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The healing power of herbs POLLUTION-EATING PLANTS

Feel the heat Fireplace designs Hot florals Spicy curry recipes

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1 Large planter R299.99 2 PREMIUMRANGE Double gold jacquard duvet cover set R699.99 Q R759.99 K R799.99 SK R859.99 3 PREMIUMRANGE Feather-lled cushions 60 x 60cm R399.99 each 4 Gold velvet cushion 30 x 50cm R149.9 9 5 PREMIUMRANGE Printed velvet feather-lled cushion 60 x 60cm R399.99 6 Taped lined jacquard curtain 230 x 218cm R399.99

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Product available from 9 May 2019, while stocks last. All of the product on this spread is only available online or in selected mrphome stores. Please visit mrphome.com for the select store information.

contents decorating 10 16

TREND SPOTTING:

HOME FRONT What’s happening

A WALK IN THE WOODS

on the decor scene?

Get back to nature

ARCHITECT’S PLAN: TREADING

LIGHTLY An oﬀ-the-grid house built on a steel structure

62 68

DOUBLE DUTY Chic

furniture that multitasks

Colourful plants to

25 WAYS TO GO GREEN

brighten the

Money-saving eco-upgrades

winter garden

MAKEOVER: PICTURE

A sylvan heaven

STYLE This eco-friendly

and accessories transform a

in suburbia

house doesn’t compromise

bland bedroom

PRACTICAL MAGIC A contemporary cluster

100

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

news and debuts

gardening 74

103

FAR-REACHING SUCCESS Espaliering fruit trees

THE GREEN ROOM:

106

LINGER LONGER The

WILD AND WONDERFUL

perfect setting for a lazy

A tiny but productive

Make an impact with fresh

autumn lunch

veggie garden

POLLUTION-EATING

110

NATURE’S BOUNTY

HEALTH-GIVING HERBS

IN PLAIN SIGHT Stylish

PLANTS Indoor plants that

Boost your health with

ways to incorporate a

clean the air

these wonder plants

ﬂat screen TV

Coverphotograph:BalancingActpg32 Photograph: Christoph Hoffmann

GARDEN NOTES Garden

designed for cocooning

and printed botanicals

CARING FOR TREES Tree know-how and the PSHB

THIS MONTH’S GOOD IDEA Turn logs into side tables

BALANCING ACT with edgy urban elements

WOODLAND IDYLL

PERFECT Dramatic colours

A 21st-century farmhouse

SOME LIKE IT HOT

SUSTAINABILITY WITH

on style

INSPIRATIONS: WHITE HOT Cosy up with winter whites

JUNE 2019

A NATURAL HIGH A low-

BURNING DESIRES Fabulous

maintenance indigenous

ﬁreplace ideas

garden in KZN

ON THE COVER

READERS’ QUERIES 087 158 0279 or e-mail gardenhome@caxton.co.za EDITOR Mary Jane Harris ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Mandy Buchholz 087 158 0279 KZN CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, DECOR Candice Botha candicebotha@gmail.com CAPE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, GARDENING Marianne Alexander gandhgardenguru@gmail.com FEATURES EDITOR Lauren Delargy laurend@caxton.co.za CHIEF SUB-EDITOR, GARDENING Diane Peacock dianep@caxton.co.za PRODUCTION MANAGER / COPY EDITOR Richard Goller richardg@caxton.co.za DIGITAL EDITOR Khanyi Mlaba khanyim@caxton.co.za EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Juliette Arrighi de Casanova, Natalie Boruvka, Josie Eveleigh, Jane Griffiths, Connall Oosterbroek, Tess Paterson, Lolly Stuart, Jo Trappitt, Dina Venter, Diana Wemyss, Lyn Woodward MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS Roline Haine 087 158 0309 rolineh@caxton.co.za ADVERTISING JOHANNESBURG 368 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall 2196, 010 492 8356 CAPE TOWN 36 Old Mill Rd, Ndabeni, Maitland 7405, 021 001 2401 DURBAN 115 Escom Road, New Germany, Pinetown, 3610, 031 716 4444 SUBSCRIPTIONS 087 405 2003, +27 21 045 1809 (international), Subscribe online at gardenandhome.co.za or e-mail subs@magsathome.co.za BACK ISSUES 087 405 2003 or 021 045 1809 CLASSIFIEDS Charmaine Pillai 087 087 8898 cp@caxton.co.za Shantal Pillay 087 087 8902 shantalp@caxton.co.za DISTRIBUTION RNA Distributors 12 Nobel Street, Industria 2093, 011 248 3500, rna@RNAD.co.za PRINTING by CTP Gravure, 19-21 Joyner Rd, Prospecton, and published by the proprietors, Caxton/RP Magazines (Reg No. 68/12588/06)

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JOIE DE VIVRE

MAGICAL MENAGERIE

A casual lunch

Steven John Wilkins on

overlooking the

his sculptures

Drakenstein Mountains

129 DIRECTORY AND

119

BON APPETIT What’s

WORKSHOPS Good

new in the world of

COLLECTING WITH…

shopping guide and

food and wine

James Findlay’s antique

short courses

book collection

114

worth R2 480 each

ﬁve-night stay in Mauritius

128

touch with us

regulars

COMPETITION Win a

126

WRITE NOW Keep in

food & travel

one of seven Vit C hampers

120

132 LAST WORD ON

FEEL THE HEAT Deliciously spicy dishes

122

TREASURE CHEST

STYLE Jon-Paul Bolus

How much are your

shares some of his

Explore the Greek

collectables worth?

favourite things

island of Kastellorizo

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

ISLAND STYLE

GENERAL MANAGER Anton Botes FINANCIAL MANAGER Rohan French NATIONAL HEAD OF SALES Ronell Buitenbos HEAD OF RETAIL MARKETING AND INNOVATION Dejane Poil MARKETING MANAGER Reinhard Lotz PRODUCTION MANAGER Sada Reddhi DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGIST Aqsa Qureshi EDITORIAL HEAD OFFICE Caxton House 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park 2196. Box 1558, Saxonwold, 2132. Tel 087 158 0279 © All material published is copyrighted and may not be reproduced. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be accepted. Please note: Variations in actual paint colours may occur. Due to the effect of light, colours are reflected as accurately as the print process allows. While due care is taken to ensure accuracy, SA Garden and Home is not liable for any errors in product listings or availability, pricing or any other information that was checked and has changed since the time of going to print.

TOWN COLLECTION

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T +27(0)11 2624118

A new GREEN WORLD

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

I love the effect of this gorgeous mustard sofa against an overscaled floral wallpaper. See more ideas for combining plants and florals on page 48.

If anyone thinks that indigenous gardens are boring, they’ll change their mind after they’ve seen the pictures of this stunning KZN garden on page 80.

Aloes are at their best at this time of year. For other plants that’ll provide colour in winter, turn to page 86.

There’s nothing to beat a fire on a cold night. On page 56 we’ve featured a number of ways to incorporate one in your home.

I can’t think of a better sp ot from which to enjoy the sunset than the lakeside firepit of the Pretoria ho use featured on page 32.

PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS, CONNALL OOSTERBROEK, KAREN EDWARDS, CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN AND HENRIQUE WILDING

he hot topic of conversation at dinner parties these days is no longer crime, schools or (heaven forbid) politics, it’s how to get off the grid. The rising cost of water and electricity, not to mention load shedding, has forced us all to look for ways to reduce energy and water consumption, and suddenly inverters, grey water systems and the like have become hugely fascinating. I’m always grateful to the previous owners of my house who were forward thinkers and installed a solar geyser long before it was necessary, and for the 5 000-litre rainwater tank we put in a few years ago (although three would have been more practical). For this issue, GH features editor Lauren Delargy and contributing decor editor Candice Botha went looking for ways to save water and energy at home and also reduce your impact on the environment. As their feature on page 62 states, you don’t have to do everything at once. Start small, make the changes you can afford now and save up for the items that require a bigger investment. One thing we can all do is switch to LED light bulbs, which fortunately don’t cost as much as they used to. Cutting down on single-use plastics such as straws and teaspoons (which, in our office, seem to have a Bermuda Triangle of their own) and separating waste costs very little and can have a major impact. While chatting to someone involved with picking up litter on river banks, they mentioned that while plastic bags were the main problem a few years ago, other packaging materials such as polystyrene have now taken over. This is probably because not many people are aware that, like plastic, polystyrene can be recycled. According to the Polystyrene Association, every month 400 tons are turned into picture frames, cornices and other mouldings, and 250 tons into lightweight concrete bricks and screeds for the construction industry. If you have a twobag waste collection system in your area, put polystyrene out with plastics. If you don’t, visit mywaste.co.za for details of drop-off points. To all the dads out there, the GH team joins me in wishing you all a very happy Father’s Day.

Write NOW We love hearing from you. Get in touch with us through e-mail or social media and you could win

VINTAGE FINDS

Terrific turmeric Readers shared photographs of the turmeric in their gardens.

I found these two amazing vintage Garden and Home magazines from 1970 and 1972 at my local charity store. The cover price was 30c. Lisè Arthur WE ASKED OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY…

Mia Jordaan

Amira Chafekar

WINNING LETTER

WHICH KITCHEN SPLASHBACK DO YOU PREFER?

VEGGIE MIGHT I thoroughly enjoyed the articles by Jane Griffiths in the April issue of Garden and Home. Not only have I learned how to use home-made vegetable dyes, but also to grow the veggies used for the dyes. In addition, she wrote about unusual root vegetables, including kohlrabi. With my minute vegetable garden, having exotic plants that I can eat is both a visual feast and a healthy alternative. Thank you for information about new varieties of vegetables and new ways to use them, even colouring scarves for gifts. Ellen Joubert

C B A

A. Glass 67% B. Patterned tiles 19% C. Subway tiles 14%

HOW TO GET HOLD OF US: gardenhome@caxton.co.za PO Box 1558, Saxonwold, 2132 SA Garden and Home magazine @SAGardenandHome

Write in and win Ellen Joubert has won a book hamper worth R1 000. It includes the following titles: Fresh Veggie Kitchen by David and Charlotte Bailey (Pavilion), If Trees Could Talk by Megan Emmett (Jacana), For The Love Of Baking by Sarah Dall (Struik) and Kirstenbosch: The Most Beautiful Garden In Africa by Brian J Huntley (Struik).

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

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MISSED AN ISSUE? If you’ve missed an issue of GH, contact MAGSatHOME on 087 405 2003 or 021 045 1809 to get a back copy.

PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT LETTERS, E-MAIL AND SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Seedat Nazir

Home FRONT

Our pick of this month’s highlights, from things to do and buy, to the latest decor news and the best places to visit

Style and COMFORT

BOHEMIAN GLAMOUR Rhapsody is the new collection from Portuguese fabric house Aldeco. Opulent and texture rich, it’s a mix of velvets, jacquards, gorgeous embroideries and woven fabrics. See the range at Black Fabrics. blackfabrics.co.za

CHALK IT UP Annie Sloan chalk paint is a DIYer’s dream (no prepping or priming required!) and with two new neutrals, Chicago Grey and Svenska Blue, you’ll be itching to revamp your tired pieces this month. anniesloan.com

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

Natural Order New from Vondom, Stones is an elegant solution for durable outdoor seating. Moulded in polyethylene, the bold organic shapes are available in a range of colours and ﬁnishes. See the collection at Cane Time. canetime.com

COMPILED BY TESS PATERSON, CANDICE BOTHA AND JULIETTE ARRIGHI DE CASANOVA PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 4.

Featuring a pared-back silhouette and slightly wider seat, Kariba is the latest design from Woodbender. There’s a choice of 15 timber finishes and you can also opt to customise with a fabric of your choice. woodbender.co.za

HOT POTS Nikki Schomer, owner and designer of Gold Bottom Pots, has just launched her new Namib collection of plantware. The collection is a visual ode to the desert with each planter’s name and colour inspired by the famous landscape. goldbottompots.co.za

DARK and LOVELY This season’s bedrooms are seeing a resurgence in shades of grey and midnight blue. Volpes’ new linen collection brings these versatile hues to duvets, scatters, quilts and blankets. Perfect for a moody statement, simply add accents of crisp white or sandy naturals. volpes.co.za

SHINING LIGHT

LOOK LOCAL Italtile’s long association with local manufacturer Gryphon has translated into an impressive range of products. Known for their high quality, #livegreen credentials and accessible pricing, look out for gems like these glazed porcelain tiles in matt white or black. italtile.co.za

Channelling 70’s glamour with a hit of James Bond, the Spiral Tier range from K. Light Import is bound to make a statement. With a satin gold finish and opal glass, it comes in two pendant sizes, plus a floor lamp and table lamp. klight.co.za

Tropical ESCAPE Full of saturated colour, lush frond motifs and watercolour strokes, Thibault’s new Tropics collection is inspired by sea and sky and features a range of timeless coordinating fabrics and wallpapers. Available from St Leger & Viney. stleger.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

OSO STYLISH Dark Horse has recently launched their new Oso series. The range is sophisticated, intricate and playful, with each piece designed to appeal from every angle. The Oso dining chair and Lex coffee table (pictured) are sure to become contemporary classics. darkhorse.co.za

Marvellous Marble These delicate ceramic bowls decorated with the alluring swirl of marble are all one-off pieces by Kumari Govender. Practical as well as pretty, they can be used for condiments, mezze, oil, balsamic vinegar, tapas, dessert and sorbet. They’re priced from R350 at online store hauteedit.com

Designer’s favourite “I love everything about Le Creuset, especially the Fleur collection,” says interior designer Candice Koller of CW Interiors. “I’m all about quality and longevity and the brand really epitomises this.” Heritage round cocotte, from R1 040, lecreuset.co.za; cwinteriors.co.za

STAYING IN It’s time for some cosy indoor gatherings and Coricraft’s new Jeﬀerson range is just the ticket. From the console in oak, R9 999, to the coﬀee table, R7 999, the look is easy going and elegant. coricraft.co.za

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

PULL UP A CHAIR If you’re after beautifully designed homeware and furniture at affordable prices, look no further than online store The Chairman Home. We love their range of gold cutlery and unique crockery. chairmanhome.com

WHAT’S ON 28 JUNE – 7 JULY The East Coast Radio House & Garden Show ‘Make Yourself at Home’ at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Over 500 exhibitors will showcase decor and gardening trends, the latest tech and DIY. Don’t miss the Home Grown Design and Food Fair colab, plus the Builders’ Pavilion and interactive demos. housegardenshow.co.za

ARCHITECT’S PLAN

Treading

LIGHTLY

Blending with its natural surrounds, this house was designed to disrupt the landscape as little as possible

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

AT A GLANCE THE ARCHITECT: Hugo Hamity of Hugo Hamity Architects. THE CLIENTS: Carel and Annerie Jordaan and their two teenage children. THE BRIEF: A house that caters for both family living and private spaces and causes the least possible disruption to the environment. THE HOUSE: A single-storey home with the main living areas, bedroom and service areas linked by a decked walkway to a separate bedroom, gym, study and two cottages.

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED

ituated in the heart of a 300ha stretch of undisturbed bushveld near Thabazimbi in Limpopo, this house, designed by architect Hugo Hamity, was inspired by its location. “It took a few site visits with the client and contractor to determine the final positioning of the house,” says Hugo. “A vast elongated rock on the edge of a cliff with all-around views was chosen and the house follows the contours and the shape of the Marakele Mountains behind.” Rock from the site was used to clad the elevated pool and cellar, a feature wall in the living room and the entrance, blending the house into the bush. “The steel structure allows for seamless merging of interior and exterior spaces, emphasised by the use of wooden flooring throughout – Balau

walkway bathroom

bathroom

link kitchen

living area

study

bedroom

gym

bathroom

dining area

staff flat

main bedroom

cottage 1

cottage 2

covered deck open deck pool

firepit

GET THIS PLAN ONLINE Visit gardenandhome.co.za and click on Architect’s Plans to download the plan.

timber outside and solid oak indoors,” adds Hugo. The owners wanted a home that would provide family living areas, as well as areas for guests. “To do this we built two selfcontained cottages next to the main house,” Hugo explains. “The smaller structures form part of a uniform continuous whole, joined by external decks.” As it’s situated beyond the reach of municipal services, the house is completely off the grid. Power is generated by a solar farm on the property and drinking, washing and bathing water comes from a natural spring. “There is also a built-in sewage treatment tank and the treated water is used for irrigation,” says Hugo. Several passive design elements maximise natural ventilation and reduce the need for air conditioning. The elevated design and ‘chimney’ effect of the roof create natural ventilation through automated southfacing clerestory windows. The east-west axis also encourages a natural air flow. “The roof angle and light coloured sheeting for sun reflection, cavity walls and insulation also moderate the indoor temperatures,” says Hugo. “We opted for an elevated steel structure, eliminating the need for below-ground foundations. Steel columns are bolted directly

into the existing rock with steel bracket plates. The structure could easily be dismantled in its entirety and the only evidence of its existence would be the holes from the steel bolts in the natural rock, returning the site to nature,” says Hugo.

SOURCE Hugo Hamity Architects hugohamity.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

CREATIVE SPIRIT

menagerie Steven John Wilkins’ bronzes capture the subjects’ movement and unique character Tell us about your artistic background. I started sculpting as a teenager, mostly assemblages in various metals, but this was put on hold while I trained as a goldsmith and worked in that field for 12 years. I returned to sculpting when gallery owner Christopher Greig asked me to sculpt a pangolin. I was given 24 hours to do it and I stayed up all night to complete it. Where did you learn to sculpt? I learned the manipulation of materials from various sources and assemblage from a remarkable teacher while at school. I’m always learning new techniques, as each piece teaches me something.

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

Did your experience as a goldsmith influence your art? I think if anything sculpting influenced my work as a goldsmith. However, through the people I met and my personal growth, the experience was valuable. But I’m still glad I returned to sculpting. Tell us about your process. I take inspiration from textures and light, from the perceived character of the subject, and from the emotions it evokes. Before I start working, I study the subject as much as possible. Once I begin to sculpt, I don’t look at references again, rather allowing

the distortion of memory to manifest in it. I work in wax first and then the figure is put through the lost-wax process, resulting in a bronze sculpture. What are you trying to express? As I mostly sculpt animals, I want to convey their nature and character. I like to show movement and unique textures. Actually nature does most of the work; I just copy what it has already created. A good example is the Pangolin Nocturn (pictured above). I’m pleased with how it shows the secretive, shy nature of the animal and the way the light reflects off the scales. Where can the public see your work? My sculptures are displayed at the Charles Greig Gallery in Hyde Park Corner, Jo’burg.

SOURCES Charles Greig Gallery thecharlesgreiggallery.com Steven John Wilkins instagram.com/stevenjohnwilkins

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA CALDWELL AND SUPPLIED

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TREND SPOTTING

1 2

A walk IN THE WOODS

Go back to nature with an earthy combination of timber, bold botanicals and shades of green 4

1. Faux hanging fern, R690, SHF. 2. Wood grain metal pendants, R3 015 each, K. Light Import. 3. Metal side table, R19 000, Tonic. 4. Feinbos Protea scatter cover, R770, Esque. 5. Elitis, Soleil Levant Blossom wallpaper panel, POR, St Leger & Viney. 6. Country Road Theo timber dish, R449, Woolworths. 7. Milazzo chest, R4 990, SHF. 8. Peony mug, R69, @home. 9. Judy lounge chair with stool, R4 995, Block & Chisel. SOURCES @home home.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Country Road woolworths.co.za Esque esque.co.za K. Light Import klight.co.za SHF shf.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za Tonic tonicdesign.co.za

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

COMPILED BY JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 4.

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS SHOPPING MANDY BUCHHOLZ PHOTOGRAPHS MAREE HOMER/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA AND SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 4.

INSPIRATIONS

WHITEhot Although white looks clean and fresh in summer, it also lends itself to cosy spaces in winter

EXPERT TIPS

For a predominantly white room to be practical, fit chairs and sofas with washable slipcovers. Caribbean sofa, from R5 995, The Sofaworx Company.

Add comfort and warmth with a plush Moroccan Berber rug, R6 800/m2 , from Gonsenhausers Fine Rugs.

Malcolm Sims of Infiniti Fires has this advice when choosing a gas fire for those cold winter nights. While gas fires with a chimney and flue look great, 65% of the heat generated escapes up the chimney, making them expensive to run. As they only heat a small space, these gas fires are only effective in small rooms where the heat can be contained. In large open-plan areas, it’s far better to install a flueless gas fire. These burn gas very cleanly and therefore don’t need a chimney. They’re three times more efficient than a flued gas fire and heat open-plan areas very economically. As they produce heat and a brilliant flame effect at the flick of a switch, flueless models are easy to use, plus they require no cleaning.

Introduce interesting shapes with accessories. Blob and onion vessels, R3 799 per set, JVB Furniture Collection.

If you look for side tables with intriguing shapes, they’ll appear almost sculptural against plain white walls. Nesting tables, R2 999, Coricraft.

To keep the style contemporary, choose furniture with clean lines. Cornwell canvas armchair, R8 789, KARE.

Consider white and timber combinations, such as this coffee table, R2 799, from @home, where the timber legs soften the style.

Arrange a group of scented candles on this steel tray, from R1 250, from LIM.

Enhance the scheme with printed scatters in ethnic designs. Left to right: Black Totem scatter, R550, Esque and white scatter, R349, Coricraft.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za Esque esque.co.za Gonsenhausers Fine Rugs finerugs.co.za Infiniti Fires infinitifires.co.za JVB Furniture Collection j-v-b.co.za KARE kare-design.com/za/en LIM lim.co.za The Sofaworx Company sofaworx.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

STELLENBOSCH HOME

Sustainability WITH STYLE

WHO LIVES HERE Corporate executive Kevin Page and his wife Lesley.

THE HOUSE Twin barns, a double and a single storey, surround a central courtyard with pool, flat-roofed entrance hall and undercover patio. The double-storey barn houses the garage, open-plan living room, dining room, kitchen and guest toilet on the ground floor. The upper storey comprises the main bedroom suite, open-plan study and second bedroom suite. The singlestorey barn accommodates a guest suite, a laundry room and a studio. The hot water generation and air conditioning systems are situated in the utility area in the roof.

TEXT DIANA WEMYSS STYLING JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

Reducing your carbon footprint doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean compromising on style and design

The garden was planted with grasses and indigenous plants in keeping with the countryside around the estate. From the entrance hall, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a view across the pool courtyard to the covered patio furnished with a wooden table and polypropylene all-weather chairs from @home. THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

hen people think of ecofriendly, off-the-grid homes, they immediately conjure up visions of some corrugated iron buildings on a farm,” says Kevin Page. This is not, he maintains, what people want today. They want sustainability combined with all the trappings of an urban life and stylish decor. With this in mind and approaching retirement, he and his wife, Lesley, decided to relocate to the Cape and built a new house in Longlands Country Estate outside Stellenbosch. It offered a country environment and high security, but with strict architectural guidelines for barnstyle buildings conceptualised by the late architect Hannes Meiring. The concept, says Kevin, was for simplicity and sustainability. “We commissioned Stellenbosch architect Tim Ziehl to design our 430m2 home.”

On the patio, charcoal loungers from Creative Living are teamed with side tables from Weylandts and cushions made by Exquisite Cuts. The twin barns are linked by the flat-roofed entrance. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

In the living room, a red brick wall offsets a large animal print from Red Man Art. Most of the furniture came from Weylandts. The dining room table and chairs from Weylandts are highlighted with impressive twin pendants from La Grange Interiors. A cosy corner in the living room next to a log-burning fireplace is furnished with an easy chair from @home. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

Ground floor balcony

scullery

kitchen bedroom patio bathroom studio

dining area

pool store room

study plant room

living area

entrance

bathroom bathroom

The project was a family affair. Kevin took care of construction and sustainability systems, Lesley handled procurement, logistics and finance, and daughter, Jenna, a Cape Town-based interior designer, cast a beady eye over her mother’s interior design choices. “I did, however, sneak a few things under her radar,” quips Lesley. Daughter Penny, who lives in London, made sure that she secured the best suite for annual visits. The concept was a modern, uncluttered, refined warehouse style, with simple materials and finishes. The

garage bedroom

bedroom

First floor 28

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

ABOVE: The kitchen features charcoal tones

with black Caesarstone tops, pendants from The Lighting Warehouse and bar stools from Guideline Manufacturers.

living areas have off-shutter concrete ceilings, which complement the larger, light grey porcelain floor tiles from Tile Space used throughout the house. The interiors were painted in grey shades with off-white bulkheads, which contain wiring and define the different areas. Vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms reiterate the barn style of the home. Light grey, sheer curtains and block-out blinds from Daniels Interiors in similar tones to the walls complete the neutral palette. “We particularly enjoy a bold contemporary look and bought furniture from a number of local suppliers, as well as having some items custom made by a local joinery business, with great results,” says Kevin. “Our objective was also to significantly reduce our carbon footprint,” he says, “while reducing energy usage through alternative sources.” See details of how they did this on page 31.

In one of the guest bedrooms a striped carpet from Hertex adds a dramatic touch under a wrought iron bed from SHF. Caesarstone tops on the wood-finish vanities give the main en suite bathroom a light, airy look. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

Get the look Give your bedroom contemporary style with neutral elements

Eldorado scatter, R349, Coricraft.

Canvas Moonlight rug, from R5Â 000, Hertex. Lux ottoman, R11 199, JVB Furniture Collection.

Metal and glass pendant, R1 299, The Lighting Warehouse. Constantinople fabric, design: Taner, colour: stone, R1 723/m, St Leger & Viney.

Neut bedside tables with shelf, from R7 150 each, KNUS.

The main bedroom is furnished with an imposing four-poster from Weylandts and an ottoman from @home at the end of the bed for blanket storage. The dressing table in the main bedroom was custom made by DSD Shopfitters and paired with a light chair from @home. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

SOURCES @home home.co.za Caesarstone caesarstone.co.za Calore calore.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za Creative Living creative-living.co.za CT Aluminium ctal.co.za Daniels Interiors gd@daniels.co.za DSD Shopfitters dsdshopfitters.co.za Eco Smart ecosmart.co.za Exquisite Cuts exquisitecuts.co.za Ex Solar exsolar.co.za Guideline Manufacturers guidelinemnf.co.za Hertex hertex.co.za Jenna Page jenna.page@ymail.com JVB Furniture Collection j-v-b.co.za KNUS knus.co La Grange Interiors lagrangeinteriors.co.za Red Man Art redman.co.za SHF shf.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za The Lighting Warehouse lightingwarehouse.co.za Tile Space tilespace.co.za Tim Ziehl Architects timziehlarchitects.com Weylandts weylandts.co.za

SHOPPING MANDY BUCHHOLZ PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 4.

Venice canopy bed, R9 990, SHF.

NEXT ISSUE

Coming up in the July issue of

REDUCING UTILITY COSTS The Pages’ energy costs are 36% less than that of a conventional house. The house produces an average carbon emission of 173g per kilowatt-hour of energy compared with 902g for a similar conventional house. A solar photovoltaic panel system of 5,5 kWp from Ex Solar delivers about 32-kilowatt-hours daily, with a 15kW lithium-ion battery powering the house at night. “We are virtually off the grid,” says Kevin. “Our electricity bill is only R150 a month, including grid availability charges.” There is solar water heating for domestic supply, backed up by a wood pellet (made from timber industry waste) burning boiler, which also services the underfloor waterheating system. A wood-burning fireplace from Calore in the living area heats the space in winter, using solid wood from alien trees. Wood pellets and solid wood have carbon emission factors lower than electricity and cost 40% less. Piped propane gas powers the gas hob and oven. (Cooking with gas costs less than a third of electricity, also reducing carbon emissions.) The floors, cavity walls, roof and ceilings were fully insulated by Eco Smart. Eco-3 glazing from CT Aluminium was installed throughout. Overhead fans reduce the need for air conditioning. “Although the eco-systems added 12% to the overall cost of the house, we reduced this impact by self-procurement of finishing items issued to the contractor with minimal mark-up. These savings offset the cost of the eco-systems by half,” says Kevin. The Cape drought necessitated the installation of a rainwater collection system, used mainly for irrigation. The systems in the house are linked to two different internet-based sites, managed by any smart device. “I’m obsessed with this technology,” says Kevin. “My retirement job will be monitoring the stats, demonstrating that saving on utility costs and the planet can be simple.”

A young family make over a 75-year-old house

Great ways to warm up your home in winter

What’s new in the world of clivias

ON SALE 17 JUNE

PRETORIA HOME

Balancing ACT

WHO LIVES HERE A couple, their three teenage children and six small dogs.

THE HOUSE A double storey in Silver Lakes Golf Estate, Pretoria. The open-plan kitchen, dining room, TV room and cigar lounge are situated on the ground floor, along with a guest suite. The bedrooms, study and coffee bar are upstairs.

TEXT AND STYLING DINA VENTER PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

A modern farmhouse with industrial touches, this new build is the result of the collaboration between a skilled architect and creative interior designer

hen this Pretoria couple bought a waterfront stand in Silver Lakes Estate, they saw it as an opportunity to build a modern farmhouse – a dream they had shared for some time. “We both grew up on farms in the Free State and wanted our new home to capture that nostalgia with all the comforts a modern family needs,” they explain. They had a very specific look in mind, so they assembled their dream team in the form of architect Karel Keuler and interior designer Lloyd Cook. “Karel has plenty of experience in modern farmhouse architecture and we knew he would design something both sentimental and unique to us,” they

say. They involved Lloyd after the first plans were drafted and the outcome is a home where finishes and furnishings complement the architecture beautifully. “Although Karel and I hadn’t worked together before, we understood each other,” says Lloyd. Designed as a series of rectangular sheds linked by silos, the house features pitched steel roofs, stone cladding and metal water tanks. The shell is neutral throughout, with a cement finish on the walls of two three-storey-high concrete silos. “The first silo forms the entrance hall and the second encases the spiral staircase that leads to the first floor,” explains Karel. In keeping with the character of the design, Lloyd opted

A circular sunken firepit makes the most of the stunning view of the lake.

for a natural scheme with organic textures, which he modernised with industrial touches. “The client specifically requested this, so we paid attention to details such as rails, hooks, door handles, lighting and cabinetry to give the interior a contemporary edge,” he explains. Lloyd collaborated on the open-plan kitchen with Slavin and Company. “Karel’s design included a separate scullery, so we could include a table for family meals,” explains Lloyd. Connected to the kitchen by a small eat-in nook, the TV room with its modular sofa is an ideal space for a family with teenagers. Entertaining takes place in what the family refers to as their cigar lounge and the formal dining room. Here, Lloyd created a stylish, relaxed ambience with a bold, yet neutral scheme. Because of the large proportions, most furnishings THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A view of the façade

of the house and the first silo from the street. A wooden walkway leads into the main entrance. The spiral staircase is visible through the large timber doors. The dining room seats at least 10 at the extra-length dining table illuminated by a beaded pendant, both from Weylandts.

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

The outcome is a home where finishes and furnishings complement the architecture perfectly

In the entrance hall, the second silo features a dramatic staircase. Pendants hung at different heights add to the impact of the double-volume space.

were custom made. “As the architectural elements are so strong, I opted for fewer pieces, but ones with large proportions, rather than filling rooms with unnecessary clutter.” Upstairs, a coffee bar on the landing features industrialstyle pendant lights, flamed Rustenburg countertops and a corrugated iron finish treated with acid to give it a rustic appearance. “Situated between the bedrooms and studies, the coffee bar is where the family gets together in the mornings.” “Both Lloyd and Karel interpreted our lifestyle and taste to a tee. The home has a great flow and it’s finished beautifully,” comment the owners. “A highlight is the cigar lounge. Whether you curl up in front of the fire with a book in winter, or open all the doors in summer, the cosy atmosphere is just what we envisioned.” The kitchen, made by Slavin and Company to Lloyd’s design, has sleek, handleless cabinetry. The countertops are Neolith in Basalt Black, while the island is finished with Neolith in Arctic White. The coffee bar is a central meeting point on the first floor. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

In the cigar lounge, custom-made sheer curtains by Lloyd Cook Interiors provide privacy. A wooden panel headboard from SHF forms a focal point in the main bedroom. The bench is from Amatuli. Leaning shelves from Pennylane provide space for photographs and accessories in the main bedroom. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:

With its pitched steel roof and stone cladding, the house is a modern interpretation of a traditional farmhouse.

Get the look Give a neutral scheme interest with organic and industrial touches

Wooden candleholders, R1 018, Laforma Barcelona Living.

Galvanised steel cabinet, R14 890, LIM.

African Harrier Hawk chandelier, R6 999, Esque.

SHOPPING MANDY BUCHHOLZ PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 4.

Jacky dining chair, R6 795, Weylandts.

Black planter, from R390, SHF.

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: The couple’s teenage

Terracotta Candice vase, R1 100, La Grange Interiors.

Artificial aloe in pot, R399, Woolworths.

Dwala table, from R14 945, Homewood.

children love relaxing on the modular sofa from Weylandts in the TV room. For the study, Lloyd commissioned a filing cabinet made from ceiling panels from Amatuli. The desk is also a custom design and the chairs are from Weylandts. SOURCES Amatuli amatuli.co.za Esque esque.co.za Homewood homewood.co.za Karel Keuler Architects kkarchitects.co.za Laforma Barcelona Living laformasa.co.za La Grange Interiors lagrangeinteriors.co.za LIM lim.co.za Lloyd Cook Interiors lloydcookinteriors.co.za Neolith neolith.co.za Pennylane pennylaneonline.co.za SHF shf.co.za Slavin and Company slavinandcompany.com Weylandts weylandts.co.za Woolworths woolworths.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

BRYANSTON HOME

Practical

MAGIC

TEXT TESS PATERSON STYLING JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

Tucked away in Bryanston, Joâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;burg, this contemporary cluster was designed with cocooning and comfort in mind

Large windows and stacking doors connect all the ground-floor rooms to the covered patio and deck. The patio has large-scale ceramic tiles from Samano Ceramics. The outdoor fabrics on the scatters and upholstery are from Hertex.

THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

WHO LIVES HERE A professional couple and his young son.

THE HOUSE A double-storey cluster with an open-plan living and kitchen-dining space flowing onto the patio and pool. Upstairs are three en suite bedrooms, a study and a pyjama lounge.

here’s a profound sense of calm in this generous, newly built cluster. Shielded from the surrounding urban buzz, it’s not unlike a serene, airy villa. During the planning phase the owner brought in Tanja Beyers of Profurn Contracts and together they reworked parts of the original layout. “My client wanted a contemporary home with a fairly understated, masculine undertone,” she explains. “The idea was to create a feeling of privacy in the city, a cocoon where he can spend quality time with his son.” Having incorporated much of the original garden space into the house, Tanja established a high-walled

THIS PAGE,CLOCKWISE FROM TOP

In the open-plan living room, Tanja combined a custom-made sofa in grey linen with a leather ottoman from ANI. A group of mirrors reflects the patio beyond. The rug is from Hertex. The staircase was clad in oak laminate from Forest Flooring. The felt pebbles are by Ronel Jordaan. A freestanding fireplace from Premier Fires effectively warms the entire open-plan area. LEFT:

Copper pendants from Nolden Bros add an elegant note to the kitchen-dining area. The fabric on the carvers is Shibori from Warwick and the Nguni bench is by Vogel Design. Three Sixty Designs designed and installed the cabinetry.

The owner loves to cook and we decided that one big kitchen-dining space would be the ideal solution.â&#x20AC;?

courtyard, which she softened with wild olive trees. “All the ground floor areas have a connection to the patio,” she explains, “whether via glass doors and windows, or reflected in a series of decorative mirrors.” The timber deck and stone-clad retaining wall add to the holiday feel, as does the clean-lined outdoor furniture. Another major adjustment was to remove the TV room and separate dining room from the original footprint. “The owner loves to cook and entertain, and we decided that one big kitchen-dining space would be the ideal solution.” Leading straight onto the deck, the kitchen multitasks

as a place for family breakfasts, a peaceful homework spot and an elegant dinner party venue. “I wanted a sense of elegance, so we added the copper pendants and combined two damaskcovered carvers with a modern timber bench.” Simple white cabinetry adds a classical note, offset by a splashback of taupe Caesarstone. This serene palette extends throughout the house, accented with soft blues and metallic touches. “We used a lot of textural elements to give a layered effect,” adds Tanja, “and intentionally restricted the walls and floors to variations of pale neutrals.” Porcelain floor tiles keep the ground

floor light and modern; timber flooring and deep-pile carpets add warmth and comfort to the upstairs rooms. Bringing a masculine touch to the entrance hall, Tanja clad the entire staircase in an oak veneer. Combined with the glass balustrade, the effect is bold and modern. Beneath the stairs, a group of felt pebbles by Ronel Jordaan forms a sculptural display. “We didn’t want to go completely minimal here, but it’s an eye-catching focal point as you walk through the front door.” Upstairs, Tanja created an atmosphere of deep-buttoned comfort. “The concept of cocooning was always top of mind during this project. It needed to be a

ABOVE: The pyjama lounge is where the family watches TV. The floral scatters on the sofa are from Mavromac & Gatehouse and the

artworks from Trowbridge Gallery.

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

real sanctuary, a place to switch off after a busy day.” In the pyjama lounge, relaxed seating in shades of taupe and duck egg blue is offset by copper-toned side tables. These shades are echoed in the main bedroom, with matching artworks in gold leaf adding a pleasing symmetry. “Although the house has a contemporary feel, we felt that the combination of modern and classic elements would be more lasting.” Simple headboard shapes, classical seating and monochromatic wallpapers all add up to a beautifully serene retreat. “I think what works so well for this family is that it’s an elegant, yet easygoing home,” says Tanja. “There isn’t a rigid division of rooms which can break up family time. Instead we’ve consolidated the various functions into one big space.” THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Harlequin’s Landscapes wallpaper from Black Fabrics was used in the guest bathroom. The

brass sanitaryware is from Samano Ceramics. The main bedroom features metallic accents in the framed prints from Trowbridge Gallery and pale gold scatters in Casamance fabric from Hertex. In the main bedroom, an armchair is covered in Sanderson’s Sojourn fabric from Black Fabrics, with a plain velvet backing. The master bathroom has a Dado bath and blinds in Casino Royale fabric from St Leger & Viney.

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

Get the look Copy the sophisticated style of this kitchendining area

Allaire Grey fabric by Thibaut, R2 877/m, St Leger & Viney.

Zola bench, R5 995, Block & Chisel.

Glass dome cake stand, R399, @home. Lacasa mug, R59, @home. Linda dining chair, R2 895, Block & Chisel. Berlin dining table, R32 395, Block & Chisel.

Tanja placed an antique mirror above the vanity in the master bathroom. The owner’s son’s bedroom has a headboard in Design Team’s Propagate fabric. The bedside tables are from Block & Chisel. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

Dove fabric, R1 217/m, St Leger & Viney.

Coretto copper pendant, R851, Eurolux.

SOURCES @home home.co.za ANI 011 615 9076 Black Fabrics blackfabrics.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Caesarstone caesarstone.co.za Dado dado.co.za Design Team designteamfabrics.co.za Eurolux eurolux.co.za Forest Flooring forestflooring.co.za Hertex hertex.co.za Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Nolden Bros noldenbros.co.za Premier Fires premierfires.co.za Profurn Contracts tanja@beyers.me Ronel Jordaan roneljordaan.com Samano Ceramics 082 893 2171 St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za Three Sixty Designs 083 963 7751 Trowbridge Gallery trowbridgegallery.com Vogel Design vogeldesign.co.za Warwick 083 697 4048

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

SHOPPING MANDY BUCHHOLZ PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 4.

Hapton copper pendant, R1 216, Eurolux.

SPARTA

CH279B

ST E L LATO P142M

STARRY O489

T IN DO R I P130M

ARMOR O479

DECOR IDEAS

Wild and

COMPILED BY JULIETTE ARRIGHI DE CASANOVA STYLING JULIETTE ARRIGHI DE CASANOVA AND HEIKE HAYWARD PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

WONDERFUL

Embrace botanicals, both printed and fresh, and use them to add the wow factor. Floral designer Heike Hayward demonstrates how to make it work beautifully

dvances in digital printing have had a huge impact on fabrics and wallpapers, with overscaled flowers and leaves appearing in almost every collection. Floral designer Heike Hayward has embraced this trend wholeheartedly with a range of florals, which she’s translated onto wallpaper, fabrics, table linen and even rugs, all available at her new shop in Stellenbosch, Fleur le Cordeur. Combine these with lush indigenous foliage, she advises, to surround yourself with nature’s beauty.

A 1

GO FOR GREEN

If a whole wall in a floral is a bit daunting, then restrict it to a scatter cushion and concentrate on lush greenery instead. For maximum impact, Heike dressed a plain mantelpiece with a number of white vases, which she filled with rose bush branches, sprigs of salvia, creepers such as ivy and philodendron, and succulent spekboom. Heike’s advice is to choose containers and vases that can hold a lot of stems such as her head vases.

IN FULL BLOOM

When using oversized designs as wallpaper, choose a plain fabric for the furniture (like this ochre sofa) to create a strong contrast, especially if you’re including a floral rug as well. Keep the look light with openwork metal tables. Bring it to life with aloes and trailing

foliage, such as ivy and helichrysum. If you don’t have suitable vases, Heike recommends wrapping vessels with fabric offcuts secured with ribbon as she did on the table at the back. “This looks very effective for a themed occasion or in a dull space,” she says.

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

HEIKE’S TIP: “In these settings I’ve used a combination of indigenous and exotic greenery. There’s no waste, as a lot of the branches and leaves can be placed in water to root or in a pot filled with a mix of river sand and compost until they root and then planted in the garden.”

WELCOME HOME

CLEAR INTENTIONS

No room on the coffee table for a lush foliage arrangement? Opt for a transparent coffee table in glass or acrylic and place the arrangement underneath. “This way it looks decorative and fun, but doesn’t take up surface space,” says Heike, who used dracaena, ruscus and philodendrons in her composition.

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

“If your entrance hall is bland, make an impact with a bold arrangement,” Heike encourages. “It doesn’t have to be large. You can supplement existing potted plants with strelitzia and banana leaves and strands of ivy. Add a couple of stinkwood branches. It’s all about working with what you have and what is readily available in your garden.”

SETTING THE SCENE

A beautiful table shows your guests that you care. Create a romantic,

jungle vibe with lots of leaves. “You don’t have to buy anything,” insists Heike. “Pick some trailing branches and leaves from the garden or the side of the road. Arrange them down the centre of the table for a natural organic feel.” Here she’s complemented ivy and philodendrons with her large floral napkins. “The secret here is to stick to fresh green foliage. Another idea is to introduce succulents, which will last a number of days and can then be replanted in the garden.”

ROMANTIC INTERLUDE

In a bedroom where you are asleep for most of the time, you can go for sensory overload, says Heike, who showed how effective the layering of different floral designs can be. The Beau wallpaper, Beau headboard and Roelene scatter are all available from her store. For the nightstand, she kept it simple, mixing pretty granadilla vine with strelitzia leaves and salvia sprigs in pastel coloured glassware, which complements the bedlinen. SOURCE Fleur le Cordeur fleurlecordeur.co.za

TV WALLS

In plain SIGHT

Whether or not your flat screen plays a large role in your leisure activities, here are some stylish ways to incorporate it into your decor

1. TALL ORDER In this house decorated by Salomé Knijnenburg Interiors, the TV and fireplace were fitted into a Fabritrak wall by Projector and Sound Services. In addition to providing better acoustics, it hides the speakers, giving a sleek sophisticated look in line with the rest of the decor.

2. GOING WITH THE GRAIN To blend the white TV unit with the rustic style of this living room, decorator Joanne Roelofsz framed it with the same timber cladding used on the wall. “The cladding is readily available at timber yards and, as it needs no maintenance, it was a practical solution,” she says.

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

2 COMPILED BY LAUREN DELARGY, CANDICE BOTHA AND MARY JANE HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN, SALLY CHANCE, KARL ROGERS AND ANGELITA BONETTI/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA

3. THE DARK SIDE For this family room, interior designer Amanda Walters incorporated an existing unit, as its proportions worked well in the double-volume area. “We modified it to accommodate the TV and added extra shelves to display antique medicine bottles and old books. We gave it a new look with a charcoal hand finish and sanded down the oak doors to reveal their true colour.” The dark shade also minimises the effect of the TV, so that it’s not the focal point.

4. TETRIS EFFECT Although it can be restricting should you upgrade your TV, a made-to-measure unit can serve a number of purposes – housing the TV, plus providing plenty of storage space for books and accessories. If styled with coordinating accessories, a unit like this can also enhance the look of the room while keeping everything neat and accessible.

5. ON THE SHELF If you don’t want the expense of a wall unit, you can create a very stylish effect with wall-mounted shelves, as the owners of this house did. Shelves placed above and below the TV have been arranged with interesting items, so that there’s something attractive to look at when the TV is off.

4 5

6. COLOUR COORDINATED 6 7

To integrate the TV into this casual living area, By Dezign Interiors framed it with a white unit consisting of two shelves with drawers underneath for remotes and decoders. They then accessorised it with blue and white stools and vases to link it to the blue and white scheme.

7. SET IN STONE In double-volume living rooms, TVs can look a little lost when hung on a wall on their own. In this house, designed by architect Sergio Chinelli and decorated by Tabbert Interior Consultants, the natural stone screen wall proved to be the perfect backdrop, providing a textured surround when the TV is not in use.

8. HANG TEN In keeping with the casual coastal vibe of their beachfront apartment, the owners chose a narrow timber unit designed by Nom de Plume Studio and made by Milestone Kitchens. A long shelf with storage space below provides a support for the wide screen TV, while the floor-to-ceiling panel in the same wood draws the eye upwards and hides the cables and power points. SOURCES Amanda Walters amandawalters.co.za By Dezign Interiors bydezign.co.za Joanne Roelofsz 082 342 7379 Milestone Kitchens milestone.co.za Nom de Plume Studio 033Â 342 4158 Projector and Sound Services projectorandsound.co.za SalomĂŠ Knijnenburg Interiors salomeinteriors.com Sergio Chinelli Architects sergiochinelli.co.za Tabbert Interior Consultants tabbert.co.za

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FIREPLACE IDEAS

Burning DESIRES

BLURRING THE BOUNDARIES

In order not to block the mountain views from this Cape Town house, Wolf + Wolf Architects incorporated the wood-burning stove and wood storage space into a wall of glass, with an external flue that’s barely visible. In keeping with the owner’s love of modernist design, the boxlike surrounds are made of concrete and black polished aggregate.

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS AND LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN, KARL ROGERS, GREG COX/BUREAUX, HENRIQUE WILDING AND SUPPLIED

There’s nothing like a fire to add warmth and ambience to a room. We’ve rounded up some fireplace ideas that’ll raise both the temperature and the style factor

TRADITION WITH A TWIST

Balance an ornate fireplace surround with clean-lined contemporary accessories, advises Gillian Goodwin of 89 Interior Design. In this room, she flanked the fireplace, restored by Victorian Fireplaces, with black Gregor Jenkin tables and hung a contemporary mirror above it. Modern ceramics and glassware add the finishing touches.

INSIDE STORY

As a lot of the heat from a fire disappears up the chimney, closedcombustion stoves are more efficient, producing more heat with less wood. What is important is to choose one that will heat the size of your room. Stoves can be fitted inside existing fireplaces with a chimney, as was done in the openplan kitchen/living room of this Cape

4 house, or left freestanding with a flue inserted in the roof or an exterior wall. Interior design by La Grange Interiors.

WAY TO GLOW

No fireplace, no chimney? No problem. A flueless gas fire can be built

into a brick or other non-combustible structure making it a great option for townhouses. This Slimline unit from Infiniti Fires has an optional frame in stainless or black steel or can be placed behind a customised frame in a heatresistant material such as granite.

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

THE LOOK OF LUXE

A bathroom with a fireplace is the ultimate luxury. For safety and practicality, the owners chose a woodburning stove from Morso, as a closedcombustion stove produces far more heat than an open fireplace and the glass door means that the fire can be left unattended for a few hours to heat up the room. Adding to the luxurious look is a crystal chandelier and a gilded armchair.

MODERN COUNTRY

“Having a wood-burning stove in the kitchen is lovely, as this is where the family gets together,” says Bronwyn Schmidt of The Textured Barn, who clad the surrounding wall with woodlook tiles from Lifestyle Ceramics. “We took the plaster finish on the sides right over the tile, which makes it appear flush with the wall. As the floors are engineered wood, in winter we put a

black steel protective plate (from the stove supplier) below the fireplace to prevent embers from burning the floor.”

MADE TO MEASURE

This compact gas fireplace was incorporated unobtrusively into an elegant custom-designed wall unit, which provides both storage and display space. The clean design complements the strong lines of the decor by Oniroco Interiors.

SOURCES 89 Interior Design 89interiordesign.com Gregor Jenkin southernguild.co.za Infiniti Fires infinitifires.co.za La Grange Interiors lagrangeinteriors.co.za Lifestyle Ceramics lifestyleceramics.co.za Morso morso.co.za Oniroco Interiors oniroco.co.za The Textured Barn thetexturedbarn.com Victorian Fireplaces victorianfireplaces.co.za Wolf + Wolf Architects wolfandwolf.co.za

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

GET MORE ONLINE Make your fireplace a focal point with ideas from gardenandhome.co.za

SHOPPING 2 1

Double

DUTY

Smart furniture that looks great and multitasks gets our thumbs up 3

6 7

8 1. Slide side table, R6 200, Dokter and Misses. 2. Coat stand with rack, R6 990, LIM. 3. Ribbed velvet blanket box, R2 500, Mr Price Home. 4. Penang patio storage ottoman, R4 999, Coricraft. 5. Winebizz drinks trolley, R4 995, La Grange Interiors. 6. Fin bookshelf planter, R4 575, KNUS. 7. Black coat tree, R18 500, La Grange Interiors. 8. Cuban lounger, R11 990, Mavromac & Gatehouse. SOURCES Coricraft coricraft.co.za Dokter and Misses dokterandmisses.com KNUS knus.co La Grange Interiors lagrangeinteriors.co.za LIM lim.co.za Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Mr Price Home mrphome.com

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

COMPILED BY JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 4.

EVERYTHING YOU LOVE...

AND MORE!

NEW LOOK

ON SALE 24 JUNE 2019

THE LIVING ROOM

THE RIGHT FLOORING

GO GREEN

Reduce your carbon footprint – and save money – with these eco upgrades

e live in exciting times, where ‘going green’ is no longer the exclusive territory of the rich,” says Fabio Venturi, director at Terramanzi, a firm that assists businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. “From how we deal with waste to energy and water use, with just a few hundred rand’s worth of investment, we can start making a difference immediately, to our planet, our conscience and our pockets.”

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

INSTALL INSULATION

Insulation forms a barrier between the roof tiles and the ceiling and the floor and the foundation, slowing down the movement of heat and reducing the need for heating or cooling. Products on the market include Isotherm made from recycled PET bottles and cellulose fibre insulation made from recycled newspaper.

CHOOSE CHEMICAL-FREE PAINTS

LOOK FOR LABELS THAT STATE THAT THEY ARE VOC (VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND)-FREE.

USE WINDOW TREATMENTS

In summer, close curtains, blinds and shutters to block out direct sunlight and keep rooms cool. In winter, open them to let in the sun, but close them again as soon as the sun sets. Curtains, in particular, provide good insulation from the cold, especially if you interline them with blockout fabric.

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY AND CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED

25 WAYS TO

Placing a rug on a hard floor will help to conserve heat. If it’s made of eco-friendly jute (like this one from Homestead Décor, left), even better. “Jute is not only sustainable (it grows exceptionally quickly), it requires very little irrigation due to the warm, wet conditions in which it’s grown. It needs minimal chemical fertilisers and pesticides and is biodegradable,” says Kita Veale of Homestead Décor. “Sisal, seagrass and bamboo have similar properties, making them good choices for the eco-conscious.” “Laminates and other hardwood flooring also have environmental benefits,” says Jurgen Human of Top Carpets and Floors. “Hardwood flooring is biodegradable and the insulating properties of wood give a more even ambient temperature. New recyclable materials that are free from harmful toxins have resulted in eco-friendly carpets that are good insulators.”

ECO UPDATES

UPGRADE TO SOLAR POWER

“People tend to believe that solar power is all or nothing,” says Alex Hattingh, marketing and advertising coordinator at Sinetech. “In reality, you can combine different power sources in one system.” Their Hybrid PV Solar System which includes solar panels, batteries and an inverter is a good place to start. The batteries can be charged by both the solar panels and grid electricity, ensuring there is stored energy during power failures. Essential appliances like the fridge are powered by direct solar during the day and battery power later on. The geyser, which uses large amounts of power and can put a strain on the batteries, will continue to run mainly on grid electricity, but excess solar energy can offset its consumption. In the case of a power failure or load shedding, the batteries act as a backup, so you can still run necessary items. “The hybrid system works by first pulling power from the solar panels, then the charged batteries, and then the grid,” Alex explains.

FOR MORE INFO Read our handy solar power cost guide at gardenandhome.co.za

INSTALL AN INVERTER

Not only does an inverter-battery backup power system ensure you have power during power failures and load shedding, they don’t require fuel like generators and are quieter and more efficient. Sinetech’s backup power systems are suitable for homes and businesses, but if you have sensitive electronic equipment, invest in a UPS system, which offers protection from surges and sudden power cuts. Backup power systems will run things like the TV, lights, router and plugs for charging phones, but are not sufficient for geysers, underfloor heating and large kitchen appliances.

CHANGE TO A FUEL-EFFICIENT GAS FIRE

“As they don’t lose heat through a chimney, flueless fires (above) are considerably more fuel efficient, making them economical for large spaces,” says Malcolm Sims of Infiniti Fires. “You don’t need a chimney as the amount of carbon monoxide/dioxide produced is minimal.”

8 REPLACE LIGHTBULBS CHANGE TO LED LAMPS. EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE MORE EXPENSIVE, THEY LAST UP TO FIVE TIMES LONGER AND USE LESS ELECTRICITY. ELLIE’S LAMP FOR LIFE BULBS EVEN HAVE A 25-YEAR WARRANTY.

ASSESS HEATING AND COOLING METHODS

For warming, an infrared heater is the way to go. “They use up to 50% less energy than conventional heaters,” says Sharon Magro of Eco Heat. “Rather than wasting energy by heating the ambient temperature through convection, these heaters emit radiant heat in an infrared band that is safe and absorbed easily by the human body.” For cooling, consider new air conditioners, which use inverter technology to reduce energy consumption. “The Samsung Wind-Free air conditioner’s (below) 8-pole digital inverter consumes only 32% of the energy used by conventional models,” says Robert Larkan, head of Digital Air Solutions at Samsung South Africa. Cleaning air filters can also cut energy consumption by 5%.

GET THIS ONLINE

THE KITCHEN

MAKE ORGANIC COMPOST

Add egg cartons, shells, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and even newspaper to garden refuse, but don’t include citrus, raw meat or anything sprayed with chemicals. Place kitchen refuse in a countertop compost bin such as the OXO Good Grips model (above) from Yuppiechef, then add to the compost heap or bin outside.

BUY NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS

These are essential if you’re harvesting grey water from the washing machine and dishwasher, as not all washing powders are good for the environment. There are many nontoxic brands on the market that are made from all-natural ingredients, such as Pure Simple Laundry Liquid available from Faithful to Nature.

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

You can find instructions on how to make your own compost on our website!

USE COMPOSITE STONE FOR YOUR WORK SURFACE

ENGINEERED QUARTZ IS A MORE ECO-FRIENDLY OPTION THAN GRANITE, AS IT DOESN’T INVOLVE THE SAME LONG QUARRYING PROCESS AND REDUCES YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT.

REDUCE THE USE OF SINGLE-USE PLASTIC

Single-use plastics are becoming a massive environmental problem. Instead of plastic straws, switch to metal ones such as Foreva Straws from Yuppiechef and bees’ wax food savers (left) from The Refillery. Stock up on reusable shopping bags (especially those that are also cooler bags) and use biodegradable bin bags made from potato starch like those available from Wellness Warehouse.

14 16

ADD A GEYSER BLANKET

UPGRADE TO WATERSAVING TAPS Look for water-saving options such as the Tivoli Pella chrome pillar-type mixer from Italtile, which flows at a rate of 4ℓ/minute with a second click option to lower it to 2ℓ/minute, as opposed to the 8ℓ/minute flow of older models. As less water needs to be heated, less power is used.

SWITCH TO GAS

“Gas is a cleaner energy source than electricity,” says Barry Bredenkamp, general manager for energy efficiency at the SA National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI). It’s also very convenient during load shedding. Upgrade your current hob by enlisting the help of The Gas Company, which offers same-day installation of AEG and SMEG gas hobs. There are various pricing options available and the contracts include regular gas deliveries.

These insulate the geyser reducing the rate of cooling considerably, so less power is needed to reheat the water. Look for the R-value which represents the thermal resistance. The minimum value is 1,00 and good quality blankets measure 1,25 and above.

17 RECYCLE WASTE UPGRADE YOUR WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO INCLUDE SEPARATE BINS FOR PLASTIC AND COMPOSTABLE WASTE. INSTALL THEM IN A CABINET, OR BUY A FREESTANDING BIN WITH DIVISIONS LIKE THE BRABANTIA BO TRIO TOUCH BIN (ABOVE) FROM YUPPIECHEF.

INVEST IN ECOFRIENDLY, ENERGY-SAVING APPLIANCES

“Always purchase energyefficient appliances,” advises Barry Bredenkamp of SANEDI. “The Energy Efficient Appliance label is clearly displayed on them.” A+ is the best (A++ and A+++ grades have now been introduced to most of the major brands). Samsung’s AddWash washing machines use Eco Bubble technology, which means clothes are washed efficiently at low temperatures and with less water.

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

20 INSTALL LOW-FLOW SHOWER HEADS “The average shower head flows at a rate of 20–30ℓ a minute,” explains Nicole Russell, marketing manager of Italtile, whereas new versions like the Almar Creamy Square ABS Shower Head (above) have a reduced flow of 15ℓ/minute. You can also include a flow-control device that reduces this to 6ℓ/minute.

BUY HYDRONIC HEATED TOWEL RAILS

“These towel rails (left) operate by recirculating hot water and have significantly lower running costs,” says Mark Bennett, sales and marketing director of Jeeves. “Opt for a hydronic unit if you have a solar-powered hot water system or water-based underfloor heating system.”

THE BATHROOM

SWITCH TO AN INSTANT WATER HEATER

“The geyser uses 43–50% of your total energy consumption,” says Grant Mocké of Stiebel Eltron. “As they only use power when they are needed, instant water heaters are much more energy eﬃcient as are heat pumps, which use 80% less power than a geyser.” Solar-powered geysers are a way to save money on electricity and still have hot water during load shedding. Eskom oﬀers rebates for their purchase and installation.

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

INSTALL A GREY WATER SYSTEM

“The average family of four uses 200–300ℓ of reusable water per day,” says Mike Bekink of Grey Water Systems. Water from baths, basins, showers and washing machines can be reused in the garden and is actually beneficial as it contains sulphates and nitrates. “The smaller unit we offer is perfect for townhouses and has enough pressure for a garden hose and a sprinkler,” says Mike. However, you must use the water within 24 hours to prevent bacteria growth and ensure that your cleaning products are biodegradable.

FABULOUS FREEBIES

We’re giving

ADD A GEYSER TIMER

This will ensure that the geyser only draws power when you need hot water. The Ellies’ Programmable Power Saving Time Switch can be fitted to geysers, pool pumps, standby appliances, security lights, garden lights and even house lights while you’re on holiday.

CHECK THE VENTILATOR

SWITCH THIS OFF WHEN THE BATHROOM IS CLEAR OF STEAM, SO IT DOESN’T DRAW WARM AIR FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE HOUSE.

USE A WATERSAVING FLUSH

If you’re installing a new toilet, choose one with a dual watersaving flush. The Cotto Simply Modish model from Italtile (left) cuts the amount of water used by 60%. For existing toilets, have the flush mechanism upgraded to a dual-flush (either do it yourself or ask a plumber). Adding a waterrestricting device will make an even bigger difference to your water bill. You can also control the amount of water in each flush by installing a toilet flush saver to an automatic flush toilet. SOURCES Eco Heat ecoheat.co.za Ellies ellies.co.za Faithful to Nature faithful-to-nature.co.za Grey Water Systems greywater.co.za Homestead Décor homestead-decor.co.za Infiniti Fires infinitifires.co.za Italtile italtile.co.za Jeeves jeeves.co.za Samsung samsung.com/za SA National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) sanedi.org.za Sinetech sinetechstore.co.za Stiebel Eltron stiebel-eltron.co.za Terramanzi terramanzi.co.za The Gas Company thegascompany.co.za The Refillery therefillery.co.za Top Carpets and Floors topcarpetsandfloors.co.za Wellness Warehouse wellwarehouse.com Yuppiechef yuppiechef.com

AWAY… To stand a chance to win these great prizes, SMS the entry code, your name and email address to 48406. An SMS costs R1,50. Errors will be billed. Free SMSes don’t apply. SEVEN VIT C SHOWER HAMPERS (INCLUDING SHOWERHEAD AND BATH EFFERVESCENT TABLETS) WORTH R2 480 EACH Most cities treat water with a cocktail of chemicals, including chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia). But chloramines are not easily removed from water – not to mention the other chemicals found in water. However, one way to remove chloramines is with a Vit C-infused shower filter. While conventional shower filters only remove a small amount of chloramines and 20–50% of free chlorine from household water, the Vit C showerhead will remove 99,8%. Other benefits of the Vit C showerhead include neutralising chemicals and odours, providing relief for eczema, sinusitis and hay fever sufferers, and also saving up to 13 200ℓ of water a year (based on a family of four). To find out more, visit vitcshower.co.za or call 082 323 5915. ENTRY CODE: SHOWER

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. Standard terms and conditions apply. 2. An SMS costs R1,50. Errors will be billed and free SMSes don’t apply. 3. Entries close on 30 June 2019. 4. It is not mandatory to supply your e-mail address with your entry. 5. Offers valid for SA residents over the age of 18 only. 6. To comply with the Consumer Protection Act, the winners must supply their ID numbers. 7. The prizes are not transferrable and cannot be converted to cash.

Picture PERFECT

Dramatic colours and stylish accessories turned this bedroom from bland to Pinterest-worthy

BEFORE

TEXT DINA VENTER PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA CALDWELL AND SUPPLIED

MAKEOVER

“OUR BEDROOM was dull and characterless,” say the owners of this bedroom in a Jo’burg townhouse. “It was just a large open space and we didn’t know what to do with it.”

HOW THIS SPACE WENT FROM DRAB TO FAB The couple called on Kirsten Lloyd of Lo-Ki Interiors to help them create a bedroom where they would wake up feeling happy and comfortable every day. “When I asked them what they had in mind, they immediately said it had to look like it belonged on Pinterest,” says Kirsten. They also wanted a neutral scheme that would suit both husband and wife – not too masculine or too feminine. Kirsten started by painting the wall behind the bed in Bovine 47 from Plascon and chose an off-white for the rest of the walls. “We wanted something fairly timeless and not too on-trend,” she explains. To establish a cosy feel, she opted for an upholstered bed with a buttoned headboard. To soften the grey, she introduced an end bench upholstered in a jewel-toned velvet, along with soft blue scatters. The blush pink scatter cushion was inspired by the colour of proteas, which her clients love.

Instead of bedside lamps, she installed low-hanging pendant lights, which add a design accent and keep the pedestals clutter free. Three copper hexagon shelves above the bed echo their geometric shape.

“NOW THE ROOM is just what we wanted. We love everything from the curtains to the bed, rug and art. We asked for simplicity with a touch of luxury, which is exactly what Kirsten gave us,” say the owners.

THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

The headboard is covered in Loyal Silver from Hertex. The pedestals are from @home and the bed was custom made. The pink scatter cushion is made up in Grand Canal Blush, also from Hertex. The floor-toceiling curtains in Whatnot’s Cayenne Overcast 8 give the illusion of height. Echoing the design of the pendants from Arkivio are three hexagonal shelves custom made by Kuper and finished in antique copper. The throws are from @home.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Arkivio arkivio.co.za Hertex hertex.co.za Kuper bykuper.com Lo-Ki Interiors loki-interiors.com Plascon plascon.com Whatnot whatnot.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

This month’s GOOD IDEA… TURN LOGS INTO CHIC SIDE TABLES Make use of felled trees and turn them into useful side tables and stools as decorator Bronwyn Smidt of The Textured Barn did in her Jo’burg home. First cut the logs to the height you want, then leave them for about a month so that the bark dries out and is easier to remove. If necessary, chip it off using a

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

hammer and chisel. To give them a smooth surface, sand them down with heavy grit sandpaper or an orbital sander. Then finish to your liking either with a paint wash, wood stain or clear varnish. SOURCE The Textured Barn thetexturedbarn.com

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPH CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

HOME PROJECT

TH AFRICAN

E L A S ON AY 13 M

NTRY LIFE

SUBSCRIBE BEFORE THE END OF JUNE & GET UP TO 35% OFF COUNTRY LIFE is available as a digital magazine through Zinio and Magzter. To subscribe visit www.zinio.com/sacountrylife

COMPETITION

WIN A FIVE-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO AT A LUX* RESORT IN MAURITIUS WORTH R106 000 INCLUDING FLIGHTS, DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST

he five-star LUX* Grand Gaube, surrounded by coves and lagoons, is situated on a secluded peninsula on Mauritius’s beautiful north coast near the fishing village of Grand Gaube. World-renowned designer Kelly Hoppen was responsible for the decor, which delivers an eclectic retro-chic lifestyle that’s effortlessly sophisticated, yet blissfully informal.

PRIZE INCLUDES: Five nights for two adults sharing in a Superior Room on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner daily). Two return economy-class air tickets from Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town to Mauritius on board Air Mauritius, including airport taxes, plus transfers between the airport and the resort sponsored by The Lux Collective. All non-motorised water sports: Windsurfing, pedal boats, kayaking, aqua gym, mini sails, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips, stand-up paddle boarding, sport catamaran sailing (KL and Hobie cat), plus unlimited water-skiing. Complimentary land activities: Gym, beach volleyball, table tennis, yoga, bocce ball and tai chi.

Fly there courtesy of Air Mauritius, which is acclaimed for its warm and generous service. Enjoy Indian Ocean views and LUX* hospitality in your generously proportioned room. Relax in the sun at your choice of two beaches and two swimming pools. Take a walk through the lush tropical gardens. It’s all about leisure at LUX* Grand Gaube and there are numerous activities to enjoy, both on land and water. Dining options include live cooking stations at the Palm Court, Peruvian and Argentinian cuisine at INTI, WINNING IS authentic Creole flavours at Banyan and a Turkish EASY – ENTER NOW! twist at Bodrum Blue. There’s also the Beach Rouge To enter, SMS HOLIDAY, your dining club for more casual meals. After dinner, name, e-mail and postal address watch a movie under the stars at the resort’s alfresco to 48406. Each SMS Cinema Paradiso. costs R1,50. Free SMSes LUX* Grand Gaube has everything a luxury retreat don’t apply. requires and more. For more information, visit theluxcollective.com TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. Travel to the city of departure will be for the prize winner’s account. 2. Lunches, beverages, travel insurance, passports, visas (if required), transport to and from the departure point and all purchases of a personal nature are excluded from the prize and are for the responsibility of the winner. 3. The competition is only open to South African residents aged 18 years and older. 4. The prize winner must have a passport with at least six months’ validity. 5. The prize is valid until 31 May 2020. 6. The prize cannot be redeemed during school holidays and/or all peak periods of travel (including Easter and Christmas holidays and public holiday long weekends). 7. Bookings can only be made 30 days prior to departure, subject to availability (both airline and resort). 8. The Lux Collective reserves the right to move your accommodation to another resort, subject to availability, where necessary. 9. The prize is non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other The Lux Collective or third-party discounts or special offers. 10. The prize is not redeemable for cash. 11. Employees and immediate families of Caxton, The Lux Collective and agencies associated with this competition are ineligible to enter. 12. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 13. By entering the competition, you give Caxton Magazines and other participating sponsors the right to present promotional opt-out offers to you.

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

COMPILED BY MANDY BUCHHOLZ MAIN PHOTOGRAPH VANILLA PHOTOGRAPHY OTHERS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 4.

LONGER

THE GREEN ROOM

EXPERT TIPS

Ikhwani place mat, R60, Homestead Décor. Rattan pendant, R1 450, 8 Degrees South. Candleholder, R565, Homestead Décor.

Sempre vault bench, R7 060, Weylandts.

Ceramic vase, R787, Laforma Barcelona Living.

Kita Veale, owner of Homestead Décor in KZN, has these tips for setting a laid-back table For a classic look that won’t date, mix black and white with natural materials such as wicker and cane. For interest, include different textures. In this setting, woven grass placemats provide a contrast to the smooth concrete table and soft linen napkins. Instead of flowers, use large leaves or bowls of fruit or vegetables for the focal point. You’ll also be able to use them after the occasion. Vary the height of the accessories, and, even for a lunch, include a couple of candles, which you can light as the sun goes down. Comfort is important. Cushions on these concrete benches encourage guests to linger.

Sungwe Malawian chair, R2 020, Weylandts.

NUD grey candleholders, R879, Laforma Barcelona Living.

Boma napkin, R135, Mungo.

White planter, R2 390, SHF.

Concrete-topped dining table with wooden legs, from R13 340, Concrete Designs.

SOURCES 8 Degrees South eightdegreessouth.com Concrete Designs concretedesigns.co.za Homestead Décor homestead-decor.co.za Laforma Barcelona Living laformasa.co.za Mungo mungo.co.za SHF shf.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

AIR-CLEANING PLANTS

POLLUTION-EATING

plants

TEXT MARIANNE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHS MARIANNE ALEXANDER AND WARREN HEATH/BUREAUX

Some plants are more effective than others when it comes to filtering pollutants, including those from furnishings. These are six of the best

1 ndoor plants aren’t just decorative and fashionable, they produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and dust, which in turn reduces allergens. They also add moisture to the air helping to prevent dry skin. Fill your home with indoor plants, and when potting them up, always use good potting soil as this contains micro-organisms that also remove toxins from the air.

1 RAINBOW PLANT (DRACAENA MARGINATA ‘TRICOLOR’) Add a touch of the tropics with the colourful rainbow plant. Its slender stem topped with a striking fountain of narrow striped leaves in shades of pink, green and grey makes it one of the more graceful dracaenas. Growing tips: This dracaena needs good light and a warm position in a relatively humid environment. (Standing the container on a bed of pebbles in a tray of water will help.) Pot in a well-draining potting mix that contains a high proportion of loam. Feed at the beginning of the growing season with Nitrosol or Seagro. Size: 25cm high and over.

2 Propagation: Dracaena grows readily from stem cuttings. Take these in spring from plants that have grown too tall. Simply push a cutting into a pot of coarse sand and keep moist. The mother plant will send up several new crowns from the cut.

2 MOTHER-IN-LAW’S TONGUE (SANSEVIERIA SP.) These dramatic foliage plants are virtually indestructible, low maintenance and make perfect accent plants in contemporary homes. There are several indigenous species as well as the exotic S. trifasciata. Place them in the bedroom as they absorb carbon

dioxide and release oxygen at night, as opposed to the majority of plants, which release oxygen during the day. Growing tips: They’re very adaptable, growing in poor, bright and direct sunlight. As they are drought tolerant, allow the soil to dry out before watering. For a modern look, place them in a tall glass container on a bed of pebbles that’s just covered with water. Keep water and soil out of the central hollow of the plant to prevent it rotting. Feed in the growing season with Seagro. Size: 15–50cm high. Propagation: Sansevieria can remain in the same container for years. If dividing, only split in two as they take time to bulk up again.

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

4 AGLAONEMA HYBRIDS

3 PEACE LILY (SPATHIPHYLLUM WALLISII) One of the most forgiving plants, the peace lily has lush, dark-green glossy leaves and fresh white flowers in summer. Growing tips: It prefers good light, with no direct sun and a moist atmosphere. To improve the humidity, stand the container on pebbles in a

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

water-filled drip tray and water as soon as the leaves lose their lustre or begin to wilt. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overwater and make sure the container drains freely. Wipe dust from the leaves and snip faded flowers off at the base. Feed in spring and summer with Nitrosol, Seagro or Biotrissol. Size: about 30cm high. Propagation: Repot pot-bound plants into a bigger container, or split by sawing through the root ball with a sharp serrated knife.

These evergreen foliage plants sport attractive silvery white splashes, streaks or blotches. Growing tips: Aglaonema thrive in low light so use them to brighten a dull corner. They grow best where the air is warm and moist; misting the leaves will improve the humidity. Use a free-draining potting mix, which also retains moisture. Water them less in winter. Feed in spring and summer with Nitrosol, Seagro or Biotrissol. Size: 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;60cm high. Propagation: Divide large clumps, or grow from healthy shoots taken from near the soil line. Pot up, cover with an upturned two-litre plastic bottle and keep in a warm place until they begin to shoot.

GET MORE ONLINE Discover more air-purifying plants at gardenandhome.co.za

5 WEEPING FIG (FICUS BENJAMINA) This popular, fast-growing tree with its lush green leaves and elegant weeping branches is ideal for filling an empty corner. For added interest, look for one with a neat, plaited trunk. Growing tips: Ficus need a bright, welllit position; they’ll even tolerate some direct morning sun. Plant in a good soilbased mix, which retains moisture, yet drains freely. Although tough, they’re sensitive and if put under stress, may drop their leaves. These however, will grow back. Prune if necessary. Feed in spring and summer, and as they are long lived, repot or replace the top soil if growth slows. Size: 75cm–3m (indoors). Propagation: Ficus can be grown from tip cuttings, but will take several years to reach tree size.

6 GERBERA (GERBERA JAMESONII) Hybrids of the indigenous Barberton daisy, gerberas were bred to be compact and produce large, colourful flowers throughout the warm months. Growing tips: Place gerberas near a window where they’ll get early morning sunlight, or in a warm, brightly lit area. As wet leaves are prone to fungal attacks, direct water to the soil and not

the leaves, making sure the pot drains freely. Gerberas are usually regarded as annual pot plants. Overwinter them in a warm sunny spot, or in warm summerrainfall areas, plant out in the garden. Feed monthly during the growing season with 3:1:5 or use a slow-release fertiliser such as Nutristix to promote flowering. Size: 30–40cm high. Propagation: Well-established plants can be split in spring.

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

KZN MIDLANDS GARDEN

A NATURALhigh By restricting the plants to indigenous varieties, Dave and Jo Trickett have established a colourful yet low-maintenance garden that gives them pleasure all year round

Dave and Jo Trickett, and their two longhaired dachshunds, Tessa and Oscar.

THE GARDEN A large indigenous country garden set on a slope, cut back to create terraces for the house and lawn. Banks in the front and back are planted with indigenous shrubs.

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

leven years ago when Dave Trickett retired, he and his wife Jo decided to move to KZN. A friend introduced them to Garlington Estate, a former timber and sugar farm, where they fell in love with a property high on a hill with a view over Albert Falls Dam.

TEXT LOLLY STUART PHOTOGRAPHS KAREN EDWARDS

WHO LIVES HERE

GET MORE ONLINE Create your own indigenous garden with help from gardenandhome.co.za

Determined to transform the farmland into an indigenous garden, they asked Alex March of Nkosi Nursery to landscape the steep banks in front and behind the house with swathes of local plants to stabilise the red soil. “We looked for plants that would provide colour for most of the

year such as buddlejas and aloes, most of which are in full flower in June, and proteas. And, as we wanted to use as little water as possible, we restricted the choice to varieties that don’t require sprinklers or watering by hand – we only water the area around the house,” says Dave. Fortunately, the mist that the area is known for encourages vigorous growth, including that of the proteas, leucodendrons and pincushions. At the same time, a small area in front

of the house was levelled and planted with Buffalo grass. “We know it’s not indigenous, but it’s the best lawn for THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT

A show of Aloe arborescens (krantz aloes) in full bloom. Looking up at the house over a sea of pig’s ears (Cotyledon orbiculata). A colourful corner of the garden with wild dagga (leonotis) and an edging of fairy crassula (Crassula multicava). PAGE:

gardenandhome.co.za | JUNE 2019

The benefit of this plethora of indigenous plants is the wildlife and wide range of birds it attracts this area,” they explain. The house and the immediate surrounds were fenced to prevent their two dachshunds from chasing the scrub hares and reedbuck, which are frequent visitors. “Architect Karen Wygers designed the house in line with how the garden would be landscaped and we love the way the two work together, one complementing the other,” says Jo.

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

As a member of the Botanical Society of South Africa, Dave has a particular interest in indigenous trees. Thanks to the size of the property, he’s been able to plant all three species of yellowwood – Podocarpus henkelii, latifolius and falcatus – as well as Prunus africana and Euphorbia ingens. “While you might think that a property like this needs a lot of

maintenance, all the two part-time gardeners have to do is cut back the shrubs after flowering, which promotes prolific blooms the next season, and mow the veld grass once a month,” says Dave. The benefit of this plethora of indigenous plants is the wildlife and wide range of birds it attracts. Avid twitchers Dave and Jo have identified many species including steppe buzzard, jackal

DAVEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GARDENING REGIMEN Shrubs such as plectranthus, leonotis, Syncolostemon rotundifolius (pink plume), Buddleja salviifolia, grewia and dombeya are cut back after flowering. The proteas are deadheaded on a regular basis. At the beginning of the growing season, all beds are mulched with compost made from garden refuse and local kraal manure.

THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM

Colourful lowmaintenance aloes and other indigenous plants predominate when the upper banks, originally landscaped by Alex March, are in full bloom. This shady pathway is lined with pink fairy crassula (C. multicava). A. arborescens. Strelitzia reginae. LEFT PAGE:

buzzard, spotted eagle owl, spurwing and a number of sunbirds, including the malachite and double-collared. “The biggest challenge here is the buck that eat the agapanthus, grass and the dietes, but at least they help keep the growth in check,” laughs Dave. “One of our favourite spots is the pond where we spend many peaceful hours just enjoying the sights and sounds of the insects and animals,” adds Jo. “Our future plans include extending this as well as establishing a plectranthus garden for colour in early autumn.”

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

The bench in front of the pond is placed alongside a bed of Aloe maculata. The house looks across the hills of the KZN Midlands to the Albert Falls Dam. A female reedbuck. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

SOURCES Botanical Society of South Africa 021 797 2090 Nkosi Nursery 033 330 7325, 082 499 4082 or nkosinursery.co.za

INDIGENOUS WINTER COLOUR

2 Some like it Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need for a dull garden during the cooler months. These colourful indigenous plants will raise the temperature visually

o ensure that you always have colour and interest in the winter garden, use a mix of perennials, succulents and shrubs as a framework around which you can create an attractive and continuous display. For instant gratification, nothing beats bedding plants and just a few seedlings will lift an area with cheerful colour.

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

With their fiery spires of flowers, aloes are indispensable in the winter landscape, from the tree-like A. barberae (now Aloidendron barberae), single-stemmed monoliths such as A. marlothii, to stemless rosettes like A. vanbalenii. Hybridisers have been hard at work and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an array of excellent varieties on the market. Aloes like rich, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, although some hybrids tolerate partial shade.

NEMESIA HYBRIDS (CAPE JEWELS)

Hybrids of this little gem are now available in garden centres. Although many are perennials, nemesias can be treated as quick-growing annuals and add a divine scent as well as colour. Plant them in full sun in mixed borders or in containers. When the first flush of blooms is over, cut them back to encourage another one.

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS CONNALL OOSTERBROEK

HOT

ALOE SPP.

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EUPHORBIA TIRUCALLI ‘FIRESTICKS’

‘Firesticks’ is an evergreen, drought-resistant succulent that makes an eye-catching feature in pots and beds. To encourage the best colour, ensure that it’s in a spot that receives plenty of sun. As with all euphorbias, its milky latex is toxic, so take care when handling or pruning it. Plants prefer to have their ‘feet’ dry in winter.

LAMPRANTHUS SPP. (VYGIE)

Meaning ‘shining flowers’, this genus of vygie is particularly floriferous and adds the wow factor. The flowers emerge in midwinter and continue into early spring. Some people call them ‘municipal workers’ as they open at 9am and close at 5pm. Like most succulents from the Cape, they need well-drained soil, particularly in summer-rainfall areas, and they don’t do well in prolonged frosts. Their size and shape varies from round, 700mm-high bushes to low creeping groundcovers.

CRASSULA CAPITELLA ‘CAMPFIRE’

If planted in full sun and not overwatered, the leaves of this branching succulent turn crimson during the dry winter months. Its creeping, mat-forming habit makes it ideal as a pot

5 specimen, in rockeries and as an edging for paths and beds. While it will grow happily in light shade, the leaves remain a bright apple green for most of the year. During summer, it responds well to regular irrigation.

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7 8 They perform at their best when planted in a sunny spot, in rich soil and watered well through the summer months, although they’ll tolerate some neglect. They also make excellent cut flowers.

KALANCHOE SEXANGULARIS (BUSHVELD KALANCHOE)

If you’re looking for a tough little plant to fill those difficult areas, then this kalanchoe is for you. Hardy and drought resistant, this succulent has decorative red foliage and thrives in rockeries, along verges, in beds and in pots. Unlike many succulents, it also flourishes in dappled shade. In full sun it keeps its red colour throughout the year. It’s particularly striking when planted en masse, and because it grows easily from slips, this is easy to achieve even on a budget.

LEONOTIS LEONURUS (WILD DAGGA)

A firm favourite, frost-tolerant wild dagga flowers in most areas from April to July. The orange, apricot or white blooms are a magnet for sunbirds and butterflies. Preferring a sunny aspect and rich soil, this fast-growing, woody shrub grows up to 3m tall and 1,5m wide. It likes being watered well through summer, but can tolerate less water in the winter months. Cut back the foliage after flowering to encourage a good show of blooms the next season.

Featuring tall spikes of densely packed, orange and yellow flowers and arching leaves, red-hot pokers make striking focal points. They are effective placed at the back of a perennial border and as accent plants near ponds and along streams.

SOURCE For information on these and other indigenous plants, visit PlantZAfrica pza.sanbi.org

6 KNIPHOFIA PRAECOX (RED-HOT POKER)

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Ease into green living with help from

GARDENANDHOME.CO.ZA A+ ARCHITECTURE Browse through ecofriendly houses and download the architect’s plans

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Building on a foundation of beautiful trees and shrubs, this couple established a slice of heaven in suburbia

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS CONNALL OOSTERBROEK

Woodland IDYLL

JO’BURG GARDEN

WHO LIVES HERE Alan and Anne Romanis and their three dogs: Toto, the Staffie, Lola, the dachshund, Teddy, the Yorkie, and Leo, the Persian cat.

THE GARDEN A large sloping, secluded garden with huge trees and a stream in Bryanston, Jo’burg.

hen Anne Romanis and her husband Alan viewed this Bryanston property, it was the magnificent trees and a borehole that persuaded them that this was where they should put down their roots. “Two towering trees: a pin oak (Quercus palustris) and a water oak, (Q. nigra), had such a calming influence, we just knew that we’d be happy here,” says Anne.

Although the bones of the garden were there, it was very overgrown. What should have been a lovely little bubbling brook winding its way through the garden was so choked up that the water hardly moved and the pond into which it flowed was barely visible. “We knew that we had our work cut out and Aspidistra elatior, azaleas and asparagus ferns create a lush look at the head of the stream. Bougainvillea, azaleas, asparagus ferns, clivias and camelias thrive under the trees. Anne with Teddy, the Yorkie, and Toto, the Staffie. THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT:

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that we’d need some help,” says Anne. “The garden was pretty much all green. While it had a lovely peaceful quality, I really wanted to bring in some colour, contrast and structure,” she explains. Fortunately Anne, a keen gardener and member of the Johannesburg Garden Club, had struck up a friendship with well-known garden designer Shirley Wallington. “I’d seen some of the work she’d done in other gardens and knew that she was the right person to ask for help,” says Anne. “Anne is a respected interior designer with a wonderful creative flair, and when you combine this with her THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

The walled courtyard is a blaze of colour with roses and perennials. A classic bench is surrounded by climbing roses.

enthusiasm, I knew that we’d work well together,” says Shirley. Shirley’s team started by cutting back the overgrown vegetation, opening up the wandering pathways, getting the stream to flow again and feathering the branches of the oaks to allow a bit more light to filter through. Ivy had all but consumed many of the trees, so this had to be removed. “After much deliberation, we decided to keep some of the hanging ivy because it looked so attractive,” explains Shirley. “But it does need to be cut back when necessary to prevent it from becoming too heavy.” To bring in a sense of perspective, the lower part of the garden was opened up into a large semicircle and the lawn restored. “We built steps through the centre terrace below the pool and placed a pale turquoise bench at the far end as a focal point,” says Shirley. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

A turquoise bench at the end of the lawn draws the eye. The massive pin oak (Quercus palustris). The stairs from the patio are flanked by ‘Iceberg’ roses.

While ‘Iceberg’ roses bring a cool charm to the patio, it’s the rock roses (echeveria) spilling out of the pots lining the stairs that catch the eye. “We also installed decorative wrought iron grates over the water features to make them safe for the grandchildren,” says Shirley. Anne loves colour, so Shirley planted azaleas, hydrangeas, camellias, Mackaya bella and clivias in the shaded areas. However, it’s in the walled courtyard leading off the kitchen that her passion is indulged. “This space is a suntrap, so we filled it with roses and perennials,” explains Anne. “It’s also the ideal space for me to grow vegetables and herbs.”

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As expected, there’s a fair amount of maintenance required. Anne employs two gardeners for the day-to-day chores and Shirley does an annual pruning as well as introducing seasonal summer and winter colour. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

Beds edged with buxus contain shadeloving cinerarias. Rock roses overflow their pots.

SOURCES Johannesburg Garden Club johannesburggardenclub.co.za/jgc Shirley Wallington wallington.co.za

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TREE MAINTENANCE

TREES

Caring for

f you’re dealing with deciduous trees, winter is a good time to examine them. Without their leaves, you can identify problems such as branches growing in the wrong direction and lack of growth,” explains arborist Julian Ortlepp of Tree Works. “You can also look for cavities, decay and any other wounds.”

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

Is it necessary to prune trees? Over time, branches of all sizes die off for different reasons. Removing the dead wood not only keeps a tree looking good, it relieves the trunk of dead weight. It also prevents branches from falling and causing injury and damage, and minimises pest problems. “However, pruning, particularly of larger limbs, should only be done for a definite reason. No more than absolutely necessary should be cut off as this removes carbohydrate reserves and the foliage needed to generate food,” cautions Julian. Too much could affect the tree’s ability to support its root system, which may die back or take years to recover. A stressed tree is more vulnerable to pests, diseases and environmental extremes.

TEXT CONNALL OOSTERBROEK PHOTOGRAPHS CONNALL OOSTERBROEK AND SUPPLIED

Although we tend to think that trees look after themselves, they do require regular maintenance. We asked expert Julian Ortlepp to answer some common questions

Crown lifting.

Crown reduction.

When is the best time to prune? “June and July are good months as growth slows down,” says Julian. This is particularly important with trees that bleed sap like birches and maples. Pruning during dormancy can also prevent the spread of disease, as most disease organisms are also dormant. The effect of pruning on trees that flower in spring won’t be noticeable on a large tree. However, small spring-flowering trees should only be pruned after they have finished blossoming.

Can the average gardener tackle pruning themselves? If you have to remove big branches from a large tree, it’s best to hire trained professionals as it may involve chain saws and even cherry pickers. “Make sure that anyone you employ is compliant with the statutory requirements of the Department of Labour’s DOL and Workman’s Compensation Act (WCA) as you may be liable should a worker be injured on your property,” says Julian. “They should also be comprehensively insured in the event that any buildings are damaged.”

My trees are causing too much shade. What can be done to let more light in? There are a number of ways to reduce the size of trees without losing their aesthetic appeal. The secret is to keep the branches that develop or maintain the structure. All of these methods are best tackled by professionals in winter as pruning in autumn can stimulate new growth when the tree should be going into dormancy. CROWN REDUCTION is reducing the size of the tree by no more than 25%. This is best accomplished by pruning back the leaders and branch terminals to secondary branches that

Crown thinning.

are large enough to assume the terminal roles (at least onethird of the diameter of the cut stem). As opposed to crown topping, crown reduction helps maintain the tree’s form and structural integrity. CROWN LIFTING is the removal of lower branches from a tree to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles and people and to open up vistas. CROWN THINNING removes interior growth and selectively thins branch tips. The overall size and shape of the tree remains the same, but the tree appears lighter and airier. You’ll be able to see attractive branch structure, while the crown retains an even branch coverage without gaps. This method of pruning also rids the tree of extra weight and lets air through, which has the added benefit of minimising certain pest infestations.

Should you fertilise trees? And if so, what fertiliser is best and how often do you need to apply it? As healthy roots make for a healthy tree, it’s important to look after them. Start by spreading a thick layer of mulch around the tree, preferably all the way to its dripline. Mulching mimics a natural forest floor, insulating the soil and roots against temperature extremes and slowing down water loss from evaporation. As the mulch breaks down, it also nourishes the soil. To fertilise trees, you can employ specialist companies who use the correct formulations and equipment. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, use a good organic fertiliser like Talborne Organics Vita Bone Phos in spring. The nitrogen component should be between 12% and 30% and the phosphorous and potassium components 3% to 12% respectively. Apply to the root area, keeping in mind that it extends well beyond the crown in the case of a mature tree. Never use a lawn fertiliser as some contain a herbicide.

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The correct way to stake a tree in coastal areas.

Trees in Dunkeld, Jo’burg infested with PSHB.

Is it important to shape a young tree? Selective pruning when a tree is young is critical to its health and shape as it removes the need for major structural pruning as it matures. Identify and cut off any co-dominant stems (stems competing to be the leader of the crown), crossing or rubbing branches and any that are growing in the wrong direction, for instance towards a wall. Use sharp secateurs and loppers to prevent tearing. Cut branches at the point where one branch or twig is attached to another. Branches over 3cm in diameter should be removed with a saw. In windy areas, stake the tree making sure the stake is not rubbing against the stem. Allow some movement so that the tree can develop a strong stem and root system.

How often do you need to water trees? When they are young and establishing themselves, water regularly and deeply to ensure they put down deep roots. Shallow watering encourages surface roots, which are affected by temperature and likely to die off during a drought. Mature trees with a good root system tap into ground water and shouldn’t need watering. SOURCE Tree Works treeworks.co.za

JUNE 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

POLYPHAGOUS SHOT HOLE BORER (PSHB) Trees in South Africa and surrounding countries are facing an unprecedented threat. Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB), Euwallacea whitfordiodendrus, a tiny 2mm-long, fungus-farming beetle from Southeast Asia, is killing off trees in Jo’burg, KZN, Knysna and has recently been recorded in Somerset West. It has the potential to irrevocably change the South African landscape and cause an ecological disaster. This beetle only attacks living trees, not dead wood. It creates tunnels, deep within the tree, where it breeds and eats the fusarium fungus it produces. Pathogens in the fungus target the tree’s vascular system, inhibiting the uptake of water and nutrients. Branches begin to dry up, lose their leaves and with time, the whole tree can die. In 2017, Dr Trudy Paap of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria discovered the shot hole borer beetle while on a routine study in the KwaZulu-Natal Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg and it soon became clear that the

A liquidamber undergoing stem injections. Shotgun-like lesions on a London plane tree. Entry holes exuding gum on a tree infected by PSHB.

beetle was far more widespread. Reports from California and Israel indicate its capacity for destruction. The US Forestry Service estimates that as many as 27 million trees could be lost in southern California in the next few years. Jo’burg is said to be the sixth largest urban forest in the world and unchecked, this The tiny borer tiny killer has the potential to deforest the the holes it makes. landscape, which will affect air quality and the eco-system drastically. The symptoms of infestation vary according to species. trees. However, these treatments are expensive, have to be They include sawdust collecting on the bark and around the repeated and can be toxic to the trees. At present no chemical base of the tree, shotgun-like lesions on the bark at entry/ is registered for this purpose in South Africa, but trials are exit holes, liquid and gum seeping from holes made by the underway to test local products.” beetles, and leaves wilting and dying. The most obvious sign The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is in of infestation is brown stains around the holes where the borer the process of declaring PSHB an invasive pest and this status has penetrated. will allow emergency registration of chemical treatments. To date, 200 tree species from 28 plant families have However, government has only pledged R5 million towards been identified as hosts. Of particular concern are boxelder, research and municipalities seem to be taking a wait-andLondon plane, English oak, Chinese maple, avocados, stone see approach. fruits, coral trees, acacias and boer bean. Arborist Julian Wilhelm de Beer recommends that infestations should Ortlepp believes that heathy trees are probably less likely to be be reported to treesurvey.co.za so that the spread can be attacked – all the more reason to look after them. measured. Should a tree have to be cut down, he advises that Since it was first reported in California in 2003, there the wood either be immediately burnt on site or solarised. has been a lot of research into combatting this pest, but to This involves covering it securely with black plastic and date there is no recognised treatment. Wilhelm de Beer, leaving it in the sun for at least two months. Chipping the Associate Professor at FABI says, “Californian researchers wood into pieces smaller than 2cm² will also eliminate the have shown that stem injections with a pesticide/fungicide beetle’s habitat. Infected wood should not be transported combination can reduce the impact of the beetle on individual around the country as this will spread the beetle. SOURCES Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) fabinet.up.ac.za Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer polyphagousshot-hole-borer.co.za and facebook.com/shothole.borer.za Report the problem at treesurvey.co.za

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GARDEN NEWS & DEBUTS

Garden NOTES Even though temperatures are dropping, there’s plenty to do in the garden this month

Contributing gardening editor Marianne Alexander’s handy checklist of essential chores to do in June

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Let lawns grow a little longer than usual in frost zones as longer leaves insulate the roots and produce more food. Water cold-season, evergreen grasses every week or so in summer-rainfall areas. Tidy up perennial phlox, chrysanthemums, Phygelius capensis, Michaelmas and Shasta daisies, penstemon and gaura; in summer-rainfall areas, divide and replant large clumps in well-composted soil. In colder areas, wait for spring. Cut back late-summer and autumn-flowering shrubs: pink sage bush, Syncolostemon spp., tibouchina, wild dagga, salvias and the ribbon bush (Hypoestes aristata). Neaten late summer-flowering creepers like golden shower and canary creeper as well as those that produce flowers throughout the year such as white potato creeper, Solanum jasminoides. Make sure rain in winter-rainfall areas is reaching plants as rain shadows are cast by walls and hedges and under eaves. In cold areas, water early so the soil can warm up before nightfall. In frost zones, water frozen soil once it thaws. Check pruning equipment including saws, secateurs and long-handled loppers in preparation for the pruning season. Remove dirt and sap residue with a scouring pad and hot soapy water and lubricate. Have the blades sharpened and the springs in secateurs replaced, if necessary. Look for strong, preferably elbow-length, leather gloves to protect arms. Check that ties on standards, climbers and trees are not too tight. Stake vulnerable and newly planted standards and trees. Ties should be flexible enough to allow some movement. To encourage flowering, pinch out the first flowers of stocks, pansies, violas, calendulas and primulas. Feed spring annuals and bulbs fortnightly with 3:1:5 or 2:3:4, or use an organic slow-release fertiliser. Apply foliar feeds early in the morning. If soil becomes waterlogged in winter-rainfall areas, improve the drainage or aerate it by gently forking over the top. Don’t overwater indoor pot plants as their growth slows down in cooler weather. Increase the humidity in heated rooms by placing a shallow bowl of water in between them, or mist periodically. Stake the new flower spikes of cymbidium orchids.

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The VEGGIE garden Feed broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage with a high-nitrogen fertiliser. Plant a few more broccoli – try purple Romanesco – and cauliflower seedlings. Protect the new shoots of young pea plants from birds, snails and slugs by draping them with a net or fleece and then train them up supports. Pinch out the tips of broad beans once the first seed pods have developed as this reduces the likelihood of aphid infestation and encourages pods to form. In the subtropics, plant warm-season vegetables: tomatoes, chillies, cucumbers, aubergines and green peppers. In cold frosty gardens, take slips of herbs like mint, oregano, lemon balm, parsley, coriander, Vietnamese coriander (Polygonum odoratum) (pictured), nasturtium and watercress (it likes its roots wet). Root them in a glass jar of water, or pot up in containers in a warm, sunny position and plant out in spring. When pruning grapevines, save the long canes to make Christmas wreaths or twine around supports for climbing sweet peas, beans and cucumbers. From late June to July, prune fruit trees such as peaches and plums, as they produce fruit on new growth in spring.

TEXT MARIANNE ALEXANDER AND DIANE PEACOCK SHOPPING MANDY BUCHHOLZ PHOTOGRAPHS MARIANNE ALEXANDER AND SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 4.

MUST-DOS THIS MONTH

THIS WEEKEND Sort out your seed packets and store in a cool dry place. Take the guesswork out of sowing seeds by grouping them according to the season in which they should be sown. It’s best to discard those past their sell-by date, but you can sow them and see if they come up.

Three-pot hanging planter made from reclaimed wood and jute rope, R250, Reclaim Design. reclaimdesign.org

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We’re planting…

PANSY HALLOWEEN Why: This novel pansy has lightly perfumed, extra-large pure black flowers that stand out well, particularly alongside bright orange pansies. Where: For winter and spring flowering and to bring out the black shades, plant in full sun. From spring onwards, partial shade is preferable. Growing 20cm high and wide, its mounding habit makes it suitable for containers, beds, among spring bulbs and other winter annuals. How: Plant in well-composted, well-draining soil, water regularly and fertilise once a month. For more information, visit ballstraathof.co.za

HALF-HARDY SUNLOVING ANNUALS

Leeubekkie (Nemesia strumosa) These cheerful spring annuals come in a kaleidoscope of bright colours and make useful fillers among bulbs, in a border and containers. Height: 40cm. Bokbaai vygie (Cleretum bellidiforme) Succulent leaves give rise to brilliantly coloured flowers that carpet the ground in spring. Plant them as a border or groundcover. Height: 10cm. True-blue kingfisher daisy (Felicia heterophylla) With their blue centres and petals, these daisies are unique. Use in an informal border, to add colour among bulbs or to soften the edges of containers. Seeds saved this summer can be planted next autumn. Height: 20cm.

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Open GARDEN Enjoy a day out and raise money for a good cause

In the ROSE GARDEN Roses can be transplanted this month. If you’re planting them in a spot where roses have been grown before, line the hole with an old cardboard box and fill with fresh soil. Water roses weekly, especially in dry, frost-prone areas. Spray for black spot, particularly in winter-rainfall areas. Prune roses in late June or July; in frost zones, wait until August.

22 – 23 JUNE Rick and Femma Hackland, Bishopstowe Road, Bishopstowe, KZN Filled with a huge range of indigenous plants, this magnificent garden is open from 09h00 – 17h00. Entrance is R40. Take a picnic basket, although light refreshments will be available. Find out how to tackle aloe pests and diseases from gardener Ruthe Gray, plus there’ll be indigenous and Sunbird Hybrid Aloes on sale. For details, call Femma on 083 636 0881 or Rick 083 628 1290.

WHAT’S ON

TASTY SPUDS Grow these new potato varieties from Hadeco. There’s ‘Hertha’ and ‘Fianna’, ideal for making chips, and ‘Bp1’ and ‘Mnandi’ for boiling and roasting. They’re available as seed potatoes in 2kg bags from large garden centres. And for those with limited space, there’s a pot specially designed for growing potatoes. hadeco.co.za

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14 – 15 JUNE Sunbird Aloes Nursery Water wise and hardy, aloes are ideal for the winter garden. This wholesale nursery at 336 Vine Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg, is open to the public from 09h00 – 16h00 daily. For personal attention, from 10 – 13 June arrange a private viewing with Leo on 082 824 6604. sunbirdaloes.co.za 24 JUNE – 15 JULY Ndundulu Aloes Attend a talk and demonstration at Ndundulu Farm, cnr R34 and R66, Nkwaleni, Eshowe, KZN and learn how to choose and grow aloes. It’s open from 08h00 – 16h00; for more information, call Ruthe Grey on 082 727 2075 or visit facebook.com/NdunduluAloes/

ESPALIERS

FAR-REACHING

success WHY AN ESPALIER? It’s a clever way to grow a variety of fruit trees in gardens where space is limited. It’s suitable for most gardens, whether large or compact, formal or informal, or modern. As they’re so compact there’s space for more plants. An espalier can be used to create a living screen to define a part of the garden, give a feeling of intimacy, or be a form of botanical art. Fruit trees provide blossom in spring, fruit in summer, often colourful foliage in autumn and look architectural in winter. In cold frosty areas, plants espaliered against brick or stone walls, which retain heat, have a longer growing season and a wider range of fruit can be grown.

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS MARIANNE ALEXANDER

Espaliers are a decorative way to grow fruit in small spaces

he term espalier originally comes from the Italian word spalliera meaning ‘something to rest your shoulder against’. An espalier is a trellis, wooden framework or series

of cables on which shrubs, trees or climbers are trained so they don’t need a lot of space. If you don’t have a wall or fence to espalier trees against, you can use a free-standing screen made from poles.

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At Babylonstoren near Paarl, strong poles were used as supports for training trees. A diamond pattern suits plum and peach trees as the branches can be trained at 45-degree angles. Welded metal bars support this espaliered pear tree, which puts on a brilliant show in autumn.

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SUITABLE FRUIT TREES Always select fruit that grows well in your climatic zone. Trees like apples and pears are supple and have a natural horizontal branching habit, which makes them easy to train. They also fruit on old wood rather than from new growth, and, as their growth isn’t as vigorous as that of peaches for instance, they need less pruning. However, peaches, plums, nectarines, almonds, crab apples, cherries, quinces and even figs are more rigid and so are easier to train in a fan, criss-cross or diamond design. Citrus trees can also be trained in this way, either in a formal design, or by simply letting their branches determine the shape. Try Eureka lemons and kumquats. Flexible climbers such as grapes, granadillas and kiwi fruits are ideal.

POLLINATION OF FRUIT TREES Some trees are self-pollinating, while others need a suitable companion nearby. Apricots, nectarines, peaches: most are self-pollinating.

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Plums: ‘Santa Rosa’ and ‘Pioneer’ are self-pollinating, but others need a pollinator. ‘Sungold’ and ‘Laetitia’, for instance, flower at the same time and are compatible. Apples: need a pollinator. ‘Fuji’ can be pollinated by ‘Gala’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Pink Lady’; ‘Granny Smith’ by ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Pink

Lady’; ‘Braeburn’ by ‘Gala’, ‘Fuji’ and ‘Golden Delicious’. Pears: ‘Keiffer’, ‘Packham’s Triumph’ and ‘Le Conte’ are self-pollinating; ‘Early Bon Chretien’ will produce well when ‘Forelle’ is planted nearby. Figs: don’t need a pollinator. The flowers grow inside the fruit and are pollinated by a small wasp.

Apple espaliers break this south-east facing wall, which gets early morning sun in winter and sun all day in summer. Fig trees trained low make it easy to pick the fruit. Growing trees at a 45-degree angle extends their growing season as it increases sun exposure. Apple trees in a diamond pattern form a screen without cutting out sunlight. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

PLANTING

DESIGN The simplest variation has rows of horizontal supports or single cordons (uprights) set at an angle. Then there are the candelabra, diamond and fan shapes. The last two are best for plants that aren’t very flexible as the branches only need to be bent at 45 degree rather than right angles.

PREPARE THE FRAMEWORK

CHOOSING TREES Most experts suggest buying ‘whips’ (single-stemmed, one-year-old trees), or ‘maidens’ (two-year-old trees, which have just started branching). For quick results, look for a tree with a straight stem and fairly evenly spaced, pliable branches emerging from about 50cm above the soil level or the height of the first horizontal support. For a fan shape, there should be several near ground level.

Attach the framework to the wall, or if you don’t have a suitable wall, between sturdy upright poles; these should stand 2–2,5m above ground. If training against a wall, start by stringing a series of PVC-coated galvanised wires or cables 35–50cm apart, using eyebolts anchored to the wall. Use turnbuckles to keep the cables taut. The first one should be 50–60cm above ground level. For fan and diamond designs, use bamboo stakes tied in the required design, starting at the base. Note: Tie shoots or branches to the framework using hemp, cotton or jute string or old pantyhose, which will disintegrate with time. Never use wire or fishing line as this will bite into the shoots and strangle the plant.

The ideal time to plant an espalier is autumn, giving the root system time to develop while the soil is still warm. Before planting, establish which is the back and which is the front of the tree and position it accordingly, then align the branches to the supports. Plant the tree leaving a gap of 20cm between it and the wall. This allows the air to circulate freely and sufficient space for the roots to spread out and anchor the plant. The distance apart will depend on the particular tree.

MAINTENANCE Once established, espaliers need trimming twice a year: In winter, when the tree is dormant, prune as you would a normal fruit tree to stimulate growth and for bud production in spring. In summer, train the tree to follow the supports which define the pattern. Fruit trees with a slower growth rate may take longer to train, but will be easier to keep neat and won’t lose their shape. Remove all forming fruit in the first year to divert the plant’s energies into new growth. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

Plum blossom in spring. Close-up of a pear candelabra showing ties. A simple candelabra shape with two forks on upright bamboo stakes. SOURCE Babylonstoren babylonstoren.com

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VEGGIE GARDEN

NATURE’S

bounty

Filled with edibles and herbs, this tiny vegetable garden is proof that good things come in small packages

Iain and Angelika Edwards. Iain (right) is an author and historian who works from home. Angelika is an estate agent and qualified yoga instructor.

THE GARDEN A small 100m² backyard in Ruimsig, Jo’burg, filled to overflowing with edible and medicinal plants.

TEXT JANE GRIFFITHS PHOTOGRAPHS JANE GRIFFITHS AND KEITH KNOWLTON

WHO LIVES HERE

n 2004, when Angelika and Iain Edwards built their house north of Jo’burg, the garden was just veld. “But I was determined to grow my own food,” says Iain who has been a keen vegetable gardener since he was a child. He set about turning a 100m² space into a formal kitchen garden with pathways and rectangular beds. “In those days our friends and neighbours thought us strange. You could see them thinking ‘Can’t you afford to buy your own vegetables?’” he recalls. Iain increased the small growing area by making use of vertical space with tripods and supports. A trellis, which

hides the washing line, is entwined with a lemon tree, while runner beans and cucumbers climb the sides. Enveloping a pergola, a Catawba grapevine provides shade for a bench underneath. All the vegetables are grown from heirloom seeds. Salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, butternut, citrus, herbs, kale, chillies and more are grown in this small space providing fresh veggies all year round. Any excess is turned into tomato-chilli jam, chutney, vinegar and salt-free capsicum sauce or given away to neighbours and friends. The garden is 100% organic and fertilised with home-made compost, and companion planting is used to minimise

pests. “At the moment, nasturtiums are attracting bugs and saving the tomato plants alongside them,” explains Iain. THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM

This small productive courtyard garden is well designed with pathways and edged beds. A Catawba grapevine provides shade for the bench in front of a bed filled with herbs. A birdbath containing a sundial is a focal point in the garden. Vertical supports maximise the planting area. Beans. LEFT:

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Companion planting and home-made compost are used to keep pests to a minimum. Nasturtiums are used as a trap crop to protect tomatoes. Stinging nettle is used daily to make a tonic. Beans and cucumber trained up a trellis hide the laundry line. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

The garden has provided more than just food. “When Angelika was diagnosed with breast cancer, we had to make a complete lifestyle change,” he recalls. “Part of this involves eating fresh, organic vegetables, particularly

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dark green cruciferous varieties such as kale and broccoli, which contain cancerfighting compounds.” Other plants like stinging nettles and the cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens)

are used to make health-boosting tonics. “Angelika is a pre-op continuing breast cancer survivor and I know this garden and its abundance plays a vital role,” he says.

HERBAL REMEDIES

HEALTH-GIVING

Boost your health and immune system with these wonder plants 110

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f you prefer natural ways of keeping healthy, then include some of these plants in your garden. Easy to grow, you can use them in a number of ways to keep yourself in good shape.

Echinacea Native Americans have used echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) for hundreds of years to treat infections and wounds, and as a general cure-all. It contains

TEXT JANE GRIFFITHS PHOTOGRAPHS JANE GRIFFITHS AND KEITH KNOWLTON ALTHOUGH NATURAL, HERBAL REMEDIES CAN BE TOXIC. USE THEM WITH CAUTION. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. CONSULT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL FOR A DIAGNOSIS BEFORE TAKING ANY SUPPLEMENTS OR MEDICATION

herbs

Echinacea

polysaccharides that boost the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and have antiviral, hormonal and antioxidant properties. Growing tips: Echinacea likes full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seed directly and keep moist until established. Propagate by division in late winter and plant out in spring. Use it: It helps ward off allergies, hay fever, colds and flu, and infections in general. Use the flowers, leaves and roots in a decoction as a gargle or mouthwash for sore throats, gum diseases and mouth infections. Use externally as a wash for minor wounds, acne, eczema and burns.

Stinging nettle A good tonic and nutritional herb, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s a bloodcleansing herb and a gentle diuretic, helping rid the body of toxins. High iron levels plus vitamin C make it an effective treatment for anaemia, as the vitamin C ensures the iron is absorbed. As it also has high levels of calcium, magnesium and phosphorous, it helps keep bones strong. It contains plenty of silica, which is good for teeth, nails and hair.

Stinging nettle

Mullein

Growing tips: Nettle grows easily in any soil and prefers semi-shade. Seedlings are available from herb centres or it can be propagated from a piece of root. Nettles spread easily and can become invasive if not cut back regularly. In late autumn, cut the plants to the ground and mulch lightly. Use it: Infusions of nettle can be used to treat hay fever, allergies, eczema and rashes, viral infections, arthritis, osteoporosis, gout and rheumatism. Use the roots in a decoction to make a hair rinse for thinning hair and dandruff.

Mullein Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has been used for centuries to treat respiratory

problems, particularly asthma, and as an expectorant. Growing tips: A biennial with large furry leaves, mullein sends up a tall stalk in its second year with edible yellow flowers. It grows in a variety of soils, but likes this to be fertile and welldraining. Sow seeds (in seed trays, then transplant) or plant seedlings in spring. Use it: It’s good for healing minor skin infections, irritations and wounds. It’s an excellent demulcent, soothing irritated mucous membranes and haemorrhoids. Use the leaves in an infusion. Infuse the flowers in an oil to rub on haemorrhoids, minor wounds and skin irritations.

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Use leaves and flowers in an infusion. Curly kale

Ashwagandha berries

Ashwagandha Native to India, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used for thousands of years to reduce the effects of stress on the nervous and endocrine systems and to promote balance throughout the body. Growing tips: An evergreen shrub, it’s frost hardy, drought resistant and grows best in well-drained soil and full sun. Harvest the roots in late autumn when the berries have begun to form. Use it: Use the roots in a decoction to reduce stress and anxiety disorders.

Kale Highly nutritious, kale (Brassica oleracea) is touted as a superplant as it’s packed with nutrients, minerals and antioxidants as well as cancerfighting compounds, which help the liver remove carcinogens. Growing tips: A quick-growing leaf crop, kale thrives in the cooler months and moist conditions. It grows easily from seed and isn’t too fussy about soil. It prefers full sun, except during hotter months, when it benefits from some shade. It needs consistent watering and well-mulched soil. Use it: Add raw to smoothies and salads, bake until crisp, steam, sauté or stir-fry.

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Herbal remedies INFUSIONS should be made fresh every day, the standard dose being 1 cup three times a day, drunk hot or cold. 30g dried herbs or 75g fresh herbs 500ml just-boiled water

Place the herbs in a teapot, add the water and leave to infuse for about 10–15 minutes then strain. DECOCTIONS are made from more robust plant parts: roots, seeds, stems, bark and berries. Drink 1 cup three times a day, hot or cold.

Hardier plant parts are usually used in a decoction. An oil infusion can also be made by placing herbs and oil in a bottle and leaving it in the sun for a few weeks.

30g dried herbs or 60g fresh herbs 750ml cold water

Chop the herbs and add to the cold water. Heat, cover and simmer gently for an hour, or until reduced by about a third then strain. OIL INFUSIONS are best made in small quantities and kept in the fridge. Use as needed. 30g fresh herbs 15ml oil (almond or olive oil)

Mix the oil and herbs together in a double boiler and heat gently for 3 hours. Strain and pour into a sterilised, airtight glass bottle.

SOURCE Jane’s Delicious A-Z of Herbs by Jane Griffiths (Sunbird Publishers, jonathanball.co.za) janesdeliciousgarden.com

Joie de VIVRE Naturally gregarious, Catherine Davies likes nothing better than serving up a sumptuous spread overlooking the Drakenstein Mountains in Franschhoek 114

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oming from a family of entrepreneurs, Catherine Davies has always preferred to pave her own way. Although she qualified as a lawyer, she found the legal profession rather confining and started looking for an opportunity to establish her own company. Luckily, she didn’t have to look far.

Inspired by the vineyards and winemaking industry surrounding the Franschhoek farm her family moved to 16 years ago, her two brothers Oliver and Richard founded Vendange (meaning grape harvest), a retail chain selling cheese and baguette boards, wine crates and Champagne buckets, as well as olive oil and other gourmet foods.

COMPILED BY JOSIE EVELEIGH PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS THESE RECIPES ARE SUPPLIED BY THE ENTERTAINER, AND WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE THEY ARE CORRECT, THEY HAVEN’T BEEN TESTED BY GARDEN AND HOME.

ENTERTAINING

Mike Wronski

Oliver and Catherine Davies

Menu Colin Forrester, Margot Johnson and Kirby May Johnson

“It struck me that what their range needed was something more feminine,” says Catherine, and so Vagari was born. A wholesale company, it offers table linen, kitchen decor, gifts and accessories all locally made in Cape Town and Franschhoek. “While I’m one of my brothers’ suppliers, I have the freedom to run my own company,” she says. Surrounded by accessories geared towards socialising and raised in a family that loves to get together over good food and wine, it’s not surprising that Catherine is a natural entertainer. Although she has a flat in Cape Town, she spends most of her time in Franschhoek overseeing the manufacture of her products. Fortunately, her parents encourage her and her brothers to invite their friends to the farm. And who wouldn’t love to share delicious food and wine in this French-style environment

FRUITY G&T SMOKED TROUT ROLLS MEDITERRANEAN SEAFOOD PAELLA CREAMY GRANADILLA POTS

overlooking the vineyards and the Drakenstein Mountains. Catherine enjoys setting a long table on the veranda. “Ever since I was a child, this is the way we’ve always entertained – a long table where everyone gets together.” She likes to keep it simple, with linen cloths and napkins from her range, and fresh flowers from either the garden or the market casually arranged in ceramic jugs. The food she serves usually features local produce including cheeses from La Cotte Inn (according to Catherine, one of the best local sources), and chilled Pinot Noir from Haute Cabrière and Morena Brut MCC. While Catherine loves to cook, she doesn’t necessarily stick to a recipe. “I

prefer to make it up as I go. As long as it tastes good at the end, I’m quite relaxed,” she says. Her lunches often include traditional Italian pasta dishes, locally baked breads and salads picked from the vegetable garden on the farm. “I like to arrange everything on big boards or platters so guests can help themselves.” Today, she and her brother Oliver have invited some of their close friends for Sunday lunch. It kicks off with a fruity G&T served on one of Vendange’s G&T boards, naturally, and ends with some of their favourite cheeses and condiments and grapes from the farm.

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Catherine Davies, Kirby May Johnson, Margot Johnson, Mike Wronski, Oliver Davies and Romany Sutherland

FRUITY G&T (Serves 6) FOR THE DRY LEMONS 2 whole lemons* ½ cup Robertsons Red Food Colouring ½ cup water FOR THE G&T ice 50g fresh mint 1T juniper berries 1T goji berries 300ml gin 600ml tonic water

1. To make the dry lemons, preheat the oven to 90°C. 2. Line a baking tray with baking paper. 3. Thinly slice the lemons

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and place them on the baking tray. Bake them for approximately 2–3 hours, turning them every hour until they’re golden brown. 4. Mix the food colouring and water together. 5. Dip 6 slices of lemon in the food colouring mixture, making sure that they’re fully coated. 6. Place the red lemons back in with the other lemons and cook for another hour. Once cooked and cooled, the lemon slices should be brittle. 7. To make the G&T, fill each glass with ice and fresh mint. 8. Pour 50ml gin and 100ml tonic water into each glass.

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Add a few juniper and goji berries. 9. Just before serving place about 2–3 slices of lemon

including one red one into each glass. *COOK’S NOTE I usually make about 20 dry lemons

Catherine Davies and Kirby May Johnson

at a time. Provided you keep them in an air-tight container, they last up to a month.

also place plain smoked salmon pieces on sliced baguette and garnish them with celery and lemon.

SMOKED TROUT ROLLS

MEDITERRANEAN SEAFOOD PAELLA

(Serves 6)

1 celery stalk, finely chopped 50g salted goat’s cheese 1 cup milk 200g smoked trout slices parsley to garnish juice of 1 lemon

2T olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 carrots, finely chopped 2½ cups Spanish or long grain rice 800ml chicken stock 200g frozen peas 500ml white wine 1kg mixed seafood (fish, mussels, calamari and prawns) 2–3 chicken fillets, sliced 225g chorizo, sliced TO SERVE 3T parsley, finely chopped

1. To make the filling, mix the celery and goat’s cheese, adding milk to get a creamlike consistency. 2. Using about 2/3 of the mixture, spoon the filling onto each ribbon of trout, and roll up to look like a spring roll. 3. Spoon the remainder of the filling mixture on top of each roll. 4. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and dress with lemon juice. COOK’S NOTE You can

1. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or wok. 2. Add the onion, garlic and carrots; fry on a low heat for two minutes. 3. Add the rice and mix in with the other ingredients.

Margot Johnson, Mike Wronski, Romany Sutherland and Oliver Davies

4. Add the chicken stock, peas and white wine, making sure that the rice is always covered with the liquid. 5. Simmer on a low heat for 10 minutes. 6. While the rice is cooking, separate the mussels from the seafood mix. 7. In a separate pan, fry the chicken, fish, calamari, prawns and chorizo. 8. Steam the mussels in a pot of water for approximately 4 minutes.

Discard any that don't open. 9. Taste the rice and add more stock or white wine, if necessary. You can also add a little water if the flavour is too strong. 10. Once all the stock has been absorbed, mix the cooked meat and seafood into the rice. 11. Place the mussels on top of the paella, creating a ring around the outer edge of the dish. 12. Garnish with the parsley and serve hot.

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Oliver Davies and Margot Johnson

Kirby May Johnson and Oliver Davies

QUICK CHAT WITH THE COOK My cooking style is relaxed and experimental – it’s all in the flavour, so I don’t usually sweat the small stuff. The kitchen gadget I couldn’t live without is my Nutribullet. From breakfast smoothies, to gazpacho and everything in between, it’s my lifesaver. No dinner party is complete without good wine and French cheese. If things don’t go to plan, just serve your guests cheese and wine – I promise they won’t complain. My store cupboard and fridge staples are lemons, olive oil, mustard and garlic. My favourite comfort food is pasta. If I had just one recipe book, it has to be All Sorts of Healthy Dishes by Chantal Lascaris (Struik Lifestyle). The best thing I ever ate was a seven-course wine and food pairing at The Greenhouse, at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel. It was the most magical combination of local flavours. If I was stuck on an island with a celeb chef, I’d pick Australian Curtis Stone. Not only can he cook, he’d also be easy on the eye for a stranded girl.

CREAMY GRANADILLA POTS (Serves 6) 395g tin condensed milk

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250g cream cheese zest and juice of 1 lemon 200g granadilla pulp fresh mint for garnish

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1. Place the condensed milk and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl then blend until smooth. 2. Add the zest and lemon juice and 150g of the granadilla pulp, mixing well. 3. Pour equal amounts of the

mixture into serving pots or glasses. 4. Place the pots in the fridge for approximately 3 hours, or until they’re firm. 5. Top each with a teaspoon of granadilla pulp and a few mint leaves.

SOURCES La Cotte Inn lacotte.co.za Vagari vagari.co.za Vendange vendange.co.za

FOOD AND WINE

Get a taste of what’s new in the culinary world

BIGGER PIE BIGGER VALUE At a raw weight of 250g (55g more than the average pie), McCoy pies are perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Not only bigger than others, they also contain more meat in the delicious slow-cooked filling. Available in eight different variants plus a sausage roll. Exclusive to SPAR stores. spar.co.za

GIN UP Distilled with black Périgord truﬄes, greyhued Graphite Gin, R490, is available from Stillman Distillery in Simondium, Western Cape. Enjoy it with Indian tonic or dry lemon. stillman.co.za

In the BAG Wonderbag, from R255, is a non-electric, heat-retaining slow cooker. Bring a casserole to the boil, place it in the Wonderbag and it will keep cooking for up to 12 hours. No additional heat source required. wonderbag.co.za

COMPILED BY LYN WOODWARD PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 4.

Home BREW On Father’s Day, treat Dad to a copy of Beer Country’s Beer Food Fire by Greg Gilowey and Karl Tessendorf, R290, Penguin Random House. He’ll enjoy these brothers-in-law’s accounts of South African craft beer tastings and how to use them in easy-to-braai dishes. Find the recipe for Smoky Beer-Battered Chilli Poppers (pictured above) on our website, gardenandhome.co.za

ALL-ROUND GOODNESS Clover Care Medium Fat Dairy Liquid Blend, from R16,49, is high in nutrients and enriched with vitamins and minerals, giving you all the goodness you and your family need. It’s available in a 1 litre UHT prisma. Visit clover.co.za

WHAT’S ON 4 – 5 JUNE Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival Jo’burgers will find a lineup of hand-picked wine producers and their latest vintages at Summer Place, Sandton. Book tickets, R220 pp, at webtickets.co.za, or R240 pp, at the door. julietcullinan.co.za 15 JUNE Franschhoek Winter Wines Festival Franschhoek Cellar provides the venue for local vignerons to showcase some of their finest red wines. Live music and delicious food will also be available. Tickets, R295 pp, can be booked at webtickets.co.za 22 – 23 JUNE Tulbagh Christmas in Winter Restaurants will be offering Christmas fare in the Tulbagh Valley. Get into the festive spirit and explore the wine route where there’ll be plenty of stalls and shops selling seasonal items. Book at quicket.co.za, or for more information, visit tulbaghtourism.co.za

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Feel the

HEAT Tantalise your taste buds with this deliciously spicy menu

CURRIED BUTTERNUT AND LENTIL SOUP WITH GARLIC NAAN FOR THE BUTTERNUT AND LENTIL SOUP 15ml oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 10ml fresh ginger, finely grated 15ml–20ml curry paste ½ 410g tin coconut cream 30ml tomato paste 500g butternut, cubed 750ml vegetable or chicken stock 410g tin lentils, drained salt and milled black pepper, to taste FOR THE GARLIC NAAN 4–6 store-bought naan breads 60g butter, melted 1–2 cloves garlic, finely crushed salt and milled black pepper, to taste 15ml fresh coriander, chopped TO SERVE nuts and seeds, toasted fresh coriander, torn

RECIPES AND STYLING LYN WOODWARD PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

(Serves 4–6)

EFFORTLESS ENTERTAINING

1. To make the soup, heat the oil in a pan and gently fry the onions and garlic for 5 minutes. 2. Stir in the ginger and curry paste and cook for 2 minutes. 3. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the butternut is tender. Allow to cool then blend until smooth. 4. To prepare the naan, preheat the oven to 160°C and arrange the naan in a single layer on a baking sheet. 5. Mix the melted butter and garlic together and brush liberally over the naan breads. 6. Season with salt and pepper and heat in the oven for 5–7 minutes. 7. Remove from the oven and top with the fresh coriander. 8. Reheat the soup and serve garnished with the toasted nuts, seeds and fresh coriander, along with the warm garlic naan.

SLOW-COOKED ROGAN JOSH LAMB SHANKS

LIKE A SHOPPING LIST? Visit our website gardenandhome.co.za and go to Recipes to download the shopping list for this menu

(Serves 4–6) 30ml oil 4–6 lamb shanks 30ml paprika 10 small onions, peeled, halved 3 cloves garlic, crushed 45–60ml ready-made rogan josh curry paste, according to taste 2 bay leaves 1 cinnamon stick

410g tin diced tomatoes 410g tin tomato purée 750ml lamb or beef stock salt and milled black pepper, to taste TO SERVE basmati rice with coriander chutney and sambals

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C.

2. Heat 15ml of the oil in a heavy-based ovenproof casserole. Dust the paprika over the lamb shanks and sear in the hot pan for 3–4 minutes, per side. Remove and set aside. 3. Heat the remaining 15ml oil. Gently fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes.

4. Add the curry paste and cook for 2 more minutes. 5. Stir in the remaining ingredients and return the lamb shanks to the pan. 6. Cover and cook in the oven for 1,5–2 hours, or until the meat is meltingly tender. 7. Serve with the basmati rice, chutney and sambals.

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Harbour at Kastellorizo.

Island STYLE I Typical old wooden door.

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t was a spur-of-the-moment decision. We had seen the inviting island on the horizon while driving into Kaş on the Lycian coast of Turkey. “That’s Meis,” the pomegranate juice seller replied when I asked. “It’s in Greece, but it’s only a 30-minute boat ride away.” Early the next morning we were at the Kaş Marina, ferry tickets in hand. Ahead of us, a group of American plein air artists, carrying canvases and folding easels were talking about the light playing on the water of the sparkling Levantine Sea. It was mid-September and perfect island-hopping weather. Meis – Kastellorizo as it’s called in

Greek – is a tiny, rocky outpost as far east from Athens as you can get and still be in Greece. It was once called Megisiti, meaning ‘biggest’ – an odd name for an island that’s less than 10 square kilometres. But it’s the largest in the surrounding archipelago. As we rounded a headland – one of two arms enclosing a deep U-shaped harbour – our ferry sounded the horn. Its deep evocative tone echoed off the stony crags towering above us. On top of the headland, a Crusader castle with a fluttering blue and white flag guarded the entrance. This island might be one nautical mile away from Turkey, but it’s

TEXT JANE GRIFFITHS PHOTOGRAPHS JANE GRIFFITHS AND KEITH KNOWLTON

With its fascinating history, deep clear water and picturesque harbour, the island of Kastellorizo makes a perfect sun-soaked destination

DESTINATIONS

Freshly caught sardines.

Fishing boat in the harbour.

The Crusader castle overlooks the harbour.

Cars are not allowed in the village area.

JANE’S TRAVEL TIPS

pure Greece, with ouzo and sunshine, myths and history. As we disembarked, a man was untangling yellow fishing nets on the quay, his brightly coloured boat creating abstract reflections on the water. The surface broke and a seal’s whiskered snout smiled up at me. The harbour is lined with colourful neoclassical mansions painted in ochres, blues, greens and reds. The colours reminded me of Venice – not surprising as the island was occupied by Italy for

20 years. Built by wealthy shipping magnates, these buildings date back to the island’s heyday in the second half of the 19th century. Part of the Ottoman Empire, it was a thriving commercial centre and home to more than 10 000 inhabitants. During WWII, the entire population was evacuated and it never recovered its former prosperity. Most of its inhabitants settled in Australia (there are over 50 000 Kastellorizians, known as Kassies, living there) and today

MUST-SEE SIGHT Climb up the hill to the Red Castle and enjoy the panoramic view across to Turkey. GOOD TO KNOW Seafood is not cheap; the best options are restaurants that serve starter portions. INTERESTING TO KNOW The museum in the converted mosque is well worth visiting. The entry fee includes a 20-minute film on the island’s history.

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Neoclassical mansions line the harbour.

Life on the island is slow.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP WHEN TO GO Off-peak in May or September when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. GETTING THERE The quickest way is on the ferry from Turkey, but you can get to this island on ferries from other Greek islands – although this makes it a much longer trip. GETTING AROUND Walking is the best way to see the island. Hire a boat or canoe to explore some of the other beaches. VISAS South African passportholders require a Schengen visa. Apply at Greek Consulates or Greek Visa Application Centres. CURRENCY The currency is the euro. Although the ATMs are quite reliable, it’s best to arrive with sufficient cash for a few days. At the time of going to print €1:ZAR16,15. A beer costs €3,50 (about R56,50), a light lunch about €5 (R81) and a seafood meal €15–€22 (R242–R355).

there are less than 400 permanent residents here. Many of the buildings have been restored by second- and thirdgeneration Australian descendants, who still have a strong bond with the island.

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THIS ISLAND MIGHT BE ONE NAUTICAL MILE AWAY FROM TURKEY, BUT IT’S PURE GREECE, WITH OUZO AND SUNSHINE, MYTHS AND HISTORY

Seafood restaurants are right next to the fishing boats.

There are no sandy beaches near the harbour, making the water incredibly clear and inviting. We hopped in from the quay down ladders. In the shallows, turtles grazed on sea grass, among remains of broken amphorae. Further away, the rocky edge dropped off dramatically and the bright turquoise dissolved into deep ocean blue. We dried off in the sun on blue and white loungers scattered in front of a mosque, harking back to the Ottoman times and

which is now a museum. Swimming builds up an appetite and lunch was freshly caught fried sardines and a classic salad of tomato and feta cheese. Away from the waterfront, we climbed up steep stone steps, past sprawling fig trees and houses swathed in bright pink bougainvillea. We spotted members of the painting group, easels set up, their brushes capturing a corner of Kastellorizo in a way no camera ever can. From above the mosque, we looked

Fresh crispy sardines.

A fisherman sorts his nets.

The mosque dates back to the Ottoman era.

Crystal clear water – perfect for fishing and swimming.

down on the harbour lined with fishing boats and yachts. The massive Blue Star ferry arrived almost filling the entire width of the small harbour. But the water is deep, allowing ferries access and a steady flow of tourists to supplement the island’s fishing economy. Mediterraneo – the 1991 Oscar winning film about a group of Italian soldiers stranded on a Greek island during WWII – was shot here and led to an increase in the island’s popularity. We got lost in the maze of back alleyways behind the harbour, past peeling wooden doors and piles of fishing baskets. We didn’t think we were hungry until the aroma from

Kastellorizo Bakery made us salivate. Behind the counter, a young student from the village explained that it’s a part-time job to help her practise English. Shelves of pastries and bread made it hard to choose, but we decided on savoury spanakòpita followed by crumbly kourampiedes – short bread cookies which explode in your mouth. No cars or motorbikes are allowed on the island, creating a slow, sunsaturated pace. Locals are not in a rush and have a laid-back and welcoming attitude to visitors. As we boarded the ferry back to Turkey, we settled into beanbags on the deck and watched this tiny gem of an island recede once again into the horizon.

Door knockers are believed to ward off evil spirits.

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COLLECTABLES

1 As dust jackets were really only made to protect the book, most

Collecting ANTIQUE BOOKS with James Findlay According to this long-time bibliophile, books are artefacts and should be preserved for future generations 126

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old ones are damaged beyond repair or long since thrown away. This dust jacket on James’ edition of Mafeking Road is rare as it’s still in good condition.

TIPS FOR ASPIRING COLLECTORS Firstly, look for books you enjoy. There’s nothing wrong with collecting books simply because they’re beautiful. Hunt for first editions, but sometimes the second edition can be better. For example, a book may be printed cheaply initially, and with proceeds, the second edition might be printed on better quality paper and with improved cover art. Deluxe editions (for example, books with limited runs of different cover art) also hold value, but many purists still prefer the first edition. You can also collect books for the illustrations, for instance, books that contain the work of illustrator Arthur Rackham are extremely valuable. Browse flea markets, second-hand bookshops, online and book auctions.

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA CALDWELL, HEMA PATEL AND SUPPLIED

isiting James Findlay in the basement of the Rand Club in Jo’burg is like taking a step back in time. Think soft leather armchairs, high ceilings, neobaroque architecture and Persian rugs, amongst rows and rows of bookcases. “Collecting antique books began with simply loving books,” says James. “This was long before the days of the Internet, so if I wanted to read a book that was out of print, I’d have to trawl markets and second-hand shops to find a copy.” In 1997, after years of finding and swapping books with other collectors, James set up a stall selling books at a flea market, where as a dealer, he’s been able to find a few gems for his own collection. Things grew from there, and in 2001 he started selling online and conducting book auctions on the Internet. “I designed the software that allows people to bid on books online,” he says.

CARING FOR YOUR COLLECTION Alan Jeffrey, retired book conservator, offers this advice: Keep books out of direct sunlight (and even indirect sunlight if possible) to prevent fading and embrittlement of the spine. Small to medium-size books should be stored vertically with bookends to keep them upright. The pressure will prevent dust from getting inside and ensure that they keep their shape over time. Store large books flat to keep the text block from breaking away from the binding. Very old books are fragile and you should avoid handling them too often. Never open them wider than a 90 degree angle as this will put strain on the binding. Silverfish and cockroaches can cause major damage, so if you spot them, take appropriate action.

2 2 An Ethiopian bible made of camel and goat skin. It once

belonged to a monk and was handwritten and painted. 3 The copy of The Three Years’ War that belonged to Dr Robert Broom. 4 The frontispiece portrait of General De Wet, author of The Three Years’ War. 5 Author Deneys Reitz gave this copy of his book Commando to his lover, Hannah. 6 Some of the rare books from James’ collection. 7 Nadine Gordimer’s signature in James’ copy of The Black Interpreters. The note reads: ‘This one escaped the censors’.

“I believe books are artefacts of history,” James explains. “For example, I have a book, The Three Years’ War by Christiaan Rudolf de Wet, owned by the famous anthropologist Dr Robert Broom, who carried it with him while exploring caves around South Africa.” It was a handy guide for Dr Broom, as the Boer War general had first-hand experience of the land. The book isn’t in very good condition so most people wouldn’t have recognised the value, but once you understand the reason for the damage and that it was the result of being owned by such a significant historical figure, it’s easy to see why it would be sought after.

“The provenance of a book is significant,” says James. “A book can just be a book, but sometimes it can also be a document that represents a snapshot of history.” His copy of The Black Interpreters by Nadine Gordimer is a first edition, and one of few to survive. When it was printed during the apartheid era, the censorship board ordered all copies to be pulped and reprinted with the sections that they deemed inappropriate removed. The second edition has large black blocks covering the original copy to show that it was once there. “So as you can imagine, my first edition is extremely rare,” says James. So rare in fact, that Nadine Gordimer herself signed it and wrote inside: ‘This one escaped the censors’.”

SOURCES James Findlay jellyfishtree.com. For queries on book conservation, contact The Brenthurst Library brenthurst.org.za

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ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES

Treasure chest What are your collectables worth?

Can you please give me the value and tell me more about these two small statues I received from my cousin? Helene Louw

My daughter was given this decorative plate by an old friend. Please can you identify its origin and give me a value? It measures 27,5 x 18,5cm. The stamp under the MASON’S crown on the back isn’t clear. Unfortunately some paint has been washed off the front in areas. Bev Temlett “This Mason’s platter is a fine example of the Chinese-inspired Famille Rose scenes that were very popular in the late Victorian period,” says Ingrid Aron of Kalk Bay Antiques Centre. “Currently, they’re not as popular, but possibly there is a market in the UK. If it has no structural damage, it could retail for around R2 500.”

EXPERT TIP “Hanging plates with metal clasps can cause staining and damage, and this decreases their value,” says Ingrid Aron THANKS TO OUR SPECIALISTS Ingrid Aron Kalk Bay Antiques Centre ingridaron89@gmail.com David Calthorpe 021 671 4613

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Please can you give me a valuation for this vase? It belonged to my mother-in-law, who inherited it from her mother. Donna Grant Oriental expert David Calthorpe verified his views with an overseas expert. Both decided that, although bright and colourful, it’s probably Italian from the 20th century or even a fairly modern Chinese tourist souvenir. Its shape is definitely not a classical Chinese design. The colours are overpainted and smudgy and the light gold background certainly isn’t in keeping with any older pieces. It would sell in a second-hand shop for a few hundred rand.

WRITE IN AND WIN EVERY MONTH we give away a *prize for the most valuable or interesting item sent in. This month Bev Temlett has won a case of Almost Zero Radiant Red and a designer apron all worth R1 500. Made from Merlot, Radiant Red contains less than 0,5% alcohol than regular wines and has only 71kJ/100ml. Enjoy it with venison, smoked meats, flavourful cheeses and duck. To order, call 023 615 1505 or e-mail winehub@vanloveren.co.za E-mail clear photographs and relevant information about your collectable item to gardenhome@caxton.co.za with Treasure Chest in the subject line. Due to the volume of mail we are unable to respond personally. Pictures must be sent as separate attachments at a size between 1MB – 2MB. For guidelines on the best way to take your photos for Treasure Chest, visit gardenandhome.co.za

COMPILED BY DIANA WEMYSS *DELIVERY OF PRIZES TAKES AT LEAST 6–8 WEEKS.

FIND OF THE MONTH

According to Ingrid Aron, “Made in Germany, little Hummel figures were always of children. Some are valuable, especially the early ones dating from the 1950s. They are more popular in America than anywhere else. If these two have a stylised bee mark underneath, they would date from the 1960s and retail for around R500 – R600 each. The earlier, rarer ones have a 3-D bee mark and those are worth up to R1 400.”

LAST WORD ON STYLE 1

Jon-Paul BOLUS This café, coffee bar and retail store owner shares some of his favourite things

s a child I used to rescue wounded birds in our garden and take them to our local vet in birdhouses that I made from wood,” recalls entrepreneur Jon-Paul Bolus. This abiding love of nature and respect for the environment lies at the heart of his most ambitious endeavour, Sans (the French word for without), an ethical grocer and lifestyle store that he and his wife, Nicol, opened in Sea Point, Cape Town. In 2007, he established the popular Loading Bay in De Waterkant, his first eatery-cum-retail concept store, which champions fresh local produce and is the exclusive stockist of luxury plantbased skincare range, Aēsop. “We intentionally foster relationships with suppliers who produce with integrity,” he explains. “Gradually

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7 over the years, we felt the need to create a space where the customer’s experience would be enhanced through a connection with the source.” As with Jon-Paul and Nicol’s speciality stand-up coffee bar, Pauline’s, a few shopfronts along, Sans presents a pareddown interior free of frills and fuss. All the products, from the fresh and dry foods to the homeware and apparel, have been carefully selected from suppliers committed to sustainable and holistic practices. “By consuming consciously and considerately, people are protecting the Earth as well as their health.” Jon-Paul embraces every opportunity to swim in the ocean and explore the country, especially the Lowveld, an area he loves. “Our next undertaking will involve destination experiences that immerse people in nature.”

1 ROBERTS BIRD GUIDE It’s essential for identifying the wonderful variety of birds we come across. 2 DUKE, OUR MIXED WIRE HAIRED FOX TERRIER This guy is our hero. There’s nothing quite like the love of your furry friend. 3 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER Reliable and durable, it has a tank that can take you all the way to Namibia. 4 YOSHIDA AND COMPANY PORTER BOOTH PACK 3WAY DUFFEL BAG I don’t travel anywhere without it and it will probably last the rest of my life. 5 LEICA BINOCULARS A must-have for avid bird watchers like us. 6 JAPANESE CHEF’S KNIFE It took my cooking to the next level. It was given to me by an old craftsman, who made it by hand using techniques passed down from his father. 7 DOUBLE FERMENTED SOURDOUGH BREAD Nicol and I made our mother starter at home 10 years ago and it’s still being used for all the bread we bake at Loading Bay.

SOURCES Leica en.leica-camera.com Loading Bay loadingbay.co.za Pauline’s paulinescoffee.com Roberts Birds robertsbirds.co.za Sans sanscommunity.com Toyota toyota.co.za Yoshida and Company porter-yoshida.com

TEXT NATALIE BORUVKA PHOTOGRAPHS CORNÉ GREEFF AND SUPPLIED

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