FEATUR ES 11 17 28
PL A NT L A ND IN YO U R G A R D E N L ET ’S TA L K C OL O U R HER B G A R DEN FO R HA PPY PET S
EQUESTRIAN
living
IS S UE 5 | OCTOBE R 2 0 2 0
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L ET T ER FROM T HE ESTAT E MANAG ER IMPORTANT INFORMAT ION & CONTACT S
C alv in sales3@ k-st udio . co . za Ed i to r Tobia von Zwietr i n g
ISSUE 5 |O CTOBER
PL ANT L AND IN YOUR G ARDEN
17
L ET ’S TAL K COL OUR
22
G RIL L ED HAL L OUMI SAL AD WIT H WAL NUT S & MUSTARD DRESSING
28 31
HERB G ARDEN FOR HAPPY PET S
Grilled Halloumi Sal
Colour
VISIT ST EL L ENBOSCH
ety, we WITH WALNUTS & effectively. e emotional MUSTARD DRESSING ourselves ms in a o stay f ourselves w begin to e the role ort the iate: a wise protector. nnected ensifyDisclaimer: the This e-Magazine is produced especially for residents/owners of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate to ally, and provide updates and useful information. It is produced e we byhave K-Studio on behalf of Blue Hills Equestrian Estate Although every effort is taken to ensure accuracy yche.HOA. You of content, Blue Hills Equestrian Estate HOA and/or re about the Publisher, cannot be held liable for any inaccurate ABagree OUT THE AUTHOR taught and and may not information, with all opinions Dr Raoul Goldberg graduated with his M.D. from Wits University in 1974, and was left with a desire to expand his knowledge and understanding of the full human existence and experience. He decided to continue his studies, and spent seven years training in integrative medical clinics in Switzerland. He has remained a life-long student of homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, botanical medicine, anthroposophical medicine and functional medicine. He is currently completing his PhD in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology (with a focus on the study of stress) through the California Institute of Integral Studies. He has authored
Neutral
expressed in this publication.
3 ISSU E 5 • 20 20
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
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ESTATE NEWS
From The
BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
Estate Manager Happy Spring to all our residents. As we bid farewell to a very cold and bitter winter spell, many of us are happy to welcome the flowery new season with a spring in our steps. I’d like to encourage our residents to get started on your revamped gardens. This is the time to spread topsoil on your lawns, to plant new seedlings in your gardens for the new season and who knows you might just work off those extra kilos you gained in front of the fireplace over winter and during Lockdown.
concern. Residents are reminded that this is a community and that we need to be mindful of those around us. Speeding puts those around us at great risk. The speed limit within the Estate is strictly 30km per hour. Security is an integral part of the Estate and requires a holistic approach. Unfortunately, our guards are being abused for performing their duties which is unacceptable. Security works under certain protocols and any requests or arrangements that deviate from these protocols need to be made via the appropriate channels. We appeal to homeowners to not vent your frustrations onto the guards and to please be mindful that the guards are acting upon instruction.
Following communication to homeowners, the Estates’ penalty schedule has been Our landscaping company has been hard at ratified by the board and has been work planting new flower beds around the implemented as of 01 October 2020. Estate and revamping old ones to welcome the new season. Trees have been pruned Heather Bowes one of the directors of the and the grass on the vacant stand has been Homeowners Association (HOA) who was cut. The long-awaited revamp of the entrance also the chairperson has resigned as a board gardens will be starting shortly which we are member as of last month. Heather has been looking forward to seeing completed. part of the board for the past two years and
has contributed greatly to the betterment of As construction continues within the Estate, the Estate. Her wealth of knowledge and homeowners are requested to ensure that experience in property management has your contractors are aware of the rules of the been invaluable to the Estate. Estate. Speeding within the Estate is still a huge 5 ISSU E 5 • 20 20
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
We are grateful for her contribution and is only achieved when residents can use dedication. We thank you Heather for all your and enjoy their private property as well as contribution. the public areas of the Estate amicably. General consideration and mutual respect Andile Mtetwa, who is a standing board by all residents for each other and their member has been appointed as the new surroundings will greatly assist in achieving chairperson of the HOA. She is looking a happy community and a pleasant forward to working with her fellow board environment. members and the BHCEE owners in growing the Estate to its full potential. She will also Please be vigilant at all times and report any take over the communications portfolio suspicions to the office or security. that was previously handled by the former chairperson. Speak Soon, As a final note, we would like to remind residents that harmonious community living
Rashni Andhee-Shah
As a symbol of teamwork and collaboration, some of the Blue Hills Equestrian family took on the Jerusalema challenge at the Estate. Kindly follow the link to watch our happy helpers doing the Estate proud. CLICK HERE 2020 • I SSUE 5 6
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
7 ISSU E 5 • 20 20
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
IMPORTANT INFORMATION & CONTACTS
BLUE HILLS EQUESTRIAN ESTATE MANAGEMENT BODY The Blue Hills Equestrian Estate management body has been developed to ensure that should you have a query or wish to address anything on the Estate, we have a team of individuals you can refer your concerns to. This Committee goes beyond our monthly Directors’ Meetings, and is instead aimed at ensuring that the running of this Estate is handled with all due care.
ESTATE MANAGER Rashni Andhee-Shah 010 109 0935 083 703 9436 rashnia@trafalgar.co.za SALES MANAGER Musi Motsuenyane 082 806 1735 / musi@century.co.za SECURITY SITE MANAGER 076 771 9082/ 061 704 0111 Bluehills@thompsec.co.za EMERGENCY Eskom 086 0037 566 JHB Water 0860 562 874 Police 10111 Ambulance 10177 SPCA 011 265 9935 SNAKE CATCHER Mike 083 448 8854 2020 • I SSUE 5 8
THE BOARD IS MADE UP OF: • • • • • •
Andile Mtetwa Jessica Hofmeyr John Frayne Nick Crow Obakeng Mathibe Ugesparan Govender
THE COMMITTEE IS SUPPORTED BY TRAFALGAR WHO ARE REPRESENTED BY: • • • • •
Michael Schaefer / Director of Trafalgar Shahiem Carr / Director of Trafalgar Jillian Hendricks / Estate Portfolio Manager Rashni Andhee-Shah / Estate Manager Head office support Birdhaven
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
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ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
2020 • I SSUE 5 1 0
ESTATE GARDENING NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
IN YOUR
Garden What is a water-wise garden? Is a water-wise garden one that is watered once a week, or once a month during the dry season? Or not at all? There is currently no benchmark in the industry for a ‘water-wise garden.’ It is a vague relative term that implies ‘less than usual.’
Our relationship with water Is it fair to say that water restrictions help to increase general awareness and appreciation for water? Plantland thinks so. Switching off automated watering systems has brought us closer to our gardens: we are now tuning into plants and their needs and having to make tough decisions which ones are going to receive the grey water.
The last few years we have heard a lot about water wise gardening, but what does it actually mean? Water-wise practices There are many ways one can reduce the need for water in your garden, and create landscapes that can survive and thrive on natural rainfall. Some if it requires careful planning (grouping plants according to their water needs, planting in the right season) and an element of design (dividing your garden into high, medium and low water-use zones). Planning the high water-use zone close to the house will enable you to optimize the use of grey water and stored water.
Worried that you will not know the water requirements of your plants – ask our Plantland staff as they have been trained to know the water requirements of the different types of plants. 11 ISSU E 5 • 2020
How do I Plant water wise plants? • Plant at the beginning of the rainy season – this gives plants 6 months to establish before the onset of dry weather. • In loam or clay soil, fill the plant hole with water and allow it to soak in before planting. Plantland also has a very nice product – ExGel. This product is mixed into water and it then makes a gel – placing this into your hole before planting the plant will really help manage the water requirements of the plant more as it holds water itself. • In sandy soil, add plenty of compost and plant. • Mulch with a generous layer of wood mulch on top of the soil surface. This will suppress weeds, keep the soil cool and radically reduce the need for water.
• Water directly onto the plant’s root zone – for most plants this is the drip line, i.e. below the outer edge of foliage. • Understand that water does not move sideways from wet to dry soil, and plant roots will not grow in search of moisture. If you are not watering the actively growing roots, you are simply wasting water. • The type of watering given during the first summer affects the root development of the plant. Deep, infrequent watering makes plants more resistant to drought. • Create a watering basin around each plant. This allows the water to not run but penetrate deep into the soil where ths plants is planted. • If you have had a small rainfall event (say 10-20mm), consider watering directly after the rain so that you capitalize on the fact that the mulch and top layer of soil have been moistened. Adding another 20-30mm will make it a more effective deep watering.
Maintaining your water wise garden
Watering • Do not use sprinkler irrigation as it favours the development of surface roots.2020 • I SSUE 5 1 2
• Weed your garden. Weeds take up moisture from the soil and lose it from their leaves by transpiration – i.e. they suck away moisture, leaving less for your garden plants. • Keep mulching and adding organic matter to your soil – not only is it food for earthworms and beneficial microorganisms, but it also becomes humus which can absorb up to twice its weight in water, thereby improving
GARDENING BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
the water-holding capacity of the soil.
Plant Selection Not only Succulents and Aloes are water wise plants – water wise plants can be classified as plants that only need little water to survive once established in the garden. A Few examples are; Agapanthus, Salvia and Gaura. Plants have developed a number of different adaptations to survive dry periods, including succulent leaves, stems or roots, grey foliage, tomentose (hairy), waxy or leathery leaves, or very extensive deep root systems. And some plants avoid the issue altogether and go dormant during the dry season
can create structure in the garden with tough evergreens such as Searsia lucida, S.crenata or Portulacaria afra. This will provide a foil for plants with grey foliage or leaves which go brown or curl up as part of their survival strategy. Using a natural palette of plants from your area, one can create beautiful contrasts of foliage colour and texture, without the need for watering. Making a garden that doesn’t need watering is both rewarding and extremely satisfying.
We found that most water-wise plants are sun-loving.
Mental shifts towards waterwise A key aspect of water-wise gardening is changing our expectations and embracing a more natural style of gardening. Instead of aspiring to artificial lushness and green lawns all year round, we can embrace the seasonal changes of colour and texture that are typical of the landscape we live in. The roadsides become festooned with waving brown grasses – instead of mowing these ‘weeds,’ we could enjoy their beauty and allow birds to eat the seed. Taking inspiration from the veld, one 13 ISSU E 5 • 2020
2020 • I SSUE 5 1 4
ESTATE WELLNESS NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
15 ISSU E 5 • 2020
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DECOR BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
LET’S TALK COLOUR!
Be inspired by
Colour
With summer on the way and spring in full bloom, we all feel a sense of revitalisation as we step out of our homes into the fresh air, and warmth that the summer months bring. Not only is nature around us budding forth new life we also tend to want to breath new life into our interiors. And what is the best way to make your home look like it’s had a major makeover with the lowest possible cost, you may ask… it’s simply changing up your colour palette. Colour is possibly one of the most important aspects of a design. From paint colour, to fabric and finishes, colour can influence how a person moves around a particular space, as well as what they may feel when they do so.
Neutral b
17 ISSU E 5 • 2020
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
Complementary colour scheme
Analogous colours Subtle palette
Neutral base
2020 • I SSUE 5 1 8
DECOR BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
Here are some designer tricks for well and result in a more casual, serene and picking the perfect colour palette. comfortable space. 1. Back to basics
4. Function of the space
The best way to approach an interior colour scheme is to keep the walls, floor finishes and larger pieces of furniture in a neutral colour palette to create your base and then layer your other colours on top of that using various coloured scatter cushions, throws, rugs and decor. By doing this you can always stay on trend by simply changing up your colour scheme with new scatters, throws and accessories every season without spending a lot of money. But remember just because you are choosing neutrals doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Using neutrals in various tones and shades will keep things interesting.
Another important aspect to consider is, What is the rooms function? Is it the main living area, dining area, or kitchen, where you spend family time together and entertain guests? Then you may want to select brighter hues, or bolder shades and tones to evoke a feeing of energy into the space. Or, are you selecting colours for a bedroom, bathroom or tv lounge? Then you might want you use softer more subtle colours, or take a colour from one of the living areas and tone it down a few shades when using it in these private spaces to create a restful, relaxing interior that you can unwind in.
2. Start with the colours you love Find a fabric, dress, painting, or even look to nature to draw some inspiration, and find a colour that you love, then start there. By using your favourite colour as your accent colour you can then build your colour scheme around that, and the end result will surely be something you absolutely love.
3. Use colour theory You don’t have to be an expert in colour theory to know how to use a colour wheel. With the use of a simple colour wheel you can quickly generate ideas for your colour scheme by seeing how colours relate to one another. By understanding the basics of colour theory you can be more intentional in creating an interior space that makes an impact, and evokes a particular emotion, vibe, or aesthetic. For example, using contrasting colours to your accent colour (colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel) you can create a complimentary colour scheme that results in a dynamic interior. These colour schemes usually demand attention, and bring energy into a space. However, using harmonious colours to your accent colour (colours that sit side by side on the colour wheel) you create an analogous colour scheme. These colours match
5. How to flow colour throughout your home Although each space and room should have its own unique character to define it, all the spaces should still look like they belong to the same home. You don’t want your interior to be disconnected, confusing and busy, but rather a cohesive home that creates an enjoyable experience as you move from room to room. Keeping the flooring similar from room to room, and flowing your ‘signature’ paint colour, or various shades thereof, throughout the home can result in a relaxing vibe and tie everything together. Each room can then have it’s own accent colours, or you can use the same accent colours throughout but in different amounts, shades, and tones. If you still feel nervous when approaching the decision of the correct colour scheme to select for your home, then it’s best to enlist the help of a professional who can help steer you in the right direction, and turn your home into a space that you will never want to leave
19 ISSU E 5 • 2020
DECOR BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
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ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
21 ISSU E 5 • 2020
Grilled Halloumi Salad
FOOD
BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
WITH WALNUTS & MUSTARD DRESSING
Serves: 1 INGREDIENTS * * * * *
3 strips halloumi cheese 3 slices baguette 45 g mixed salad leaves 10 g walnuts, roughly chopped 4 black olives, pitted and cut in half
DRESSING * 1 ml wholegrain mustard * 1 ml dijon mustard * 5 ml apple cider vinegar * Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste * 5 ml extra virgin olive oil * 10 ml water METHOD 1. Distribute the sliced halloumi between the baguette slices. Place on a baking sheet and set aside. 2. To make the dressing, combine the mustards, vinegar, seasoning, olive oil and water in a bowl or jar and stir or shake until well blended. Pour into a mixing bowl. 3. Add the mixed salad leaves, walnuts and olives to the bowl and toss lightly to combine with the dressing. (If preferred, serve the dressing on the side.) 4. Place the baguette slices under a pre-heated grill and cook for 3 – 5 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned. 5. Arrange the salad on a plate, top with the warm cheesy baguettes and serve immediately.
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ESTATE NEWS
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WELLNESS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
OVERCOMING FEAR AND ANXIETY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 By Dr Raoul Goldberg
In this stressful time of global pandemic, most of us have experienced some degree of fear and anxiety thanks to the overwhelming uncertainty and insecurity that COVID-19 has evoked in us. It is scientifically proven that fear and anxiety counteract healthy resilience and, when prolonged, will undermine the immune system. They are lethal emotions that can contribute to heart attacks, strokes and stomach ulcers, to name just a few anxietyrelated health issues. It is blatantly clear that an impaired immune system can place us in great danger during a disease outbreak such as this, as the evidence irrefutably points to immuno-compromised and elderly people as the most vulnerable demographic. The fear of the virus has led to an unprecedented, prolonged global lockdown that has subsequently resulted in secondary anxiety responses that only serve to further impact our immune systems. Anxieties of isolation, deprivation, loss, uncertainty, fake news and insecurity are all around us, but we cannot allow fear and stress to further weaken our immune systems.
UNDERSTANDING FEAR AND ANXIETY The first step in overcoming fear and anxiety is understanding how these feelings work. The more we know about them, the less power they will have over us. We can gain a superficial understanding by studying what experts have to say on the subject. According to Abnormal Psychology by David H. Barlow and V. Mark Durand, fear is a reaction to a specific observable danger, while anxiety is a more diffuse, continuous, imagined and usually future-oriented feeling of distress. Our own experience is, however, a far better tutor, and by engaging our reflective minds we are able to examine our own experiences with fear and anxiety. To start, simply think about an occasion when you were feeling particularly anxious about some aspect of the pandemic. As your mind 2020 • I SSUE 5 2 4
recalls the anxious experience, picture where you were when it happened, and then be mindful of the emotional response that it elicits within you. You may notice that your body responds by tightening muscles, holding the breath, speeding up your heart, and causing a dry mouth, to name a few. Then let go of this inner experience, and reflect on what you felt. You will probably notice both a bodily and an emotional response, which you may be able to describe quite clearly. Ask yourself what caused this response – was it an external or an internal trigger? If possible, name it. Why do the body and mind respond in this way? Do you remember other similar inner experiences? Your answers may lead you to the cause and effect of this specific stress syndrome. They may also lead you to discover the deeper meaning of your fear responses. You may find that fear is both the trigger and the response of the reflexive, adaptive body-mind, as this fear-induced stress can activate self-protective mechanisms that allow you to meet and survive threats. Or maybe you will realise that this experience is very familiar, and that it is the same response that has been there from early childhood.
THE FEAR AND ANXIETY STRESS SYNDROME The biological fight or flight response was first described in 1915 by neurologist and physiologist Walter B. Cannon. In 1936, Dr Hans Selye published his research on ‘General Adaptation Syndrome’, i.e. the body’s response to stress. Further research has explored the neuro-hormonal and immunological effects of the stress response and, over the past two
WELLNESS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
decades, psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology has conclusively linked the psychological dimension to these physiological responses. A psychological trigger such as an anxious thought, memory or perception, coupled with anxious emotional feelings about the threat to one’s security, induce a complex cascade of physiological reactions that involve the autonomic nervous system and a neuro-hormonal system called the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal axis. The all-inclusive biological and psychological human response to threatening demands and challenges is what we may call the stress syndrome. The one arm of the autonomic nervous system – the sympathetic nervous system – elicits the fight-flight reaction through the release of adrenalin from the adrenal gland which, moments later, also receives signals to secrete cortisol (sometimes know as ‘the stress hormone’). These two hormones - adrenalin and cortisol - have a far-reaching impact on the entire body, activating the alarm signals and adaptive responses needed to meet the stressor. The heart beats faster, blood pressure rises, breathing slows down and oxygen levels drop, the chest tightens, muscles become tense, the body cools down, blood sugar rises, and the immune system is on hyperalert. As your whole system gears up to meet the challenge and inflammatory chemicals are poured out to combat the threatening aggressor, your body is put under strain. When this adaptive state is sustained for a prolonged period of time, it becomes highly damaging to the body itself, and weakens the immune system. This is the perfect set-up for viral invasion, which thrives on poor respiration, low oxygen, hypothermia, raised blood sugar and an impaired immune system. But what is the aggressor in the case of anxiety? It is not the virus, but your own thoughts, memories, inner perceptions and emotional reactions. These are all self-imagined, self-harming, and unnecessary impairments to the immune system that only serve to increase the chance of infection.
MY JOURNEY WITH FEAR, ANXIETY AND THE STRESS SYNDROME I learned about the stress syndrome through my own experiences as an anxious child, and I have been exploring the effects of stress on the body and mind for over four decades as an integrative medical specialist. My special focus on child health, addictive patterns and the cancer syndrome led me to understand how critical the stress factor is in illness, and that fear and anxiety form a major component of many diseases. This journey opened many doors for my work, and encouraged me to investigate the management of stress through an integrative health perspective. This led to the development and practice of a psycho-medical modality called the PATH Method. The method empowers the participant to
access and manage inner self-harming emotions such as fear and anxiety by tapping into inner resources that can help to overcome these reactions. The easy-to-learn practice involves creating a partnership between the anxious part of one’s psyche and the stronger, compassionate other self that participates - with heightened awareness - in addressing, transforming and healing the stress-creating issues. Hence the name PATH – Participatory Awareness for Transformational Healing.
STRESS RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENTS There is an entire field of research devoted to searching for a comprehensive and valid stress assessment tool that would allow for the accurate determination of stress levels that could then be managed with a number of stress-reducing interventions. As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Path to Health Centre is offering a free Compassionate COVID Stress Assessment that will inform participants of their stress levels. If they appear high, a number of lifestyle interventions may be suggested to reduce stress.
STRESS-REDUCING PRACTICES & PROTOCOLS Daily exercise Sleep improvement Breathing exercises Meditation Mindfulness Creative pursuits Connecting with nature Supplements Botanicals Intravenous vitamin C infusions Dietary restrictions on inflammatory foods (e.g. refined sugar, alcohol, coffee and foods containing gluten or lectin) Mindfulness-based stress reduction programmes (such as the PATH Method) These tools and techniques can also be used for preventative strengthening of the immune system. MANAGING FEAR AND ANXIETY 25 ISSU E 5 • 2020
ESTATE NEWS WELLNESS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
By understanding and naming fear and anxiety, we have come one step closer to dealing with it effectively. Ultimately, the goal is to step away from the emotional experience of stress and tap into the part of ourselves that can approach anxiety-inducing problems in a logical, stable and calm way. It is essential to stay present and engaged with this logical part of ourselves if we are to manage our anxiety. We can now begin to interact with our new-found partner. Choose the role you want to play in order to guide and support the anxious self in whatever way seems appropriate: a wise counsellor, healer, mentor, friend, parent or protector. Practise becoming this resource, and stay connected to it throughout stressful times. We can intensify the partnership if we express our anxiety physically, and then step away from and visualise the image we have created in order to better understand our psyche. You can visit www.pathmethod.com to learn more about the strategy or book a session in which it is taught and supervised by a facilitator.
AB OUT THE AUTHOR Dr Raoul Goldberg graduated with his M.D. from Wits University in 1974, and was left with a desire to expand his knowledge and understanding of the full human existence and experience. He decided to continue his studies, and spent seven years training in integrative medical clinics in Switzerland. He has remained a life-long student of homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, botanical medicine, anthroposophical medicine and functional medicine. He is currently completing his PhD in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology (with a focus on the study of stress) through the California Institute of Integral Studies. He has authored articles for several health journals, and has published books on addictive behaviour and holistic human development. He is an active medical doctor at the Path to Health Centre in Cape Town, and supports patients all over the world through telemedicine. To find out more or get in touch, visit www.syringahealth.co.za or www.pathmethod.com.
THE GIFT OF FEAR AND ANXIETY While fear and anxiety have the potential to weaken the immune system and create a predisposition to serious illness, the process of overcoming these aggressive emotions has the ability to enhance the immune system, enabling one to deal more effectively with the transmission and infection of viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic has given us the opportunity to gain deep insight into the story of our fear and anxiety, and to find our inner power and resilience to transform these dangerous emotions into forces for compassion and courage. Through this, we can strengthen our immunity and ourselves, allowing us to move swiftly and safely into reconnecting with the world around us in a renewed, regenerated and purposeful way. 2020 • I SSUE 5 2 6
SA’s leading health retailer, Wellness Warehouse offers everything you need to live life well under one roof. Visit one of their 32 stores (and growing)nationwide or shop online to stock up on quality health supplements, organic and natural beauty products, real foods, eco home products and natural baby care, all offered with personal service and a 360° approach to health.
www.wellnesswarehouse.com
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER 99 BLUE R59.99
Clearish, your online solution to cleaning, is a company established earlier this year with the purpose of redefining your cleaning experience. With our head office situated in Gauteng, we are already establishing a nation-wide footprint in order to make it as easy as ever to gain access to our products. We know that cleaning is not the most enjoyable activity and is the reason why our products are formulated to make your next cleaning expedition effortless. We do not only offer a wide range of products, but most of our cleaning chemicals are Food Grade and SABS approved, giving you peace-of-mind when applying your favourite Clearish product in your house, office, car or warehouse.
HAND & SURFACE SANITIZER R69.99
We invite you to visit our website, www.clearish.co.za, to view the extensive descriptions of these impactful products we offer (Most products are also available in 5L and 25L). We know that after using Clearish, you would not want to use anything else to clean your home, office, car or warehouse.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A CLEAN START +27 (0)82 263 7063 info@clearish.co.za Situated in Gauteng, South Africa www.clearish.co.za
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LIFESTYLE GARDENING | THE BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
HERB GARDEN
FOR HAPPY PETS by healthyliving-herbs.co.za
Herbs are just as beneficial for animals as they are for people. There are herbs that act as tonics, keep the skin healthy, repel fleas, aid digestion, get rid of worms and even give them a ‘high’, like catnip and cat mint! Cats and dogs not only share our gardens, they actually use them more than we do! So why not create a herb garden, or a corner in the herb garden that gives them pleasure as well?
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WELLNESS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
Having observed my own pets interacting with the garden, I would like to suggest the following elements for a pet friendly corner.
morning for a nibble. These grasses have nutritional value, benefit the digestive system and can act as a purgative.
Many cats also enjoy Herbs for pleasure that catmint (Nepeta they like to eat (and are mussinii) and Nepeta x good for them). faassenii‘Alba’ a white flowered version that they Herbs that provide shade also chew. It does affect and shelter. This meets some cats but not to the your pet’s need for same extent as catnip private, cool places where (Nepeta cataria). Catmint they can sleep or hide, is a beautiful garden plant especially cats. These with aromatic grey leaves should be large bushy and spikes of mauve herbs that also have flowers that attract bees. therapeutic properties. Catnip requires special Water in bowls or shallow treatment and the best ponds, or trickling way to preserve catnip is fountains, from which they to make a hanging kitty can drink. basket. Herbs for shade and shelter such as large bushy perennial herbs like rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and lavender. Both are excellent flea repellents and an infusion Flowering herbs for can be used to wash or aesthetic purposes as well spray the coat. Other as to attract pollinators herbs that repel fleas are such as butterflies and pyrethrum, tansy, catnip, bees. and penny royal. Herbs for health which include tonic herbs that maintain health as well as those with a specific action, such as repelling fleas or reducing worms.
An old log or branch that dogs can jump over and cats can use as a scratching post.
Herbs for health cover a huge range and your selection should be based on the needs of your pet:
Herbs for pleasure include Cat grass (Dactylusglomerata) and Dog grass Spartinapectinata) that your pets will visit every
Herbal remedies should always be used with caution, and this applies as much to animals as it does with people. Always consult the vet first if
Catnip
Rosemary
Parsley 29 ISSU E 5 • 2020
WELLNESS BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
there is a problem Make sure the herb is correctly identified by its botanical name and do your homework with regard to the correct dosages. As with people herbs are most effective when used as a preventative measure or to build health.
and oregano. Add small amounts of the chopped fresh leaves to food once a week.
Digestive herbs include fennel and mint, especially Peppermint (Menthapiperita), which can be used in small quantities to provide digestive support to both dogs and cats. It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and also soothes the nervous system which is important when animals are feeling anxious.
Good to know: Louis van Aswegen from Healthy Living Herbs (also an animal lover) recommends using fresh herbs, finely chopped up and sprinkled in small amounts over the food or added to gravies for the dogs. Sprinkles provide a small amount of the herb in its entirety and this is likely to enhance the body’s balance yet does not contain enough active chemical substances to be toxic.
Skin care herbs are calendula, thyme, chamomile, lavender and gotu kola. They can be used internally and externally to keep the General tonic herbs coat and skin healthy and include parsley, comfrey reduce irritation. Make a leaves, pennywort, borage herb tea and put it into and yarrow. A weekly dose a plant mister and lightly of one tonic herb should spray onto the affected be part of their general area. Unlike greasy health maintenance ointments or salves, it is routine. less likely to be licked off.
Arthritis and inflammation generally affects older pets and the herbs that can help that are feverfew, comfrey leaves, celery, parsley and yarrow. Add chopped up herbs in small quantities to the food. Worms and parasites can be minimised by usingyarrow, thyme 2020 • I SSUE 5 3 0
Lavendar
Mint
Chamomile
If there is resistance to fresh herbs, make a mild herb tea using one teaspoon to one tablespoon of freshly chopped herbs to one cup of boiled water. Let the tea cool to room temperature and pour it over the food.
Oregano
ESTATE NEWS BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
V
isit Stellenbosch launches initiative to drive swift recovery of local business
• Support Stellenbosch rewards locals and visitors for supporting local business • Initiative will stimulate town’s tourism economy and preserve jobs Stellenbosch, 3 September – Tackling the revival and swift recovery of the tourism sector in times of COVID-19 and beyond with characteristic ingenuity, Jeannneret Momberg, CEO Visit Stellenbosch Stellenbosch is embarking on a range of initiatives aimed at supporting local business, driving demand to be affected by the lockdown and resulting lack of and inspiring locals to experience and share their patronage,” explains Jeannneret Momberg, CEO town the same way a tourist would. Visit Stellenbosch, the town’s official Destination Marketing Organisation. Few towns in South Africa have tackled the challenges that have arisen as a result of COVID-19 Endorsed by the Stellenbosch Municipality, as innovatively and collaboratively as Stellenbosch Stellenbosch University, Cape Winelands District has. Stellenbosch residents and businesses have Municipality and Wesgro, the innovative Support stood together in solidarity and found novel solutions, Stellenbosch campaign calls on residents to whether through the establishment of Stellenbosch support local business, experience Stellenbosch as Unite to feed vulnerable communities or rolling out tourists, and inspire their networks to discover what one of the first travel readiness campaigns in sub- Stellenbosch has to offer, in times of COVID-19 and Saharan Africa, Stellenbosch Ready. beyond. “As an extension of Visit Stellenbosch’s initiatives, Support Stellenbosch has been created to inspire locals to support local and stimulate our town’s economy and pave the way for its swift recovery. To that end, we are extending this solidarity to support our restaurants and tourism businesses that continue
Support Stellenbosch initiatives include an online directory of restaurants, accommodation and experiences which are Stellenbosch Ready, having adopted Visit Stellenbosch’s safety and hygiene protocols, endorsed by the World Travel & Tourism Council. 31 ISSU E 5 • 2020
LIFESTYLE BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
“On Saturday, 5 September, we kick off a Support Stellenbosch month with a fresh new rewards campaign where locals and visitors will receive a voucher to the value of 50% of what they spend (for transactions of R200 or more), redeemable through SnapScan at any participating restaurant within the campaign period (capped at a maximum of R400). There are also special travel packages, accommodation and experience discounts,” explains Momberg. There’s never been a better time to visit Stellenbosch, she adds. “There are incredible Support Stellenbosch deals to be enjoyed: from wine blending, horse riding through the vineyards and discounted wine-pairing experiences across Stellenbosch’s award-winning wine region, to art walks and guided cycle tours.” “Spend the night at one of our participating accommodation establishments, from 5-star luxury at Wedgeview Country House and Spa, family friendly Eendracht Hotel and Apartements, and value-filled Klein Akkerdraai. Indulge in foodie heaven at a number of incredible restaurants across the greater Stellenbosch region. From De Warenmarkt to Delaire Graff, The Fat Butcher to Hussar Grill, restaurants are ready to showcase the warm heart and hospitality of Stellenbosch not only in the Winelands but also in the town’s historic centre,” adds Momberg.
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The town’s wildly successful Stellenbosch on Stage series will continue with a performance by Stellenbosch University Alumni on 24 September - featuring Laurika Rauch, Stuart Taylor, Sunday Kelechi and Jan Braai. Besides access to the event, ticket holders will receive a R100 voucher to be redeemed at participating Stellenbosch businesses. Finally, Support Stellenbosch will include a special Showcase of the town for locals in the last weekend in September, October and November, providing locals with special offers.
“This astounding show of support among Stellenbosch accommodation, experiences and restaurants to revive the town’s tourism economy is an incredible example of what one town can do when it comes together behind the common goal of making it safe and easy for guests to visit. This really is a first for South Africa. There’s nothing we like more than hosting friends in Stellenbosch. This initiative gives us an opportunity to do just that,” concludes Momberg.
LIFESTYLE BLUE H I LLS E qu e st r i a n E st a t e
List of Participating Restaurants, Experiences and Accommodation. The list of participating restaurants, experiences and accommodation is expected to grow. Make sure to check out our website, www.visitstellenbosch.org, and our social media pages for regular updates. RESTAURANTS
EXPERIENCES
ACCOMMODATION
Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar Bellevue Delaire Graff Estate | Indochine Restaurant Delaire Graff Estate | Delaire Graff Restaurant De Warenmarkt Eike By Bertus Basson Genki Jordan The Bakery Kunjani Longridge Longtable Middelvlei ‘Boerebraai’ Overture Restaurant Pink Valley Spek & Bone Spier Hotel Restaurant The Vine Bistro Vadas Smokehouse
Adventureshop Stellenbosch Art on Foot Avontuur Estate BaileyZA Exclustive Tours & Travels Blaauwklippen Clos Malverne Pty Ltd Haskell Vineyards Horse Riding at Pink Geranium Lanzerac L’Avenir Wine estate Leo Promotions Middelvlei Wines Peter Falke Wines Stellenbosch on Foot Thelema Vine Hopper Yonder Hille Wines
10 Alexander B&B 22 Die Laan Guest House 5 Seasons Guesthouse Baruch Guesthouse Bonne Esperance Guest House Coopmanhuis Boutique Hotel & Spa De Hoek Manor Eendracht Hotel Eikendal Lodge Evergreen Manor & Spa Klein Akkerdraai Lodge Lanzerac Life & Leisure Majeka House Oude Werf Hotel River Manor Boutique Hotel Rivierbos Guest House Roosenwijn Guest House Stellenbosch Hotel Twice Central Guesthouse
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ESTATE NEWS
COMMON SNAKES OF JHB/PRETORIA
BLUE H I L L S E q u e strian Estate
Johannesburg and Pretoria have a great variety of snakes with most of them not considered dangerous. Two species can inflict painful bites while five species can be considered very dangerous. Painful bite, but does not require antivenom
VERY DANGEROUS Rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus)
Bibron’s Stiletto Snake (Atractaspis bibronii) Photo Warren Dick
Snouted Cobra - banded phase (Naja annulifera)
Not dangerous to humans
VERY DANGEROUS Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica) Photo Martin Smit
Rhombic Night Adder (Causus rhombeatus)
Herald or Red-lipped Snake (Crotaphopeltis hotamboeia)
M I L D LY VENOMOUS Spotted Skaapsteker (Psammophylax rhombeatus)
HARMLESS
HARMLESS Aurora House Snake (Lamprophis aurora)
JOHAN MARAIS is the author of various books on reptiles including the best-seller A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa. He is a popular public speaker and offers a variety of courses including Snake Awareness, Scorpion Awareness and Venomous Snake Handling. Johan is accredited by the International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS) and is a Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) and Travel Doctor-approved service provider. His courses are also accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Johan Marais | African Snakebite Institute +27 82 494 2039 | johan@asiorg.co.za
www. AFRICANSNAKEBITEINSTITUTE .com 2020 • I SSUE 5 3 4
VERY DANGEROUS Puff Adder (Bitis arietans arietans)
M I L D LY VENOMOUS
DANGEROUS
M I L D LY VENOMOUS Short-snouted Grass Snake (Psammophis brevirostris)
HARMLESS
VERY DANGEROUS
DANGEROUS
Brown House Snake (Boaedon capensis)
M I L D LY VENOMOUS Not thought to be harmful
DANGEROUS
HARMLESS Bibron’s Blind Snake (Afrotyphlops bibronii )
HARMLESS
HARMLESS Rhombic Egg-eater (Dasypeltis scabra)
Common Brown Water Snake (Lycodonomorphus rufulus) Photo Tyrone Ping
M I L D LY VENOMOUS Black-headed Centipede-eater (Aparallactus capensis)
CAN INFLICT A NASTY BITE Mole Snake (Pseudaspis cana)
© Johan Marais African Snakebite Institute
VERY DANGEROUS Has caused human fatalities
EMERGENCY PROTOCOL IN THE EVENT OF A SNAKE BITE 1 Keep the victim calm, immobilized and transport the victim to the closest hospital without delay. 2 If the victim stops breathing, resort to artificial respiration or make use of a Bag Valve Mask. 3 Call the Poison Information Centre helpline for further advice: 0861 555 777.
DO NOT ... apply a tourniquet. ... cut and suck the wound. ... use ice or very hot water. ... give the victim alcohol. ... apply electric shock. ... inject antivenom randomly. Antivenom (if required) must be administered by a doctor in a hospital environment.
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