŶŐƌĞĚŝĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĐƌƵƐŚ ŝĐĞ ĞĸĐŝĞŶƚůLJ͘ Prepare your smoothie in the travel mug and you’re set to go! Visit philips.co.za.



diary

Compiled by Suné Esterhuizen Send diary entries to diary@homemag.co.za at least three months before the event.

November flashes

ON THE BOX On ^ĂƌĂŚ Kī ƚŚĞ 'ƌŝĚ (Season 1 starts 13 November on the Home Channel, 176 on DStv), expert designer Sarah ZŝĐŚĂƌĚƐŽŶ ƚĂŬĞƐ ŽŶ ŚĞƌ ŵŽƐƚ ĂŵďŝƟŽƵƐ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ LJĞƚ͗ ĐƌĞĂƟŶŐ ĂŶ ŽīͲƚŚĞͲŐƌŝĚ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŚŽŵĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŽƵŶƚƌLJ͘ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ĂŶ ĞĐŽĨƌŝĞŶĚůLJ ŚŽƵƐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ĐĂŶ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƚŚĞ ŶĞĞĚƐ ŽĨ ŚĞƌ ůŽǀĞĚ ŽŶĞƐ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞƐ ĐůĞǀĞƌ ĚĞƐŝŐŶ ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐ͘ &ŽůůŽǁ ^ĂƌĂŚ͕ ŚĞƌ ŚƵƐďĂŶĚ ĂŶĚ ƚǁŽ LJŽƵŶŐ ĚĂƵŐŚƚĞƌƐ ĂƐ ƚŚĞLJ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ Ă ŐƌĞĞŶ ƐƉĂĐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů ďĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĞŶũŽLJĞĚ ďLJ ŐĞŶĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ƚŽ ĐŽŵĞ͘

GREYTON ARTWALK 16–18 November: Greyton Art enthusiasts can look forward to a weekend of creative fun in the picturesque village of Greyton. Various venues and private homes will be transformed into galleries for all to enjoy and the young ones can join the action with painting sessions on Saturday. Call 082 495 4019 or email greytonartwalk@gmail.com for details.

Rose Gardens of the Cape of Good Hope 1–3 November: Cape Town and surrounds Enjoy a delightful three-day tour led by Anja Taschner, departing from Ludwig’s Roses Winelands. Stops on the route include a private family estate in Jonkershoek, the public rose gardens at Tokara and Rustenberg Estate, as well as the rose gardens at wine estates including Babylonstoren, Vergelegen, La Motte and Lanzerac. Tours cost R1 300 per person per day (you can opt to do a single-day tour); go to anjataschner.com for the programme and call 021 884 4552 or email alchemy@anjataschner.com to book.

Get your Christmas gifts! 30 October – 2 November: Delmas, Mpumalanga sŝƐŝƚ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŶƵĂů ĞůŵĂƐ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ ĨŽƌ ǁĂƌŵ ŚŽƐƉŝƚĂůŝƚLJ ĂŶĚ ďĞĂƵƟĨƵů ŐŝŌƐ ƚŽ ƐƵŝƚ ĂŶLJ ďƵĚŐĞƚ͘ &Žƌ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ͕ ĐĂůů ϬϴϮ ϵϮϴ ϰϯϭϳ Žƌ ĮŶĚ ƚŚĞŵ ŽŶ &ĂĐĞŬ͘ 2–3 November: Tzaneen, Limpopo dŚĞ dĂƐƚĞ ŽĨ dnjĂŶĞĞŶ &ĞƐƚ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ &ĂŝƌǀŝĞǁ ,ŽƚĞů ƉƌŽŵŝƐĞƐ ĨƵŶ ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ͊ ŶũŽLJ ǁŝŶĞͲƚĂƐƟŶŐ͕ Ă ƉŽƚũŝĞŬŽƐ ĐŽŵƉĞƟƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ĞŶ <ƌƵŐĞƌ͕ ƐƚƵŶŶŝŶŐ ĚĠĐŽƌ ĂŶĚ ŐŽƌŐĞŽƵƐ ŐŝŌƐ͖ ĐĂůů Ϭϴϯ ϰϴϴ ϯϴϴϱ Žƌ ŐŽ ƚŽ ƚĂƐƚĞŽŌnjĂŶĞĞŶ͘ĐŽ͘njĂ͘ 7–11 November: Constantia, Cape Town zŽƵ͛ůů ĮŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϭϬϬ ĞdžŚŝďŝƚŽƌƐ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐ ŚŽŵĞ ĂŶĚ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ĂĐĐĞƐƐŽƌŝĞƐ͕ ĐĞƌĂŵŝĐƐ͕ ĚĞůŝ ŝƚĞŵƐ ĂŶĚ ŵƵƐƚͲŚĂǀĞ ŐŝŌƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƚĂŶƟĂ 'ŝŌ &Ăŝƌ͘ ŶƚƌĂŶĐĞ ŝƐ ZϯϬ͖ ĐĂůů Ϭϴϯ ϲϳϵ ϰϰϵϱ Žƌ ǀŝƐŝƚ ƚŚĞŐŝŌĨĂŝƌ͘ĐŽ͘njĂ͘ 27 November – 1 December: Kimberley, Northern Cape tŝƚŚ Ă ǀĂƌŝĞƚLJ ŽĨ ƐƚĂůůƐ ƚŽ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ ĨƌŽŵ͕ ƐŽƌƚ ŽƵƚ LJŽƵƌ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ƐŚŽƉƉŝŶŐ ĞĂƌůLJ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ <ƵŝĞƌͲ<ƵŝĞƌ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ DĂƌŬĞƚ͖ ĐĂůů Ϭϱϯ ϴϯϯ ϭϮϲϱ Žƌ ĮŶĚ ƚŚĞŵ ŽŶ &ĂĐĞŬ͘

10 home November 2018

30 October – 4 November: KAMERS/Makers Stellenbosch is back with a brand-new venue at Blaauwklippen Estate and almost 180 exhibitors showcasing South African creativity. Buy your ticket for R60 at plankton.mobi or R90 at the entrance; visit kamersvol.com. 3: Bring the whole family to share in the fun at the Innistraat Street Festival in Winterton, KZN. Expect food stalls, craft beer, horse-drawn carriage rides and more; call 084 567 8802. 3: Cintron Pink Polo presented by Vodacom returns to Val de Vie Estate to raise awareness for breast cancer. Spend a beautiful day filled with fashion, food and wine in the Winelands. Get tickets from R120 at computicket.com; visit pinkpolo.co.za. 3: Run, walk, wheel or stroll to raise awareness for children living with disabilities at the 5km Nappy Run at Johannesburg Zoo on National Children’s Day. Tickets at nappyrun.org.za cost R100 per adult and R60 for kids to raise funds for nappies; call 011 452 2774. 10: Celebrate summer under the stars at Spier in Stellenbosch with an hour-long comedy show with Rob van Vuuren. Tickets cost R200 per person and you can add a seasonal picnic basket for two and a bottle of Spier Signature wine for R580. To book, call 021 809 1100 or visit spier.co.za. 14: Ceramics SA hosts British celebrity ceramicist Kate Malone who will present a full-day ceramic workshop in Port Elizabeth; call 074 703 4399 or email info@ceramics-sa-caper.co.za. 19: December issue of Home on sale! 25: Treat yourself to mouthwatering flavours at the Rooy Food Market in Potchefstroom. Visitors can also enjoy boutique wines and craft beers, as well as live music by local artists; call 079 918 2092. 25: Enjoy a stunning collection of antiques and collectables as well as crafted artisanal products and delicious food at the Vintage & Artisanal Market in Saxonwold, Johannesburg. Entrance is R10; call 082 338 0416. 30 November – 1 December: Pop in at the Kuns en Kultuurfees in Prince Alfred Hamlet for a variety of activities, stalls, entertainment and competitions. Tickets are available from R80; call 074 217 1831 or visit hkkf.co.za.



Please send décor and lifestyle news to news@homemag.co.za.

what’s new Compiled by Kim Arendse

Fine fabrics Biggie Best’s latest fabric range, Book of Florals (from R380/m; 140cm W), features gorgeous designs in a variety of colours to suit every style. Take a look online or pop into the new Biggie Best store that’s opening at Tyger Valley Shopping Centre in October; visit biggiebestwebshop.co.za.

12 home November 2018

CREATE, INNOVATE!

BUSINESS Lulasclan WHO Bonolo Helen Chepape WHERE Mafikeng HER WORK Bonolo’s work as a designer and owner of Lulasclan, a creative décor consultancy offering bespoke textiles, is inspired by her childhood and visits to her grandmother’s house in Limpopo where she was surrounded by music, art and storytelling. She would also assist in her mother’s garage tuck shop, which grew her entrepreneurial spirit. “In-between helping customers, I’d nurture my skill in illustration. I would sit and draw for hours on end!” Bonolo says. After completing a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Bonolo poured her heart into launching her business which now boasts a popular range of contemporary African designs on portrait scatter cushions that “depict an optimistic future and celebrate women”. Check out lulasclan.com.

Italtile’s new ColorArt porcelain tile range (R690/m2; 150 x 1 200mm) mimics beautifully worn reclaimed timber flooring. The tiles are available in the following colours: light, bone, desert and carbon. Visit italtile.co.za.

Affordable and low-maintenance faux indoor greenery is all the rage and we love Sheet Street’s range of potted plants and flowers – from succulents to roses! Use them to bulk up a fresh arrangement or create a unique waterwise display; go to sheetstreet.com. >>


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


We love

ISCA’s fun new range of colourful kitchen sink mixers! Available in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black and gold, they cost R1 818 each and can be bought at Plumb-It in Centurion and Gauteng or online at plumbitonline.co.za.

Hoity Toity Furniture and Décor stocks a wide variety of easy-to-clean plastic rugs in trendy designs (from R750; 120 x 184cm); visit hoitytoityfurniture.co.za.

Wood you look at that! Hot products

In collaboration with Kaatjie Produkte and Hartlam Textiles & Print, online store jislaaikshop.co.za has created the Dis Lekker scatter range, depicting a variety of local food favourites. The cute cotton twill scatters (50 x 50cm) cost R270 with the inner.

Add a contemporary touch to your garden with these birch plywood birdhouses from Foo Dog Design. The biggest one costs R440 (41cm tall) and can be bought at their store in Fourways, Johannesburg and at Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria or online at foodogdesign.co.za. TOP SHOP

Trouvé at 118 Long Road in Greymont, Johannesburg offers a fantastic collection of French, retro and antique furniture as well as “a whole lot of other cool, quirky junk!” says co-owner Joe Strydom. Many special finds are upcycled in their studio and they’ve recently added a delightful coffee bar. See more at facebook.com/trouveza.

A new neutral

Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2019 has been announced! Welcome Crème Brulee, a warm amber tone inspired by the many hues and properties of honey – natural, timeless, enduring and rejuvenating.

14 home November 2018



Double up! When renovating her kitchen two years ago, Cape Town designer Heidi van der Westhuizen chose timeless white kitchen cupboards with classic blackwood tops. To create an exciting accent – with double the impact – she added her own vinyl tiles in eclectic designs on both the stove splashback and the kickplate. “The beauty of using vinyl is that I can change the look regularly – I don’t have to commit forever!” says Heidi.

Whether classic or eye-catching, a bold new look is sure to inject new life into your home – or garden.

PLAY WITH

patterns By Johané Neilson and Marian van Wyk Photographs Francois Oberholster and Sally Chance

Just for kicks!


fresh ideas

Instead of tiles... Jeanette Oosterhuis of Milnerton describes her style as classic; she prefers a neutral palette of grey, white and black throughout her home. When it came to creating a statement bathroom on a relatively small budget, her mother suggested De Waal Art wallpaper instead of tiles. “The wall covering just added the wow factor I was looking for and it’s fully washable,” explains Jeanette. “I chose the design and together with Lecia de Waal customised the wallpaper (originally intended for splashbacks in the kitchen) to create a pattern that’s elegant and striking.” >>

November 2018

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fresh ideas Drive this way When Jeanne and Niel Oets of KwaZulu-Natal had to upgrade their steep driveway to preserve the soil and allow for drainage, they installed decorative concrete blocks – laid flat and arranged to form an eye-catching pattern – instead of regular pavers or concrete. Jeanne then carefully planted single shoots of self-sustaining dwarf mondo grass in each opening – it’s an ideal plant as it doesn’t grow taller than 10cm. A year later it has multiplied to form a beautiful but hardy green tapestry that can cope with all kinds of traffic. “The idea is that this low-maintenance plant will eventually look like a lawn with a subtle decorative pattern,” explains Jeanne. “I specifically planted the grass very deep so it will just peep out and because it doesn’t need mowing or much maintenance (we don’t have a shortage of rain here), all we’ll have to do is occasionally weed,” says Jeanne. Diva the Basset Hound is very impressed with the progress! CONTACTS Heidi J Design 082 413 3110 De Waal Art 021 790 9120, dewaalart.com

18 home November 2018



Mad about motifs

Magnolia wallpaper R650/m2, lovemilo.com

Add fun and air with these gorgeous patterned buys. By Kim Arendse

Footrest (100 x 70 x 35cm) R2 990, Patio Warehouse

Tropicana laundry basket (40 x 50cm) R159.99, MRP Home

Planter (19 x 18cm) R250, Poetry

Cotton African mehndi print tablecloth (180 x 230cm) R499, Woolworths

Bent letters fabric (140 cm W) R353/m, T and Co. Fa brics

20 home November 2018

Wine rack (11 bottles) R279.99,, MRP Home


shopping

ter scat t s i 9, ern mod R199.9 l e w ) cm me Cre x 60 (40 MRP Ho

In the pink Flamingo shower curtain (180 x 200cm) R299, H&M Home

Handmade by Me scatter cover (50 x 50cm) R339, yuppiechef.com

Polka and stripe scatter cover set (45 x 45cm) R99.99, MRP Home Glitz pinwheel scatter (35cm D) R199.99, MRP Home

Ravello serviettes (20-pack) R19.99, MRP Home

Gavin Rajah Sintra scatter (30 x 60cm) R499, @home

Work of art Mexican talavera tiles (10 x 10cm) R21 each, Hadeda

Porcelain coffee cup with lid R95, faithful-to-nature.co.za

We love this!

Tablecloth (148 x 212cm) R450, Poetry

Chair R1 395, artofsteel.co.za

STOCKISTS @home 0860 834Â 834, home.co.za H&M Home 086 0690 707, hm.com/za Hadeda 011 788 5774, hadeda-tiles.com MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Patio Warehouse 087 825 1120, patiowarehouse.co.za Poetry 0860 555 529, poetrystores.co.za T & Co. Fabrics 011 262 4718, tandco.co.za Woolworths 0860 022Â 002, woolworths.co.za


“We find inspiration in anything that’s relatively easy to do, budgetfriendly and simple but exciting to look at,” says a Cape Town couple with a keen eye for design.

A

Z EST FOR LIFE By Kim Arendse Photographs Francois Oberholster Styling Marian van Wyk


reader home

WHO LIVES HERE? Warren and Emma Rasmussen, their daughter Lula (9) and Tonkinese cats Noodle and Boo WHERE Observatory, Cape Town SIZE 250m²

Couch from sofacompany.com; pouffe from Lula by Emma; blue dog from frank.co.za

November 2018

home 23


The kitchen was a big drawcard when the couple first viewed the house. They especially loved the steel-frame doors, which let in plenty of light, and open concrete shelving, which they painted white. “It is a small kitchen but it has everything we need,” Emma says. “I love that we can see where everything is – it’s practical but also adds interest, so we didn’t have to do much in terms of décor!”

Door from Metal Windows; table and chairs from Chair Crazy


When she made the decision to take a holiday in Cape Town, Emma Rasmussen had no idea that she’d end up calling the Mother City home. In 1999, British-born Emma came to South Africa to welcome in the millennium with friends. The fun-loving advertising operations director fell in love with Cape Town’s cultural diversity, hustle and bustle, and proximity to nature – a perfect fit for this adventurous spirit. It wasn’t just the city that captured her heart; she soon met and married Warren, a photographer, who shared her zest for life. Years later, while looking for a place they could settle into with their young daughter Lula, the couple found a property that “matched their energy” in Observatory. The house, an old Victorian abode that ticks all the boxes, suited them to a T. It required no structural changes and had beautiful minimalist features, a perfect blank canvas they could decorate to reflect their personalities and interests. “As a family, we love being out and about, exploring new things in and around the city or having adventures abroad. We’re always busy with fun, creative projects,” says Emma. “Warren has developed a passion for baking, while I’ve always enjoyed sewing and having a ‘side hustle’ apart from my advertising job.” The couple has filled their space with an eclectic mix of vintage and Scandi-style furniture pieces, local artworks and bright pops of colour. “Our home represents us – there’s never a dull moment!” >>

The study is used by Emma and Warren for ongoing projects and the shelves – used as part storage, part décor – reflect their passions. “I’m always putting together moodboards and sourcing fabrics to create bespoke items for my company Lula by Emma, and Warren works on his photography business here, too,” Emma says. Warren, who also works at The Local Baker, plans to convert a section of the space into a micro-bakery.

Pouffe from Lula by Emma; rug from MRP Home

It’s in the detail

An alphabet focal wall adds a quirky element to the chic dining room. “I saw something similar on Pinterest and had the wooden ůĞƩĞƌƐ ĚĞƐŝŐŶĞĚ ĂŶĚ ĐƵƚ ʹ ŝƚ͛Ɛ Ă ŐƌĞĂƚ ǁĂLJ ƚŽ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ ĂŶ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƟŶŐ artwork on a budget!” Emma says.

The couple made the dining room table (left) using legs they bought and a Formica top. Rug from Ikea; chairs from Chair Crazy; vintage haberdashery chest of drawers from Vamp; table legs from Metal Windows

November 2018

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The Scandi-style lounge is in all senses the centre of the Rasmussen household. The stoep, kitchen, dining room, two bedrooms and study lead off from this space. “I love that our home is basically wrapped around this room – it means that we’re always passing each other here,” says Emma. Chairs from sofacompany.com; round mirror from Dark Horse; fireplace tiles from Moroccan Warehouse

Full of fun! Emma and Warren kept the black slate floors throughout their home – they work perfectly with the white walls which serve as a canvas to express the fun nature of this family. “We wanted our home to have a monochrome base that’s practical but also stylish and fun,” says Emma. The Rasmussens source a lot of their ideas from magazines as well as Instagram and Pinterest, finding inspiration in anything that is relatively easy to do, budget-friendly and simple but exciting to look at – evident in the many interesting focal walls throughout their home, the use of bright colours, and everyday items on display as part of the décor. “Colour is also an easy way to add energy to a space and at the moment I’m in love with all things pink, green, gold and mustard. Fun colours paired with luxurious fabrics such as velvet and the straight lines of Scandi-style items is a great way to create a whimsical but sophisticated space,” Emma says. >> Scatters from Room 13; ottoman from Lula By Emma

We love

the vinyl decals printed by Imvakalelo Digital Printers on the glass surrounding the front door – it creates privacy and a striking welcome.

26 home November 2018


45491

Dulux Luxurious Silk in Moon Grey Staircase Moon Grey Make Your Home A Masterpiece


reader home

“All I knew when I began decorating the main bedroom was that it had to have a pastel pink sofa,” says Emma. She contrasted this key item with a vibrant green focal wall (Plascon Caribbean Current) and tropical print curtains (Emma simply sewed two curtain lengths together so they’d fit the tall windows). As in the rest of the house, the wooden ceilings were painted white to add height and light. The original fireplace in the main bedroom (opposite) boasts a stunning marble surround but the Victorian hearth has been removed; the couple had it clad in copper sheeting to create an eyecatching focal point. >> Pink sofa from sofacompany.com; curtains from H&M Home; blanket from MRP Home; mirror (opposite) from Anouk Furniture & Décor


November 2018

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reader home

The look of the guest room is hotel-inspired, Emma says. “My parents typically use it when they visit from the UK, but sometimes we sleep in here for a bit of a break – it always feels like we’re on a mini holiday when we do!” she adds with a laugh. Emma made the pillow headboard. Door by Metal Windows; bedside hanging pendant from Hoi P’loy; rope light lamp frame by Gabby Raaff Bay windows

Garden

Fireplace

Black-and-white bathroom

Lounge

Study

Kitchen

Floor plan

30 home November 2018

Spare bedroom Pink bathroom

Stoep

Dining room

Lula’s bedroom

Main bedroom

Stoep


A riot of colours in nine-year-old Lula’s bedroom was inspired by one of her favourite books, Sparkle and Spin. Rug from MRP Home; framed illustration by Frank van Reenen

The guest loo (above) doubles up as Lula’s bathroom. It already featured the strip of black diamond tiles when the family moved in; they modernised the space by adding accessories such as the mirror shelf from Dokter and Misses.

We love

this side table, a prop from a shoot Emma did at work.

Stunning concrete tiles form the focal point of the en-suite bathroom (left). Photoblox printed the colour and pattern on the tiles, which were then laid and sealed. The walls were covered in white metro tiles to accentuate the pretty pink. Mirror from Vamp; bathmat from H&M Home

STOCKISTS Anouk Furniture & Décor 079 489 4206, anoukfurniture.co.za Chair Crazy 021 465 9991, chaircrazy.co.za Dark Horse 021 510 0810, dark-horse.co.za Dokter and Misses 011 403 1024, dokterandmisses.com Frank van Reenen frank.co.za Gabby Raaff gabrielle@raaff.com H&M Home 0860 690 707, hm.com/za Hoi P’loy 021 447 1433, hoiploy.com Imvakalelo Digital Printers 021 511 7132, imvakalelo.com Lula by Emma lulabyemma.wixsite.com/lulabye Metal Windows 021 448 4333, metalwindows.co.za Moroccan Warehouse 021 461 8318 MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Photoblox 082 419 6280, photoblox.co.za Room 13 021 434 1537, room13.co.za Stokperd 082 3722 111, stokperd.com Vamp 021 448 2755, vampfurniture.blogspot.com


1 *Bella fur rose stool 40(l) x 40(w) x 50(h)cm 9 2 Medium white bunny 9 Small 9 3 Gallery frames 10 x 15cm 9 15 x 20cm 9 20 x 25cm 9 20 x 30cm 9 4 *Lisbon chair 65(l) x 63(w) x 80(h)cm 9 5 Copper glass jewellery box 9 6 Copper dipped dĂŠcor timer 9 7 Small copper bowl 9 8 *3D Copper clock 9 9 Lotus tea light holder 9 10 Scripted wall plaque 9 11 Tweedle cushion 60 x 60cm 9 12 Porcelain hurricane 9 13 *Casablanca side table 38(l) x 39(w) x 51.5(h)cm 9

Love homeware as much as we do? +V^USVHK [OL TYW HWW UV^

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34 home November 2018

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‘WE LOVE

our village’

Passionate about local architecture, a retired couple pays homage to the charming country town of Greyton.

By Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel • Photographs Francois Oberholster Styling Marian van Wyk


reader home

WHO LIVES HERE? Leoné and Michel Rouillard WHERE Greyton SIZE 280m²

November 2018

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The couple explains that the layout of the living room works so well because there’s a strong central axis. “Plonking things down in a haphazard jumble doesn’t work,” says Michel. “Good composition with simple, personal collectibles trumps ‘designer’ impact.” The Dutch Gouda ceramics collection in the glass cabinet was started by Leoné’s mother and the Rouillards have added to it.

The walkway will soon get a handrail to ensure that it’s safe.

Before Clerestory window


It was ‘the universe’ that brought Leoné and Michel Rouillard to Greyton in 2005. “I was on a road trip with a friend and we decided to visit the iconic mission village of Genadendal,” Leoné remembers. “While there, we decided to stop in at Greyton as it’s only 5km away. I fell in love with it and bought a house in this amazing village that very same day!” Some years later, Michel also traded the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg for the “quietude, people, nature, fresh air, lifestyle and no traffic” on offer in this small town, which is less than two hours from Cape Town by car. Although retired, it wasn’t long before A cement finish and the couple became involved in village life. cast-concrete Since 2006, Leoné has been busy mantelpiece were promoting tourism in Greyton and she is added to the fireplace also involved in organising the annual (left). Zorya enjoys Classics for All Festival. Mauritian-born the underfloor heating Michel, who has a passion for the beneath the cement. design and construction of houses and “The old chairs and works ceaselessly to protect Greyton’s Persian rug are without fragile vernacular architecture, serves any pretence,” says on the Greyton Conservation Society Leoné. “It makes and the Greyton Heritage Overlay guests feel at home.” Advisory Committee.

Renovating a brand-new house

Michel and Leoné with Golden Retriever Dégâts and Collie mix Zorya.

Although the house was newly-built, the original design concept by Andrew Swain (chairman of the Aesthetics Committee) had been adapted to suit a weekend retreat, and the deviations didn’t add value to the original plan. “The building had very good bones with sensitive proportions and thoughtful, carefully-crafted symmetries and axes but some of the detail let it down,” says Michel. For starters, there was no veranda, which is almost unheard of in the Overberg region. “And although the house had a lovely vaulted ceiling with exposed rafters, in the main bedroom they omitted the clerestory skylight windows that provide through-draughts on hot days. There was just a big blank gable wall with nothing where the windows should be,” explains Michel. The high ceilings, although ‘volume-and-a-half’ as opposed to double-volume in order to comply with Greyton’s vernacular heritage restrictions, allow for a walkway in the living area where Michel keeps his collection of several thousand architecture and landscaping books or his “university” as he jokingly refers to it. “I’d always dreamt of having a library – just the thing a true gentleman needs,” he says with a laugh. Originally, the walkway was a botched job with a rickety handrail tacked on with thin flooring planks. “Recycled timber joists were fixed to steel sleeves cast into the wall,” explains Michel. “But this wasn’t stable enough, so it was suspended from the rafters by means of cable straps. We still need to install a simple steel handrail. The walkway connects the two rooms in the attic, a bedroom and my study.” The house also had to be adapted to “permanent living” by incorporating more built-in cupboards. >>

November 2018

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reader home

Open shelves in the kitchen create the perfect spot to display a large Johann Slee painting. New granite countertops were fitted and leathered for a matte finish.

It’s in the detail

A thick cement top on the island was replaced with old Oregon pine bulkheads recycled from a warehouse in Tulbagh. ͞tŽŽĚ ŝƐ ǁĂƌŵĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƐŽŌĞƌ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ touch than concrete,” says Michel.

40 home November 2018


The newly-built veranda connects with the open-plan living room through three sets of French doors, creating a wonderful sense of space. “The rafters were set in the wall with epoxied steel dowels to avoid unsightly truss straps and create an effortless marriage between the two materials,” says Michel. The pine ceiling was sealed with Monocoat. “We’ve collected our furniture and décor over the years and created an eclectic look that’s informal and accessible,” adds Leoné. >>

I love our open-plan living room and big farm-style stoep; it’s something I’ve always wanted. – Leoné


reader home

It’s in the detail

Boots, the short downpipes under ƚŚĞ ŐƵƩĞƌ͕ ƉƌĞǀĞŶƚ ƉŽƵƌŝŶŐ ƌĂŝŶ ĨƌŽŵ ƐƉƌĂLJŝŶŐ ŽƵƚ ĂŶĚ ĚŝƌĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ŇŽǁ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐƚŽŶĞͲĮůůĞĚ ŐƵůůĞLJͲƚƌŽƵŐŚƐ ďĞůŽǁ͕ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ĐŚĂŝŶƐ ĂůůŽǁ ƌĂŝŶĚƌŽƉƐ ƚŽ ƚƌŝĐŬůĞ ĚŽǁŶ ƐŽ LJŽƵ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ŚĂǀĞ ƉĞƌƐŝƐƚĞŶƚ ĚƌŝƉƉŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ŚŽƵƌƐ ĂŌĞƌ Ă ƐƚŽƌŵ͘ ͞dŚĞ ƌŽƵŶĚ ƌŝǀĞƌ ƐƚŽŶĞƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐƵůůĞLJ ĂůƐŽ ƉƌĞǀĞŶƚ ƐƉůĂƐŚŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŶŽŝƐĞ͕͟ ƐĂLJƐ DŝĐŚĞů͘

42 home November 2018


It’s in the detail

dŚĞ ǁĂůů ĮŶŝƐŚ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĚĞƐĐƌŝďĞĚ ĂƐ ͞ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů ĐŚŝĐ͘͟ dŚĞ ůŽŽŬ ǁĂƐ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞĚ ďLJ ƵƐŝŶŐ ƉůĂŝŶ ƐƚŽĐŬ ďƌŝĐŬƐ ĨƌŽŵ Žƚ ZŝǀĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ ƟůĞ ŐƌŽƵƚ ďĂŐŐĞĚ ŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ďƵŝůĚĞƌ͛Ɛ ƐƉŽŶŐĞ͘ dŚĞƌĞĂŌĞƌ͕ ŝƚ ǁĂƐ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶ ĞdžƚĞƌŶĂů͕ hsͲƐƚĂďůĞ ƐƚŽŶĞ ƐĞĂůĂŶƚ͘

It’s in the detail

These plaster reveals on the lintels have drip lines scored on their ƐŽĸƚƐ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŽƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŚƵƩĞƌƐ ĨƌŽŵ ƌĂŝŶ ĚĂŵĂŐĞ͘

It’s in the detail

The doors open inwards ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐƵƌŝƚLJ ƐŚƵƩĞƌƐ ŽƉĞŶ ŽƵƚǁĂƌĚƐ͘

In a good light The biggest change the couple made was adding a spacious 68m² veranda. “As a nature-conscious designer, I was worried it would reduce the superb northern light, which is critical to any good space, but all it did was soften it,” says Michel. “The small clerestory windows introduce plenty of light, but the real change was in softening the light entering through the extra-wide French doors. It’s an artist’s light.” The Aesthetics Advisory Committee had their work cut out for them in rectifying the building deviations: at one point the developer actually removed the newly-completed roof and knocked four brick courses off to comply with Greyton’s heritage vernacular. “Now our home is a stylish, if somewhat controversial, addition to this quaint village’s rich heritage. Some people

say the house has a ‘Provençal’ feel to it, but I disagree!” says Michel, who is working on his master’s degree in the Conservation of the Built Environment (CBE), a qualification required of all professionals who work on heritage structures. “In Provence, they also have lime-plastered walls and make use of natural stone but our home with its classic shutters looks more like an old farmhouse or barn. “I love the simplicity, the scale, the proportions and the symmetry. Modern architects have moved away from symmetry on the premise that it’s restrictive and boring, and we are poorer for it. There’s a balance and calm that comes from symmetry. That’s why this house works – it’s very simple and looks as if it’s been here for years. But it’s only two years old!” >>


reader home Clerestory window

Leoné bought the striking oak wardrobe with her first bonus cheque back in 1980.

Thanks to French doors, the bedroom gets lovely morning sun. The armchair holds sentimental value and memories of Leoné’s father.

The couple gutted the main bathroom (opposite). Now the bath is the centrepiece with an open shower against one wall. The Rouillards love the textured and durable Cemcrete finish and a Johann Slee painting replaces the traditional bathroom mirror; there’s a makeup mirror inside Leoné’s wardrobe and she has a full-length freestanding mirror. Since Leoné and Michel have his and hers bathrooms, there was no need for a shaving mirror for Michel.

Floor plan

Loft rooms

Ground floor

Store Pantry Scullery

Laundry

Wc Guest wc

Main bedroom

Vanity bath & shower

Kitchen

Garage

Bedroom & en suite

Stairway

Dining area

Walkway

Living area

Bedroom & en suite

Double-volume space

Veranda

Bedroom & en suite


I wanted an ‘open’ shower – it works aesthetically and practically. – Leoné

November 2018

home 45


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ISOBOARD PROMOTION

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These homeowners have lovingly curated their space so that every nook forms a colourful and textured ‘snapshot’ of the things they hold dear.

PICTURE PERFECT

WHO LIVES HERE? Malan Botes, Suzette Strauss-Botes and their dogs Jasper and Ella WHERE Jamestown, Stellenbosch SIZE 155m²

Vinyl upholstered sofa from Facebook Marketplace; mirror was inherited

By Kim Arendse • Photographs Henrique Wilding • Styling Marian van Wyk


Every corner in the Botes’ home boasts a beautiful ensemble of pieces, such as the one next to the fireplace (opposite): it features a cabinet with botanical detail, a gift from a friend, and an old standing radio box that Suzette picked up for free the first time she ventured into online second-hand shopping. “We eventually want to turn it into a liquor cabinet,” she says. The mantelpiece was made using fascia boards from the couple’s previous rental cottage; they rescued them before they were sent to the dump. “It’s a little piece of the home we once lived in and of which we have very fond memories,” Suzette says.

A four-seater table next to the kitchen serves as the couple’s daily dining area. The white dresser showcases a collection of their inherited items. “I’m sentimental when it comes to our ‘breakables’ but we both feel strongly that everything should be of use and enjoyed,” Suzette says.

Locker from Makro; white dresser from Collectables Café; table was inherited; chairs were second-hand finds

November 2018

home 49


Stools and basket from MRP Home; pendant lights bought from a demolition site

Clear mason jars on open shelves keep dry goods close at hand and create a simple, homely focal point.

She grew up in Calvinia in the Karoo, he in Stellenbosch in the Winelands.

Casserole from Le Creuset

As fate would have it, Suzette moved to Stellenbosch to study and their paths crossed when they ended up working at the same restaurant. They soon became friends and later fell in love. So when it came time to build their dream home, the popular Winelands town was a natural choice for the couple. They decided on Jamestown, just outside Stellenbosch. “There’s such a lovely sense of community in this area – it’s the up-and-coming Stellenbosch!” they say. “We love it here and can’t imagine living anywhere else.” Suzette and Malan bought their 419m2 plot in 2012 and designed a simple, compact home. “We wanted a space in which we could make use of every little nook, surrounded by all the pieces that we have collected over the years. Practical and beautiful is what we were after,” Suzette explains. The pair decided on just one bathroom and two small bedrooms, allowing more space for their garden, living areas and stoep. “We figured that bedrooms are for sleeping, so those are just big enough. We opted for a home centred on a cosy, colourful, happy space,” says Suzette. Once the shell of their house had been built, including high ceilings, unplastered white walls, cement screed floors and large windows and doors, Suzette and Malan turned their attention to their favourite pastime: decorating. They had a number of inherited items in storage and while the construction of their home was in progress, they spent their spare time bargain-hunting. “We love a good bargain and creating something beautiful from very little.” The couple’s home clearly reflects this sentiment with its eclectic blend of second-hand and inherited pieces as well as salvaged items – all the things they find meaningful, interesting and beautiful. >>


reader home The kitchen (opposite) is practical with a dash of farmhouse flair. The countertops are Oregon pine and the simple pressed-wood island was painted a light olive-green. Black and white vinyl tiles add a classic touch and an imbuia wood stain was added to the scaffolding planks that serve as open shelving. “The shelves are filled with items that we use every day and in colours that make us happy – it’s practical and pretty!” An old fridge inherited from her grandmother is Suzette’s pride and joy. “I told her when I was still in high school that this fridge had my name on it,” she says. “She remembered and sent it to us once we’d moved in.” The couple painted the cream fridge a lively turquoise.

Suzette and Malan have collected a number of freestanding antique cupboards over the years. When they moved into this home, the cupboards were relocated from room to room until they ended up in just the right spot. Green scatters from MRP Home; cupboard was inherited; grey cabinet was a secondhand find

November 2018

home 51


Mirrors are second-hand and inherited; magazine table was inherited

Suzette conceptualised the mirror focal wall (above) before their home was even built and decided on dark charcoal paint, inspired by the colour of their freestanding cast-iron bath, to show it off. A round window was added at the last minute when they realised the bathroom wasn’t getting enough natural light. “We had already created the accent wall and didn’t want to disturb it, so a small, high window seemed like the best fit,” Suzette explains. Suzette gave a new but dull cupboard-turned-vanity (below) a rustic effect by applying three layers of white, mustard and green paint, adding candle wax in-between and scraping in various areas to create a weathered look. “I even called my husband in to hammer the cupboard to ‘age’ it!” Suzette says with a laugh.

Scatters from MRP Home; mirror, chest of drawers and chair were inherited; pendant from Milnerton Flea Market

Antique towel rail from Die Smous; towels from Mungo; strainers were inherited; pink bench from Milnerton Flea Market

We choose colours that make us feel calm and happy, and contrast them to add interest. – Suzette 52 home November 2018


reader home

With an interesting “Cuban-Dutch” theme in mind, the couple painted the focal wall in the main bedroom a vivid teal. They desperately wanted a peacock headboard but weren’t willing to spend a huge sum of money on it, so they bought a simple second-hand wicker one and spray-painted it gold. It looks gorgeous against the bold wall. “I found the headboard on Facebook Marketplace for R300 and glammed it up with gold. All in all, it cost only R400!” Suzette says.

Stoep

Bathroom

Main bedroom

Bedroom

Floor plan

Entrance

Garage

Living/dining room

Kitchen

Comfortable and colourful Suzette’s greatest inspiration when it comes to interior décor style is her late mother, Christa. “She had a unique sense of style and I inherited my oldest and most beloved pieces from her when she passed away. Those items are not only symbolic of the beautiful and loving mother she was but they’re also a daily reminder of who I have become as a result of her,” Suzette says. To showcase these meaningful pieces, Suzette, an office manager and freelance food and lifestyle photographer, says she likes to “decorate in images”. “I try to imagine what a photograph of a space would look like, taking into account colour, texture and depth, and then I put things together accordingly,” she explains. “Creating beautiful spaces is something I really enjoy; I’m constantly rearranging, adding and painting. There’s always something new on my wish list and my husband and I love going to flea markets or hunting for bargains online.” Along with their treasured heirlooms, the couple loves to incorporate second-hand items that come with a history or a story – whether they know its secrets or not. “I’ve always decorated with pieces that are special somehow; not just bought brand-new from a store. And over the years, we’ve also grown more adventurous with colour – it’s a great way to connect spaces in your home.” Next on their to-do list is building a second storey onto their home so that they can make the most of the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Suzette’s décor tips

ͻ / ƉƌĞĨĞƌ ƚŽ ƵƐĞ ƐŽůŝĚ ĐŽůŽƵƌƐ͕ ƌĂƚŚĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ƉĂƩĞƌŶƐ ʹ ůŝŬĞ ƚŚĞ ďŽůĚ mustard chairs in our living area (see page 51Ϳ͘ tŚĞŶ / ďŽƵŐŚƚ ƚŚĞŵ ŽŶůŝŶĞ͕ ƚŚĞLJ ǁĞƌĞ ĐŽǀĞƌĞĚ ŝŶ Ă ŇŽƌĂů ĨĂďƌŝĐ͕ ďƵƚ / ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ŝŶƚƌŽĚƵĐĞ ‘on-trend’ accents with a cushion or throw. ͻ ŽŶ͛ƚ ďĞ ĂĨƌĂŝĚ ƚŽ ƐĂůǀĂŐĞ ŝƚĞŵƐ LJŽƵ ůŝŬĞ͘ tĞ ĨŽƵŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŐƌĞLJ ĐĂďŝŶĞƚ that sits in our living area (see page 51Ϳ ŝŶ Ă ďŽŝůĞƌ ƌŽŽŵ Ăƚ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ŵLJ ŽůĚ ũŽďƐ͖ ŝƚ ǁĂƐ ƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ŝŶ Ă ƉƵĚĚůĞ ŽĨ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ŝƚ ǁĂƐ ďĂĚůLJ ĚĂŵĂŐĞĚ͘ tĞ ƌĞƐƚŽƌĞĚ ŝƚ ĂŶĚ ĂůƚŚŽƵŐŚ /͛ŵ ŶŽƚ ƚŚĞ ďŝŐŐĞƐƚ ĨĂŶ ŽĨ ƉĂŝŶƚĞĚ ǁŽŽĚ͕ ǁĞ ĚĞĐŝĚĞĚ ƚŽ ŐŝǀĞ ŝƚ Ă ĐŽĂƚ ŽĨ ŐƌĞLJ ƚŽ ďƌĞĂŬ ƵƉ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ďƌŽǁŶ ŽƵƌ ŽƚŚĞƌ ĨƵƌŶŝƚƵƌĞ ďƌŽƵŐŚƚ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚŝƐ ƐƉĂĐĞ͘ EŽǁ ŝƚ͛Ɛ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ĨĂǀŽƵƌŝƚĞ ƉŝĞĐĞƐ͘ ͻ Ğ ƉĂƟĞŶƚ͘ /ƚ ƚŽŽŬ ƵƐ ƐŽŵĞ ƟŵĞ ďƵƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĞŶĚ ǁĞ ĨŽƵŶĚ Ăůů ϭϮ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ ĐŚĂŝƌƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶĚŽŽƌ ĚŝŶŝŶŐ ĐŚĂŝƌƐ ŽŶůŝŶĞ͕ ŽŶ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ƐŝƚĞƐ ĂŶĚ Ăƚ great prices! ͻ KƉĞŶ ƐŚĞůǀĞƐ ĂƌĞ ŐƌĞĂƚ ĨŽƌ ƐŵĂůů ƐƉĂĐĞƐ͘ / ŬĞĞƉ ůĞƐƐ ĂƩƌĂĐƟǀĞ ĚĂLJͲƚŽͲĚĂLJ ŝƚĞŵƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďŽƩŽŵ ƐŚĞůǀĞƐ ĂŶĚ ďĂůĂŶĐĞ ƚŚŝƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŵŽƌĞ ĚĞĐŽƌĂƟǀĞ ƉŝĞĐĞƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƐŚĞůǀĞƐ͘ ͻ ůǁĂLJƐ ďĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽŽŬŽƵƚ ĂŶĚ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ďĞ ĂĨƌĂŝĚ ƚŽ ĂƐŬ ƋƵĞƐƟŽŶƐ͊ tĞ ƌĞĂůůLJ ǁĂŶƚĞĚ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂůͲƐƚLJůĞ ůŝŐŚƚƐ ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ ďƵƚ ĚŝĚŶ͛ƚ ďƵLJ ĂŶLJ ĂƐ ƚŚĞLJ͛ƌĞ ŐĞŶĞƌĂůůLJ ƚŽŽ ĞdžƉĞŶƐŝǀĞ͘ KŶĞ ĚĂLJ͕ ǁŚŝůĞ ŽƵƌ ŚŽŵĞ ǁĂƐ ƐƟůů ďĞŝŶŐ ďƵŝůƚ͕ / ǁĂůŬĞĚ ƉĂƐƚ Ă ƐƚŽƌĞ ŝŶ ƚŽǁŶ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĂƐ ďĞŝŶŐ ĚĞŵŽůŝƐŚĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƐƉŽƩĞĚ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĞĞů ƉĞŶĚĂŶƚ ůŝŐŚƚƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĂƌĞ ŶŽǁ ŚĂŶŐŝŶŐ ŽǀĞƌ ŽƵƌ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ ŝƐůĂŶĚ͘ / ǁĂƐ ƚŽůĚ ƚŚĞLJ ǁĞƌĞ ŚĞĂĚĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĚĞŵŽůŝƟŽŶ LJĂƌĚ ʹ ĂŶĚ / ǁĂůŬĞĚ ĂǁĂLJ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞŵ͕ ŚĂǀŝŶŐ ŽŶůLJ ƉĂƌƚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ZϱϬ͊ ͻ DĂŬĞ ŝƚ ŵĞĂŶŝŶŐĨƵů͘ / ƚŚŝŶŬ Ă ŚŽƵƐĞ ĮůůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚĂů ƉŝĞĐĞƐ ŵĂŬĞƐ ĨŽƌ Ă ŚĂƉƉŝĞƌ ŚŽŵĞ͘ &Žƌ ĞdžĂŵƉůĞ͕ / ŝŶŚĞƌŝƚĞĚ ƚŚĞ ǁŝĐŬĞƌ ĐŚĂŝƌƐ ŽŶ our stoep (see page 54) from my mom. Although she always wanted to paint them white, she never got around to it, so we recently gave them a ůŝĐŬ ŽĨ ǁŚŝƚĞ ƉĂŝŶƚ ĂŶĚ / ĂůǁĂLJƐ ƚŚŝŶŬ ŽĨ ŚĞƌ ǁŚĞŶ / ůŽŽŬ Ăƚ ƚŚĞŵ͘ ͻ dĂŬĞ ĐŚĂŶĐĞƐ͊ dŚĞƌĞ͛Ɛ Ă ŐƵLJ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ DŝůŶĞƌƚŽŶ &ůĞĂ DĂƌŬĞƚ ǁŚŽ ŵĂŬĞƐ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ďĞĂƵƟĨƵů ƐŵĂůůƐ ĨƌŽŵ ŽůĚ ĚƌŝŌǁŽŽĚ͘ / ĂƐŬĞĚ ŝĨ ŚĞ ĐŽƵůĚ ŵĂŬĞ ƐŽŵĞƚŚŝŶŐ ĂƐ ďŝŐ ĂƐ Ă ĚŝŶŝŶŐ ƚĂďůĞ͖ ŚĞ ƐĂŝĚ LJĞƐ͕ / ŐĂǀĞ Śŝŵ Ă ƐŬĞƚĐŚ ĂŶĚ ŶŽǁ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ϭϮͲƐĞĂƚĞƌ ŽŶ ŽƵƌ ƐƚŽĞƉ͊ хх


reader home

“Even though we knew our home would be on the smaller side, I was adamant that we needed an entrance hall. I don’t like the idea of a front door that leads directly into a living room; I think there has to be a moment, a pause of sorts, before entering the rest of the space,” Suzette says. The couple decided to paint the walls a striking midnight-blue to clearly define the entrance.

Double doors from Swartland Windows and Doors; chandelier and chair were second-hand finds

Suzette planned to use brick-red paint on the stoep’s fireplace surround (above). “But it turned out to be this intense purple – a mistake, but I love it! Although, I still get flak from my husband about it!” she says with a grin. The pressed-tin décor above the fireplace is from an old deserted train station in Suzette’s hometown of Calvinia. Wicker chairs were inherited; wire table was a gift

STOCKISTS Collectables Café 021 782 9067, facebook.com/ collectablescafe Die Smous 083 264 6026, facebook.com/DieSmous Le Creuset 086 177 3321, lecreuset.co.za Makro 0860 300 999, makro.co.za Milnerton Flea Market milnertonfleamarket.co.za Mungo 021 201 2374, mungo.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Swartland Windows and Doors 0861 10 24 25, swartland.co.za

54 home November 2018



renovation

WHO LIVES HERE? Stefnie and Daryn Britz with their son Daniël and dogs Watson and Mufassa WHERE Centurion SIZE 35m²

56 home November 2018


IN

good company Tired of being stuck away in a dark and poky kitchen, this couple created an open-plan space that’s perfect for cooking together and socialising. By Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel • Photographs Elza Cooper • Styling Juané Scheepers

“My mom always jokes that I build sandcastles and my husband Daryn makes them come to life,” says Stefnie. And indeed this is an apt description of their 2015 kitchen renovation. “We fell in love with an old house in Centurion but the kitchen was small, dark and cut off from the rest of the house, which left me feeling excluded from everything,” explains Stefnie. “So I started imagining what I could do to change the situation. With a pen and measuring tape in hand, I jotted down a few ideas and soon a picture of my new kitchen came into focus.” Stefnie described her vision to Daryn and together they started planning the big open-plan living space she longed for, including a “massive kitchen island right in the centre” where Stefnie could prepare meals while still enjoying the company of family and friends. “I’m the overly creative and crazy one, while Daryn is the practical problem-solver – together we made magic,” she says with a smile. >>


It’s in the detail

Simple yet elegant pine shelves ĐŽŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚ ƚŚĞ ǁŚŝƚĞ ŵĞƚƌŽ ƟůĞƐ ĂŶĚ ůŝŐŚƚ ŐƌĞLJŝƐŚͲŐƌĞĞŶ ǁĂůů͖ ďůĂĐŬ ďƌĂĐŬĞƚƐ ƐƉƌĂLJĞĚ white complete the picture.

Plascon Velvaglo Sheen in Fynbos Leaf Tiles from CTM; brackets from Builders

Coolcrete in the colour Moonstone from Tile & Floor Care (TFC) was used for the screed and sealed with TFC Top Seal, which was also used on the island countertop.

58 home November 2018


Br ht idea!

renovation

The Britz family was keen on a pantry but had no space for a separate room. The solution? They stacked four laminated bookshelves on top of each other to create the look and feel of a big pantry.

It’s important to have fun with your projects, so rather break the job up into manageable chunks. – Stefnie


Stefnie created a striking pattern on the kitchen floor (above) with a stencil and Harlequin’s Furniture Chalk Paint in the colour Aged White; it was sealed with Stevensons Industrial Epoxy.

Total: R57 800 MATERIALS Pantry cupboards

6 000

Light ittings

1 500

Bricks, cement and epoxy 3 500

[Q&A ] with Stefnie

Any cost-cutting tips? Do prep work such as chipping walls for tiles or applying Polyfilla before the tiler and painter arrive. What would you do differently next time? I’d add drawers next to the stove for cooking utensils. Where did you get your ideas? Coffee shops, restaurants, old Home magazines and Pinterest. Any other hints or tips? Make sure you have ample plug points; we used pull-out plugs. What do you enjoy most about the completed project? I love the open kitchen and the fact that there’s space to cook together. It feels like the kitchen is the heart of the house. What’s next? We’d love to revamp the outside entertainment area and create a boma.

60 home November 2018

Tiles and tile cement

1 800

Sinks and taps

7 650

Shelving

950

Blinds

700

Paint

1 200

I-beam and IsoBoard

5 000

Electrical and gas materials

4 000

CONTRACTORS Kitchen island and loors

15 500

Ceilings and I-beam

7 000

Electrical and gas work

3 000

Copper-plated taps and a ceramic prep bowl (above left) have been fitted on the island. Although copper might stain if you use detergents, it will add character. A sleeper shelf (above centre) adds a rustic element to the space. Copper-plated taps from Victorian Side Bathrooms; sleeper shelf from Independent Traders


ON THE JOB...

Before

2

Two walls were knocked down to create an open-plan space and doubl the size of the kitchen.

WALLS

CUPBOARDS

1

The cupboards were carefully removed so they could be resized and refitted in the new kitchen.

BUILDING ISLAND

3

A large island was built with red bricks, all the old wall and floor tiles were removed and a new cement floor was cast.

4

A concrete countertop was professionally installed with space for a built-in gas stove and prep basin.

COUNTERTOPS

5

The couple cast the remainder of the counters themselves. The reclaimed cupboards were open at the top, so steel sheeting was used as a base for the concrete mix. The tops were sealed with Stevensons DuraChem Epoxy, a heat- and chemical-resistant sealant that forms a hard glass-like layer.

[ FINE FINISHES ] Shelving Chamberlains (012 356 9500, chamberlains.co.za); Independent Traders (011 026 0235, independent-traders.co.za) Sink, prep bowl, brackets and bookshelves Builders (0860 284 533, builders.co.za) Copper lights MRP Home (0800 212 535, mrphome.com) Pull-out plugs Gelmar (012 653 0780, gelmar.co.za) DĞƚƌŽ ƟůĞƐ CTM (010 003 9987, ctm.co.za) Copper taps Victorian Side Bathrooms (021 982 0461, victoriansidebathrooms.co.za)

6

An I-beam had to be installed after a supporting wall was demolished, while new IsoBoard ceilings were fitted close to the roof to keep the trusses exposed.

CEILINGS

November 2018

home 61


COMPETITION

WITH FL AIR

turns 10!

Meet our

TOP 5! With R144 000 up for grabs in our 2018 Fix it with Flair competition, the stakes are higher than ever. Here are this year’s frontrunners...

E

very year, we’re blown away by the quality and ingenuity of our readers’ renovation projects – and this year, our 10th anniversary, is no exception! Fix it with Flair 2018 features a bumper crop of contenders, all vying for the coveted title: Renovator of the Year. The Top 5 finalists’ entries have been checked, and rechecked, and the results now depend on the home renovators’ interviews with our panel of judges at the Fix it with Flair gala event on Saturday, 20 October at the Pearl Valley Conference Venue, Val de Vie Estate, Paarl. Watch this space!

Here are the finalists, in no particular order:

Before

WHO Nadia and Andries Botha WHERE Mowbray, Cape Town WHAT Loft home COST R244 200

Before WHO Talia and Nick Botha WHERE South Hills, Johannesburg WHAT Kitchen COST R48 892


Before

WHO Daniela and Willie Gouws WHERE Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape WHAT Entire home COST R2 092 000

Before WHO Janene Ehlers WHERE Welgemoed, Cape Town WHAT Trailer home COST R120 000

Before WHO Kirk and Jeannie Flynn WHERE Springs, Gauteng WHAT Outdoor area COST R58 388

OUR JUDGES

tŝĐƵƐ WƌĞƚŽƌŝƵƐ͕ Tuis l Home ĞĚŝƚŽƌ

:ƵĚLJ 'ŽƵŶĚĞŶ͕ ^ƚĞŝŶďƵŝůĚ 'ƌŽƵƉ DĂƌŬĞƟŶŐ džĞĐƵƟǀĞ

ĞŽŶ ĚĞ 'ŽĞĚĞ͕ Tuis l Home /z ĞdžƉĞƌƚ

Marian van Wyk, Tuis | Home ĐƌĞĂƟǀĞ ĞĚŝƚŽƌ

The winner will receive a R100 000 product voucher, the 1st and 2nd runners-up a R4 000 product voucher each and the 3rd and 4th runners-up a R3 000 product voucher each from BUCO and Timbercity! November 2018

home 63


ON THE

stoep

One thing’s for sure, South Africans love the outdoors and making the most of this sociable space – whatever the weather! By Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel Photographs Francois Oberholster, Elza Cooper, Photography by Amora • Styling Marian van Wyk, Amanda van Wyngaardt and Amora Erasmus

[1] Room with a view Those who’ve had the privilege of congregating around Isabella Niehaus’s table at her home on the West Coast know that this stoep is the ideal place to forget all your troubles. This is where she serves heaps of delicious oysters and chilled champagne while guests revel in their surroundings.

The “Long Tables on the Dune” are an institution that Bella, as she is known by many, began six years ago when she swapped the bright city lights for the peace and quiet of the seaside. “Exchanging all my branded high heels, frocks and sunglasses for a long T-shirt dress and slip-slops wasn’t just a major

decision, it was a premeditated choice!” she writes in her blog. The stoep, with its epic views of the Atlantic Ocean, is anything but pretentious, thanks to a simple cement floor and weathered balau deck. The floor of the stoep on the upper level serves as a partial roof, but otherwise it’s completely open.

When the stoep isn’t being used for entertaining, Bella likes to sit here and read or just gaze out to sea. Floor cushions from MRP Home

64 home November 2018


stoeps

each b e h t on , e s the u o r h u o e v h e t of od t t l n u o f r r f e d in ond e w r e ella s t ’ b t t a I a s . c I e s r he lie n! – n s e l e l t d e a r e a h s g e ter we’v the s s y o l t o a n e f i m o l l he rom eds s f r e d e h m n t o u c s H tos them y l f p o l m l i A nd s a side. r e t s oy WHO LIVES HERE? Isabella Niehaus WHERE Langebaan, West Coast SIZE 36m² ORIENTATION West

Why it works… Stacking doors that fold open along the 12m length of this stoep give new meaning to the term ‘inside out’. “The stoep is literally an extension of the living room,” says Bella. “There’s no division between indoors and out, and the entire space forms one large living room and entertainment area. Sometimes, we drag all the living room furniture out onto the stoep, while the rest of the furniture stays outside all year round.” Bella describes her décor style as simple, earthy and eclectic. “Most of my furniture is old; I’ve had it for years,” she says.

“Every now and then, I’ll have a chair painted or reupholstered. The turquoise chair stood in my garage for a long time; after I’d painted it, I had it covered with floral fabric from Mitat. I also love putting together different pieces of fabric and giving a chair my own unique look.” What does Bella enjoy most about her stoep? “The view, of course, and the sound of the ocean!”

[ BELLA’S TIPS ] • Space is important, so try to make your stoep as big as possible. ͻ DĂŬĞ ĂŶ ĞīŽƌƚ ƚŽ ƉůĂŶ LJŽƵƌ ďƌĂĂŝ ĂƌĞĂ carefully so you don’t have smoke problems that send you scurrying indoors. • Make sure there are enough comfortable chairs, as well as shelter from the sun.


stoeps


[2] Farm flair Cobus and Liesl’s rustic stoep in Prince Albert never fails to arouse a sense of nostalgia for rural life, even if you’ve never lived on a farm! At the same time, this space has a contemporary feel and features all the amenities necessary in a modern entertainment area. “Because the house dates back to 1904 and heritage regulations apply to this property, we were only allowed to build onto the back of our home,” says Liesl. “The front stoep is original and thanks to Prince Albert’s heritage committee, as well as the excellent skills of local architect Kurt Buss and builder Hendrik de Villiers, our new back stoep also perfectly complements our home.” The team worked meticulously to blend the new stoep with the original corrugated-iron roof and, typical of a Karoo house, it boasts a reed ceiling and simple cement floor. >>

WHO LIVES HERE? Liesl Loubser and Cobus Wessels with their two Jack Russells, Lira and Laya WHERE Prince Albert SIZE 60m² and 30m² ORIENTATION West November 2018

home 67


Dee Malkinson of Gently Worn outside Stellenbosch and Mariana Botha of BM Interiors in Prince Albert advised Liesl on how best to arrange the furniture and accessories.

So pretty!

An antique lamp adds a Chandelier from Huis Paleis

68 home November 2018

Plascon Double Velvet in the colour

Serene


Why it works… The stoep is an extension of the living areas: the lounge, dining room and kitchen all open onto it and it flows seamlessly to the swimming pool and outbuildings in the backyard. It’s not just the clever layout that makes this stoep special – the furniture and décor have been put together with great care to create an authentic farm feel. “I suppose I’d describe my style as ‘eclectic Karoo’,” says Liesl. “I spent three years collecting interesting pieces that tell a story. A degree of playfulness and a sense of humour are also important to me; I had fun with elements like the mannequin which now serves as a coatrack (see right).”

[ LIESL’S TIPS ] • Install roller blinds for ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ ƌĂŝŶ Žƌ ǁŝŶĚ͘ tŝŶĚŽǁƐ ŝŶ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶƐ͕ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ŶĞdžƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ďƌĂĂŝ͕ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ Ă ǀŝĞǁ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ǁŚĞŶ ƚŚĞ ďůŝŶĚƐ ĂƌĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ͘ • Create various nooks such as ĂŶ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ ĚŝŶŝŶŐ ĂƌĞĂ͕ Ă ƐŝƫŶŐ ĂƌĞĂ ĂŶĚ ĐŽīĞĞ ĐŽƌŶĞƌ͕ ĂŶ ĞdžƚƌĂ place to sleep and a braai area – then choose furniture pieces that meet the requirements of ĞĂĐŚ ƐĞĐƟŽŶ͘ ͻ DĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ ĐƵƉďŽĂƌĚƐ͕ ĐŽīĞĞ ƚĂďůĞƐ ĂŶĚ chests to store all your braai and ĞĂƟŶŐ ƵƚĞŶƐŝůƐ͕ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ĐƵƐŚŝŽŶƐ͕ ŽƵƚƐŝĚĞ͘ хх

I love having coffee and rusks on the stoep – as well as breakfast, lunch and a braai in the evening! We have a sofa for afternoon naps and Cobus likes to read here in his rocking chair. – Liesl


stoeps

[3] Jungle fever JC and Wim’s stoep creates a natural transition between the house and garden, perfect for their “indooroutdoor lifestyle” in the heart of Johannesburg. “When the stacking doors are wide open, it’s one massive area, including the living room, dining room, kitchen and entrance hall, as well as a spare room that opens

out onto the adjoining deck,” explains JC. Although the stoep is located in front of the house, it’s completely private as JC and Wim’s home is situated on a panhandle stand. Thanks to big trees, the stoep is also well-sheltered. A large 10-seater dining table and stackable chairs made of lightweight

steel ensure that there’s always enough room for guests; these chairs are stored outside permanently. The concrete floors create a contemporary feel, while the original corrugated-iron roof and ceiling is probably the only feature that JC and Wim would like to change. “Exposed beams would probably look much better!”

The stoep is a big part of our daily lives, so it has to be as comfortable as possible. WHO LIVES HERE? JC Snooke and Wim Steyn with their Weimaraners, Cyan and Shadow WHERE Linden, Johannesburg SIZE 21m² ORIENTATION West

70 home November 2018

– Wim


The turquoise Moroccan door from Amatuli Artifacts is practical as well as striking.

The couple had the table custom made, while castors from Builders were added to the Chesterfield sofa. Planter baskets and lanterns complete the picture. Cane sofa and steel chairs (below right) from Weylandts; server (above right) from Moroccan House; scatter cushions from Loads of Living

Why it works… A collection of staghorn ferns and orchids in the corner serves as an eye-catching focal point. “Wim loves orchids; it’s become a hobby,” says JC. “We’re always buying plants from all over the show.” This living green wall echoes a striking interior wall painted in Dulux Dublin Bay 1. Along with the trees outside, the entire space takes on a jungle feel, which is further enhanced by a collection of African masks. “We acquired the masks on our travels – sometimes separately and sometimes together – through countries such as Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia,” says JC. The carved water buffalo skull above the fireplace comes from Bali.

[ JC AND WIM’S TIPS ] • Castors under a couch ensure that it can easily be moved when you need more chairs around the table at mealtimes. • Choose durable, comfy furniture and invest in quality items that will last longer. • Multipurpose pieces such as our metal and wood side tables are ideal as the top can be taken off and used as a tray. >>


The stoep serves as the common area for entertaining – except on winter nights when we congregate around the old fireplace indoors! – Rosheen

WHO LIVES HERE? Rosheen Kriegler WHERE Near Calitzdorp, Klein Karoo SIZE 70m² ORIENTATION North

[ ROSHEEN’S TIPS ] ͻ ƐƚŽĞƉ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ĨĞĂƚƵƌĞ ĚŝƐƟŶĐƚ ͚ƌŽŽŵƐ͛ ŝŶ ǁŚŝĐŚ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ƌĞůĂdž ǁŝƚŚ à Ŭ Žƌ ŚŽƐƚ Ă ĨŽƌŵĂů ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ůƵŶĐŚ ĨŽƌ ϮϬ͘ ͻ dŚŝƐ ƐƉĂĐĞ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ĨŽƌŵ ƚŚĞ ͚ŝŶĚŽŽƌ͛ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŐƌĞĂƚ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌƐ͕ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ĐŽŵƉƌŽŵŝƐŝŶŐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ ĂƚŵŽƐƉŚĞƌĞ͘ ͻ /ƚ ŵƵƐƚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ĞůĞŵĞŶƚƐ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ĐƵƫŶŐ LJŽƵ Žī ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞŵ͘


The house has a thatch roof but the corrugated-iron stoep roof and reed ceiling matches it perfectly.

The cement floor was finished with a screed by a local builder who said he would “get it right” – and he did, says Rosheen.

Photographs David Ross/Perfect Hideaways

[4] A country retreat “Winter or summer, I can spend the entire day on the stoep with a book and people drifting in and out for a meal at the table. There’s nothing like an afternoon snooze on the couch, tea or sundowners with friends and family or just a quiet game of cards or backgammon,” says Rosheen. When she doesn’t stay in the original 1936 homestead herself, she rents it out as holiday accommodation through Perfect Hideaways; guests are welcomed by farm manager James Rutherford. The original stoep has been refined over the years. “In redesigning the flow it was important to create access to the bedrooms. This was achieved by means of a small anteroom leading to one bedroom and a passage leading to another,” explains Rosheen. “The stoep was also designed to accommodate a dining area as well as a small and larger lounging area so that no matter whether you feel like company or a bit of peace and quiet, you can find the perfect spot.”

Why it works… For Rosheen it was important that the stoep be part of both the garden and the house, sheltered from the elements but exposed to nature. “The orientation of the stoep keeps it protected from the sun and the prevailing wind,” she says. “It’s comfortable all day and all year, although a cosy rug in winter and a ceiling fan in summer make it even more pleasant.” Striking striped blinds add an elegant touch to the décor and provide added protection against the elements. Rosheen describes her style as “sophisticated with a new lease on life” since most of the furniture on the stoep was bought for previous homes and then moved around until it all fitted together. >>

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The tree’s leaves shine so beautifully in the afternoon sun. – Hendrien

WHO LIVES HERE? Hendrien Kruger with her kids Emma (20), Liya (10) and Rebekka (8) WHERE Waterkloof, Pretoria SIZE 40m² ORIENTATION North-east

[5] Under the shade of a tree

Laid-back décor and afternoon shade ensure a leisurely visit.

Why it works… “A big tree, such as ours, means you don’t have to devise a clever plan for your stoep – it’s beautiful just as it is under the tree,” says Hendrien. “Guests often say that the stoep is their favourite part of our home.” The kitchen and living area open onto the stoep; in fact, a kitchen window provides a useful serving hatch. A large black steel sliding door is a barn-style design element that’s repeated throughout the home; the one on the stoep leads to a utility area behind the kitchen door. The family describes their décor style as laid-back; most of their furniture is from Pezula Interiors in Plettenberg Bay.

74 home November 2018

When Hendrien and her husband went house-hunting in Waterkloof, they came across a home with a feature they’d always wanted: a stoep with a large fireplace and a huge shady tree. “The towering white stinkwood sealed the deal!” says Hendrien. Later, the couple did break out and build on, but the tree remained and the new stoep was carefully planned around it. “We initially considered putting up a roof but we didn’t want to lose the tree in the process,” says Hendrien. “In the end, we decided against it as the tree provides lovely shade and there’s no real need for a roof.” The stoep does have a pergola with thick pine pillars and beams treated with Timbavati, which will eventually be covered by a climbing plant. “The excellent weather in Pretoria allows us to live outdoors most of the time; almost all our meals and socialising takes place outside,” says Hendrien. “The furniture stays outside permanently but we do have canvas covers to protect it if necessary.” Although the stoep currently has a concrete floor, Hendrien plans to tile it eventually.

[ HENDRIEN’S TIPS ] • Keeping cool is paramount in Pretoria’s hot climate, so you need to ƉůĂŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ƐƚŽĞƉ ĐĂƌĞĨƵůůLJ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞƌĞ͛Ɛ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ ƐŚĂĚĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĂŌĞƌŶŽŽŶ͘ • A stoep must be big enough – 40m² ŝƐ ŝĚĞĂů ĨŽƌ ŽƵƌ ĨĂŵŝůLJ͘ ͻ ǁŝŶĞ ĨƌŝĚŐĞ ĂŶĚ ŝĐĞ ŵĂĐŚŝŶĞ ŵĂŬĞ ŝƚ ĞĂƐLJ ƚŽ ƐĞƌǀĞ ŐƵĞƐƚƐ ƋƵŝĐŬůLJ͘ хх



stoeps

WHO LIVES HERE? André and Kara Human with her kids Kyle (10) and Anri (8) WHERE Durban SIZE 45m² ORIENTATION North-east

[6] A taste of the tropics For André and Kara, it was important to have a stoep where they could braai and hang out – no matter the weather. “We live on our stoep – it’s the heart of our home,” says Kara. “This is where we read, where the children do their homework, where we dine every day, make pizza, drink gin and tonics, play board games and socialise.” While the L-shaped stoep was already there when they bought the house, the

76 home November 2018

Humans improved the layout by building a bar, braai and pizza oven. The kitchen and living area lead out onto the stoep, so there is a seamless indoor-outdoor feel. The space is open but if it’s windy or rainy, roller blinds help to keep the elements at bay. “They also protect us from Durban’s harsh summer sun,” says Kara. The flat roof and Cemcrete floor perfectly match the laid-back South Coast vibe.

The grey sofas create the perfect backdrop for cheerful cushions, while a sisal carpet complements the natural, casual aesthetic. Roller blinds from Storm Blinds; sofas, carpet and pendants from MRP Home; cushions covered with fabric from Hertex and Design Team


The cupboard was painted in Annie Sloan English Yellow.

Why it works… Grey and yellow remain a winning combination. After a few years in the spotlight, grey is still bang on trend, while yellow creates a warm, contemporary feel. Kara cleverly combines these two colours with texture in the form of woven baskets and a variety of plants to enhance the indooroutdoor feel. “I can’t resist a beautiful basket,” says Kara. “I don’t think our stoep has a specific décor style but I wanted the outdoor area to ‘harmonise’ with the indoor space and the lush plants manage to create that link.” The furniture consists of a collection of old pieces that Kara and André have refurbished. The striking yellow cupboard is made from dark wood that was later painted – it now serves as a liquor cabinet. The top of the coffee table was sanded to give it a natural patina.

The family enjoys socialising with friends around the fire pit in the evenings. The bench was built by Riaan Nell; the striped fabric is fireproof and waterproof. Fire pit from Weylandts; black-and-white fabric from U&G Fabrics; floral cushions from Loads of Living

Ice-cold champagne and wine within easy reach is a must! – Kara [ THE HUMANS’ TIPS ] ͻ WůĞŶƚLJ ŽĨ ƐŽŌ ƐĞĂƟŶŐ ŝƐ ĞƐƐĞŶƟĂů͖ ŵĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĂƵƟĨƵůůLJ ƵƉŚŽůƐƚĞƌĞĚ ƐŽĨĂƐ Žƌ ďĞŶĐŚĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ ďŝŐ ĐŽŵĨLJ ƐĞĂƚ ĐƵƐŚŝŽŶƐ͘ ͻ /Ĩ LJŽƵƌ ďƌĂĂŝ ĂŶĚ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ĂƌĞĂ ĂƌĞ ůŽĐĂƚĞĚ ĐůŽƐĞ ƚŽ ĞĂĐŚ ŽƚŚĞƌ͕ ŝƚ͛Ɛ ĞĂƐLJ ĨŽƌ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ƚŽ ƐŽĐŝĂůŝƐĞ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ͘ ͻ DĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ LJŽƵƌ ƐƚŽĞƉ ŝƐŶ͛ƚ ƚŽŽ ĚĂƌŬ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ ƐƵŶůŝŐŚƚ͘

STOCKISTS AND CONTACTS Amatuli Artifacts 011 440 5065, amatuli.co.za Annie Sloan anniesloansa.co.za BM Interiors 082 450 0513 Builders 0860 284 533, builders.co.za Design Team designteamfabrics.co.za Gently Worn 081 022 3460, facebook.com/ GentlyWorn Hendrik de Villiers 083 484 1517, dvbuilders.co.za Hertex 021 914 3390, hertex.co.za Huis Paleis 071 686 5066 Kurt Buss 083 378 0310 Loads of Living 021 460 2300, loadsofliving.co.za Mitat 021 858 1465, mitat.co.za Moroccan House 012 346 5713, moroccanhouse.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com Perfect Hideaways perfecthideaways.co.za Pezula Interiors 021 424 2661, pezulainteriors.co.za Riaan Nell 082 669 3685 Storm Blinds 086 187 7773, stormblinds.co.za U&G Fabrics 021 462 5898 Weylandts 021 914 1433, weylandts.co.za

November 2018

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Shelly Bergh

A

light touch Make your own beaded chandelier – it’s easier than you think! By Shelly Bergh Photographs Francois Oberholster

Wooden beads from Global Beads; copper wire lampshade from Abode

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 1/10 Skill level 1/10 Time needed 1 day Do it yourself for ±R1 620: beads R770, wire lampshade R850


do it yourself

You will need

Get started

SHOPPING LIST • wooden beads in three sizes: 30mm (1.5kg); 25mm (1kg); 10mm (1kg) • copper wire lampshade • thin wire TOOLS • side cutters • long-nose pliers

Project note • Get an electrician to wire and install your chandelier.

1 1 Measure the length from the top of the wire lampshade to the centre ring, add about 5cm and cut 26 pieces of wire at this length. (There are 26 spaces between the vertical wires on our lampshade; adjust your number of wire pieces accordingly.)

3

2 2 Attach one side of the wire to the centre ring of the lampshade and string the beads onto it: we used three 30mm beads with 10mm beads in-between, followed by three 25mm beads with 10mm beads in-between, and then seventeen 10mm beads all the way to the top ring of the lampshade.

4

3 Attach the wire to the top ring and cut off any excess.

4 Repeat step 2 and 3 until the top section of the lampshade is complete.

5 5 Do the same on the bottom section of the lampshade. We changed the sequence: we did every second string with three 30mm beads and 10mm beads in-between, then five 25mm beads with 10mm beads in-between and, finally, five 10mm beads

all the way to the bottom ring of the lampshade. We started the strings in-between with four 10mm beads, then two 30mm beads with a 10mm bead in-between, followed by four 25mm beads with 10mm beads in-between, and ended

off with nine 10mm beads. Cut eight 30cm pieces of wire and thread sixteen 10mm beads on each. Attach these at the base of the chandelier in a scalloped pattern; let each scallop overlap the previous one a bit. Cut off any excess wire.

STOCKISTS Abode 072 261 3540, abode.co.za Global Beads 021 976 8091, globalbeads.co.za

November 2018

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WARM the

bench

Deon de Goede

By Deon de Goede • Photographs Francois Oberholster • Styling Marian van Wyk

You will need SHOPPING LIST • 60 bricks • 1 bag cement • 2 bags sand • 1 paver (600 x 600mm), cut in half (foundation) • 2 sturdy planks (1 500 x 220 x 50mm)

TOOLS • tape measure • marker • spade • spirit level • wheelbarrow • builder’s trowel • rubber mallet • sponge

Project notes • Our bench is ± 1 700 x 660mm; adjust your measurements and material quantities according to your needs. • This bench can’t be moved after it has been built, so be 100% certain you’ve chosen the right spot for it. • Make sure the surface is level before you start building. • Check throughout that everything is level.

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 4/10 Skill level 3/10 Time needed 1 to 2 hours (excluding curing time) Do it yourself for less than R850: timber R460; sand, cement and bricks R380 (paint and varnish excluded)

Get started

1 1 Place the planks where the bench will be situated. Arrange the bricks as shown and mark the position on the ground.

80 home November 2018

2 2 Level the ground where the pavers will be placed on each side as a foundation. Position the planks on top of the pavers again and mark where the bricks will be placed on the paver foundation.

Cushions, blanket and basket from MRP Home

Build the perfect spot to sit and soak up the summer sun!


do it yourself

3 3 Mix the mortar by combining the cement, sand and water according to the instructions on the cement bag.

4 4 Using the builder’s trowel, spread cement on the paver and place the bricks on top of the cement. Use the rubber mallet to tamp down the bricks where necessary to get them level and square. Build the second layer, alternating the bricks as shown (see sketch below). Alternate the bricks in successive layers so that the joins do not lie on top of each other. This ensures a stronger structure.

Repeat on the other end of the bench, making sure that the two brick structures are level with each other (see tip). Continue in this fashion until you have four layers of six bricks at each end.

Tip

Use a spirit level and a plank placed on each end to ensure that the structures are the same height as you go along.

6 Using a wet sponge, ‘grout’ the gaps between the bricks with mortar. Rinse the sponge frequently and then wipe off the excess mortar again to achieve a relatively smooth surface. The cement must be left to cure (harden) for two days. Paint or varnish the bench as desired.

5 5 Now lay the fifth and final layer of bricks, leaving out two inner bricks to form the gap where the seat will fit.

6

Materials supplied by BUCO

CONTACT AND STOCKISTS BUCO 021 927 5000, buco.co.za Deon de Goede 084 589 5026, deon@diydeon.co.za MRP Home 0800 212 535, mrphome.com

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advice

Ask the experts

Keen to freshen up your walls or the look of your kitchen? You ask – we’ll 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.

On the face of it Karen Matheus of Barberton writes Can I paint my facebrick walls white, even though I have a brown carpet? Also, my walls have lots of cracks; we live against a mountain and perhaps the structure is still settling but I can’t plaster. The rooms are dark and the Lowveld summers are hot. All the pictures I’ve seen online show white facebrick walls with wooden floors, which we can’t afford. Any advice? Jani Augustyn-Goussard of Paint & Décor rreplies Colour as a finishing touch doesn’t cost a ffortune and can be adapted to suit any space. And while wooden floors would be wonderful, few of A u us can afford them these days! I think it’s a good idea to paint the walls white to bring light into your h home, but pure white is probably not the best choice in combination with furniture in earthy tones and your currentt carpets. I suggest an earthy off-white or stone shade – Desert Salt from Paint & Décor (see sketch) has a touch of brown and black, which creates a warmer and lighter backdrop. Or try Old Stone from our Earth Whites range for an earthier tone. You could also play around with an extra colour and add definition to the room by creating a focal wall. A beautiful grey-green will enhance a cool and tranquil atmosphere – consider White Disa from our Fynbos range. CONTACT paintdecordiy.co.za

Paint & Decor Old Stone

Paint & Decor Desert Salt

Paint & Decor White Disa

+

Paint & Decor Desert Salt

Every effort is made to answer all questions; unfortunately, we cannot answer every question personally. Home reserves the right to edit questions for publication.

82 home November 2018


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

The best paint job Elrika Bezuidenhout writes On page 34 of your March 2018 issue you feature a wooden dresser painted by the homeowner for a fresh new look. I’d like to do the same; how do I go about it? Bernard Watson of Jack’s Paint & Hardware replies First sand then prime the d dresser with two layers of universal undercoat. Leave it to dry overnight before painting the d dresser with a water-based satin enamel ((Dulux Pearlglo). You could also opt to paint it in Dulux Acrylic PVA with a matte finish and tthen, for durability, seal it with two coats of a water-ba water based matte varnish such as Gripseal Resilience which is tough but will not yellow. Alternatively, you could apply Plascon Universal Undercoat on the dresser and leave it to dry overnight. After a light sanding, paint a layer of Plascon Water-Based Velvaglo or Plascon Solvent-Based Velvaglo on the dresser, allow it to dry thoroughly, then apply a second coat and let that dry too. If you use a water-based or solvent-based enamel, you don’t need to follow up with a sealant. However, if you use water-based acrylic paints or chalk paints, seal with a water-based varnish to ensure washability and durability. You could use a water-based paint with a sheen finish but this is more prone to scratches and chips than a solvent-based product. Bear in mind that if you use a solvent-based paint in winter, your dresser could take a little longer to dry, even if kept inside. >> CONTACT bernardwpaint47@gmail.com

Weekend project 1

You will need • Alcolin Mix ’n Fix QuikWood

2

3

Accessories mrphome.com

Repair damaged wood in no time with this mouldable, sandable and paintable putty.

1 Snip off a piece of Alcolin Mix ’n Fix QuikWood and mix it well with your fingers until the colours blend together uniformly. 2 Fill any notches or holes and shape as needed with a palette knife; allow to cure completely. 3 Sand to a smooth finish and paint or varnish as desired.

Visit www.alcolin.com for product details or call the Sticky Questions Helpline toll-free on 0800 222 400 for expert advice.

ALCOLIN PROMOTION


advice

Kitchen blues Mariëtte Roos of Durbanville writes I have ugly kitchen cabinets and would love to update them with a lick of paint. But what do I do with the wooden trim on the sides as well as the back of the cupboard under the breakfast nook? I’m trying to create a cohesive look. Any suggestions? Nadine Vosloo of Tjhoko Paint replies T Painting is the easy part – it’s the pre-planning that’s confusing simply because of c all a the colour choices and techniques available! t Here are a few ideas: • Paint including the wooden P i everything, h trim and doors, one colour. When it comes to the drawer fronts, have a little fun and experiment with colour – you could even paint each drawer in a different neutral shade, creating an interesting effect without breaking the bank.

• New handles will also make a big difference without blowing your budget. Copper-coloured ones will look great with the neutral shades in your kitchen. • Paint the cupboard of the breakfast nook the same colour as the rest of the kitchen; this will pull the look together. I suggest these colours: Coral Stone, Pebble Shadow, Don’s Wash, Vinia Stone and Lorains Cream. Firstly, get a sample pot and paint an inconspicuous spot such as the inside of a door so you can see what the colour looks like in combination with the tiles on your walls and floor. Don’s Wash and Vinia Stone will add warmth to your kitchen and Lorains Cream is a good option for the drawers. It’s always a good idea to experiment with a sample pot when you need to choose a paint colour as there are many factors that will influence your decision; for example, the difference between the light in the store and that of your kitchen. A colour that works in one space might look awful in another. CONTACT tjhokopaint.co.za

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! You can also use Tjhoko Paint to create a weathered vintage-style headboard. Have a look at the step-by-step video on homemag.co.za. Visit tjhokopaint.co.za to locate your nearest stockist.

84 home November 2018

Mariëtte’s kitchen Coral Stone (left) and Pebble Shadow (below) will both create a cool and tranquil feel in the kitchen.


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

Quick questions

Q: I love the L-shaped sofa on page 36 of the July 2018 issue! Where can I get one? – Sunel van Niekerk, Bloubergstrand A: Homeowner Tracy Maltman says it’s from Weylandts (weylandts.co.za).

DEC

Q: Where can I ďŹ nd a basin like the one on page 56 of your April 2017 issue? – Jessica Bruwer, Durbanville A: It’s from Bathrooms 4 U (bathrooms4u.co.za). You’ll ďŹ nd similar at Italtile (italtile.co.za), CTM (ctm.co.za) and On Tap (ontap.co.za). >>

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FEATURES r (JWFT B OBUVSBM PQFO HSBJO MPX MVTUSF à OJTI r &BTZ UP NBJOUBJO r "UUSBDUJWF DPMPVST 5397 ASHAK Home MAY’18 1/2pg


An instant facelift for your kitchen Anthea Fortuin of Mossel Bay writes I’m happy with the basic layout of my kitchen and the cabinet carcasses are still in good condition. How can I revamp the space without having to build new or demolish existing structures? Andrew Milne of UCAN replies You can transform your kitchen with colour and texture. Here are a few suggestions: Paint the cabinets There’s a wealth of paint products on the market – from spray paint to chalk paint. Paint will make a visible difference with the least effort. Replace the doors If you’re happy with the colour of the carcasses, simply choose doors with a new design. Tip Make absolutely sure that the carcasses are in good condition if you decide to go this route. Use Euro screws to attach the hinge plates – this will prevent the hinges from working loose. Also attach the new hinges in a different place to the old ones. Remove a few doors Create focal points in your kitchen by replacing solid cupboard doors with glass, latticework or wire mesh. Alternatively, you can paint a few of them a different colour with chalk paint. Customise drawers For example, you can replace cupboard drawers with removable cane baskets, perfect for veggies. This will add loads of texture and create useful storage space.

Add units Depending on available space, you can incorporate certain elements: open shelving is useful for displaying pretty items and an island with kitchen stools creates a sociable hub. If you add drawers to it, you gain extra storage space. Replace countertops There are a host of options, from Formica and wood to granite and composite stone. If your budget is limited, Formica is the best choice. Buy new appliances If your budget allows for it, you can rework the look of your kitchen with a new stove, refrigerator, microwave or even a coffee machine (provided that your existing water and power supply permits).

86 home November 2018

Adapt the lighting Make sure your lighting suits your workspace: recessed lights under overhead cabinets provide task lighting for countertops, while a pendant above an island or a table adds atmosphere. Don’t forget the walls A fresh coat of paint, new tiles or a trendy splashback will make an immediate difference to your kitchen aesthetic. Tip Always seal the joins between your countertops and the wall with silicone. Refresh the floors New floors will revive the entire space. Consider a rug in high-traffic areas to ensure a longer lifespan for the finish. Tip Seal the join between your kickplates and the floor with silicone. CONTACT ucandoit.co.za


Email stashit@homemag.co.za

Email gardens@homemag.co.za

Stash it or trash it?

JJ’s corner

The full picture Alicia Lubbe of Johannesburg writes I inherited a painting from my late grandmother, who in turn got it from former president HF Verwoerd. The story goes that artist Gert van der Walt painted many works for the Verwoerds and Betsie Verwoerd gave this one to my grandmother. Do you have any information that may substantiate these claims and what would be the value of the painting? Suzanne Duncan of Stephan Welz & Co. replies Our reference source for South African painters and sculptors, which is quite extensive, contains no information about Gert van der Walt. As he wasn’t a well-known artist, his works will unfortunately not fetch much at auction. It appears that the date next to his signature is 1960 but it is unclear and may be 1940. CIRCA 20th century VALUE R1 800 at auction CONTACT ct@stephanwelzandco.co.za

Spot on Maite Marumo of Cape Town writes The leaves of my sapling avocado tree were healthy and shiny when I transplanted the young plant into a pot. The leaves have brown spots now. What could be the problem? JJ replies This could be the start of a fungal disease called anthracnose. Spray your tree with Mycoguard and repeat after 10 days. Be sure to spray the soil as well. >ŝƐƚĞŶ ƚŽ ::͛Ɛ ŐĂƌĚĞŶŝŶŐ ƟƉƐ ĂŶĚ ƚƌŝĐŬƐ ŽŶ Derrich Gardner’s show ƌĞŬĮƐ ŵĞƚ ĞƌƌŝĐŚ at 07:40 every Saturday on RSG.


advice

Animal antics Compiled by Beatrice Moore-Nöthnagel (and her Beagle, Frodo)

Let the games begin!

Ready to rumble Mienkie the Jack Russell and Tash the Viszla love a good romp in the garden. – Lizel du Venage, Gravelotte, Limpopo

Livin’ the high life Rambo takes to the trees! – Min le Roux, Cape Town

On the same page Rescue cat Woozle has found his monthly fix. – Sacha Peinke, East London

Chicks dig it Cara has a natural instinct for working with ostrich babies. – Zandra van der Berg, Vanwyksdorp

88 home November 2018


Email your queries to pets@homemag.co.za

Q&A

Tip-top teeth Louise Vosloo of Pretoria writes I’ve noticed that my Corgi has bad breath now that she’s getting older; do I have to start brushing her teeth?

Frozen An icy treat keeps Ivy occupied. – Stephanie van Heerden, Pretoria

Wakey wakey Simba tries his best to get Charlie up. – Melinda Fryer, Calvinia

Each owner whose pet is featured WIN! here wins a new Deluxe Car Seat Hammock for dogs or a medium Cosy Cup for cats from Wagworld (wagworld.co.za). Available from leading vet and pet shops, the Deluxe Car Seat Hammock boasts zip-up sides to protect not only your car seats, but also your car door panels. The Cosy Cup offers a luxurious cuddle spot for small pets with plush coral fleece and an extra-soft filling. 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.

Proudly South African!

Hot product Celebrate a life with a Biotree Urn for Pets (R2 290, apetslife.co.za). Your Biotree will produce an average of 117kg of oxygen a year and reduce carbon dioxide production by an average of 21kg a year – a wonderful way to honour the unique relationships that beloved animals bring into our lives.

Ashleigh Sanderson, brand manager for Pedigree, replies While yourr pooch’s breath may never smell like a bunch of roses, if it carries a pong that makes you y want to pass out, something is amiss and your dog could actually have gum disease. Your canine can’t tell you if something is wrong, so it’s up to you as a pet owner to get to the bottom of what’s causing the odour. Research shows that four out of five dogs over the age of three have gum disease, caused by plaque and tartar build-up around the gumline. The good news is that this statistic can be reduced with an effective dental care routine. When left untreated, it can lead to the deterioration of your dog’s health and quality of life. Symptoms include red, inflamed or bleeding gums; a receding gumline and tooth root exposure; loose teeth; calculus (tartar) build-up; and, in severe cases, a change in feeding behaviour such as preferring softer foods or chewing more on one side of the mouth. Tips for healthy teeth include: • Make sure your dog has an oral health examination at your vet at least once a year. • Train your dog, ideally as a puppy, to get him used to having his teeth brushed; use canine-specific toothpaste and a toothbrush. • Provide safe chews, toys and treats – many people don’t realise that bones, stones, sticks and tennis balls can damage a dog’s teeth and gums. • A chew such as Pedigree DentaStix has a unique X-shape and a mildly abrasive texture that helps to reduce the build-up of plaque at the gumline. It’s low in fat, free of artificial colours and sugar, and contains real meat flavour for added deliciousness. Remember Your dog uses his teeth for much more than just eating; he uses them where we would use our hands to hold, carry and play. From licking to leaning in, dogs have a special way of showing affection and it’s important to monitor smelly breath and unhealthy teeth and gums so that you can enjoy your pet. CONTACT pedigree.co.za


crossword #120

Compiled by Gerda Engelbrecht

WIN!

A Penguin Random House book hamper worth R1 725!

Take time out to enjoy this month’s selection of fantastic reads! Tuck the kids into bed with The Big Book of Bedtime Stories, The Truth Pixie by Matt Haig or Diary of a Wimpy Kid 13: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney before digging into Hippie by Paulo Coelho. Or find culinary inspiration in Simply Zola by Zola Nene, explore a fascinating collection of South African biographical essays in Illuminating Lives edited by Vivian Bickford-Smith and Bill Nasson, and discover another bit of local history in An Unquiet Place by Clare Houston. The reader who sends in the first correctly completed crossword drawn will win a Penguin Random House book hamper worth R1 725. Send the completed crossword, and your details, to Home Crossword #120, PO Box 1802, Cape Town, 8000 or scan in your completed crossword and email it to competition@homemag.co.za to reach us by 30 November 2018. See our competition rules on page 129.

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

90 home November 2018


I N N O VAT I O N T H AT B U I L D S N AT I O N S

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Phone: 0860 LAFARG (523274) | www.lafarge.co.za


reader garden

A KAROO Antiques and décor accessories have been used in myriad ways to add interest to this Prince Albert garden. By Marié Esterhuyse • Photographs Photography by Amora


WHO LIVES HERE? Liesl Loubser, her husband Cobus Wessels and their two Jack Russells, Laya (16) and Lira (2) WHERE Prince Albert, Little Karoo SIZE OF GARDEN 600m² TYPE OF SOIL Stony

November 2018

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reader garden

After a trip through the Gamkaskloof Valley, also known as Die Hel, Liesl Loubser and her husband Cobus Wessels arrived in the small town of Prince Albert for lunch. “I fell in love with this beautiful Karoo town! On the way out, I convinced Cobus to stop at the museum and, lo and behold, there was a photograph of my grandfather Petrus van der Merwe Erasmus as a teenager in the Prince Albert rugby team. This connection to my family prompted us to look for property in the town. And that’s where it all began,” says Liesl. In 2015, the couple purchased an old house dating back to 1904 as well as the plot behind it. “We spent two years carefully restoring the house under the watchful eye of our local architect Kurt Buss and, of course, the Western Cape and Prince Albert Heritage Committees. I really enjoyed doing research for the project and locating antique and vintage furniture and accessories for the house and garden.” Looking for inspiration, Liesl visited a local garden cared for by Shaun van der Walt, deputy headmaster of Zwartberg High School. She loved what he’d done and together they started planning how to transform her neglected, overgrown garden into the paradise it is today. In the process, they tried to preserve as much of the original character of the old garden as possible with its orange, lemon, apricot, peach, naartjie and big olive trees. Although these trees no longer bear fruit due to years of neglect, they still contribute to the old-world feel of the garden.

[ NO STONE UNTURNED... ] Stone from the surrounding areas was used to build low walls and create raised beds. These beds ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ůĞǀĞůƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ĂŶĚ ŐŝǀĞ ŝƚ Ă more spacious feel. From the vantage point of the stoep, the stone walls appear to add height to the garden. KƚŚĞƌ ƚŚĂŶ ƚŚĞŝƌ ĂĞƐƚŚĞƟĐ ĂƉƉĞĂů͕ ƚŚĞ ǁĂůůƐ ĂůƐŽ give the garden an old-world charm reminiscent of the stone kraals of the Karoo. And they are ƉƌĂĐƟĐĂů͗ ƚŚĞ ƐŚĂůůŽǁ ďĞĚƌŽĐŬ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ doesn’t allow much room for the roots of the ƉůĂŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĞĞƐ ƚŽ ŐƌŽǁ͕ ƐŽ ƚŚĞ ƌĂŝƐĞĚ ďĞĚƐ ĮůůĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĨĞƌƟůĞ ĂŶĚ ǁĞůůͲƉƌĞƉĂƌĞĚ ƐŽŝů ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶ͘ :ŽŚĂŶ DLJďƵƌŐŚ ĂŶĚ ŚŝƐ ƐŽŶ <ĞŶŶĞƚŚ ŽĨ Rock of Ages in Prince Albert built the low walls ǁŝƚŚ ƐƚŽŶĞƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĮĐĂůůLJ ĐŚŽƐĞŶ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŇĂƚ surfaces, colour and texture.

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We’ve placed a few benches under the trees and one day when I slow down, I plan to sit there and daydream. – Liesl


reader garden

Nieuwe Street

5

Garage

The project Shaun van der Walt (pictured) may be a teacher by day but in his spare time he’s an avid gardener. He tells us more about the project: “Before I could draw a garden plan for Liesl and Cobus, I first had to get to know them. Liesl is creative and thinks outside the box and she loves the stories behind antiques. Cobus, on the other hand, has an eye for detail and straight lines. With this in mind, I drew a simple plan with a predominantly indigenous plant list,” he explains. Shaun divided the garden into different rooms with various focal points and interesting nooks and crannies. The large established trees and the angle of the summer and winter sun all played a role in the layout and position of the beds as well as the choice of plants. “We started by getting rid of unwanted shrubs and trees in order to let in more light and to provide more space for growing plants. Then the beds were dug out to a depth of about 1m; where we planted trees, we dug them out even deeper. The beautiful stone walls were built to create a framework for the garden (see box on previous page). “Once we’d removed as many of the stones as possible from the beds, we refilled them in layers, almost like a trifle: at the bottom we added a thick layer of bark, followed by horse manure, compost and bonemeal and then the sifted soil. The layers were repeated until the bed was full. The soil was then watered and dug over. In the end, it resembled moist brown sugar – thick and soft,” says Shaun. Trees were next on the list, and only then was the irrigation system installed so as to avoid it getting damaged. The garden was divided into blocks of colour and plants to ensure that those with similar water needs were placed together. In this way, the colours also have a bigger impact. “Initially, don’t plant too much. Give your plants sufficient space to grow,” Shaun advises. Lastly, the grass was planted and final adjustments were made. Shaun also trained a local gardener, who has been looking after the garden since the project was completed. This is a wonderful opportunity for job creation and the perfect solution for Liesl and Cobus: when they’re not in residence, Mano van Rooyen tends the garden for them. >>

96 home November 2018

6 3 urrow

rf Wate

4

7

2

1 Lawn

Deck

Outbuilding

Because keeping cool is so essential in the hot Karoo, Liesl planted a few big trees such as white stinkwood (Celtis africana) and monkey thorn (Senegalia galpinii). These trees had to be lifted onto the property with cranes and were planted right at the start of the garden project.

Cottage

Pool

8

[ PLANT LIST ] ϭ DŝdžĞĚ ŇŽǁĞƌďĞĚ ĂŶĚ ŽƌĐŚĂƌĚ ;ĨƵůů ƐƵŶͿ Coleonema pulchellum, C. ‘Sunset Gold’, Pelargonium crispum, P. scabrum, P. sidoides ‘Cherry Pudding’, P. sidoides ‘Plum Pudding’, Scabiosa columbaria ‘Pink Mist’, Selago glomerata, sweet garlic (Tulbaghia simmleri), wild garlic (T. violacea), Watsonia borbonica, burgundy ‘Iceberg’ standard roses, Cape ash (Ekebergia capensis) and pomegranate, apricot, peach and quince trees Ϯ ƌŝĚ ĂŶĚ ƐĞŵŝͲĂƌŝĚ ;ŵŽƌŶŝŶŐ ƐƵŶͿ Fever tree (Vachellia xanthophloeaͿ͕ ďŝƩĞƌ aloe (Aloe feroxͿ͕ ĂƌƟĐŚŽŬĞ͕ ďĂLJ ůĞĂĨ ŚĞĚŐĞ ϯ ƌŝĚ ĂŶĚ ƐĞŵŝͲĂƌŝĚ ;ůŝƩůĞ ƐƵŶͿ Various succulents ϰ &ĞĂƚƵƌĞ ďĞĚ ;ĨƵůů ƐƵŶ ƚŽ ƐĞŵŝͲƐŚĂĚĞͿ Agapanthus africanus ‘Nana’, A. ‘Snowball’, ƌŽƵŶĚͲůĞĂĨ ďƵĐŚƵ ;Agathosma betulina), mountain buchu (A. ciliaris), Albuca nelsonii, ŚĂĞƚĂĐĂŶƚŚƵƐ ƐĞƟŐĞƌ͕ ĐŽŶĨĞƫ ďƵƐŚ (Coleonema album), wild rosemary (Eriocephalus africanus), Felicia

͚KƵƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůƵĞ͕͛ Felicia ͚WƵŶƚũŝĞ ůƵĞ͕͛ Helichrysum crispum, :ƵƐƟĐŝĂ ĐĂƉĞŶƐŝƐ, Pelargonium fragrans ‘Nutmeg’, Seriphium plumosum, Sutera cordata ͚ ůŝnjnjĂƌĚ͛ ϱ EŝĞƵǁĞ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ƉĂǀĞŵĞŶƚ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ;ĨƵůů ƐƵŶͿ ŽƵŐĂŝŶǀŝůůĞĂ͕ Plumbago auriculata ‘Royal Cape’, ^ĂůǀŝĂ ĚŽůŽŵŝƟĐĂ, S. lanceolata, Tecomaria capensis ͚WŝŶŬ ůƵƐŚ͕͛ T. c. ‘Salmon’, >ĞŽŶŽƟƐ ůĞŽŶƵƌƵƐ ‘White Lion’, Buddleja salviifolia ϲ 'ƌĂƐƐĞƐ͕ ƐĞĚŐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƐƟŽƐ ;ƐĞŵŝͲƐŚĂĚĞͿ :ƵŶĐƵƐ ĞīƵƐƵƐ, Ficinia nigrescens, Elegia cuspidata, ŝĞƚĞƐ ŐƌĂŶĚŝŇŽƌĂ (sun) and D. iridioides (semi-shade), Chlorophytum saundersiae ϳ ƵůďƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ;ƐŚĂĚĞ ƚŽ ƐĞŵŝͲƐŚĂĚĞͿ Agapanthus africanus ‘Nana’, A. praecox, A. ͚DŝĚŶŝŐŚƚ ůƵĞ͕͛ /ĨĂĨĂ ůŝůLJ ;Cyrtanthus mackenii), Plectranthus ecklonii ‘Medley tŽŽĚ ůƵĞ͛ ϴ ,Ğƌď ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ;ĨƵůů ƐƵŶͿ ǀĂƌŝĞƚLJ ŽĨ ŚĞƌďƐ ĐůŽƐĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŚŽƵƐĞ ĨŽƌ ĐŽŶǀĞŶŝĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĨƌĂŐƌĂŶĐĞ


Liesl has expressed her creativity and love of statues and unusual garden accessories in the outdoor décor items she’s chosen. The water furrow system in the town is as old as Prince Albert itself. One of the furrows runs through Liesl’s property and although they don’t have water rights, it has become part and parcel of the garden’s design.

Shaun says that in the hot Karoo, succulents do well in arid beds under dappled shade.

The property’s existing fencing was dilapidated, so it was replaced with a combination of plastered walls (to suit the architecture of the home), latte fences and stone walls – all typical of the Prince Albert area.


reader garden

Liesl’s favourite garden décor stores Liesl says she searched far and wide for suitable furniture, statues and other garden décor during the two-year project: • Dee Malkinson of Gently Worn outside Stellenbosch (081 022 3460) gave me so many ideas on how to use furniture and other items in a creative way – like the antique headboard on the garden wall and the old wooden ladders on the garage walls. This is also where I got most of my pots, tables and chairs. • Mariana Botha of BM Interiors in Prince Albert (082 450 0513) made all the cushions. • Karlo and Guy Antiques in Somerset West (071 128 1848) for the beautiful crosses. • Gister in Somerset West (021 852 4827) for stoep furniture and the wooden ladders. • Delos in Woodstock (021 447 5739, delos.co.za) for statues and the tree ornaments. • Thistle Cottage Collectables in Claremont (021 683 0060) for iron gates and garden furniture. • The Crown Collection in Bryanston, Gauteng (011 463 6060, thecrowncollection.co.za) for stoep chairs. • Strand Trading Post Antiques (021 853 6619) and Art@39 Long in Great Brak River (044 620 4036) for statues. • Piér Rabe of Die Strand Huis (021 886 6281) CONTACTS Rock of Ages 083 458 5467 Photography by Amora amora.co.za


In the beginning...

[ LIESL’S GARDENING TIPS ]

ůƚŚŽƵŐŚ >ŝĞƐů ŝƐ ƐƟůů Ă ŶŽǀŝĐĞ ǁŚĞŶ ŝƚ ĐŽŵĞƐ ƚŽ ŐĂƌĚĞŶŝŶŐ ŝŶ WƌŝŶĐĞ ůďĞƌƚ͕ ƐŚĞ ƐŽŽŶ ůĞĂƌŶĞĚ ǁŚĂƚ ǁŽƌŬƐ ŚĞƌĞ͊ ͻ /Ĩ LJŽƵ͛ƌĞ Ă ͚ŶĞǁĐŽŵĞƌ͕͛ ƚĂŬĞ ĂĚǀĂŶƚĂŐĞ ŽĨ ůŽĐĂů ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ͘ tŝƚŚŽƵƚ ^ŚĂƵŶ͕ ƚŚĞ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ǁŽƵůĚ ŶŽƚ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ƉŽƐƐŝďůĞ͘ ͻ WůĂŶƚ ƉƌĞĚŽŵŝŶĂŶƚůLJ ŝŶĚŝŐĞŶŽƵƐ ƉůĂŶƚƐ͕ ĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůůLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ <ĂƌŽŽ͘ WůĂŶƚƐ ŵƵƐƚ ďĞ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ǁŝƚŚƐƚĂŶĚ ƚŚŝƐ ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ͘ ͻ ,ĞĂůƚŚLJ ĂŶĚ ĨĞƌƟůĞ ƐŽŝů ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ĨŽƵŶĚĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ĂŶLJ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ŐĂƌĚĞŶ͘ tĞ ŝŶĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞĚ ƉůĞŶƚLJ ŽĨ ĐŽŵƉŽƐƚ͕ ďŽŶĞŵĞĂů ĂŶĚ ŚŽƌƐĞ ŵĂŶƵƌĞ͘ ͻ &ĂŵŝůŝĂƌŝƐĞ LJŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ǁĂƚĞƌ ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ LJŽƵƌ ĂƌĞĂ ĂŶĚ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ĂĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐůLJ͘ tĞ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ ǁĂƚĞƌ ƌŝŐŚƚƐ ĂƐ ŵŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŚŽŵĞƐ ŝŶ WƌŝŶĐĞ ůďĞƌƚ͕ ƐŽ ǁĞ ƐƵŶŬ Ă ďŽƌĞŚŽůĞ͘ tĞ ŽŶůLJ ƌĞĂĐŚĞĚ ǁĂƚĞƌ Ăƚ ϭϰϴŵ ĂŶĚ͕ ƵŶĨŽƌƚƵŶĂƚĞůLJ͕ ŝƚ ŝƐ ƐŽŵĞƟŵĞƐ ďƌĂĐŬŝƐŚ͕ ďƵƚ ǁĞ ĐĂŶ ƵƐĞ ŝƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ͘ tŝƚŚŽƵƚ ŝƚ͕ ǁĞ ǁŽƵůĚ ŶŽƚ ďĞ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ͘ ͻ DĂŬĞ LJŽƵƌ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ŚŽŵĞ͖ ƚŚŝƐ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞƐ LJŽƵƌ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ƐƉĂĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ůŝǀŝŶŐ ĂƌĞĂƐ͘ ͻ zŽƵƌ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ƌĞŇĞĐƚ LJŽƵƌ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂůŝƚLJ͘ / ůŝŬĞ ƐƵƌƉƌŝƐĞƐ ŝŶ Ă ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ĂŶĚ ůŽǀĞ ƚŽ ƵƐĞ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƟŶŐ ŽďũĞĐƚƐ Žƌ ƉůĂŶƚƐ ĂƐ ĨŽĐĂů ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ŝŶ ƵŶĞdžƉĞĐƚĞĚ ƉůĂĐĞƐ͘ ͻ dŚĞ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ƐƵŝƚ LJŽƵƌ ůŝĨĞƐƚLJůĞ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ůŝƩůĞ ƟŵĞ ĨŽƌ ŐĂƌĚĞŶŝŶŐ͕ Ă ůŽǁͲŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ŝƐ ǁŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ͘

[ INDIGENOUS STALWARTS ]

^ŚĂƵŶ ĐŽŵƉŝůĞĚ ƚŚĞ ƉůĂŶƚ ůŝƐƚ͕ ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĐůŝŵĂƚĞ͕ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ >ŝĞƐů͛Ɛ ŐĂƌĚĞŶ ĚĠĐŽƌ ĂŶĚ ƐƚĂƚƵĞƐ ŝŶƚŽ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌĂƟŽŶ͘ ͞>ŝĞƐů͛Ɛ ůŽǀĞ ĨŽƌ ŽůĚ &ƌĞŶĐŚ WƌŽǀĞŶĕĂů ƐƚĂƚƵĞƐ ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ďĂƐŝƐ ĨŽƌ ĐŚŽŽƐŝŶŐ Ă ĐŽůŽƵƌ ƐĐŚĞŵĞ ŽĨ ŵŽƐƚůLJ ǁŚŝƚĞ͕ ďůƵĞ ĂŶĚ ŐƌĞLJ͘ tĞ ĂůƐŽ ƐĞůĞĐƚĞĚ ƉůĂŶƚƐ ƚŚĂƚ ŇŽǁĞƌ ƌĞŐƵůĂƌůLJ ĂŶĚ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞ ůŝƩůĞ ĞīŽƌƚ͘ ůƚŚŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ƉůĂŶƚ ůŝƐƚ ĐŽŶƐŝƐƚƐ ŵĂŝŶůLJ ŽĨ ŝŶĚŝŐĞŶŽƵƐ ƐƚĂůǁĂƌƚƐ͕ ǁĞ ďŽƌƌŽǁĞĚ Ă ĨĞǁ ĨƌŽŵ ĞůƐĞǁŚĞƌĞ͕ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ŶŐůŝƐŚ ůĂǀĞŶĚĞƌ͕ ďŽƵŐĂŝŶǀŝůůĞĂ ĂŶĚ ŚLJĚƌĂŶŐĞĂ͕͟ ĞdžƉůĂŝŶƐ ^ŚĂƵŶ͘ ͻ ZƵƐƚLJ ƐĂŐĞ ;Salvia lanceolataͿ ŝƐ ǀĞƌLJ ŚĂƌĚLJ ĂŶĚ ĂĚĚƐ ĐŽůŽƵƌ͘ ͻ ĂƉĞ ŚŽŶĞLJƐƵĐŬůĞ ;Tecomaria capensisͿ ĂƩƌĂĐƚƐ ďŝƌĚƐ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ǀĞƌLJ ĐŽůŽƵƌĨƵů ŝŶ ĂƵƚƵŵŶ͘ ͻ dŚĂƚĐŚŝŶŐ ƌĞĞĚ ;Thamnochortus insignisͿ ĐĂƚĐŚĞƐ ƚŚĞ ƐůŝŐŚƚĞƐƚ ďƌĞĞnjĞ͘ ͻ WŝŶŬ ǁĂƚƐŽŶŝĂ ;Watsonia borbonicaͿ ŵĂŬĞƐ ĨŽƌ Ă ǁŽŶĚĞƌĨƵů ǁŝŶƚĞƌ ƐƵƌƉƌŝƐĞ ǁŚĞŶ ŝƚ ƌĞͲĞŵĞƌŐĞƐ ĨƌŽŵ ŝƚƐ ĚŽƌŵĂŶĐLJ͘ ͻ tŚŝƚĞ ĐŽŶĨĞƫ ďƵƐŚ ;Coleonema albumͿ ŇŽǁĞƌƐ ƉƌŽĨƵƐĞůLJ͘ ͻ tŝůĚ ƌŽƐĞŵĂƌLJ ;Eriocephalus africanusͿ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ůŽǀĞůLJ ĐŽůŽƵƌ ĂŶĚ ĨƌĂŐƌĂŶĐĞ͘ • Felicia amelloides ͚KƵƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůƵĞ͛ ďĞĂƌƐ ĂďƵŶĚĂŶƚ ďůƵĞ ŇŽǁĞƌƐ͘ • Helichrysum crispum ŚĂƐ ŐƌĞLJ ĨŽůŝĂŐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ĂĚĚƐ ƚĞdžƚƵƌĞ ƚŽ Ă ŇŽǁĞƌďĞĚ͘ ͻ WůƵŵďĂŐŽ ;Plumbago auriculataͿ ŝƐ ǀĞƌLJ ŚĂƌĚLJ ĂŶĚ ďůŽŽŵƐ ĂďƵŶĚĂŶƚůLJ͕ ĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůůLJ ŝŶ ƐƵŵŵĞƌ͘

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desert garden

Vygie

Pave

A sandy patch of grass right outside their front door was a real headache for the Esterhuyses, so they devised a clever solution. By MariĂŠ Esterhuyse Photographs Sharmine Livingstone and Chrissi van Dyk

WHO LIVES HERE? Willem and Laurette Esterhuyse WHERE Langstrand (between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay), Namibia SIZE OF PAVED AREA 40m²

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A house on the edge of the desert, just a stone’s throw away from the ocean, may sound idyllic, and it is. But it presents its own set of challenges. “We’ve always got sand in our house,” says Laurette. “Especially with our Staffie kids, Josef and Sofia, who love rolling around on the beach. It sometimes feels as if I’m sweeping the entire Dune 7 – the highest dune in Namibia between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay – out of the house! Laurette and Willem initially planted grass outside their front door but it cost a fortune to irrigate and needed constant upkeep to keep it alive. “It simply refused to thrive,” recalls Laurette.

“In addition, the foot traffic to the front door had created a track across the lawn and eventually there was more sand than grass.” Since water is scarce and costly, the couple considered many different waterwise options. “Tiles, a deck or a concrete slab were all on our list but we’ve always loved a touch of greenery and didn’t want to abandon the idea of grass. After visiting friends in Cape Town, Willem came up with the idea of laying pavers with artificial grass in-between.

Laurette and her right-hand man, Freddi Nakapipi.

“Werner Kotze of Perfect Settings in Cape Town, who did our friends’ project, gave us invaluable advice, then we decided to tackle the job ourselves – and it only took us five days!” Laurette explains what they did...


The project

From this...

...to this!

Choose the right plants

1 Firstly, we removed the patch of ‘real’ grass next to the sandy area. Then the area was levelled with a compactor and we picked up every single stone. The surface was watered well and compacted again to ensure that the pavers would be firm and not shift later. As additional reinforcement, an edging of old paving stones was built to keep everything neatly in place.

Aloe

3 1

2 2 Next, we had to decide on the spacing between the pavers. It is vital that the gap is equidistant throughout – we simply used a plastering plank as a measure. The 45 x 45 x 4.5cm cement blocks were carefully laid and tamped down with a rubber mallet. This part of the project took a considerable amount of time. Once the blocks were laid, mortar (1 part cement to 3 parts building sand) was cast in-between them. We didn’t want the artificial grass to ‘grow’ too high above the pavers, so the cement was cast to just below the top of the pavers. But this is a personal choice – decide for yourself how high you want the artificial grass to be. We made drainage holes by inserting thin plastic pipes through the wet cement into the sand – artificial grass must drain well.

2

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3 Once the cement was dry, we painstakingly cut and laid the artificial grass. Before cutting the pieces, make sure the grass ‘pile’ lies in the same direction so that it looks as natural and neat as possible. The grass was then glued to the cement in-between the pavers with Alcolin Contact Adhesive, which is heat- and moisture-resistant. Apply the glue to the cement, then position the grass strips and press them down before the glue hardens. Remove any glue that lands on the cement pavers straight away as it’s difficult to remove afterwards. We had to resort to thinners and steel wool!

Marguerite daisy

Pig’s ear Sour fig


desert garden

Laurette used the rest of the artificial grass and pavers next to the pool (above) and decided to adorn one of the walls too! “I bought the tree decals at our local bargain store. We get a lot of wind here, so the leaves blowing in the wind is a very apt design! The white and purple lobelias in the pots look like they’re growing beneath the trees. This has added a lovely cheerful touch to the pool area – and at a very affordable price!”

[ DESERT GARDENING TIPS ]

>ĂƵƌĞƩĞ ĂĚǀŝƐĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŚĞŶ ŐĂƌĚĞŶŝŶŐ ŝŶ ĚĞƐĞƌƚ Žƌ coastal regions, it’s best to enrich the soil, work cleverly with water and choose plants carefully: 1 In new beds, we always dig out the beach sand quite deeply to reduce the saline content of the ƉůĂŶƟŶŐ ŵĞĚŝƵŵ͕ ƚŚĞŶ ƌĞƉůĂĐĞ ŝƚ ǁŝƚŚ ĐůĞĂŶ ƌŝǀĞƌ sand and add bonemeal, compost and manure. 2 / ĐƵƚ Žī ƚŚĞ ďĂƐĞ ŽĨ Ϯ> ƉůĂƐƟĐ ďŽƩůĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƉůĂĐĞ ƚŚĞŵ ƵƉƐŝĚĞͲĚŽǁŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŽŝů ŶĞdžƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉĂůŵ ƚƌĞĞƐ͘ / Įůů ƚŚĞ ďŽƩůĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ ǁĂƚĞƌ and the funnel-shaped necks allow it to slowly seep down to the roots. 3 Waterwise plants that love sun are the way to go: • Aloes are stalwarts in a bed, along with mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) and swan’s neck ( ŐĂǀĞ ĂƩĞŶƵĂƚĂ). • Pig’s ears ( ŽƚLJůĞĚŽŶ ŽƌďŝĐƵůĂƚĂ) like well-drained soil in arid areas, so they’re perfect for a desert garden. ͻ ^ŽƵƌ ĮŐ ( ĂƌƉŽďƌŽƚƵƐ ĞĚƵůŝƐ) is a lovely ŐƌŽƵŶĚĐŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĂƚ ĐĂŶ ĐŽƉĞ ǁŝƚŚ ǀĞƌLJ ůŝƩůĞ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƉŽŽƌ ƐŽŝůƐ ʹ ĂƐ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ ŚĞƌĞ͘ ͻ WŽƩĞĚ Marguerite daisies ( ƌŐLJƌĂŶƚŚĞŵƵŵ hybrids) provide colour outside the front door almost all year round. They just need to be watered more regularly than the succulents. CONTACT Perfect Settings Landscaping 082 562 5410, perfectsettings.co.za

Potted plants (this photo and left) add colour and texture to the newly-paved areas.

[ ARTIFICIAL GRASS TIPS ] • Make absolutely sure the surface is level before you start laying the pavers, and make sure the blocks are equidistant or the end result won’t look as impressive. ͻ hƐĞ ŐŽŽĚ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ĂƌƟĮĐŝĂů ŐƌĂƐƐ ʹ ĐŚĞĂƉ ŐƌĂƐƐ ǁŝůů ůŽƐĞ ŝƚƐ ĐŽůŽƵƌ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ Ă ĨĞǁ LJĞĂƌƐ͘ ZĞůŝĂďůĞ ƐƵƉƉůŝĞƌƐ ŽĨ ĂƌƟĮĐŝĂů ŐƌĂƐƐ ƵƐƵĂůůLJ ŐŝǀĞ ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚ ŐƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞƐ͘ ͻ hƐĞ Ă ŐŽŽĚ ĐĂƌƉĞƚ ŬŶŝĨĞ͘ /ƚ ǁĂƐ ĚĞĮŶŝƚĞůLJ ŶŽƚ Ă ŐŽŽĚ ŝĚĞĂ ƚŽ ƵƐĞ ŵLJ sŝĐƚŽƌŝŶŽdž ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ ŬŶŝĨĞ͊ / ĨŽƵŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƫŶŐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŐƌĂƐƐ ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ĚĞŵĂŶĚŝŶŐ ĂƐƉĞĐƚ ŽĨ our project. • If your region gets a lot of rain and the grass area is big enough, I would recommend that the pavers and grass are laid at a slight slope so that the water can ƌƵŶ Žī͘ Ƶƚ ƐŝŶĐĞ ǁĞ ůŝǀĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĚĞƐĞƌƚ ĂŶĚ ŐĞƚ ůŝƩůĞ ƌĂŝŶĨĂůů͕ ƚŚĞ ĚƌĂŝŶĂŐĞ ŚŽůĞƐ ǁĞ ŵĂĚĞ ĂƌĞ ƐƵĸĐŝĞŶƚ͘

Pelargoniums and mother-in-law’s tongue thrive here. And surprisingly, we all have the most beautiful arums! – Laurette


There are a surprising number of flowers in this hue – each of which will be an asset in any garden.

TRUE

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s er u se • otograp s rancois Styling Melissa Rautenbach

er o s er

Edging lobelia

Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus) These beautiful indigenous flowers look their best in a pot, hanging basket or along the front of a bed. Plant a large group in the same colour together for the most impact. They’re also ideal for softening the edge of a pathway. Apart from deep blue lobelias, there are also light blue, purple, white, rose and crimson varieties. Most have a white eye in the centre of the flower. Buy a six-pack of seedlings or sow seeds in autumn or spring in well-drained, preferably slightly sandy soil. They flower abundantly from October to March. Lobelias grow easily in all regions of the country as an annual summer plant. Keep well-watered during the growing season.

Plant guide Semi-shade to full sun Moderately frost-hardy Average water needs Flowers in spring and summer Grows 10–15cm tall

There are 69 indigenous species of lobelia, of which Lobelia erinus is one.


plants of the month

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

gardens

Plant guide

Plant guide

Full sun to semi-shade Frost-hardy Average water needs Grows 50cm – 1m tall Flowers in spring and summer

Semi-shade to full shade Frost-sensitive Average water needs Grows to about 2m tall Flowers from spring into winter

Sow these annuals in spring or autumn for deep blue colour in your garden. Cornflowers are easy to grow and thrive in compost-rich soil. These plants make an excellent cut flower and also come in white, pink and purple – the seeds you buy from a nursery are usually a mixture of these colours. Thin out seedlings that germinate too close together; they should be spaced about 20–30cm apart. Trim off spent flowers regularly to encourage the plant to bloom for longer. At the end of the flowering season, cut off dry flower heads and store the seeds in a paper bag. Or leave the blooms to set seed; you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of new seedlings next season. By mid-summer, the plants have usually finished flowering and can be lifted. Cornflower blooms are edible and make a lovely garnish for any type of dish. For a salad, use these deep blue flowers with orange and yellow nasturtiums – they contrast beautifully. Or simply break off some of the petals carefully and use them to decorate cupcakes.

Zulu spurflower (Plectranthus zuluensis)

This indigenous shrub with its pale blue flowers is perfect for a shady spot. It grows easily and quickly and blooms for long periods from spring into winter. It is at its best in autumn. Plant it in compost-rich soil that drains well. This spurflower needs little water once it is established, but give it more water during the summer growing season. Prune after flowering to get rid of dead wood. Zulu spurflower can also be grown as a neatly clipped hedge; prune more regularly to retain its shape. It makes a lovely pot plant on a shady stoep. This spurflower grows easily from cuttings that can be taken at any time of the year but for best results, do so in spring and early summer. Pick the delicate flowers for your home – they last long in a vase. If you keep the stems in water for long enough, they’ll start to form roots and you can then plant them in your garden. This shrub does well in warmer, frost-free gardens. Plant it with Clivia miniata for a striking display. >>

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gardens

plants of the month

Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica) In spring, this annual bears a profusion of delicate blue flowers, each with a small white or yellow eye in the centre. And once you have forget-me-nots in your garden, you’ll have them forever as they self-seed readily and germinate easily. If too many plants come up, remove the excess – otherwise they’ll take over your flowerbeds. Forget-me-nots do well almost everywhere and require little attention. The indigenous Cape forget-me-not (Anchusa capensis) is a slightly bigger plant with bright blue flowers. It grows in most soil types and self-seeds just as easily. Cape forget-me-nots bloom from spring to summer. Both make good cut flowers. Although both of these plants have similar common names, they belong to two different genera.

Forget-me-not

Plant guide Semi-shade to full sun Frost-hardy Average water needs Grows 20–30cm tall Flowers in spring

Delphinium (Delphinium spp.) Plant a row of eye-catching delphiniums at the back of your flowerbed where they will add height to the border. These flowers are mostly blue but are now also available in white and shades of purple and pink. The perennial Delphinium x elatum, which is mostly grown as an annual, reaches up to 2m in height and boasts a host of semi-double flowers, each with an ‘eye’ in the middle. It blooms from November to January on long stems; the flowers open from the bottom upwards. Support the plants and provide shelter from strong winds. For a low-growing delphinium, choose Delphinium grandiflorum – it grows about 40cm tall and flowers in spring. Plant delphiniums in autumn in well-prepared, compost-rich soil that drains well. Feed every two weeks with a liquid fertiliser such as Seagro or Nitrosol. Seedlings should be spaced about 35cm apart and protected against snails. Keep well-watered in summer, especially in winter rainfall regions. Delphiniums do best in cool, moist areas; very hot and dry climates are unsuitable. Good companion plants include foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), hollyhock (Alcea rosea) and Canterbury bells (Campanula).

More blue blooms

Agapanthus (Agapanthus spp.)*, blue felicia (Felicia spp.)*, blue sage (Salvia africana-caerulea)* and ^͘ ŐƵĂƌĂŶŝƟĐĂ ‘Costa Rica Blue’, blue sceptre (Aristea capitata)*, Chinese plumbago ( ĞƌĂƚŽƐƟŐŵĂ ǁŝůůŵŽƫĂŶƵŵ), Echinops ritro, ,LJĚƌĂŶŐĞĂ ŵĂĐƌŽƉŚLJůůĂ, love-in-a-mist (EŝŐĞůůĂ ĚĂŵĂƐĐĞŶĂ), KdžLJƉĞƚĂůƵŵ ĐĂĞƌƵůĞƵŵ, pansy (Viola spp.), Veronica spicata and wild lilac (Ceanothus x delilianus ‘Gloire de Versailles’). * indigenous

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Delphinium

Plant guide Semi-shade to full sun Moderately frost-hardy Needs lots of water Height varies Flowers in summer


Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) With a plumbago in your garden, you’ll be assured of an abundance of gorgeous blue blooms for months on end. Plumbago owers range from powder-blue to a deeper blue. If the shrub is not in ower when you buy it, check with your nursery to make sure it’s the speciďŹ c colour you want. This indigenous plant does well in almost any type of soil and can be used as a large shrub or hedge plant. It needs little water once it is established and will bear owers all summer long. Cut back hard in winter to keep it in check; a lack of pruning will result in a rampant, untidy shrub. Plumbago is not a good cut ower; rather leave the blooms on the shrub and enjoy its showy display outdoors.

Plant guide Full sun Moderately frost-hardy Waterwise Grows 3m tall and wide Flowers in summer

Sources Gardening with Keith Kirsten by Keith Kirsten; Reader’s Digest A South African Garden for All Seasons with chief contributor Jennifer Godbold-Simpson; chicagobotanic.org; weekendgardener.net; pza.sanbi.org; Cape Garden (021 988 4137, capegardencentre.co.za)

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 5487 WATEX Home Green Wall 1/2 pg Sep’18


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

Garden diary

November heralds the transition from spring to summer. Compiled by Gillian Eva • Photographs: Francois Oberholster and supplied

Tip of the month Containers aren’t just for patios; use them as focal points at entrances, on a flight of steps and to define pathways.

Hydrangea

Your garden in November By Kay Montgomery

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Bold and beautiful

Begonia

Agapanthus ‘Queen Mum’

Agapanthus ‘Blue Velvet’

This month…

Waterwise plant of the month Felicia spp. Blue is a desirable colour in the garden (see ‘Plants of the month’ on page 104) and the daisy-like flowers of Felicias are no exception. There are 84 species of Felicia, 79 of which are indigenous to South Africa. These waterwise plants flower for long periods and will attract bees and butterflies to your garden. Felicia amelloides is a sub-shrub averaging 60cm in height with small green leaves (there is also a variegated leaf variety) and blue daisy-like flowers with a yellow centre. Flowers remain open at night, which is unusual in the daisy family. Grow in sun in welldrained, composted soil. Light pruning will encourage more flowers. >>

Photograph Gillian Eva

• Keep gardens colourful by removing plants that are past their best and filling these gaps with summer annuals. • Fertilise summer-flowering bulbs once a month with a commercial bulb food. • Plant white, pink and red bedding begonias along paths to make a broad ribbon of colour, to define a curved border, or to add long-lasting colour in containers. • Build up a healthy lawn by mowing regularly, but with the lawnmower set higher so that only the top part of the grass is removed. Fertilise with a commercial lawn food, watering well after application. • Sow seed of salad crops fortnightly so that there is a continuous supply of tender young leaves. Spread straw between rows to retain moisture and discourage weeds. • Water hydrangeas thoroughly, then spread a thick layer of mulch (pine needles, compost, bark chips) to retain moisture. • Birding Big Day (24 November) is when homeowners are encouraged to monitor the number of birds seen in their gardens. Register for Birding Big Day before the event by completing the online form on birdlife.org.za. To make your garden more bird-friendly, provide shelter, food, water and nesting sites.

Also known as African lily or lily of the Nile, agapanthus is neither a lily, nor does it come from the Nile – but it is indigenous to Southern Africa. These waterwise plants thrive in a sunny spot and can even be grown in light shade. Agapanthus are bee-friendly and make good cut flowers. Some die down in winter while others are evergreen, but all must have well-drained soil. From early spring until late summer, the umbels of tubular flowers in white, shades of blue and indigo beautify our gardens, verges, parks, traffic islands and office landscapes. They are at home in an indigenous garden, a contemporary landscape, a cottage garden, with wildflowers and grasses, or in pots. Agapanthus harmonise with any colour scheme in the garden; their blue-purple blooms add vertical height and depth to a pastel border and complement orange and yellow flowers. White agapanthus are perfect for a twilight garden. Grow the compact varieties in broad ribbons along pathways, as an edging for borders, in rockery pockets and pots. Tall varieties are striking in bold groups, elegant in large containers at front doors, on patios, pool surrounds and entertainment areas. Even when not in flower, the evergreen varieties are useful on slopes, where their strong fleshy roots will bind the soil.


Photograph Lukas Otto

Patio plant of the month

Alstroemeria ‘Inticancha White Pink Blush’

Know your

plants Chinese tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis) This evergreen shrub or tree grows to a height of 3–6m with a black or dark brown bark and feathery branches. It bears pale to purplish-pink flowers in clusters 15–70mm long at the end of thin, long twigs. Invasive status Category 1b invasive plant, which means that it must be removed from your property to avoid prosecution. Why is it a problem? This plant is a problem in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape; Free State; Mpumalanga and Limpopo where it competes with and replaces indigenous species. It spreads by means of seed dispersal. Dense stands may significantly reduce stream flow and groundwater reserves. CONTACT invasives.org.za

Good news for day lily lovers: the new EveryDaylily (Hemerocallis) is a repeatflowering variety that bears blooms throughout the season. One plant can produce up to 400 blooms and you don’t need a big garden to grow this compact day lily as it thrives in containers as well as flowerbeds. They are cold-hardy plants, which extends the flowering season from late spring to well into autumn. Grow in full sun and well-composted soil that drains well. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za

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This alstroemeria is ideal for a pot on the patio as it maintains its round, compact shape (30cm wide and tall) and flowers repeatedly throughout summer. It does best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Find a position where the pot and roots will be cool, but the leaves and flowers will receive plenty of light. Water regularly and let the soil dry out slightly between watering. On a very hot patio, place the pot on a saucer filled with water and pebbles. Feed once a month with a liquid fertiliser to encourage continual flowering. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za

New in nurseries!


Visit ludwigsroses.co.za and send queries to gardens@homemag.co.za. Children’s Day is celebrated on 3 November in South Africa.

Ludwig’s rose corner

Design Inside Landscape Architects

Rose guru Ludwig Taschner offers expert advice…

Child’s play The top accolade at this year’s South African Landscapers Institute Awards went to a garden designed for children, appropriate at a time when youngsters should be encouraged to spend more time outdoors rather than playing with electronic devices inside. While not every home garden has space for traditional playground equipment such as at the American International School in Johannesburg (above), there are other ways of encouraging kids to spend time outdoors – with both physical and mental health benefits – where they can watch birds and bees visiting flowers and learn to appreciate nature. Set aside a part of your garden especially for your kids or grandchildren so that they can grow their own plants. Encourage them to create fairy gardens or secret hideaways, and make winding pathways through tall grasses to encourage exploring. Give them a large cardboard box as a boat or fort, or help them to build a ‘bug hotel’ for insects.

Garden goodies for little green fingers

Gardening Lab for Kids R519, takealot.com Kalabazoo Girls’ Green Fingers Garden Set R262, takealot.com

Kids’ Get Growing Sachet Garden R20.17, reelgardening.co.za Kiddies’ Gardening Set R389.75, gardenshop.co.za

Q: I notice that the beetles select only some of my roses, like ‘Lemonessence’, but ignore other blooms. What could be the reason and how do I protect them? It is often said that beetles prefer yellow roses. That might be so, but it is the specific scent of a rose bloom that attracts them. Beetles can follow a scent from kilometres away and soon arrive at the source. If you don’t want to spray, put water in a small bucket and add some oil so that it floats on the top. Walk through the roses with the bucket and hold it under a bloom infested with beetles, then shake the flower so that the beetles land in the water. They will be smothered by the oil and drown. Spraying with Ludwig’s Insect Spray when the flowers are just opening distorts the scent of the roses because of the spray’s garlic smell. Q: I’ve just planted a couple of ‘Avril Elizabeth Home’ roses and would like to give them a good start. I read recently that 15ml of rain is equivalent to one good watering – is this true? If you measure 15mm in a rain gauge (from rain or overhead irrigation), it equates to 15L of water over one square metre. For each rose bush, this would mean that they’re getting about 10L of water. Remember that if you pour water directly around the roots of a rose, less moisture will be lost due to wind or evaporation.

‘Lemonessence’

‘Avril Elizabeth Home’

Regional rose tasks for November Summer rainfall ŽŶƟŶƵĞ ǁĂƚĞƌŝŶŐ ƚǁŝĐĞ Ă ǁĞĞŬ ĂŶĚ ĨĞƌƟůŝƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ sŝŐŽƌŽƐĂ͘ >ĂƌŐĞ ďĞĞƚůĞƐ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŽůůĞĚ ďLJ ƐƉƌĂLJŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĚŽƵďůĞ ĚŽƐĞ ŽĨ LJƉĞƌ Žƌ Plant Care. For smaller insects (thrips, aphids, bollworm) spray with Ludwig’s /ŶƐĞĐƚ ^ƉƌĂLJ ƚǁŝĐĞ Ă ŵŽŶƚŚ͘ Ƶƚ Žī ĚĞĂĚ ďůŽŽŵƐ ƚŽ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ŶĞǁ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ͘ Winter rainfall /Ĩ ƚŚĞ ƌĂŝŶƐ ŚĂǀĞ ƐƚŽƉƉĞĚ͕ ǁĂƚĞƌ ĚĞĞƉůLJ ŽŶĐĞ Ă ǁĞĞŬ ;ŐƌĞLJ ǁĂƚĞƌ ŝƐ ĮŶĞͿ͘ /Ĩ ƌĂŝŶLJ ǁĞĂƚŚĞƌ ŝƐ ŽŶŐŽŝŶŐ͕ ƐƉƌĂLJ ĨŽƌƚŶŝŐŚƚůLJ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ͚ĐŽĐŬƚĂŝů͛ ŽĨ ŚƌŽŶŽƐ͕ >ƵĚǁŝŐ͛Ɛ /ŶƐĞĐƚ ^ƉƌĂLJ ĂŶĚ Ă ƐƟĐŬĞƌ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ WŝĐĂŶƚĂ ƚŽ ƉƌĞǀĞŶƚ ďůĂĐŬ ƐƉŽƚ ĂŶĚ ĚŽǁŶLJ ŵŝůĚĞǁ͘ &ĞƌƟůŝƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ sŝŐŽƌŽƐĂ ŝŶ ŵŝĚͲEŽǀĞŵďĞƌ͘ WŝŶĐŚ Žī ƚŚĞ ƟƉƐ ŽĨ ŶĞǁ ďĂƐĂů ƐƚĞŵƐ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ ƚŚĞŵ ƐƚƌŽŶŐĞƌ ƐŽ ƚŚĞLJ ĐĂŶ ǁŝƚŚƐƚĂŶĚ ǁŝŶĚ ďĞƩĞƌ͘ Lowveld and KwaZulu-Natal coast DĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ ďĞĚƐ ĂƌĞ ǁĞůů ŵƵůĐŚĞĚ ;ϮʹϱĐŵ ĚĞĞƉͿ ĂŶĚ ǁĂƚĞƌ ƚǁŝĐĞ Ă ǁĞĞŬ͘ &ĞƌƟůŝƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ sŝŐŽƌŽƐĂ͘ ŽŶƚƌŽů ƉĞƐƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĨƵŶŐĂů ĚŝƐĞĂƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽĐŬƚĂŝů ĚĞƐĐƌŝďĞĚ ĂďŽǀĞ͘ ZĞŐƵůĂƌůLJ ĚĞĂĚŚĞĂĚ ƌŽƐĞƐ ƚŽ ŬĞĞƉ ƚŚĞŵ ŶĞĂƚ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ encourage new shoots.

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They’re as South African as rugby and biltong – and everyone has their favourite! By Johané Neilson • Photographs Francois Oberholster


Accessories MRP Home (0800 212 535, mrphome.com)

fridge tarts

Strawberry delight Recipe on page 115.

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Lemon dream It’s difficult to compete with the ever-popular lemon meringue tart, but this light lemon dessert can hold its own! Makes 1 large tart Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus setting time • 200g digestive biscuits, crushed • about 100g butter, melted LEMON MOUSSE • 1 sachet (15ml) gelatine powder • 3 large eggs, separated • 170g (200ml) castor sugar • a pinch of salt • 125ml fresh lemon juice • 5ml lemon zest • 250ml cream, whipped 1 Mix the biscuit crumbs with enough butter so that they stick together, then line a tart pan to form a thin crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed and not too thick in the corners. If you prefer, bake for 5 minutes at 180°C in a preheated oven to ensure a crispy result, then cool completely. Or leave unbaked in the refrigerator until needed. 2 Stir 30ml cold water into the gelatine in a bowl and leave until set, then melt by placing the bowl in a larger bowl of boiling water and stirring gently until runny. 3 Whisk the egg yolks with half the sugar until thick and fluffy. Also whisk the egg whites and salt in a separate bowl until soft peaks form then whisk in the remaining sugar, a spoonful at a time, until thick and glossy. 4 To combine Start by folding the gelatine, lemon juice and zest into the egg yolk mousse, followed by the whipped cream. Stir in a spoonful of the egg whites to loosen the mixture then carefully fold in the rest. Now pour the feather-light mousse into the prepared crust and refrigerate for a few hours until set. Serve as is or garnish with whipped cream or Greek yoghurt, fresh fruit, mint and edible flowers.

Variation

Spoon the filling into pretty glasses with biscuit layers in-between and a dollop of whipped cream on top.

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fridge tarts Milk tart

Strawberry delight

If you prefer not to use whole biscuits for the crust, substitute with blind-baked puff pastry or a crumbed biscuit crust.

The combination of strawberries and Turkish delight is a personal favourite. Best of all, this impressive tart is so easy to make.

Makes about 20 squares Preparation time: 35 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Oven temperature: 180°C • about 15 Tennis biscuits FILLING • 1.125L milk • 30ml butter • 3 eggs, plus 2 egg yolks • 100g (125ml) sugar • 70g (125ml) cake flour • 40g (60ml) cornflour • 5ml vanilla essence • ground cinnamon 1 Line a large rectangular tart pan with the Tennis biscuits. Arrange them with the pattern side on the outside – the biscuit that sticks out above the filling will fold inwards as it softens, and it looks great. 2 Heat the milk to just below boiling point. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Whisk the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, flour and cornflour together in a separate bowl until well combined, then whisk in the hot milk gradually until well mixed. Pour the custard back into the pot and put back on the stove over moderate heat. Stir with a wooden spoon or a balloon whisk until the mixture is thick and begins to bubble. Simmer for a few minutes while stirring continuously to ensure that the taste of the flour and cornflour cooks away. Stir in the vanilla essence and pour carefully into the prepared crust, taking care not to move the biscuits. Cool at room temperature and then refrigerate until completely set. 3 To serve Fold the softened biscuits along the edges over the filling and sift some ground cinnamon on top (we used a stencil for added detail); cut into squares.

Makes 1 large tart Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus setting time • • • • • • •

200g strawberries, thinly sliced 80g strawberry jelly powder 225ml boiling water 230g medium-fat smooth cream cheese 300ml strawberry-flavoured full-fat yoghurt 125ml coconut shavings, dry-roasted 120g Turkish delight, diced

1 Line a smooth Bundt pan with cling film; arrange slices of strawberry around the inside of the pan. Work as neatly as possible so that the tart will look impressive when you turn it out. 2 Dissolve the jelly in the boiling water and pour about 30ml in a thin layer over the strawberries at the bottom of the Bundt pan (this dark layer is optional but it looks gorgeous). Refrigerate to set. Allow the rest of the jelly to cool, stirring occasionally to prevent it from setting. 3 Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the yoghurt and beat again until smooth. Add the jelly and beat until well blended and smooth. Pour into the prepared ring mould immediately. Sprinkle a thick layer of coconut on top to form a ‘crust’ and put the tart in the refrigerator to set. 4 To serve Turn the tart out onto a pretty cake stand and gently remove the cling film. Garnish with Turkish delight, extra strawberries and rose petals. >>

Milk tart


Chocolate tiramisu Coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven and this tart will have your guests coming back for more! Serves 8 • Preparation time: 35 minutes • Cooking time: 10 minutes • 200ml strong coffee, cooled • 30ml Kahlua or brandy (optional) • about 24 Boudoir biscuits • chocolate curls, cocoa and fresh cherries, to garnish FILLING • 1 sachet (15ml) gelatine powder • 6 egg yolks • 60g (75ml) castor sugar • 2 x 250g mascarpone cheese • 250ml cream, whipped • 100g dark chocolate, melted 1 Line a large loaf pan with cling film. Mix the coffee and liqueur and dip 8 of the Boudoir biscuits in the coffee; arrange a layer of biscuits on the bottom of the prepared pan. 2 Make the filling Stir 30ml cold water into the gelatine in a bowl and leave until set, then melt by placing the bowl in a larger bowl of boiling water and stirring gently until runny. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a large mixing bowl over a pot with a little boiling water in it – the bowl must not touch the water.

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Place the pot on the stove over low heat and whisk until thick and light in colour (about 5 minutes). Remove from the heat and pour into a clean mixing bowl. Stir in the melted gelatine and mascarpone. Finally, fold in the whipped cream. 3 Pour half of the creamy filling over the first layer of biscuits in the pan then arrange a second layer of dipped biscuits on top. Mix the melted chocolate with the remaining filling and pour over the top. Dip the last 8 biscuits in the coffee and arrange as the final layer. Refrigerate until set. 4 To serve Turn the tart out onto a serving platter and remove the cling film. Garnish with sifted cocoa, chocolate curls and cherries.


fridge tarts

Salted caramel tart Recipe on page 118.

A tart is more than a pie with its top off; it’s a brazen dish, flaunting its delicious ingredients for all to see in a buttery, golden pastry crust. – gourmettraveller.co.au


Instant cheesecake

Basic lemon cheesecake

Everyone should have an instant cheesecake recipe in their repertoire – it’s quick and always a winner. Here’s my version, with a few extra variations. I don’t usually add gelatine to the basic recipe because I find it affects the silky texture; but if you feel that any of my variations (or your own) make it too runny and it won’t set properly, add a sachet of gelatine (set, then melted) just in case.

Basic lemon cheesecake Makes 1 tart Preparation time: 10 minutes Baking time: 6 minutes Oven temperature: 160°C

Salted caramel tart We made shortcrust pastry with shortbread biscuits – it tastes almost like the real deal, but without the hassle. Makes one 12 x 34cm tart Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus setting time • 200g shortbread biscuits, crumbled • 70g butter, melted FILLING • 80g smooth peanut butter • 100g milk chocolate, melted • 125ml cream • 200g dark chocolate, grated • 1 tin caramel • 5ml rum • pinch of salt flakes TOPPING Peanut brittle and/or banana slices, mint leaves, chocolate balls and whipped cream 1 Mix the biscuit crumbs and butter together and line a rectangular springform tart pan to form a thin crust. Bake for 5 minutes in a preheated oven at 180°C to ensure a crispy result; cool slightly. 2 Mix the peanut butter and milk chocolate and spread over the prepared crust.

• 1 packet (200g) Tennis biscuits, crumbled • about 80ml butter, melted 3 Heat the cream in a small saucepan until just boiling and pour over the grated chocolate. Stir until all the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Beat with the caramel, rum and salt until combined and spoon on top of the peanut butter layer. Leave to set. 4 Garnish with shards of peanut brittle, dollops of thick cream, banana slices, mint leaves and chocolate balls. We used a mini cookie cutter to make flowers with the banana. Remember to drizzle the banana with lemon juice so it doesn’t discolour. Serve immediately before the cream melts!

FILLING • 1 tin condensed milk • 125ml lemon juice • 10ml lemon zest • 1 x 250g tub mediumfat cream cheese, at room temperature • 250ml cream, whipped 1 Make the crust Mix the biscuit crumbs with enough butter so that they stick together and line a tart pan to form a thin crust. Make sure it is evenly distributed and not too thick in the corners. Bake for 6 minutes in a preheated oven and then cool completely. Or leave unbaked in the refrigerator until needed. 2 Make the filling Beat the condensed milk, lemon juice and zest together rapidly until thick. Beat the cream cheese to soften it slightly (otherwise it makes the filling chunky) and then gradually beat in the condensed milk mixture. Fold in the cream and pour into the prepared crust. Refrigerate to set.

Feasting, and on sugar particularly, is the very antithesis of the eatto-live rule. It’s about food as an expression of abundance, exuberance and Surprise! Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on the gleeful luxury. crust before pouring in the filling – it’ll make – Nigella Lawson, Feast

for a lovely surprise when you slice the tart.


fridge tarts Variation # 1 Berry cheesecake

Variation # 2 Marble cheesecake*

Instead of 125ml lemon juice and zest, purée 60ml lemon juice with 125ml raspberries then follow the basic recipe (see opposite). Garnish with a sprinkling of extra raspberries and mint leaves before refrigerating.

Substitute the lemon juice with 125ml freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir 30ml cold water into 15ml gelatine powder in a bowl and leave until set. Melt by placing the bowl in a larger bowl of boiling water and stirring gently until runny. Beat this into the filling mixture and divide in half, then whisk 100g melted dark chocolate into one half. Now add spoonfuls of the two colours to the tart crust, randomly, and use a wooden skewer to blend the colours together in a marble pattern. * This filling makes a little more than the other recipes because of the additions.

Variation # 3 Cassata cheesecake Finely chop a mixture of dates, candied ginger, candied pineapple and glacé cherries to make 125ml. Stir in 60ml chopped almonds. Follow the basic filling recipe, but add 5ml brandy and fold in most of the fruit mixture. Spoon into the prepared crust and sprinkle the rest of the fruit on top. Allow to set then garnish with chocolate curls.

Serving suggestion

&ƌŝĚŐĞ ƚĂƌƚ ĮůůŝŶŐƐ ĂůƐŽ ŵĂŬĞ ďĞĂƵƟĨƵů ƚƌŝŇĞƐ͘ ^ŝŵƉůLJ ƐƉŽŽŶ ůĂLJĞƌƐ ŽĨ ĮůůŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŽŬŝĞ ĐƌƵŵďƐ͕ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉƉŝŶŐƐ͕ ŝŶƚŽ ƉƌĞƩLJ ŐůĂƐƐĞƐ ĂŶĚ voila͊ Kƌ ƵƐĞ ũĂƌƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƐĐƌĞǁͲƚŽƉ ůŝĚƐ ĨŽƌ ƉŝĐŶŝĐ ƉƵĚĚŝŶŐƐ͘

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We’ve got supper sorted!

Four sc um mp ous family meals.

By Johané Neilson Photographs Francois Oberholster

Gnocchi with angelfish and pea pesto

Chicken liver and chorizo salad

Under R125 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 25 minutes • Cooking time: 15 minutes

Under R130 • Makes 4 generous servings Preparation time: 10 minutes • Cooking time: 10 minutes

• 300ml frozen peas, defrosted • a handful of fresh basil or 30ml basil pesto • 250g medium-fat cream cheese

• juice and zest of 1 lemon (or to taste) • about 500g gnocchi • 15ml each oil and butter • 4 angelfish fillets, patted dry

1 Pour boiling water over the peas and steam for 5 minutes or until just soft. Drain and mix with the herbs, cream cheese and lemon juice and zest. Pulse with a stick blender to form a coarse pesto and season to taste with salt and pepper. 2 Boil the gnocchi in salted water until they start to float (follow the instructions on the packet); scoop out with a slotted spoon and mix with the pea pesto while hot. 3 While the gnocchi cooks, heat the oil and butter until melted and fry the fish until just done – angelfish fillets are usually very thin; keep a close eye on them so they don’t overcook. Serve the fish and gnocchi with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkling of micro herbs for texture.

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• 15ml olive oil • 200g thin chorizo or salami slices • about 350g chicken livers, trimmed and diced • 200g cherry tomatoes • 45ml balsamic vinegar

• 125g crispy lettuce, well-rinsed • a handful of carrot or butternut ribbons • 1 ripe avocado, diced • 1 small red onion, sliced • large garlic croutons, to serve

1 Heat the oil and fry the chorizo until crispy. Remove and reserve the aromatic oil. Fry the chicken livers in it over high heat until golden-brown on the outside and just pink inside. Season with salt and pepper; set aside with the chorizo. Heat the tomatoes and vinegar in the same pan. 2 Arrange the lettuce, carrot ribbons, avo, onion, chorizo and chicken livers on a serving platter and sprinkle the tomatoes and vinegar dressing on top. Serve immediately with the croutons and extra vinegar to taste. Tip Instead of croutons, you can serve the salad in soft rolls – it’s more filling.


quick food

s. t l ity resu l a u q t Fresh, good the bes pork bangers produce

Pork bangers with apple Under R95 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 25 minutes • Cooking time: 25 minutes • about 80ml butter • 3 carrots, peeled and diced • 3ml ground cumin • 1–2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 15ml oil • 8–12 fresh pork bangers with herbs • 2 medium firm apples • 8 rashers bacon

1 Heat a knob of butter in a small saucepan and fry the carrots and cumin together until fragrant. Add the sweet potato and just cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer until the veggies are cooked and soft. Pour off any excess cooking liquid and set aside. Stir the remaining butter into the veggies, season with salt and pepper, and use a potato masher to make a coarse mash. Add some of the reserved liquid if the mash is too stiff. 2 Heat the oil in a pan and fry the sausages until browned all over. Cut the apples into quarters and remove the seeds. Peel if you prefer and wrap a rasher of bacon around each one. Fry carefully with the sausages until golden-brown. Add a dash of water to the pan to prevent it from catching, cover and steam for a few minutes until the apples are just soft and the sausages are cooked through. Serve with the mash and a fresh salad.

Curried chicken kebabs with cauliflower Under R85 • Serves 4 Preparation time: 25 minutes • Cooking time: 20 minutes • 4 chicken breast fillets, each cut into four • about 125ml yoghurt • 30ml curry powder • 1 onion, peeled and quartered • 60ml olive oil • 1 large cauliflower, chopped

• 2cm fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 1 red chilli, chopped • 5ml each cumin and turmeric • 200g cherry tomatoes, halved • small bunch coriander, chopped

1 Mix the chicken with the yoghurt, curry powder and salt and pepper to taste. Break up the onion leaves and thread them onto four soaked wooden skewers between the chicken pieces. 2 Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the cauliflower, ginger, chilli, cumin and turmeric until fragrant. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes or until the veggies are soft but not mushy. Add the cherry tomatoes, coriander and salt and pepper to taste and heat until hot (about 5 minutes). 3 Heat a griddle pan and cook the chicken kebabs until goldenbrown and cooked through, or roast under a preheated grill in the oven, and serve with the cauliflower.

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as pie! Try this creamy vegetarian favourite in a golden pastry spiral. By y JohanÊ Neilson • Photographs g p Francois Oberholster


step by step

food

Spinach and feta pie This is my version of a Turkish Börek pie. Alternatively, you can stack layers of the filling and phyllo in an ovenproof dish and serve in squares – but I love the drama of the spiral!

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Blue pan from Le Creuset (086 177 3321, lecreuset.co.za)

1 Green scene Finely chop 1 onion and fry until glossy in 5ml olive oil. Boil 400g potatoes until cooked; drain and mash. Blanch 400g spinach and a small handful of soft herbs such as origanum and dill, then chop finely. Crumble 3 feta rounds and add, along with 125ml grated Parmesan; season generously with salt, pepper, nutmeg and dried chilli.

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2 A sticky situation Beat 1 large egg, 30ml olive oil and 45ml full-fat yoghurt together – this is used to stick the layers of dough together. Dilute with a little milk if it seems too thick. Have 6 sheets of phyllo ready under a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you work, and keep a brush at hand.

4 The final say Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush the remaining egg mixture over the pie and in all the folds, and sprinkle 10ml sesame seeds on top. Bake for about 45 minutes or until golden-brown and cooked through. Serve hot or at room temperature with fresh lemon wedges.

3 Roll it up Place a sheet of phyllo on a clean surface and brush all over with the egg mixture. Place a second sheet on top and also brush that all over. Now add one-third of the filling in a long narrow strip along one side of the dough. Roll up the phyllo with the filling inside*, shape it into a spiral and place in a greased ovenproof pan, cake pan or baking tray. Form two more rolls with the remaining phyllo and join them to the first spiral to cover the bottom of the pan. * Beware of rolling up too tightly and using too much filling because the thin pastry may burst.

Alternative fillings

Shredded roast chicken, savoury mince or a mixture of creamy cheeses is delicious in a pie like this. Experiment!

November 2018

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& food

drinks

By Johané Neilson • Photographs supplied

Make every meal an occasion this summer! Picnic in style The bee’s knees

Katie Alice Festival Folk pressed bamboo dinner plates R99 each, yuppiechef.com

Honey bon bons R49.99, co.za woolworths.c

VIVA ITALIA! Full of treasured Italian heirloom recipes and advice from real nonnas, Jamie Cooks Italy (R430; Penguin Random House SA) showcases Jamie Oliver’s passion for flavour and Italian fare. With recipes ranging from simple to more indulgent, you’re sure to find something you can sink your teeth into!

RAISE YOUR GLASS S Vondeling’s Rurale Blanc de Noir 2015 (R265; vondelingwines.co.za) is mad de from whole-bunch, pressed, organic (uncertified) pinotag ge grapes – and due to the labour-intensive production process, only 1 200 bottles were produced! It’s crisp, full without being sweet, complex with a subtle blush of salmon-pink colour, and boasts a red berry bouquet with a hint of spice. Cheers!

Full of flavo r

Barilla Bas (from R39.99, and spar.co.za) on the day the is picked, preser maximum flavour

On a knife’s edge Every good cook needs great knife! The Santoku Chef’s Knife boasts a slightly wider blade than your average chef’s knif instead of rocking back and forth on a board, th Santoku is more of a chopper with scallops o the side to prevent anyt from sticking to it. Go to wusthof.co.za. >>

124 home November 2018

Congratulations! In August, Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2017 (R198; spier.co.za) was recognised as one of SA’s best for the fourth time in the Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge. Check out chenin.co.za.



food&drinks

Au natural Try the all-natural ciders from Loxtonia Farm in the Ceres Valley (from R25–R30 per 340ml bottle; available in leading liquor stores nationwide). Made from hand-picked apples that are freshly pressed and then naturally fermented, they’re free of preservatives and artificial additives; choose from crispy apple, sparkling apple, stone fruit flavoured apple or pale amber apple! Visit loxtonia.co.za.

Happy birthday, my cousin South Africa’s Four Cousins brand pops the cork on a major milestone this year – its 18th birthday! The grand occasion has seen Four Cousins implement a smashing makeover that underlines its reputation as the winelover’s favourite.

SPARKLE! Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc (R131; steenbergfarm.com) is a vibrant summer bubbly. Fresh and fruity, it’s made in the classic French style and its youthful character, from spending less time on the lees (spent yeast cells) than a typical Méthode Cap Classique, makes it ultra-crisp.

Sweet indulgence

Carrol Boyes’ new finely crafted boxes of milk, dark and assorted chocolates (R99.99; available exclusively from Clicks and Carrol vai B yes stores)) are every eve y bit as good as they look. Visit carrolboyes.co.zz

WIN! Three lucky readers will receive a Four Cousins hamper worth R2 500! It includes a beautifully handcrafted backpack, three bottles of Four Cousin ns wine, a deck of playing cards, a branded bandana, a notebook, a cap, and a pen-and-pencil set. To entter, SMS the keyword FOURCOUSINSHAMPER follow wed by your full name, postal address and email address to 33406 by 30 November 2018 (each SMS costts R1.50); see competition rules on page 129.

A GREAT RANGE Bosjes Farm in the Breedekloof Wine Valley has launched a unique range of house wines sourced from leading local estates. Spearheading the blending was respected wine judge and Cape wine master Allan Mullins. Visit Bosjes Kombuis to sample the house red and house white, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage (priced from R90–R150 per bottle). Go to bosjes.co.za.

126 home November 2018

Ready, steady, chef ! What’s in the box? Dinner for two by Checkkers! Developed by chefs, the Re y to Chef meal kit comes with perfeectly portioned ingredients and step-by-step instructions so you can whip up a delicious meal at home in no time. Prices range from R119.99 to R179.99 per box at Checkers and Checkers Hyper Supermarkets across SA; go to checkers.co.za/mealkits.



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Cherished junk My oldest sister has a standard reply when you ask her how it’s going: “three bags full”. She’s referring to junk. Because she’s been spring-cleaning – for the past two years already. It all started with her finally retiring after a lifetime of working hard. Really hard. And she’s all used up, she suddenly realised. Kaput. Besides her back and her knees, she’s aching in almost every knuckle and joint in her 68-year-old body. She started in the storeroom, tackling boxes and boxes of old books – among them school books dating back 60 years. Everything was chucked into black bags for recycling. But her husband nearly had a fit. Those are flippin’ family heirlooms, he exclaimed, aghast. “Heirlooms se voet,” she retorted. “School history from prehistoric times – bloody old Jan van Riebeeck and The Great Trek three times over, and nothing else. Archaic.” “Precisely! It’s Africana! It belongs in the archives.” “The only place it belongs is in the recycling – to get turned into something useful. Like toilet paper. We have a new history now! Go and ask Hermann Giliomee. Or Julius Malema, for that matter.” My sister grabbed the bag decisively and tossed it in the boot of the car, then got stuck into the next box. It was full of old shoes, some of which were almost 40 years old. Like the pair of patent leather block heels she’d bought for her son’s baptism. She’d shed more tears than the baby during that ceremony because the shoes were pinching like blazes. Into the bin bag they went. Her husband was, once again, apoplectic. Those are precious, he scolded. And no, she may definitely not throw out his takkies. They might be 20 years old but they’re still brand-new, never mind the torn soles. He just needed to glue them. And he would. Definitely. And she’d better not touch the slippers (which the mice had shredded). His late mother gave those to him. They are totally irreplaceable. My sister, wisely, held her tongue, but she was scheming darkly: she’d smuggle the box away quietly when he was otherwise occupied. But she was sadly mistaken. The ever-vigilant watchdog in him had been awakened. No sooner had she touched the storeroom door and he was beside her. She’d sneak into the spare room on tippy toes, clutching a bin bag. Next moment, he’d materialise right there. And, thus, followed a tug-of-war. My sister’s husband would, for instance, cling fiercely to a box of old neckties. His whole life was reflected in those neatly rolled-up ties: matric farewell, graduation, wedding, first job. Last job. Plus a lifetime of neckwear gifts from the kids – weird macrame-knotted creations and hand-painted jobs, like the one

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with the Christmas tableau and Baby Jesus looking suspiciously like Batman. The battleground shifted from box to box, each one contested fiercely. It was when she opened a box of rusty fishing gear that the skirmishes escalated to high opera: he clutched his chest and dramatically called upon the gods. My dear sister declared a ceasefire, but added an ultimatum: she would stop clearing out his stuff but, in return, he must leave her alone to sort out her own junk as she saw fit. But he was sly. He waited until she was dozing in front of the TV, then he’d go rummaging around in the bags in the boot. And then suddenly the matric history handbook popped up in the bookcase, discreetly tucked in among the memoirs. Or the ancient Teflon pan, without its non-stick status ever since 1981, was magically resurrected from the car boot bags and arose phoenix-like from the broom cupboard. “What is it with him?” she asked on the phone, perplexed. I pondered my own cupboards, brimming with a lifetime’s hoarded rubbish. It is my proof of life, I realise. It is the graffiti of my story, scrawled upon the grey, unfeeling walls of the vast expanse of time: “Kilroy was here”. But there comes a time, I know, when you have to let go – even of that porcelain frog that a homeless woman pressed into your hand when you took her some blankets one cold winter’s evening, or the last birthday card from your father before his death. Those things are the treasured snapshots of your life. But to another it’s junk, especially the strangers who will one day cart it all off to the rubbish heap for you. I said this to my sister. Months later, there was suddenly a breakthrough: three bags full in her boot, she reported. They’d filled them together, sharing a bottle of wine and celebrating the full story behind each item. And then they bade them farewell. Tears were shed, and there was laughter. But anchors had been raised. And freedom found, a lightness of being. And peace. Especially peace.

Illustration Paula Dubois • Translation Gillian Eva

There’s so much truth to the saying, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, says Karin Brynard.


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