Azzsa by megustamenearlo

or eous

SUMMER

style

Laid-back beach houses Decorating with white Refresh your home with indoor plants

WIN A GETAWAY WORTH R50 000

HOT IDEAS FOR BRAAI AREAS

GARDEN DESIGN ADVICE FROM

Keith Kirsten JANUARY2020 R41,50 (Incl. VAT) Other countries R36,09 (Excl. Tax)

plus

THE BEST GROUNDCOVERS GROWING VEGGIES IN SMALL SPACES GARDENING RESOLUTIONS TO MAKE AND KEEP

46 12

contents

JANUARY 2020 decorating 6 10

TREND SPOTTING: COASTING

THE GRILL AND THE GLORY

HOME FRONT What’s

ALONG Unwind with a classic

Make the most of summer

happening on the decor scene?

mix of blue and white

with these great ideas for

INSPIRATIONS: CATCH THE

braai areas

ARCHITECT’S PLAN:

BEACHSIDE BLISS A KZN

TRADE WINDS Make believe

holiday home that makes the

you’re in the tropics

best of its stunning location

PARADISE FOUND A coastal

Indigenous Cape garden

80 84

HOT STUFF Essential

from Keith Kirsten’s latest book

FINE DINING A stylish

Cover photograph: Paradise Found, page 18 Photograph: Luxury Coastal Escapes/Chris Allan

SIX GARDENING

dining room created from

RESOLUTIONS TO MAKE AND

contemporary decor

an unused thoroughfare

KEEP Stick to the basics and

THIS MONTH’S GOOD IDEA

your garden will ﬂourish

ON THE SEASHORE A tired

Hang up a hammock

into a glorious retreat

GETTING IT RIGHT An extract

home in KZN featuring

Kommetjie cottage transformed

SPREADING THE LOVE Some of the best groundcovers

braai accessories

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE An

GARDEN NOTES Garden news and debuts

A SUMMER PLACE A log cabin

gardening

in Scarborough becomes a

I GREW IT MYSELF Clever

THE GREEN ROOM:

ways to grow veggies in a

sophisticated beach house

SOUNDS FABULOUS

small space

10 TOP DECOR TRENDS FOR

Extend the festive mood

2020 Design predictions for the

outdoors with the

veggie garden’s bounty for

coming year

right speakers

months to come

MUST LOVE PLANTS Indoor

ROSES AND PEACOCKS

plant specialist Chantal de Kock

A whimsical garden

decorates with indoor plants

in the Drakensberg

BEYOND THE PALE Fabulous

100 WELL PRESERVED Enjoy your

AROMA THERAPY Fragrant

ON THE COVER ways to decorate with white

summer blooms

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

80 66 96

food & travel

104 MAKING MERRY Lisa Finkelstein hosts a summer lunch

112 BON APPETIT What’s new in the world of food and wine

promotions & offers 87

114 LAZY DAYS Two easy dishes ideal for alfresco dining

Nancy Richards steps out on a

stretch of the Camino

collecting antiques

PORCELAIN AND PAPER

COMPETITION Win

Cheryl Malone’s

a three-night stay for

vessels and drawings

two at Imbali Safari

118 THE PORTUGUESE ROUTE

regulars

127 DIRECTORY AND

Lodge worth R49 482

COURSES Good shopping

SUBSCRIPTION

guide and short courses

OFFER Sign up

128 LAST WORD ON STYLE

now and save 35%

TV host and cookbook

on your 12-month

author Lorna Maseko

subscription

shares her favourite things

122 COLLECTING WITH… Peter Arnot shares his model ENJOY DAIRY AGAIN aeroplane collection

124 TREASURE CHEST How

Looking for a lactose-free milk? See page 116

much are your collectables worth?

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

READERS’ QUERIES 087 158 0279 or e-mail gardenhome@caxton.co.za EDITOR Mary Jane Harris PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Mandy Buchholz 087 158 0279 ART DIRECTOR Geoff Maher geoffm@caxton.co.za 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 COPY EDITOR Marianne McDonald marianne.malone@caxton.co.za DIGITAL EDITOR Khanyi Mlaba khanyim@caxton.co.za EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Juliette Arrighi de Casanova, Natalie Boruvka, Jane Griffiths, Connall Oosterbrook, Tess Paterson, Nancy Richards, Anne Schauffer, Alice Spencer-Higgs, Jo Trappitt, Diana Wemyss, Lyn Woodward, Lynne Yates 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) 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.

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THE BIG

easy he January issue is one of the last we have to produce before we can take a break over Christmas. And in the hot, dry months leading up to the print deadline, you could hear each one of us sighing with pleasure as we gazed at the gorgeous photographs of the beach houses in this issue. The views of Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay from the Kommetjie house on page 26 are quite breathtaking and the house itself is the quintessential whitewashed beach cottage with laid-back decor that has you instantly relaxed. Just a few kilometres down the coast is Scarborough where the stunning renovation of a timber home (featured on page 34) had us oohing and aahing. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint and new contemporary decor can achieve. As I’m from Durban and spent many beach holidays on both the north and south coasts, close to my heart is the stylishly decorated Umdloti home on page 18. With views of the Indian Ocean, framed by the typical coastal bush, it has everything you could wish for in a beach house from towelling-covered loungers to a kitchen that opens onto a balcony overlooking the sea. While the purpose of featuring these amazing houses is to take you on an inspiring virtual holiday from the comfort of your own home, you can even experience two of them first hand. They’re available to rent when the owners are not in residence, see the contact details on each feature. As it’s not only the start of a new year, but a new decade, we asked some leading design experts to tell us what we can expect decor-wise in the coming year. Indienne prints, Art Deco-inspired furniture and even a hark back to the ’80s with a touch of disco are just some of this year’s trends, featured on page 42. Another global trend is the return of indoor plants and on page 46, plant specialist Chantal de Kock demonstrates just how effectively they can be used to decorate and update a home and create a calming, healthy environment. Her dogs Ghost and Mo, who posed beautifully for the photographs, obviously agree. Whether you’re going away or relaxing at home this holiday season, the GH team joins me in wishing you all a peaceful, prosperous 2020.

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Landscape designer Carrie Latimer won a bronze at the recent South African Landscape Institute awards for this nat urallooking Cape garden. See more on pag e 76.

At this time of the year, there’s nothing nicer than spending time with friends outdoors. Have a look at how cleverly a Jo’burg couple transformed a corner of their garden into the perfect entertaining space on page 54.

Whether you’re experiencing floods or drought, groundcovers are extremely useful in the garden, smothering weeds and minimising evaporation and erosion. You’ll find some of the best on page 80.

If anyone knows how to throw a party, it’s Lisa Finkelstein, head of marketing for a premium drinks company. We can’t wait to try her recipes for a lazy lunch on page 104.

If you’re in need of a break, just feast your eyes on the beautiful views from the beach cottage on page 26.

Turn your home into a smart home with the V-Home Hub. Wirelessly connect a wide range of smart devices and make them work together to help you keep a close eye on your home and the things you love, wherever you are.

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Prepaid R49PM subscription

R169PMx24 Contract including subscription

Why choose V-Home by Vodacom? • It’s easy to set up and use • You can keep tabs on your home from your smartphone • You’ll be alerted immediately by an alarm about any intrusions • You can enjoy a smarter monitored home For more product information visit www.vodacom.co.za/v-home Standard terms and conditions apply. All Contract deals are subject to signing a 24-month Vodacom Contract and a once-off SIM and connection fee of R204 on all new Contracts. VAT inclusive. E&OE. Visit voda.com/v-sim for more information. For full terms and conditions, visit vodacom.co.za

JHB 21295

Be at home even when you are not

Home FRONT

NATURAL LINES

VIBRANT VELVETS We love the sophisticated feel of these luxurious, printed velvet scatters. Featuring bold hand-painted artwork by Lucy Jane Turpin, they’re bound to add a glamorous note to any setting. Designed and made in SA, they’re R960 at wanderland.co.za

Architectural elements meet the subtleties of nature in Momentum 6 – the new wallpaper collection from Harlequin. Striking and glamorous, the organic forms and bold patterns are captured in the hues of the natural world. Available from Black Fabrics. blackfabrics.co.za

Kashmir COOL GP&J Baker’s new Coromandel collection is a celebration of Indienne textiles. The range includes beautiful botanicals, Kashmir paisleys and scenic prints – all drawn with a delicate hand in shades of indigo, tobacco and green. Available from St Leger & Viney. stleger.co.za

STYLE MADE SIMPLE Minimalist simplicity for maximum impact is the aim of Antidote furniture designer Gareth Henderson of GIH Studio in Durban. “Our furniture range is designed to be an addition to your spaces – one that delivers on a certain demand for the look and feel of expensive furniture, but that’s cost effective and local,” he says. antidoteco.co.za

COMPILED BY TESS PATERSON, CANDICE BOTHA AND JULIETTE ARRIGHI DE CASANOVA PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

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

SCANDI Style SofaCompany South Africa has added a range of Scandi-inspired homeware to its product line. Curated in three themes – Quintessential, Contemporary and Reﬁned, expect an abundance of light woods, natural ﬁbres and handmade objets. Items range from scatters and artwork to rugs, glassware and lighting. za.sofacompany.com

THE PERFECT SHADE Cemcrete’s CemCote has added five new colours to its range of pigmented wall coverings. Durable and versatile, the cement-based, two-coat system produces a 1,5mm smooth decorative finish. Suitable for indoors and out, CemCote can be applied on walls, countertops and showers. cemcrete.co.za

DINING Out Planning a getaway to Cape Town? A visit to the beautifully revamped Mint Restaurant and Terrace is a must. Located at the luxurious Taj Cape Town in St George’s Mall, the new-look eatery has an expanded outdoor terrace and stunning new interior space. Expect an airy, contemporary feel, gorgeous lighting and executive chef David Tilly’s sought-after menu. Call 021 819 2000 or e-mail restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com

MEDITERRANEAN MIX The new Sole Mix Luc tile range from Italtile features 37 colourful designs based on traditional majolica ware. The glossy porcelain wall tiles evoke the bright shades of the Mediterranean – ideal for feature walls and backsplashes. italtile.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

Designer’s FAVOURITE “My favourite design-driven store is Private Collections in Cape Town,” says interior designer Danela Conti. “They source many of their architectural elements and furniture from India. Every time I’m in the store, the romance and nostalgia of India come alive. They know their products too, which always makes for an educational experience.” danelaconti.com; privatecollections.co.za

NEW HOME

Modern MIX Coricraft has collaborated with Home Fabrics and Hertex (pictured) to bring added variety to your choice of furniture. From graphic patterns and floral embroidery to contemporary plains, the options are fresh and on trend. coricraft.co.za

Homewood has found a new home in the Beacon Rock building in the bustling Umhlanga village, KZN, with a light-ﬁlled and airy showroom that’s the ideal space to display their range of stylish, locally made timber furniture. homewood.co.za

WHAT’S ON

THE RIGHT MOVES

11 DECEMBER – END JANUARY Discoveries from Africa If you’re in the Plett area these holidays, don’t miss this fair at The White House, 6 Crescent Street. The handcrafted, contemporary designs include jewellery, photography, ceramics and furniture from across the continent. whitehousevenue.co.za

Constantia Interiors, which offers a full interior design service ranging from soft makeovers to full-scale renovations, has recently moved to the hub of Chelsea Village in Newlands, Cape Town. Whether you’re looking for custom furniture, flooring or lighting, you’ll find them at 7b Wolfe Street. constantiainteriors.com

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

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SAFEhouse Guide to 40 81 o.za 6 39 a.c .za 11 ses a.co u s 27 + feho use l: sa eho Te f @ fo .sa in w ww

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Tel: +27 11 396 8140 info@safehousesa.co.za www.safehousesa.co.za

ALBERTON

ARCHITECT’S PLAN

BEACHSIDE bliss Built on the footprint of the original house, this KZN holiday home makes the most of its stunning location

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

AT A GLANCE THE ARCHITECT Laurianne Steere of Laurianne Steere Architects in KZN. THE CLIENTS A syndicate made up of families who live all over South Africa and meet here for holidays . THE BRIEF A holiday home with spacious, flexible living areas, seven bedrooms and plenty of parking. THE HOUSE A seven-bedroom home with an open-plan kitchen, two dining areas, living room and TV area all opening onto a deck. Outside is a heated rim-flow pool, braai and covered patio. There is a separate scullery and staff quarters.

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS LUXURY COASTAL ESCAPES/ CHRIS ALLAN

he setting at Sheffield Beach on the KZN North Coast was perfect for a holiday home – right on the beach with beautiful views of the sea – but the dated cottage was a little on the small side. “It was virtually the only grassy site like this along the entire stretch of coastline,” recalls architect Laurianne Steere, who was asked to design a contemporary house on the original footprint of the cottage. The brief was for a home with seven bedrooms, flexible open-plan living spaces and lots of parking. No build comes without its challenges and, in this case, it was managing the groundwater and working around the very steep driveway. “By creating a level, retained parking platform at the top of the slope, we solved those issues and introduced the idea of entering the house on the first floor,” she says. Laurianne incorporated a series of timber and steel pergolas on the exterior. “They serve to visually connect a relatively monolithic building with the

This house is available for rent through Luxury Coastal Escapes. luxurycoastalescapes.com/sheffieldviews

sea, sky and garden,â&#x20AC;? she notes. They also diffuse light and provide protection from the harsh sun and along with thick, insulated west walls, double glazing, concrete floors and cross ventilation, assist with the passive cooling of the house. Simplicity was important and Laurianne included timeless elements such as sliding aluminium windows with stone-grey frames, whitewashed timberlook floor tiles in the bedrooms, polished concrete floors in the living area, an open steel staircase with glass balustrades and high, off-shutter concrete ceilings. The contemporary, uncluttered aesthetic extends to the decor where natural textures and soft grey shades make for stylish spaces. To enhance the indoor-outdoor flow and emphasise the view of the sea, the rim-flow pool was raised to the level of the deck. Frameless glass doors allow the entire ground floor to open up completely and connect to the outdoor areas. A built-in braai, covered patio space and deck leading to the lawn and beach beyond complete a versatile indoor-outdoor living space that encourages complete relaxation. SOURCE Laurianne Steere Architects lauriannesteere.com

GET THIS PLAN ONLINE

Ground floor

Visit gardenandhome.co.za and click on Decor then Architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Plans.

kitchen pool living area

bed laundry bed 7 bed 2

staff

bed 3 bed 4

bed 6 parking deck

First floor

bed 5

garage

CREATIVE SPIRIT

Porcelain AND PAPER Tell us about your background. I studied fine art in the 1980s, but it was while living in London in 1988 that I attended Mo Abdalla’s ceramics classes. He suggested porcelain after seeing the earthenware work l had done years previously. Porcelain can be a challenging medium, what drew you to it? I found the medium compelling in terms of my preferred method of construction, with coils on a pinched base. The translucency adds another dimension to the work as the drawings on the inner and outer surfaces can be seen simultaneously. What inspires your use of colour and line? While porcelain fired to high temperatures is extremely strong, the thin walls of the vessels have a paper-like quality to them, so

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

it was an obvious choice to begin drawing on the curved, threedimensional bisqued forms. The result was a graphic interpretation of the rhythmic pattern of the coil-forming process. The colour is fully integrated, because oxides are wedged into the porcelain body before coiling, making the stratified layers visible in the finished vessel. In some series, the resulting horizontal bands appear in conjunction with the vertical drawings. How do your vessels and drawings inform each other? Although the concept is similar, it’s important to me to be true to the medium I’m working in – a vessel is a three-dimensional working surface, but I wanted to acknowledge the two-dimensional

nature and hard edges of the sheet of paper. Using the straight lines of a layered pyramid as seen from above as my starting point, I began my freehand drawing series. Incrementally, curves appeared out of the strong right angles and counter diagonals in a way that felt natural. The drawings have gone through an evolution, first on the vessels, then paper and have now progressed to a significantly larger scale. Which aspect of your work are you most happy with? I feel that in both the porcelain work and the drawing series I have realised an interwoven quality. SOURCE Cheryl Malone cherylmaloneceramics.com

TEXT MARIANNE MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED

Cape Town artist Cheryl Malone has developed a synergy between her porcelain vessels and works on paper

TREND SPOTTING 2

4 3

Coasting Relax and unwind with a seaside-inspired mix of blue, white and natural textures

9 8

1. Shutter door cabinet, R23 900, Cécile & Boyd. 2. Palmer natural mirror, R3 490, SHF. 3. Pendant 4, from R2 242, 8° South. 4. Wood and metal ladder, R1 974, Mavromac & Gatehouse. 5. Time Out rug, R3 700, HAUS. 6. White Bamileke stool, POR, Mavromac & Gatehouse. 7. Madara outdoor scatter cushion, R349, Coricraft. 8. Block-print V scatter, R495, Weylandts. 9. Cape three-seater sofa, R18 995, Block & Chisel. SOURCES 8° South eightdegreessouth.com Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Cécile & Boyd cecileandboyds.com Coricraft coricraft.co.za HAUS hertexhaus.co.za Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za SHF shf.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za

JANUARY 2020 | 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 2.

ALONG

CATCH THE

trade winds

Featured here are fabrics and wallpaper from The Glasshouse range from Sanderson, available from Black Fabrics.

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS SHOPPING MANDY BUCHHOLZ PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

This combination of cane furniture, cool green shades and leafy prints will make you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the tropics. Now all you need is a Mai Tai

INSPIRATIONS Woven furniture is all the rage at the moment and this wicker Plantation Siwa chair, R3 870, from The Private House Company would suit this style perfectly.

EXPERT TIPS

Set the relaxed mood with a natural rug like this 180 x 270cm option, R2 000, from MRP Home. As a contrast to leafy prints, introduce scatter cushions in a small geometric fabric. Lesego outdoor cushion, R999, @home.

Stephen Black, owner of Black Fabrics, shares his tips on combining patterns Ensure that there is a unifying element linking the different fabrics. This could be colour or theme. For example, if your theme is tropical, as in this room, choose two patterns that reflect this, such as the palm-leaf designs shown here. Keep the scale of the patterns in mind; use a large-scale design with a smaller one that has a complementary nature to create a connection, yet still have a little differentiation. Look for brands like Sanderson that have coordinating wallpapers and fabrics. Use one of the fabrics to treat the windows and a wallpaper on the walls. They are designed to work together, so the effect is harmonious, but exciting.

Add a rustic element with a timber coffee table. Namib coffee table, R4 500, MRP Home.

Establish an instant tropical look with potted plants. Potted grass in cement pot, R549, @home and Parlour palm, R550 (excl. basket), Plantify.

Nothing says the tropics like a palm-leaf design. Greenwood Botanical Green fabric, R562,35/m, Mavromac & Gatehouse.

Up the design factor with a feature wall in a romantic wallpaper such as Hampton Trellis, R1 400/10m roll, from Sandersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Glasshouse collection from Black Fabrics.

Baskets complement this look perfectly, so use them as containers for pot plants. Iringa basket, R795, Block & Chisel.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Black Fabrics blackfabrics.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za MRP Home mrphome.com Plantify plantify.co.za The Private House Company privatehouseco.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

Paradise

WHO LIVES HERE Leslie Slater who lives in Ballito and holidays here, often joined by her children and their families.

THE HOUSE A double storey in Umdloti, KZN, with three en suite bedrooms on the ground floor. A lift takes you up to the first floor, which houses the main en suite bedroom, a guest bedroom/study, the open-plan living areas and kitchen. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a veranda, covered patio, bar and swimming pool.

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS LUXURY COASTAL ESCAPES/CHRIS ALLAN

FOUND

At this KZN seaside home with its contemporary coastal decor and expansive sea views, relaxing is inevitable

KZN BEACH HOUSE

As the doors can be folded back completely, the living area seamlessly connects to the courtyard. The cushions are in Ralph Lauren fabrics from St Leger & Viney and from markets in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The painting is by Philip Briel.

This house is available for holiday rentals and sale through Luxury Coastal Escapes luxurycoastalescapes.com/ southbeachroad

hen Leslie and John Slater decided to build their dream seaside home, they were prepared to wait for the right property to come along. “We liked the gentle, relaxed lifestyle of Umdloti, just a few kilometres north of Durban, and couldn’t believe our luck when we found the ideal site just across the road from the beach at exactly the right time,” recalls Leslie. “The original cottage was very old and run down and definitely not salvageable in terms of what we were trying to

Glass balustrades ensure that the view from the terrace is uninterrupted. The patio furniture from Mobelli Furniture + Living is covered in practical white towelling. By cladding the passage from the entrance to the lift in mirror, it feels much lighter and larger. A driftwood sculpture by Bryan Cusack makes a striking focal point. Custom-made wallpaper featuring family photographs adds personality to the bar alongside the covered patio. The kitchen opens onto a balcony overlooking the beach. A skylight emphasises the crisp combination of white cabinetry and timber countertops. THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

achieve, so it had to be demolished,” she says. Their aim was to make the most of the setting and the sea views and ensure that while there was space for their children and their families, it would still feel cosy when it was just the two of them. “As architecture was his passion, my late husband John designed the house and worked closely with an architect who put his ideas and drawings into formal plans. The idea was to create an easy living space that was open and light. We didn’t want big, empty, closed-up rooms, so we designed what was essentially a large one-bedroom

apartment with the master bedroom, bathroom and living spaces upstairs and the guest bedrooms and service areas downstairs.” The relaxed coastal vibe extends to the interior design. Large windows frame views of the sea and there’s a distinct THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

In the main bedroom, built-in bookshelves surround the bed leaving the rest of the space clutter free. White shutters by Aesthetics Shutters and Blinds give privacy while still revealing the view. The main bathroom incorporates a dressing room, and large windows and a glass roof give the impression that you’re outdoors.

African influence as a result of Kenyanborn Leslie’s love for that country. “The African East Coast is in my blood and I adore African design in the form of prints, art, weaves, natural textures and keeping things simple,” she says.

Bold blue and white stripes make a good contrast to the headboard covered in Delicious Monsters’ fabric in the guest bedroom. Practical touches in this guest bathroom include a wall-mounted magazine rack, a table on castors for toiletries and a rail in the shower. The bathroom fixtures are from Richmond and the painting is by Peter Hager. By layering artwork, ceramics and antiques, Leslie has given each room a personal feel. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

The blue and white palette and tropical touches have a coastal chic aesthetic that’s both classic and modern – something that Leslie planned deliberately. “I wanted to include our treasured antiques as well as some of our art, but I also wanted the style to be contemporary,” she says explaining why The decked floor, slatted roof and plethora of potplants on the covered patio blur the boundaries between indoors and out. A fireplace ensures that it’s a cosy spot all year round. The hanging chair is from Weylandts. The pool area was designed to resemble a tropical resort complete with beach sand and palm trees. A glass wall protects the area from the wind while still revealing the view beyond. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Get the look Recreate the tropical look of this outdoor entertaining area in your home Hanging pod chair, R5 980, Esque.

Yarndye Double Stripe scatter in navy, R199,99, MRP Home.

SHOPPING CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

Shanghai coffee table, R15 195, Block & Chisel.

she combined the dining room table with a bamboo server and an antique writing desk with a bold striped wallpaper. Art, books and interesting objects are arranged throughout and a proliferation of plants blur the boundaries between indoors and out. Outside, the front veranda has uninterrupted views of the sea, while at the back, next to the pool, protected from the prevailing winds, there’s an area with beach sand and palm trees. “This area is a win for the kids who can play with buckets and spades in the sand,” says Leslie. “Even in winter, the covered patio is ideal for braaing and sipping vino next to the fire.”

Tortoiseshell glass vase, R170, Cécile & Boyd.

Faux monstera plant, R990, SHF.

Rizia stool, R1 695, Block & Chisel.

ABOVE: “We love relaxing in the courtyard with family and

friend, enjoying G&Ts around the pool,” says Leslie. Adding to the ambience are pots with LED lights from Cobinlight, which also supplied the chairs.

Tray, R329,99, MRP Home.

SOURCES Aesthetics Shutters and Blinds aestheticsshuttersandblinds.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Bryan Cusack bryancusack.com Cécile & Boyd cecileandboyds.com Cobinlight cobinlight.com Coricraft coricraft.co.za Delicious Monsters delicious-monsters.co.za Esque esque.co.za Mobelli Furniture + Living mobelli.co.za MRP Home mrphome.com Philip Briel philipbriel.com Richmond richmondgroup.co.za SHF shf.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

ON THE

seashore

WHO LIVES HERE John and Joyce Bellis, a semi-retired couple who spend most of their weekends and holidays here, often joined by their daughters.

THE HOUSE A single-storey whitewashed cottage at Kommetjie on the Cape Peninsula, with four en suite bedrooms, a living room, TV snug, kitchen and wide veranda with extensive views.

TEXT ANNE SCHAUFFER PHOTOGRAPHS FARNIENTE/PERFECT HIDEAWAYS/HENRIQUE WILDING

The Bellises took a tired cottage in the most perfect location and over many weekends, transformed it into a gloriously stylish beach house

KOMMETJIE BEACH COTTAGE

From the veranda, there are views of Hout Bay and Chapmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peak. Framed by dune vegetation, this charming cottage was extensively renovated while maintaining the Cape coastal style. THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

From this ultra-sociable, winingdining-relaxing veranda, guests can enjoy the sunset, or watch surfers right in front of the house.

his is everyone’s dream beach cottage. Just perfect, with the white beach, dune vegetation and ocean as the front garden. But it wasn’t always like this. The house has been a labour of love for Joyce and John Bellis of Cape Town, who poured their creative energy and roll-up-yoursleeves attitude into it every weekend for four years. When their twin daughters went off to university and their ties to urban commitments eased off, they began looking for a weekend spot, one where

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the extended family could get together, and which could possibly become their permanent home on retirement. As lovers of the sea, they’d set their hearts on Kommetjie: “We thought we’d find a plot and build,” says Joyce, “but we couldn’t find one that worked for us.” In the middle of winter, the estate agent

phoned … “a house in a sad state, but in a fantastic position”. “It was thatch ‒ we didn’t want thatch ‒ and after a long-term let, it looked very tired.” Still, the position trumped all. The Bellises made an offer, and that was it. The house is one of a group of 20-something-year-old thatched

Cleverly designed as protection from the elements, the pool area is perfect for summer swimming and lazing under the grapevine. The charming courtyard corner space is the ideal spot to socialise, escape poor weather, or chill solo with a book. From the house, boardwalks meander through the dunes to the beach. OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT:

The property is available to rent through Perfect Hideaways. perfecthideaways.co.za/ accommodation/farniente

homes, all unique, but part of a homeowner’s association with a common architectural code. Code or not, there was ample leeway for the Bellises to accomplish what they wanted. They’re no strangers to renovations, having done the same to their previous home in Simon’s Town. “The house had been cleverly and thoughtfully designed,” says Joyce, “It was quirky, with interesting windows, which we liked. We only did what suited the house.” In essence, they made the home more comfortable for their family: “We added two bathrooms to make all bedrooms en suite, extended one bedroom, and prettied it up.” The house is in four sections arranged

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around a sheltered courtyard, ideal when it’s windy on the sea side. At the sea-facing front is the main section, comprising the living room, kitchen, main bedroom and bathroom, a TV snug on a mezzanine level, and the big, deep veranda. In a separate two-bedroomed cottage the Bellises incorporated the existing bathroom into one bedroom to make it en suite, and added a new bathroom to the other bedroom; the fourth is also in a separate building, which they reconfigured and extended. The last building houses the garages. The house is essentially white – the code here – but Joyce laughs as she recalls the endless paint pots she

brought home when choosing the accent colour: “I didn’t want the original olive green used on the shutters, doors and windows, so I worked hard to find the perfect green-grey.” The Bellises did everything themselves and loved it. They rescreeded the bedroom floors and even reinstated the pool from its former ABOVE: This massive open-plan space

houses the heart of the home – the kitchen, dining and, this side of the railing, the living room. Up a few steps is the TV snug, which has its own balcony. They left the rafters in their natural state as a contrast to the white walls.

life as a flower bed. The garden was a bland surround of patchy lawn and sand, and they lifted it all to make way for some creative hard landscaping. “John is very into planning, so he loved designing the gravel pathways and wooden boardwalks that lead through beds of succulents and indigenous plants, and out through a gate to the beach.” The whitewashed Greek island look is an integral part of the home, so once the alterations had provided

that next level of comfort, Joyce embarked on the interior design. She spent hours sourcing the right accessories, sitting through auctions, and rifling through charity and second-hand shops. She’s not complaining though, because with a retail fashion buyer background, this is her happy space. There’s a wonderful sense of authenticity to the decor, and nothing feels forced; natural wood and chosen colours complement and warm the

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The practical kitchen has concrete countertops and built-in shelving. Two steps down, is a handy utility room (not visible). A dressing room links the main bedroom to the en suite bathroom. From the window, there’s a view of the sea. The views are even visible from the builtin concrete bath in the en suite bathroom.

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white surfaces, and although the cosy interiors are by no means minimalist, they’re not cluttered. As Joyce loves cooking and entertaining, the kitchen was important. “We’re fortunate to have a great deli nearby and locally grown organic vegetables are sold at the local school. The Pepe Charlot cheese shop with their delicious range of goat’s cheeses and a good seafood shop are close by, so it’s easy to source fresh produce. We sometimes collect mussels off the rocks along the Slangkop lighthouse path or from Scarborough beach, cook them up and serve with a crusty loaf of bread from Cape Point bakery.” That gorgeous, vast table on the veranda is well used for entertaining. Actually, the ‘stoep’ is a favourite spot

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for sundowners and sunsets as well. “And, from July to December you often see whales.” Their focus from the start was not only on comfort and low maintenance, but their lifestyle: “We love walks on the beach – the shoreline changes almost daily with the wind reshaping the sand. The walk left along Long Beach is wonderful for watching the surfers, dog owners and dogs enjoying the beach. Turn right, and we head THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

Decorated with furniture found at auctions and antique shops, the fourth bedroom overlooks the pool. Joyce designed this en suite bathroom off the fourth bedroom to fit in with the style of the rest of the house.

Get the look Give an all-white kitchen rustic charm with natural textures and country-style accessories Sawyer wall-mount shelf, R2 300, MRP Home.

Rattan cutlery holder, R400, Bespoke Home.

Ilano three-piece grey canister set, R349, @home.

SHOPPING MANDY BUCHHOLZ PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

Marble Baccarat pestle and mortar, R399,99, @home.

towards Noordhoek beach – great for birdwatching around the vlei – and reach the Kakapo shipwreck. From time to time, we walk the 4,5km along the beach to Noordhoek and lunch at the Red Herring pub, which has great beach views from the terrace.” “Then again,” she adds, “we also simply spend time with a good book admiring the view and the birds in the garden.”

Teak cutting board, R495, Weylandts.

George & Mason Marcello vintage kitchen scale, R249, Takealot.

139-4 Silver Wood paint, Duram.

ABOVE: In the courtyard, an olive tree produces abundantly;

straight ahead, steps lead down to a huge cellar which serves as a laundry, games room, and beach equipment store room. SOURCES @home home.co.za Bespoke Home bespokehome.co.za Duram duram.co.za MRP Home mrphome.com Takealot takealot.com Weylandts weylandts.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

A summer PLACE

TEXT AND STYLING NATALIE BORUVKA PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

Thanks to a fresh coat of paint and new furnishings, this knotty pine house threw off its log cabin persona and became a stylish, sophisticated beach house

SCARBOROUGH BEACH HOUSE

BEFORE

WHO LIVES HERE A couple who live in London with their two young daughters. They spend their holidays here with grandparents, who visit from Durban.

THE HOUSE A double-storey timber house in the historic village of Scarborough on the Cape Peninsula. On the ground floor, there is an open-plan living area and kitchen leading onto a balcony as well as the main bedroom and bathroom. Upstairs are two bedrooms and a bathroom.

It was the sweeping sea views from the deck that persuaded the owners to look past the previously dark, dated interiors and snap this house up. The scatter cushions and outdoor rug are from India Ink. With its new subtle grey and white exterior, the house is almost unrecognisable from the log cabin look of before. The entire renovation was contracted to, and managed by, Russell Furlong. THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

ark, dated and resembling a log cabin, this Scarborough house was not exactly what this UKbased couple was looking for when searching for a beach house. But what it lacked in charm was more than made up for by the stunning setting. “The breathtaking views across the ocean made us reconsider,” they recall. “We realised that as the house was solidly built with a comfortable size and pleasing proportions, all it needed was a makeover.” Fortunately, they had just the right design firm to tackle this. Designers Yvonne Kramer and Mignon Sherriff of Jade & Ginja Interior Design and Décor were highly recommended by a local architect. “At our initial meeting, we explained that while we wanted the house to be comfortable and inviting, it had to look stylish and sophisticated as well. We wanted modern, practical finishes and none of the usual beach house motifs.”

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

BEFORE

Except for the first meeting, all communication took place via Skype and the finishes and paint specs were couriered to London for the clients’ approval. The laid-back charm of Cape Cod-style homes was the inspiration for the designers, who started by establishing a more practical layout. Aside from the walls and ceiling, the entire house was gutted. The original kitchen was a small, awkward space in a corner of the open-plan living area cut off by a curved peninsular. “We removed the peninsular, which opened it up to the living room, and redesigned the kitchen in a galley style to make better use of the space,” explains Yvonne. To replace the lost storage space, Highlighting the dining area are three woven pendant lights from La Grange Interiors. The dining chairs are from Chair Crazy and the glass vases from @home. The new engineered wood floors were supplied and installed by Floor Vision. “Our aim was to create relaxed, inviting interiors that have a sense of style,” says Yvonne. The dhurrie in the living area is from Herringbone and the coffee table is from Sofaworx. A practical feature in the entrance is a hook rack for towels and baskets for sandals. THIS SPREAD FROM LEFT:

BEFORE

a window was removed so that new wall-mounted cabinets could be installed. The washing machine and tumble dryer were moved out of the kitchen and housed in a new space created under the stairs. Then they addressed the dark interior. Every inch of varnished pine, including the windows and door frames, was painted white or pale grey. “The difference was remarkable. Now all the natural light bounces off the surfaces and lights up the rooms,” explains Yvonne. The terracotta tiled floor was replaced with engineered oak flooring to complement the fresh backdrop. The designers also sorted out the old-fashioned lighting and underlit areas. As there are ceiling beams, downlights were not an option in the kitchen and living area, so modern spotlights on tracks and wall lights were installed instead. “One of the most successful aspects was the redesign of the kitchen, which is now far more efficient and has a better connection with the open-plan living area,” explains Yvonne. “We created a striking powder room with this blue and white Thibaut wallpaper from St Leger & Viney,” says Yvonne. The custom-made mirror was sprayed to complement the wallpaper. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

BEFORE

The main bedroom comfortably accommodates a four-poster bed from Weylandts. The ottoman at the end of the bed offers extra storage and the seat can be turned upside down to function as a tray.

BEFORE

The dining area only had one electrical outlet in the centre of the ceiling, so to highlight the table they used three basket pendants and looped the connecting cables on hooks in the ceiling. As the owners live in London, all the furnishings and accessories had to be sourced locally. The designers chose items in different styles, but all with an elegantly informal feel. In the living area, a slipcovered sofa sits alongside a modern stainless steel and elm coffee table. In the dining area, replica Philippe Starck Master chairs form a contrast to the wooden dining table. Wood finishes and shades of The brief for the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedroom was to include bunk beds to sleep four. To accommodate them along one wall, they bricked up a small triangular window. The beds have integrated bookshelves and storage space. The rug is from U&G Fabrics. The dark blue wall in the guest bedroom shows off an artwork from Salon Ninety One. The bedside lamp is from Illumina and the throw is from @home. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

BEFORE

Get the look Take inspiration from this compact, yet beautiful, children’s room Dream curtain, R429, Volpes.

Tweety chair, R999, @home.

Urban desk, R2 300, MRP Home.

Watermelon cushion cover, R700, KNUS.

SHOPPING MANDY BUCHHOLZ PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

Chest of drawers on castors, R2 500, Nest Designs.

Vintage 100% cotton Aztec rug, from R2 690, Clever Little Monkey.

blue were used throughout to create a sense of harmony and continuity. “I’m a great fan of mixing different influences and styles to give a cohesive look and we were so fortunate to work with owners who were open to lots of creative ideas on this project,” says Yvonne. Malibu bunk bed, R3 500, MRP Home.

ABOVE: To make this bathroom appear larger, the designers

clad the far wall with navy blue Douglas Jones metro tiles from The Tile House. The vanity was custom made to a design by Jade & Ginja Interior Design & Décor. SOURCES @home home.co.za Chair Crazy chaircrazy.co.za Clever Little Monkey cleverlittlemonkey.co.za Floor Vision floorvision.co.za Herringbone herringbone.co.za Illumina illuminalighting.co.za India Ink indiaink.co.za Jade & Ginja Interior Design & Décor jadeandginja.com KNUS knus.co La Grange Interiors lagrangeinteriors.co.za MRP Home mrphome.com Nest Designs nestdesigns.co.za Russell Furlong 082 320 3323 Salon Ninety One salon91.co.za Sofaworx sofaworx.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za The Tile House thetilehouse.co.za U&G Fabrics ugfabrics.co.za Volpes volpes.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

TOP

DECOR TRENDS for 2020 INDIAN INFLUENCE “India has inspired a number of trends for 2020,” says Peter Gordon, creative director of St Leger & Viney. “New ranges feature Indienne-inspired patterns and hand-blocked fabrics.” These include Kashmiri paisleys and Jacobean floral designs, which evolved from the traditional Indian tree of life. “The colours chosen for our Passage to India collection were inspired by saris. This influence is also seen in the Pearwood collection (pictured) from Cole & Son,” adds Peter, “as well as botanicals and scenic prints inspired by the Indian continent.”

EARTH FRIENDLY With the world’s attention on global warming and the environment, recycling is extremely important. Van de Sant, a Dutch company now represented in South Africa by NetDécor, produces a sophisticated range of furniture for which everything, from the structure to the fabric is made from recycled plastic. “Our aim is to prevent deforestation, reduce plastic waste and CO2 emissions, and create new jobs,” says Robert Milder, founder and CEO of Van de Sant. “Our furniture is proof that a sustainable vision can be comfortable and design driven.” Miranda Reeder of NetDécor says, “We see this partnership as an opportunity to reduce plastic waste here in South Africa, decrease carbon emissions by producing this furniture locally and provide employment.”

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COMPILED BY CANDICE BOTHA AND LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. SEE PAGE 2.

We asked those in the know to share their design predictions for the coming year

DECOR TRENDS

RETRO RENEWED

Straight glass ‘cake’ antique chandelier, Cécile & Boyd.

Miles chair in grey velvet, @home.

Although the retro trend has been around for a while, this year there will be a fusion of different eras resulting in interiors that are both nostalgic and contemporary. “In 2020, the sophistication of the 1920s lives happily with the glamour of the disco era,” says Marc Shotland, sales and marketing director of Home Fabrics. “Eighties style is forecast as a fashion trend and its bold elegance will extend into the home, together with the glamour of the ’70s disco ball. We’re talking ’80s-inspired rectangular and curvy furniture, and touches of metallics such as gold, burnished copper and brushed brass – very Saturday Night Fever.”

THE OUTDOOR LIVING ROOM “There is a renewed focus on outdoor living,” says Alon Sachs, co-founder of Mobelli Furniture + Living. “It’s all about choosing comfortable outdoor furniture, such as our Bravo lounge suite (pictured), that has the same relaxed look and sophistication of the indoor living space.” As this is a trend that shows no signs of abating, when choosing new outdoor furnishings, invest in furniture and fabrics made from materials that are designed to be left outdoors, whatever the weather.

Newdeco collection from Italtile.

TERRAZZO “Terrazzo is back in a big way,” says Nicole Russell, marketing manager of Italtile. “Although it’s been around for hundreds of years, it has a timeless appeal.” Made from porcelain, it’s a warmer alternative to marble and the speckled effect adds a subtle interest at floor level. Terrazzo tiles can even be used on walls and, when laid, the joins are almost invisible, creating an unbroken, uniform appearance. As they’re moisture- and stain-resistant, they’re a good option for bathrooms and kitchens. Moroccan-inspired patterns have now been interpreted in terrazzo for those who want to take the pattern up a notch.

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

THE NEW NEUTRALS Neutral shades are moving away from greys and charcoals and now include warmer tones and stronger colours. Dulux’s colour of the year, Tranquil Dawn, was inspired by the morning sky and is very versatile as it changes subtly depending on the colours it is used with. “Although a cool tone, it has a warmth, which when combined with the colours in the Meaning palette, creates a calm, soft environment that’s pared-back and minimalist,” explains Dulux colour consultant Palesa Ramaisa.

Kikongo scatter, Weylandts.

ABSTRACT MOTIFS Art and artists are having a large influence on interiors, especially the Abstract Expressionists such as Matisse, Mondrian and Kandinsky. Abstract and linear motifs are popping up on fabrics, scatters, bed linen and wallpapers. While the influence dates back to the turn of the century, the effect is very modern with bold colours and strong lines. International fabric house Pierre Frey recently collaborated with designer Christian Astuguevieille on a fabric collection with abstract influences (pictured). “Abstract art portrays visual reality in a wayward fashion,” says Lesley Wilson of Mavromac & Gatehouse, which represents Pierre Frey locally.

Vallaspra hanging light, Colmar pendant with champagne glass and Tallinn pendant in black and wood with smoke glass, all Eurolux.

GLASS AND GEOMETRIC LIGHTING “The new lighting designs for 2020 combine the softness of frosted glass with crisp geometric lines and brass metal frames”, says Eben Kruger, marketing manager of Eurolux. Circular shapes are key design trends this year, as is ‘shadowed’ glass in colours like cognac, copper, chrome, champagne and smoky grey. “Paired with Edison bulbs and suspended in multiples at varying heights, this lighting trend looks playful yet sophisticated,” adds Eben.

JAPAN RULES

Fanfare fabric by Osborne & Little, Home Fabrics.

All eyes have been on Japan recently, so it’s no surprise that the country is having a design moment. Wallpapers and fabrics are strewn with cherry blossoms, fans and bamboo. Another trend that’s gathering momentum is that of Wabisabi, the embracing of imperfection which translates into interiors through the use of raw, natural elements. The popular Japandi style combines the romance of Japan with clean-lined, minimal Scandi elements. “With the stress of fast-paced living, it’s only natural that we want to create a sanctuary at home and the calming neutral palette of Japandi, coupled with natural materials and textures, adds harmony,” says interior designer Wendy Douglas.

Designer’s Guild Shinsha Scene 2 Blossoms wallpaper, Home Fabrics.

THE BOLD KITCHEN “A new trend in the kitchen is thicker countertops,” reveals Bronwen Cronje, sales manager of Easylife Kitchens, Faerie Glen in Pretoria. “We’re seeing countertops as thick as 100mm, particularly in feature areas such as islands, where they make a statement.” These tops call for a more natural finish such as raw wood, marble-look stone or concrete as shown here. Other on-trend kitchen elements include brightly coloured furniture, feature walls and even ‘living walls’ planted with foliage and edible plants, like the Wonderwall from Plantr (pictured above). “Bringing the outside in adds life to a kitchen,” says Bronwen, “so this is a trend that’s here to stay.” SOURCES @home home.co.za Cécile & Boyd cecileandboyds.com Dulux dulux.co.za Easylife Kitchens easylifekitchens.co.za Eurolux eurolux.co.za Home Fabrics homefabrics.co.za Italtile italtile.co.za Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.com Mobelli Furniture + Living mobelli.co.za NetDécor miranda@netdecor.co.za, netdecor.co.za Plantr plantr.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za Van de Sant vandesant.com Wendy Douglas douglasanddouglas.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

Must love PLANTS

TEXT NATALIE BORUVKA PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

We asked indoor plant specialist Chantal de Kock of Naak in Cape Town to demonstrate the many uses for indoor plants

INDOOR PLANTS

1 hantal de Kock is passionate about plants. So much so that she established Naak, a botanical studio specialising in interior plant design and installation and floral styling for events. She believes that plants are a cost-effective way to update decor, add pops of vibrant colour and soften stark spaces. As they release oxygen and remove toxins from the air, they also create a healthy environment that’s calm and uplifting.

1. GOOD COMPANIONS These floating shelves from @home lend themselves to displays of plants and objects. “Plants that trail or cascade, such as philodendrons and Epipremnum aureum (pothos), look particularly good. To keep things interesting, I like to mix them with books, artwork and ornaments,” says Chantal. TIP: Before loading a shelf with plants, make sure it can support their weight.

2. TEAM EFFORT Use taller plants to draw the eye up and make spaces appear larger. “Create interest by varying heights and combining plants with contrasting and colourful foliage,” suggests Chantal. If plants lack height, raise them on stands or pedestals. “But be practical, make sure they don’t block doorways and passages, and always ensure they are getting the recommended amount of light and water,” says Chantal. TIP: Group plants with similar watering needs and make a specific time to water them. Clean the leaves regularly to remove dust, which can suffocate the plant. If possible, take them outside and hose them down.

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

3. SHELF LIFE In this corner of her open-plan dining area, Chantal dressed a bookshelf from @home with a variety of plants. “I put plants that need space on the top shelf and chose trailing varieties like Senecio macroglossus (Natal ivy) and Plectranthus verticillatus (Swedish ivy) to soften the lines of the lower shelves,” she explains. The area in front of the sliding door is

bright, so she used this spot for plants that need more light and placed them in planters made from agave roots. “As they’re in front of the fixed panel, they don’t block the doorway.” TIP: Make sure that sunlight doesn’t touch the leaves of plants that prefer indirect light.

4. MIND THE GAP Fill empty corners with a combination of plants on the floor and some suspended on the wall. “When mixing containers in different materials such as ceramic, wood, metal and grass, make sure there is one unifying element; colour, shape or size. If you want the greenery to pop, choose planters in black or shades of brown,” she recommends. TIP: Make sure the containers have drainage holes so that the plants’ roots don’t rot. More plants are killed by overwatering than under watering.

5. BATHROOM BLISS By their very nature, bathrooms are ideal for plants that thrive in humidity. “Select varieties that thrive in those light conditions,” Chantal advises. Ferns, for instance, do very well in low-light shower cubicles, as do philodendrons. “In my bathroom, I used plants to disguise a concealed cistern. They’re also good for drawing attention away from ugly windows or hiding unsightly plumbing under a basin.” TIP: Some succulents and cacti can be grown in bathrooms if they receive at least three hours of direct light every day, preferably in the morning.

GET MORE ONLINE Keep your indoor plants alive and well with help from gardenandhome.co.za

SOURCES @home home.co.za Naak naak.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

DECORATING WITH WHITE

BEYOND the pale

1. ENDLESS SUMMER To give his clients the contemporary coastal feel they wanted for their West Coast home, Hendre Bloem designed overscaled loungers with white upholstery for the covered patio. To anchor the sitting area and give it impact, he introduced a tropical leaf print outdoor rug. The painted log stools can be used as side tables or grouped to form a coffee table.

COMPILED BY MARY JANE HARRIS AND LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN, KARL ROGERS, SALLY CHANCE, HENRIQUE WILDING AND SUPPLIED

For a timeless, classic look, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go wrong with white. Here are some fabulous ways to decorate with it

2. A CUT ABOVE While white kitchens are not uncommon, Reinhard and Bronwyn Hartmann lifted theirs out of the ordinary with a smart combination of glossy white and dark wood cabinetry brought into focus with a timber floor. Adding a chic element above the island is a glamorous, modern pendant from Hartmann & Keppler.

3. SIMPLE STYLE To bring an all-white scheme to life and prevent it from looking bland, introduce natural textures such as timber and cane. Lyrene Zimmermann of The Furniture Guild combined contemporary white chairs from @home with a rustic timber table from SHF and Jacques Cronje pendants from Minima. Instead of artwork she hung a black and white photograph, which complements the monochrome scheme.

4. URBAN JUNGLE White is ideal for toning down a bold wallpaper like Thibautâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palm Frond from St Leger & Viney. In this powder room, a white vanity, matching mirror and panelling enhance the fresh, tropical look.

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5. MODERN CLASSIC In an all-white scheme, antiques and traditional furniture take on a very contemporary look without losing the warmth of their patina. In her dining room, interior designer Shira Shalem slipcovered the chairs in linen to create a crisp contrast to the table. Set against a white background, the accessories such as the ornate lantern from Delos Antiques take on an almost sculptural quality.

GET MORE ONLINE For more ways to decorate with white visit gardenandhome.co.za

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6. LOOK OF LUXE Bathrooms are often all white, but Cheryl Herweg of Changing Spaces used different elements to up the luxe factor in this one. Small mosaic tiles on the wall add shimmer, while ornate gilded mirrors, which disguise the medicine cabinets, temper the slick vanity. Adding the finishing touch is a crystal chandelier.

7. WHITE NIGHTS If you love the idea of a soothing white bedroom, but think it might be too plain, have a look at this bedroom decorated by Anna Correia. To add subtle luxury, she wallpapered the walls with Nubia White Blocks from Mavromac & Gatehouse, used deep-button detail on the headboard and ottoman and included fabrics with different textures and patterns. While the look is sumptuous, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still cool and serene.

8. GROUP THERAPY For a fresh, modern effect, group a number of white accessories together using items of different heights and textures as Odette Uys of Eye Candy Interiors did in this entrance hall. The whole effect is heightened by arranging them on a fluted table. SOURCES @home home.co.za Anna Correia annacorreia.com Changing Spaces changingspaces.co.za Delos Antiques instagram.com/delos_antiques Eye Candy Interiors eyecandyinteriordesign.com Hartmann & Keppler hartmann.co.za Hendre Bloem hendrebloem.com Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Minima minima.co.za SHF shf.co.za Shira Shalem Interiors shirashaleminteriors.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za The Furniture Guild furnitureguild.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

BRAAI AREAS

LEVEL BEST

With an awkwardly placed tree, inconvenient slope and messy retaining wall, the brick-paved corner of this Parkmore, Jo’burg, property had nothing going for it. As the owners Michelle and Siebert Benade, runners-up in our #DontMoveImprove competition last year, love to entertain, they felt the time had come to turn it into an area that would be both practical and attractive. “I was on maternity leave, so I had the time to sketch plans and do some research on Pinterest,” Michelle explains. Having decided that they wanted somewhere where they could cook and eat under the trees, she drew up a plan and then worked closely with builder Dominique Chakanetsa on the layout and fittings.

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

They decided to divide the garden into two levels, using retaining walls that incorporate planting beds. Rocks were removed and the precast boundary wall was replaced with one in plastered brick. They grassed the lower level as this is where the children play, but for the upper dining level a concrete slab was laid and tiled. A series of shallow steps provides an easy connection between the two. Along one wall, they built a brick structure with concrete countertops, which includes storage cabinets, a small sink, plenty of counter space and a pizza oven at the end. The area comfortably accommodates a dining table and chairs and is ideal when there’s a crowd. Lighting on the boundary wall creates an ambience in the evenings and lets them use the space late into the night.

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY STYLING JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA CALDWELL

the glory

The floor of the entertaining area was covered with Flamed Granite tiles in Dove Grey from Creative Stone. To add a contrast to the white plastered brick structure, the Benades chose dark cabinet doors made from treated decking timber.

Pizzas made in the oven from Italoven can be conveniently served from the countertop alongside. Decking timber from Tiger Timbers was used on the surface of the benches, which were built into the retaining walls to provide extra seating. THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM:

BEFORE

“As we needed somewhere to sit while the children play on the lawn, Dominique cleverly built benches into the corner of the retaining walls,” says Michelle.

SOURCES Creative Stone creativestone.co.za Dominique Chakanetsa 083 340 4311 Italoven italoven.co.za Tiger Timbers tigertimbers.co.za

BLURRING THE BOUNDARIES

This outdoor cooking area extends seamlessly from the kitchen inside. Windows overlooking it and the pool connect the spaces and the addition of a bar counter with a small prep bowl on the deck side makes serving a breeze. At the far end, a gas grill and pizza oven were built into a counter and overhead, adjustable louvres screen the sun.

WELL PROTECTED

4 3

CONTEMPORARY COOL

A combination of natural timber and black gives this covered patio, designed by Taryn Flanagan Interiors, a chic contemporary look. The built-in braai is situated close to the bar and the action, and a spacious counter with a sink and storage space underneath lends itself to easy entertaining. The windows can open completely to allow for extra ventilation or be closed against the weather. “The key to creating a look like this is texture,” says Taryn. “Rattan, concrete, raw wood and the animal skin give this area depth and interest.”

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

If you live in a windy area, then do as Jeanette and André Aurette did at their Cape Town townhouse. To make their small patio area more suitable for entertaining all year round, they extended and enclosed it with sliding doors and windows and built a braai and chimney against the far wall. “We now braai in all seasons and, in winter, the braai doubles as a fireplace,” says Jeanette, who gave the room a fresh summery feel with white painted furniture and touches of blue.

UNDERCOVER OPERATION

When interior designer Tanja Beyers and her husband Bruce renovated their kitchen, they added a covered braai area off it accessed by glass doors. Adjoining the braai, they built in cabinets with plenty of storage and counter space and installed a bar fridge. “We’ve furnished it like a living room and it works so well in both summer and winter,” says Tanja.

COMPILED BY MARY JANE HARRIS AND CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SALLY CHANCE, LAR PHOTOGRAPHY, CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN, ANGELITA BONETTI/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA AND SUPPLIED

DARK IMPACT

Interior designer Erica Schalkwyk of Form Interior gave the braai area of her Parkhurst home a dramatic look by painting the walls and braai surround in a dark charcoal, which emphasises the flames. She picked up the colour in the tropical rug from Hertex and added contrast with a timber table from Weylandts.

FUN IN THE SUN

Dawn Kellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-appointed outdoor kitchen at her seaside home in Umdloti, KZN, was designed for entertaining. This sociable space includes a built-in braai and pizza oven, along with plenty of counter space for preparation and serving, a sink, and hooks for cooking utensils. She chose blue and white cushions for the builtin seating to match the Mediterranean-style wall tiles from Italtile.

ALL IN ONE

In order to provide a one-stop entertaining destination in this Gauteng garden, The Friendly Plant built a structure that includes a braai, pizza oven and work surface. To add detail and character they clad it with Creative Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mountainstone and used flagstones for the countertops. As the doors of the storage spaces are exposed to the weather, they custom made them from Envirodeck composite decking. The pizza oven is used to cook roasts, and bake bread and other dishes, while meat and vegetables are grilled alongside on the braai.

GET MORE ONLINE Visit gardenandhome.co.za for more braai area ideas

CROWD PLEASER

As itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protected from the wind, the courtyard of this house at San Lameer Golf Estate was the ideal spot for the braai. To withstand the elements, a stainless-steel braai with a matching extractor and chimney was chosen and flanked with built-in storage cabinets. Countertops on both sides provide ample prep and serving space, while wall-mounted light fittings illuminate the braai and add to the atmosphere in the evenings. Design by Jossi Design.

SOURCES Creative Stone creativestone.co.za Envirodeck envirodeck.co.za Form Interior forminterior.co.za Hertex hertex.co.za Italtile italtile.co.za Jossi Design jossi.co.za Tanja Beyers tanja@beyers.me Taryn Flanagan Interiors tarynflanaganinteriors.co.za The Friendly Plant thefriendlyplant.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

SHOPPING

Hot

STUFF Must-have braai accessories 3 5

COMPILED BY JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

1. Sixth Floor cooler bag, R199, Superbalist. 2. Weber Red Spirit gas braai, R10 099, Hirsch’s. 3. Jan Braai braai grid, R699, Woolworths. 4. LKs enamel potjie pot, from R419, Yuppiechef. 5. Braai, Reuben on Fire (Quivertree Publications) cookbook, R399, Yuppiechef. 6. Athens salad bowl with bamboo serving spoons, R329, @home. 7. Bolio bamboo butcher block, R699, @home. 8. Weber Q 1200, gas grill, from R5 319, Yuppiechef. 9. Eetrite four-piece braai tool set, R929, Yuppiechef. SOURCES @home home.co.za Hirsch’s hirschs.co.za Superbalist superbalist.com Woolworths woolworths.co.za Yuppiechef yuppiechef.com

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

MAKEOVER

Fine DINING

BEFORE

“THIS AREA WAS more of a passage and basically wasted space. Adjoining the living room and kitchen, it was furnished with a console table and two wingbacks that were never used,” says homeowner Delia Phillips of Durban. “As there was a table in the kitchen, we tended to eat there.” Designed by Lisa, the console table has a ducoed top. Above it is a framed antiqued mirror. The lamps are from Inside Out Home Boutique.

HOW THIS AREA WENT FROM DRAB TO FAB As part of an update of the rest of the house, Delia asked interior

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SALLY CHANCE

By repurposing a thoroughfare adjoining the living room, interior designer Lisa Walters created a stylish dining room for this KZN family

Giving the dining area its own identity is a rug from Hertex. The glass-topped table and timber woven chairs are both from Weylandts. Cladding the drinks cabinet with mirror, over which a laser-cut design was placed, turned it into a focal point.

designer Lisa Walters for her opinion on what to do with this space. It immediately occurred to Lisa that, although compact, it would work well as a designated dining room. “To make the space look larger, we chose a glass-topped dining table. As it’s see-through, it doesn’t take up space visually,” she says. To increase the feeling of space in the room, she hung a framed mirror with an aged effect on the wall and clad the drinks cabinet with mirror

as well. “Mirror is ideal for smaller spaces,” Lisa says. “Not just decorative and glamorous, it also reflects light into a room and makes it appear much larger.” The tiled floor was replaced with a wood-look laminate, and the dining area was demarcated with a rug. A new contemporary console table was custom

made and the wingbacks gave way to timber and rope chairs.

“NOW OUR DINING ROOM IS ideal for entertaining. While the monochrome scheme is classic, it also makes the room appear much more modern,” says Delia.

SOURCES Hertex hertex.co.za Inside Out Home Boutique insideouthb.co.za Lisa Walters Interiors lisa@lisawaltersinteriors.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

HOME PROJECT

This month’s

GOOD IDEA… FIND A SPOT WHERE YOU CAN HANG UP A HAMMOCK

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS PHOTOGRAPH WARREN HEATH

Nothing beats a hammock for making you feel that you’re finally on holiday. If you don’t have suitable trees or conveniently placed posts, the answer is a hammock stand available from large hardware outlets and online hammock retailers. Place a side table nearby for drinks and keep a hat on hand for pulling over your eyes. Pure bliss.

Essential to any party are a good playlist and the right speakers to ensure that the festive mood extends outdoors

COMPILED BY MANDY BUCHHOLZ AND MARY JANE HARRIS MAIN PHOTOGRAPH JASON BUSCH/ BAUERAU/ MAGAZINEFEATURE PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

fabulous SOUNDS

THE GREEN ROOM

EXPERT TIPS Warren Husband, account manager of Homemation, Jo’burg, has these tips for providing sound outdoors When entertaining on the patio, prevent the sound from being blocked by your guests by placing the speakers higher up, either in the ceiling or wall mounted. However, keep in mind that with in-ceiling speakers, the sound will be contained in that area. If you require music in the garden, use garden-based speakers like the Polk Audio Atrium system. Because they play from the garden towards the house, the neighbours are less likely to be affected. Any speakers for outdoor use must have a minimum rating of IP44. To avoid hotspots, use a number of speakers spread out so you can cover the area with a lower volume. There is no rule as to the size, placement and number of speakers (with or without subwoofers). You’ll have to determine what suits your specific requirements. When in doubt, consult a professional.

Polk Atrium 100 subwoofer, R8 990, Homemation.

Mini Bluetooth speaker, R129, Game.

JBL Go 2 Bluetooth speaker in Champagne, R499, Takealot.

Klipsch AWR650SM outdoor rock speaker, in granite or sandstone, R9 390, Homemation. Polk Atrium 300 satellite garden speaker, R3 990, Homemation.

Wall-mounted Klipsch AW650 outdoor speaker, R12 190, Homemation.

Crosley radio Troubadour five-in-one Bluetooth entertainment centre, R3 995, selected Clicks nationwide. Addon t3 green Bluetooth speaker, R3 699, Superbalist.

JBL Clip Three pink speaker, R899, My iStore.

SOURCES Clicks clicks.co.za Game game.co.za Homemation homemation.co.za My iStore myistore.co.za Superbalist superbalist.com Takealot takealot.com

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

PEACOCKS

TEXT ANNE SCHAUFFER PHOTOGRAPHS KAREN EDWARDS

Roses and

Centuries-old buildings and dry-stone walls form a textured backdrop to the ever-changing annuals and perennials in this Drakensberg garden

FARM GARDEN

here’s something whimsical about the Dartford garden. Drifts of flowers frame centuries-old farm buildings, heritage floribunda roses overflow terraces, a ladder stands in the centre of a bed and a peacock perches unexpectedly on a stone urn. Lisa and Clynton Fraser moved to Dartford in 1989 when they started dairy farming and needed to be closer to the dairy. “Dartford itself dates back to 1886 and the garden must have been lovely in its heyday,” says Lisa who has devoted 30 years to restoring it. “Fortunately, I come from a family of gardeners, my maternal grandparents, my mum and my sister, we all love to garden. Being outside makes me happy, no matter the task.” Lisa had her hands full when they first moved in. “The garden had been neglected for many years. Wattles and brambles had taken over and some of the walls between the terraces had collapsed.” They began by clearing the alien invaders and, over time, rebuilt the terrace walls. “It was a real challenge, but worth the effort,” smiles Lisa.

WHO LIVES HERE Dairy farmers Clynton and Lisa Fraser (pictured here with their grandson, William), a couple of peacocks and way too many dogs to name.

THE GARDEN A one-hectare garden on a dairy farm near Underberg, KZN, that has grown over the past 30 years. Surrounding the large stone farmhouse, it also includes an unrestored ironstone dwelling and the original barn.

One of the peacocks perches on a classic urn surrounded by ‘Apple Blossom’ roses. From the house, the eye is drawn out over the lawn past the mixed, farm-style flower border, including foxgloves and fuchsias, towards the distant hills. With a pleasing visual symmetry, this old stone home, with its deep, cool veranda overlooking the garden, was built for the climate. THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

The soil is very shallow and full of shale, so it takes constant applications of fortunately readily available manure to enrich it. Another challenge is the harsh Underberg climate, which includes very cold, frosty winters and occasional snowfalls. “In winter, Dartford is about seven degrees warmer than the rest of Underberg, but we are much drier, and often miss out on rainfall in summer. And if the summer rains do arrive, they often bring devastating hailstorms,” says Lisa. Lisa is an instinctive, intuitive gardener, far more focused on what she likes and what works than on prescribed layouts. “The garden was never planned, it evolved as time went by. It also changes constantly. Paths are moved, plants get relocated and flower beds are replanted.” One of the original features Lisa unearthed was an old rose garden. “I rescued a couple of the old roses and this I think was the start of my rose addiction.” While her garden is in

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Dartford’s jacaranda only grows here because it’s seven degrees warmer in this corner of Underberg. Wild and wonderful, this bed holds a loose planting of red penstemons, alstroemeria and daisies. The old aviary was previously home to bunnies, and now veggies. ‘My Granny’ roses, lamb’s ear and irises flank the bench. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT:

most respects, free spirited, the roses have their own welldefined corner, underplanted with catmint. Punctuating the garden are birdbaths, urns, ladders, arches and benches all strategically positioned to provide focal points, quiet spots for relaxation, or plant supports. Adding a picturesque backdrop are two glorious old buildings, a little ironstone cottage that was the original farmhouse, still unrestored (“Waiting for the Lotto,” Lisa laughs), and a large shed. “This was the original barn, which, due to neglect and a large snowfall, collapsed some years ago. We’ve since roofed it to protect the walls. Our son used it for his wedding a few years ago, we host functions in it occasionally and, every now and again, it’s home to our sheep.” From the veranda, a large lawn draws the eye to the flower borders and the hills and farmlands beyond. It’s immensely

Old grinding stones and lintels find alternative uses, in this case, a birdbath softened by ‘Crimson Glory’ roses and foxgloves. A block of yellow sisyrinchium catches the eye. Beauty contest between the peacocks and ‘Red Colourscape’, ‘Compassion’ and ‘Clair Matin’ roses. Jack, the Jack Russell, the rooster and his harem. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

peaceful. “I didn’t begin with a vision,” says Lisa. “Initially I grouped plants, but as most of the annuals self-seed, the borders have become a bit of a fruit salad with a mix of foxgloves, columbines, love-in-the-mist, nicotianas, eschscholzia and candytuft, to name a few, which is exactly as I like it.” Perennials such as irises, day lilies, alstroemerias, sedum and chrysanthemums pop up year after year. In a garden of this size, it’s essential to propagate your own plants, which Lisa does by dividing and slipping those that do well. Adding an exotic touch are the peacocks. Clynton was given some by a friend and the numbers have increased over the years. “I love them when they behave and look pretty, but I don’t like them when they make dust bowls in my garden and eat my veggies,” adds Lisa. Clynton is Lisa’s biggest supporter in the garden. “He constantly encourages me and really appreciates the results. This garden has had 30 years of nurturing, hard work and a lot of sweat – it’s been a labour of love.” On the side of the house is a clematis-covered arch, a wild bed, which includes California poppies and foxgloves, and ‘Pearl of Bedfordview’ and ‘Iceberg’ roses. The archetypal country garden, with loads of pretty foxgloves and alstroemerias. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

PROMOTION

Step Right Up! This year, Clover Krush is donating another 20 000 pairs of school shoes to underprivileged schools in South Africa with their Share the Goodness campaign

GH8897/01/20 PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK AND SUPPLIED

thousands of pairs of school shoes to underprivileged children. This year, for the third time, Clover Krush will again give away 20 000 pairs of school shoes to underprivileged children in various schools. And that’s not all: to reward you for supporting Clover Krush and the Krush Goodness campaign, you stand a chance of winning your share of cash or school fees. ore than just a delicious fruit juice, Clover Krush is also Sharing the Goodness with the South African community. For many children in our beautiful country, going to school is a daily challenge and giving them something some take for granted – like shoes – makes their lives better and easier. Last year Clover Krush visited 20 schools nationwide, accompanied by well-known celebrities, to Share the Goodness and give

WIN BIG WITH THE #SHARETHEGOODNESS COMPETITION Win your share of R250 000 in cash, or stand a chance to be 1 of 5 to win school fees up to the value of R50 000 each. To enter, buy a Clover Krush promo pack and send the last 4 digits of your Clover Krush barcode to *120*435*last4digitsofbarcode# to enter the competition between 1 January and 31 March 2020.

Krush is a 100% fresh and longlife fruit juice that’s enriched with vitamins A, C and E for your daily goodness and refreshment.

Your Daily Goodness

SCENTED PLANTS

Landscaping by Shirley Wallington

For a garden that engages all the senses, incorporate plants with fragrant blooms. Here are some that put on a show in summer

1 1

Aroma THERAPY 72

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Star jasmine bears clusters of delicate, star-shaped white flowers with a sweet fragrance that becomes more intense in the evenings. This hardy climber with glossy dark green foliage is ideal for covering arches, trellises, pergolas and walls. It can also be used as a groundcover, in containers, trained up an obelisk, or left to trail over edges. Position: Sun to semi-shade. When/how to plant: Plant in welldrained soil with plenty of well-rotted organic material at any time of year. Size: Height, up to 9m; spread 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8m. Water: Medium to low once established. Flowering season: Spring to January.

TEXT LYNNE YATES PHOTOGRAPHS LOREN SHIRLEY-CARR, CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN, CONNALL OOSTERBROEK AND BALL STRAATHOF

Trachelospermum jasminoides

Gardenia augusta

Cape jasmine, also known as common gardenia, is an elegant evergreen shrub that bears beautiful, double white flowers with a heavenly scent. A valuable addition to the garden, it’s best planted near the patio or a window to make the most of its powerful, sweet fragrance. Deadhead regularly as the spent blooms turn brown. Position: Sun to semi-shade. When/how to plant: Plant in spring or autumn in compost-rich, acidic soil and fertilise with blue hydrangea food. Size: Height 1,5–2,5m; spread 1,5m. Water: Medium. Flowering season: Late spring to late autumn.

Brugmansia x candida

The large, pendulous, trumpet-shaped blooms of semi-hardy moonflower (Brugmansia x candida) exude an alluring scent, particularly at night. But be aware that the blooms of all moonflowers are highly poisonous. Position: Full sun to semi-shade. When/how to plant: Plant in welldrained, well-composted soil in spring or summer. Size: Height 5m; spread 3m. Water: Medium. Flowering season: Summer.

Wild carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

The sweet scent of this carnation adds another dimension to the garden as both the scent and pollen attract birds, bees and butterflies. The doubleflowered variety is available in pink, red, purple, yellow, orange and white in pure or bicolour. ‘Pink Kisses’ (pictured) produces masses of bicolour flowers all summer long. Plant in containers, in mass plantings or to edge beds. Pick the blooms for the vase to encourage reflowering. Position: Full sun. When/how to plant: Propagate from seed or plant seedlings 30cm apart in slightly alkaline, humus-rich, well-draining soil in spring and summer. Size: 35 x 35cm. Water: Medium. Flowering season: Spring to summer.

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

GET MORE ONLINE Find more fragrant plants at gardenandhome.co.za

7 seed or plant seedlings 15cm apart in fertile, well-draining soil in spring and summer. Size: Height 15cm; spread 20cm. Water: Medium. Flowering season: Spring to summer.

Lobularia maritima

Commonly known as alyssum, this wonderfully fragrant annual produces tiny, lacy flowers in massed, rounded heads. Available in several varieties and colours ranging from white and cream to lavender, rose pink and blue, this easy, fast-spreading annual forms a beautiful carpet of colour throughout the summer months when planted en masse. Plant it in containers or hanging baskets on the patio, or use it to edge nearby beds and enjoy its sweet scent throughout summer. Deadhead spent blooms regularly. Varieties include Clear Crystal Mixed from Ball Straathof (pictured) ‘Snow Crystals’, ‘Royal Carpet’ and the Easter Bonnet Series. Position: Full sun. When/how to plant: Propagate from

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Lavender

Lavandula sp. has aromatic, silvergrey or green-grey leaves and greenishwhite, pink, lavender or purple flower spikes that vary in colour and perfume, depending on the variety. Sun-loving, water wise and hardy, it fares well in hot, dry areas. Popular varieties include Lavandula x intermedia ‘Margaret This large shrub produces gorgeous heads Roberts’, L. angustifolia ‘Hidcote of white flowers all through summer. Blue’ from Ball Straathof (pictured), Offset by dark green glossy leaves, the L. dentata, and L. stoechas. Plant it in flowers have a strong sweet scent that’s containers or alongside pathways so that more pronounced in the evenings. It’s ideal the scent is released as you brush past. as a specimen plant, or at the back of the Position: Sun. border, and makes a good hedge. It does When/how to plant: Plant any time of well in containers making it suitable for year in well-draining soil that need not scenting the patio on summer evenings. It be too fertile. is prohibited in certain areas, so to be sure, Size: 0,6–1,5m x 0,6–1,5m, depending only plant hybrids or sterile cultivars. on the variety. Position: Full sun, but it will Water: Low. tolerate semi-shade. Flowering season: Lavandula x When/how to plant: Plant in wellintermedia ‘Margaret Roberts’ and draining soil to which organic material L. dentata flower all year, and L. stoechas has been added. blooms from late winter to spring Size: Height, up to 3m tall; spread 1–2m. and summer. Water: Medium. Flowering season: In temperate areas, SOURCES Ball Straathof ballstraathof.co.za Shirley Wallington wallington.co.za from spring until autumn.

Murraya paniculata (M. exotica)

LOOKING TO

Carrie Latimer designed this garden to form an extension of the surrounding national park and offset the contemporary architecture of the house

he first thing that strikes you as you negotiate the sharp bend in Nazeem and Razia Khan’s steep driveway, is the aroma of the fynbos. As their modern house sits just below Table Mountain National Park, they wanted a natural-looking garden that felt like an extension of the mountain, which in this case, involved fragrance. To fulfil their wishes, landscape

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

designer Carrie Latimer included fragrant plants such as Podalyria calyptrate. However, she interpreted fragrance in the Cape way to mean aromatic rather than perfumed. “Brushing your hands along the foliage of buchu and pelargoniums to release their fragrance is such a wonderful way to engage with plants,” she says. She was also thrilled to have the opportunity to use wild, natural plantings and a softer

garden layout, which she believes brings the contemporary architecture of the newly built house to life. One of the challenges was to come up with an attractive yet practical way to landscape the extensive forecourt in which there are five very old, protected oak trees. The solution was to feather long, narrow strips of exposed aggregate across the surface. This also forms a permeable surface, which allows

TEXT MARIANNE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHS MARIANNE ALEXANDER, LILI ELLIOTT AND NICKY ELLIOTT

the future

NATURAL CAPE GARDEN

Large sandstone boulders were placed to enhance the impression that the garden is part of the mountain backdrop. Low, mound-forming plants, including fragrant pelargoniums, wild rosemary (Eriocephalus africanus) and flowering Geranium incanum echo the plants found on the mountains. The long mosaic-tiled rill was inspired by the water features at the Alhambra gardens, which the Khans love to visit. Reflecting their Islamic faith, the Khatan star motif was also incorporated into the house by the architects, Wynand Wilsenach Architects. Wonderlawn (Dichondra repens) planted between the narrow strips of exposed aggregate in the driveway gives a lush look to the entrance of the house. THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

WHO LIVES HERE Nazeem and Razia Khan who moved to the city to be nearer Nazeemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workplace.

THE GARDEN A natural-looking garden on a steep slope at the foot of Table Mountain and winner of a bronze at the 2019 SALI Awards.

rainwater to permeate the ground. Wonderlawn was seeded between the strips so the driveway forms an extension of the garden. Â What sets this garden apart is that there is no lawn. To link the house with the surrounds and provide privacy, planting boxes were built on the edges of the decks. Most of them have been

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: The steep

slope at the back of the property is a tapestry of mound-forming fynbos plants that blends into the mountainside. Each terrace is edged with built-in concrete planters filled with water-wise, windresistant plants that soften the façade of the house, provide privacy and green the outlook.

planted with fynbos flora and aromatic plants like buchu and soft grasses. However, Razia, who enjoys cooking, has her own herb and spice bar, which includes plants like the curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii) and lemon grass. She also has several vegetable boxes near the kitchen and made a special request for lemon, pomegranate and fig trees. The

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Khans brought a number of plants from their previous property including a giant cycad, which adds a touch of drama at the entrance, masses of clivias and Razia’s favourite camellia that all thrive in the shade of the oaks. What proved exceedingly difficult to landscape was the steep slope behind the house leading up to the mountain.

The large sandstone boulders moved while levelling the site were used to create a berm resulting in a precipitous embankment, which had to be planted. To hold the soil until the plants’ roots were established, Carrie laid down a honeycomb membrane and hessian. “It was very difficult for plants to thrive under these conditions and not all survived,” says Carrie, adding that in situations like this, it’s sometimes better to allow the plants to evolve naturally. The actual planting was also a challenge. Carrie had to stand on the balconies and use a strong laser pointer to indicate the position of each plant. Pioneer species like Polygala

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

On this terrace, concrete planters along the edge of the balcony are filled with fragrant peppermint pelargonium (P. tomentosum). Natural grey granite stone walls seem to disappear seamlessly into the face of Table Mountain. Tufted grass (Aristida junciformis) and scented buchu grow alongside the swimming pool from which there is a stunning view of the city.

fruticosa, Chrysanthemoides incana and Pelargonium cucullatum were first planted to create a more stable environment for the longer lived shrubs such as buchu and proteas to take hold. Carrie believes in choosing plants acclimatised to the rainfall pattern in your area, especially in the Cape where water-wise succulents tend to rot during the cold, wet winter. “The secret to a low-water garden is to gradually build up humus-rich soil that holds water, and of course to mulch, as we did here,” she says. Long, deep watering cycles for the first two years encourage roots to develop in the cool depths of the soil, then Carrie gradually reduces

the watering so plants eventually have minimal water needs. At the base of the slope is a mosaictiled rill inspired by similar ones in the garden at the Alhambra in Granada, a particular favourite of the Khans. The rill leads from a basin in the shape of the Khatam star, a motif that has also been used inside their home to reflect their Islamic heritage. Carrie believes that more and more gardens in the Cape will look like this, the result of a few simple design principles. The style also helps the house to form part of the landscape say Nazeem and Razia, who love how the granite-clad retaining walls mirror the mountain that towers above them.

TAKE NOTE When gardening on the edge of a reserve avoid introducing hybrids of endemic species which, if crosspollinated with wild plants, can lead to their sterility. “When it comes to Proteaceae for example, I choose sterile hybrids that I know can’t cross-pollinate with local proteas,” says Carrie.

SOURCES Carrie Latimer Landscape Design carrielatimer.co.za Wynand Wilsenach Architects w2.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

GROUNDCOVERS 1

roundcovers are essential in any garden. The beauty of them is that most require very little attention and many will continue spreading until you stop them. They minimise erosion, act as living mulch, keeping the soil cool and reducing evaporation plus, they suppress weeds. In some instances, they also make an excellent substitute for lawn. Here are some of the best:

BACOPA (CHAENOSTOMA CORDATUM)

SPREADING

the love

Groundcovers are indispensable when it comes to covering bare earth, softening hard lines and planting between pavers 80

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

This indigenous groundcover spreads quickly, producing masses of small, starry flowers throughout the year, with the main flowering period in spring and summer. Shown here is ‘Megacopa Pink’ from Ball Straathof. It performs well in rockeries, as an edging plant and between paving. Growing tips: Fairly frost hardy, it’s happy in full sun or semi-shade, but will need regular watering, particularly if in full sun. Plant in rich soil and feed regularly. It is easily propagated from cuttings. Size: Height 15cm. Spread 60cm.

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS CONNALL OOSTERBROEK

DEAD NETTLE (LAMIUM MACULATUM)

This is one of the easiest shade-loving creepers to grow. It’s usually grown for its foliage, which includes mottled, frosted and striking patterns. Part of the mint family, it can be invasive in moist, fertile soils but is easy to control. Growing tips: It will grow happily in most parts of the country, preferring a cool, shady spot and generous watering. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails. Size: Height 15cm. Spread continuous. Source: Widely available.

With its soft, feathery leaves and striking pink to lilac blooms, this indigenous gem is very effective on banks, in mixed borders and cascading over the edges of retaining walls and hanging baskets. Masses of mauve flowers appear throughout the year, peaking in the summer months. Include it in an edible garden. Growing tips: If watered moderately, it performs best in full sun, but will tolerate some shade and light frost. Size: Height 30cm. Spread 30cm.

GROUND MORNING GLORY (CONVOLVULUS SABATIUS)

CARPET GERANIUM (GERANIUM INCANUM)

CARPET BUGLE (AJUGA REPTANS)

Not to be confused with its invasive cousins, this morning glory is ideal for steep banks, softening walls and edging large containers. The lilac-blue flowers appear from mid spring and continue into autumn. Growing tips: It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position. The flowers only open in bright sunshine, and once established, it’s drought tolerant and virtually disease free. If hit by frost, it will re-sprout in spring. Size: Height 15cm. Spread 60cm.

This shade-loving, perennial groundcover has spikes of blue flowers, but is primarily grown for its foliage, which comes in green, bronze, burgundy and variegated. It grows well under trees and forms a dense mat that chokes weeds. It’s ideal for stabilising banks and edging pathways. Growing tips: Plant it in full or semishade and keep well-watered as it doesn’t like to dry out. It is hardy to severe frost and may become dormant in very cold weather. Size: Height 15cm to 60cm. Spread continuous.

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PARROT’S BEAK (LOTUS BERTHELOTII)

MINI MINT (MENTHA REQUIENII)

Silvery-grey, needle-like leaves are a perfect backdrop for the striking scarlet or orange-red flowers that appear in late spring or early summer. It’s ideal for cascading over walls and down rocky banks. Growing tips: Plant it in a sunny spot in moderately fertile, but very welldrained soil, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It’s not suited to very humid areas or those that experience heavy frosts. Size: Height 20cm. Spread 90cm.

Also known as Corsican mint, this is one of the smallest of the mint varieties. Grown by Ball Straathof, it’s particularly effective planted between or around paving stones, as each time someone steps on it, it releases a clean, fresh, minty scent and it’s able to tolerate light traffic. Growing tips: It thrives in shady areas, but be careful not to overwater as the leaves may rot. It’s also drought sensitive, so don’t under water either. Size: Height 3–10cm. Spread continuous.

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

AFRICAN MORNING GLORY (FALKIA REPENS)

Endemic to winter-rainfall areas of the Cape, this fast-growing creeper fills open ground quickly. The flowers appear in September and continue through to December. Available at indigenous nurseries, it makes a good container plant and looks attractive between paving. Growing tips: Plant in full sun or light shade. While it will tolerate poor soil, periods of drought and heat, for best results, plant in rich, composted soil and keep well watered. To stimulate new growth, divide the plants every few years. Size: Height 10cm. Spread continuous.

GET MORE ONLINE Find more indigenous groundcovers at gardenandhome.co.za

HEN-ANDCHICKENS (CHLOROPHYTUM COMOSUM)

So easy to grow, the indigenous henand-chickens is quite possibly the most cultivated house plant in the world. Variegated forms have added interest. It thrives in shady areas and makes a good filler for those difficult spots under trees. Growing tips: Not fussy about the soil, its fleshy roots ensure that it survives dry spells. Frost may knock it back, but it rebounds in spring. Size: Height 1m. Spread continuous.

CREEPING FOXGLOVE (ASYSTASIA GANGETICA)

This fairly hardy, evergreen, vigorous

10 groundcover is found throughout much of Africa. Easily propagated from runners, it has fragrant flowers, which appear from November through to April, and are loved by butterflies. It can get quite rampant so keep an eye on its growth. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usually available at indigenous nurseries.

Growing tips: It thrives in semi-shade and will grow in sunny areas, if watered well. It can be planted in any type of garden soil, but does better if plenty of compost is added. Protect young plants from the cold. Size: Height 30cm. Spread continuous. SOURCE Ball Straathof ballstraathof.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

LANDSCAPING

Getting IT RIGHT Keith Kirsten

of both but, whatever the style or theme, keep the centre of the garden open to create a sense of space. PROPORTION AND SCALE This refers to the relationship between the three dimensions: height, length and width. Trees, plants, design elements and decorative features should be in proportion to the size of your house and its surrounding space, as well as to each other. UNITY All the elements of the garden, such as lawns, paths, paving, terraces, shrubberies, flowerbeds and borders must work together to form a pleasing, coherent whole.

A new year is a good time GENERAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES to plan a new garden. Rigid rules and regulations should not In this extract from his limit landscape design, which is a free and creative art form that generally uses recently revised book, the following principles to achieve a Gardening with Keith successfully designed garden. Kirsten, this international gardening expert gives his STYLE Your garden should complement the broad architectural tips on landscaping and style of your house. Gardens tend to be formal, informal or a combination positioning plants 84

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

BALANCE This means carefully placing elements throughout the garden to maintain a feeling of balance, but without necessarily placing them on either side of the central axis. CREATING VISTAS Vistas add great interest to a garden. Even if you do not have a spectacular view, you can frame a ABOVE LEFT: The repetition of plants

along this pathway creates visual unity and leads the eye along the path. Photograph Raymond Hudson.

REPETITION Visual unity can be achieved by repetition of the same plants or design elements throughout the garden (for example, a row of trees of the same species, a bed of similar-coloured roses, or a series of identical pots or containers on a terrace).

fragment of one, or create an illusion of distance and space through the use of trees or by directing the view through an arch or pergola. FOCAL POINT Every garden needs a point of interest to which the eye is immediately drawn on entering the garden. In small gardens, this is usually the house. In larger gardens, the focal point should relate to the house in some way, for example, by acknowledging the centre-line of a window or an outside door. A focal point can be a pool, pond, gazebo, statue, garden furniture or a group of eye-catching plants. Very large gardens may need more than one focal point, with perhaps one closer to the house and others set further away, in different garden areas.

CONTRAST AND HARMONY Contrast is achieved by juxtaposing different textures, such as placing coarsefoliaged plants alongside fine-foliaged ones, while harmony can be achieved by blending complementary flower and foliage colours. There are many ways to experiment with texture, form and colour to achieve contrast and harmony.

CHOOSING AND POSITIONING YOUR PLANTS Once you have determined the type of plants most suitable for your existing garden conditions, choose a variety of species with contrasting leaf form, colour and texture, as this will give the garden interest throughout the year. Try to keep in mind the final size, shape and outline of shrubs and

flowering plants when they are fully grown. Place annuals and biennials at the front of beds to provide splashes of colour, and put taller shrubs at the back. Swathes of perennials of the same species are wonderful in a grassland or perennial garden. Some, like Scabiosa and Leonotis, have ornamental seedpods that provide an added dimension in winter, when there is often not much blooming in the garden. TREES Position trees at key points to give the garden form. Use a single tree as a focal point; two trees of the same variety in a symmetrical design; and groups of three, five or seven trees to create the illusion of a small forest. Trees belong within a garden, not just on its perimeter. Plant trees near the house entrance, on open lawns, near garages and carports, and in kitchen courtyards to create shade and shadows. Small to medium-size trees are best for the average suburban garden. Deciduous trees, like Celtis africana, will give dappled shade in summer while allowing light through in winter and creating a sculptural effect with their bare branches.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT: A tranquil scene that invites contemplation and relaxation. Photograph Lizette Jonker. Creeper-covered arches frame a gravel pathway. Photograph Lizette Jonker. Indigenous Nuxia floribunda is a small evergreen tree. Photograph Carol Knoll.

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

textures, and each one playing a unique and distinctive role.

SHRUBS Use shrubs in groups to form a planting triangle, give focus to a part of the garden, or repeat a colour theme. Tall shrubs create a background for the main feature planting of the garden, while fast-growing shrubs can be used to screen or soften unwanted views or ugly structures. Plant small to medium shrubs in front of taller ones on the garden perimeter. Think of shrubs as classical actors on a stage, richly dressed in contrasting colours, forms and

GROUNDCOVERS Plant groundcovers in front of smaller shrubs. In this way you can get a graduation in height, with the unsightly trunks and lower parts of plants being hidden by plants in front of them. Groundcovers help to suppress weeds, reducing the amount of maintenance needed in garden beds. They also effectively reduce water evaporation from the soil surface by providing ‘living’ mulch. CLIMBERS, SCRAMBLERS, CREEPERS Creepers and climbers can be trained to cover walls, arches, pergolas, carports and structures designed to accommodate them. Lamp posts, pillars, urns on pedestals and trelliswork can all be enhanced with climbing plants, which can also be used as a softening element on an otherwise featureless wall.

Lamium maculatum ‘Chequers’ is a flatgrowing, flowering groundcover that grows in most soils and is good for shady areas. Photograph Louis van Aswegen/Doonholm Nursery. A reliable evergreen shrub, Abelia ‘Francis Mason’ is marvellous for colour contrast with variegated golden-green foliage and white flowers. Photograph Carol Knoll. Aloes and agapanthus provide height at the top of a sloping hillside. Photograph Tanya Visser/The Gardener. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT:

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

LAWNS Keep lawns open and unbroken by paths, beds or shrubs that might distract from the spacious look. (Shade trees can be planted in strategic positions on open lawns.) In smaller gardens, indigenous or tufted grass species and groundcovers can be planted in lieu of lawn. A lawn in a very small garden is outdated and not sustainable.

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his exclusive lodge is situated in the 10 000-hectare private Mluwati concession of the Kruger National Park. Adjoining Sabi Sands, this part of Kruger is one of the best game-viewing areas in Africa and you can take full advantage of this with open-top 4x4 safaris conducted by qualified, knowledgeable guides. Twelve individual thatched suites offer relaxing, spacious accommodation, each with exquisite views and a private plunge pool overlooking the Nwatsitswonto riverbed and the plains beyond. Victorian baths and showers with views of the bush are included in each one. Whether in the high-ceilinged dining room or on the teak deck overlooking the busy watering hole, spotting

Visit gardenandhome.co.za, click on WIN and answer this simple question: How many private suites are there at Imbali Safari Lodge?

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THE PRIZE INCLUDES Accommodation for two people for three nights. Three meals per day. Selected local beverages. Two safari drives per day.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. The first correctly completed entry to be drawn will win the prize. 2. The judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. The prize is non-transferrable and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be exchanged for cash. 4. Employees of Imbali Safari Lodge, CTP Caxton, their advertising agencies and immediate families may not enter the competition. 5. Accommodation is subject to availability and excludes peak travel periods. The prize is valid for one year from the date of notification. 6. The prize excludes conservation levy, transfers, premium beverages and items of a personal nature. 7. Entries close on 31 January 2020. 8. The competition is only open to South African residents over the age of 18. 9. The winner will be notified telephonically. 10. To comply with the Consumer Protection Act, postal entries will no longer be allowed and the winner will be required to supply their ID number. 11. E-mail addresses are not mandatory. 12. By entering the competition, you give Caxton Magazines the right to present other Caxton offers to you.

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GARDENING SAVVY

6RESOLUTIONS Gardening to make and keep

GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY Working in the garden is a great way to unwind, de-stress and keep connected to nature. Even if you can’t do the hard, physical work, deadhead the roses and other flowers, pull out weeds, sow seed, plant seedlings, water the plants, and harvest the veggies. The Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí who believed everyone should be a student of nature wrote, “That great book, which is always open and which we should make every effort to read, is the book of nature.”

TEXT ALICE SPENSER-HIGGS PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN, KARL ROGERS, CONNALL OOSTERBROEK AND LOREN SHIRLEY-CARR MAIN PHOTOGRAPH SHUTTERSTOCK/GREATSTOCK

The joy of gardening is that every effort is rewarded. And for success, use common sense and stick to the basics – we’ve called them resolutions – happy gardening for 2020

DON’T LET PLANTS GO HUNGRY A constant supply of nutrition keeps plants healthy and less susceptible to disease and pest attack. A sustainable source of food is home-made compost, which is recycled household and garden waste, and combines carbon (brown material) and nitrogen (green material). Wormeries also yield highly nutritious compost and liquid drenches (diluted in water). Renew the soil with compost in spring and with each new planting. Aromatic herbs have nutrient-rich foliage that improves soil health. Plant them as companion plants to repel insects and act as trap crops. Apply a controlled-release fertiliser once at the beginning of the season, or every four months, to supply essential micro-nutrients and address any nutrient deficiencies.

ENCOURAGE BEES, BUTTERFLIES AND BIRDS Attract them and they’ll make our world a better place by pollinating plants, controlling pests naturally, and adding beauty and birdsong. A wildlifefriendly garden provides water (puddles, ponds and baths), flowering plants for nectar and pollen and tree corridors and shrubs for nesting. Only use organic pesticides that aren’t harmful to bees and other beneficial insects. Read the label before buying. To be safe, spray early in the day or late in the afternoon when pollinators are not busy.

PLANTS KNOW BEST – GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT Don’t compromise on the amount of sun or shade a plant needs. Plants are happiest and healthiest when placed in the right position. When full sun is indicated, plants need at least six hours of sun a day. Plants for semi-shade can take morning sun (up to four hours) and bright dappled shade, but not morning shade and afternoon or midday sun. With too little sun, sun lovers won’t flower as well and will become lanky and diseased. With too much sun, shade lovers turn into water guzzlers.

BECOME A WATER WARRIOR

DO SWEAT THE SOIL STUFF There is a saying: rather put a 10-cent plant in a R100 hole, than the other way around. Plants will withstand drought, extreme temperatures and irregular rainfall far better when they are planted in fertile, well-aerated, organically rich soil. This soil allows the optimal uptake of nutrients, water and oxygen, there is good drainage, and the roots can reach deeper and wider for water. For annuals and perennials, loosen the soil to a depth of 30cm. Dig in compost, the more the better, bonemeal and organic fertiliser. For roses and bigger shrubs, dig out the first 30cm of soil and put to one side. Loosen the soil in the hole to a further depth of 30cm and add more compost. Mix organics, compost and fertiliser into the top 30cm of soil and return it to the hole. Water well. For trees, go bigger and deeper.

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Everything revolves around water these days: how to reduce its use, save it and use it efficiently. As so much water is lost through evaporation, water during the coolest times of the day (before 6am or after 6pm). To minimise evaporation and keep the soil cool and moist for longer, insulate beds with a thin 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2cm layer of organic mulch, such as peanut shells, hay or bark chips. Replenish the layer regularly. Increase the permeable garden floor so rainwater soaks in. Use permeable pavers, replace solid paving with pavers set into sand or gravel, or use mondo grass, groundcovers or aromatic herbs in between steppingstones. Direct rainwater on roofs into tanks and use household grey water in the garden.

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Garden

NOTES

MUST-DOS THIS MONTH Contributing gardening editor Marianne Alexander’s handy checklist of essential chores to do in January

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Buy a notebook or diary and make a point of jotting down what to plant where, the names of new plants, especially roses, your wish list and to keep track of when and what suitable fertilisers you use; include your spraying regimen. Boost the midsummer flush of shrubs, climbers and trees by feeding the whole garden. Either foliar feed with water-soluble fertiliser or water in a general, balanced, granular fertiliser; sprinkle this along the drip line of trees. Feed annuals and perennials with a fertiliser high in potassium (3:1:5 or 2:3:4) to maintain growth and promote flowering. Keep deadheading. Rejuvenate tired or leggy annuals like hybrid vincas, phlox, petunias, verbenas, zinnias and salvias by cutting back, mulching with compost, fertilising, and applying the growth hormone Kelpak. Clip hedges and topiary where and if necessary. Cut back trees that are casting too much shade by removing an entire branch rather than just cutting a portion off; undercut first to avoid the bark peeling off down the trunk. Gradually cut back lawns that have grown too long over the festive break, lowering the mower blades with each cut. Maintain a height of 5–7cm. Water well after feeding with 3:1:5 or 2:3:4 granular fertiliser, then only as necessary. Rehydrate container plants that have dried out by immersing them overnight in a bigger container of water. Trim fuchsias lightly and feed; where white fly are problematic, hang strips of yellow card covered with petroleum jelly. Change the fertiliser for cymbidium orchids to a low-nitrogen, high-potash product to stimulate the formation of flower spikes. Periodically run the hose or pour a watering can of water over the roots to flush out accumulated salts. Prune roses lightly late in the month, opening up the centre, but leaving sufficient leaves for them to keep producing food. Water in Vigorosa fertiliser. Continue to spray for fungal infections. Cover compost heaps in summer-rainfall areas to prevent them becoming too soggy as this can lead to rotting and unpleasant smells. In hot, dry areas, provide some shade in summer and sprinkle with water periodically. If you’re replanting a potted Christmas tree in the sun, give it some shade first to acclimatise it, or the leaves may burn. Plant potted plants you were given over Christmas, like hydrangeas, poinsettias and chrysanthemums, in a sunny position in the garden.

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JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Going with the GRANULAR Pokon’s eight new organic granular fertilisers are available in 1kg boxes from Hadeco. The range includes Vegetable Garden Fertiliser, R160, with extra potassium for strong, vigorous plants, Lavender & Herb Fertiliser, R160, containing 100% natural raw products so the harvest is safe to eat. They slowly release nutrients so you only have to feed plants every four months and are safe for humans and pets. hadeco.co.za

WHO GROWS THERE? Designed for all gardeners, from beginners to experts, community gardening app, Candide has two new features: ‘Plant ID’ that helps you identify an unknown plant, shrub, herb or tree, and ‘Places’ where you can post complete details of what you provide, from a small garden service, to a new nursery, landscaping, tree felling, and plant and pot supplies. Visit candidegardening.com or e-mail hello@candide.co.za

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 2.

Make a New Year’s resolution to spend more time enjoying your garden

GARDEN NEWS

We’re PLANTING... CANNA CANNOVA Why: Early flowering and fast growing, this new hybrid is compact, heat tolerant and constantly produces new blooms from summer to autumn. Its colour range includes bronze-scarlet, mango, rose, yellow, orange shades and red shades (pictured). Where: Non-invasive and low maintenance, it’s ideal for tropical landscapes and large mixed containers. Plants do best in full sun and moist soil, but once established, can withstand heat, humidity and drought. How: Plant in well-draining soil as an accent plant, in a border, as a low hedge or in mass planting. For more information, visit ballstraathof.co.za

Pest WATCH The larvae of nocturnal moths, hawk moth caterpillars start off green and then turn brown. The caterpillars devour arum lilies, impatiens, grapevines and fuchsia leaves. As they hide in the leaf litter under plants during the day, it’s best to hunt for them at night by torch light.

KEEP A SAFE HOUSE Choice of decorative light fittings is frequently based on the aesthetic appearance without any consideration of the light distribution. Before buying fittings, and for the most effective result, get the advice of a professional lighting installer. See The SAFEhouse Guide to Luminaires at safehousesa.co.za

To the POINT

Fumagalli Carlo bollard (40cm), R960, Eurolux. eurolux.co.za

With a Blumat Classic automatic plant waterer, indoor plants get just the right amount of water, regardless of whether they’re in sun or shade. Water is drawn from a container or bottle near the plant and released directly into the soil through the clay cone. The Blumat Classic, from R125, can be used all year round and is ideal for watering plants when you’re away. Visit blumatsouthafrica.co.za

THIS WEEKEND Remove faded amaryllis flowers and move plants to a warm place where they’ll receive plenty of light; they’ll even take some sun. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and feed with bulb food or a general fertiliser.

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

THE VEGGIE GARDEN Once strawberries (above left) have stopped fruiting, feed with a nitrogenrich fertiliser. Anchor a few runners in the soil as these will root and become next season’s plants. Remove tired-looking plants, which are 2–3 years old. Keep harvesting young beans to ensure a continuous supply. Tomatoes, green peppers and aubergines (above right) will also be ready for picking. Make a last sowing of beans, both bush and climber, and peppers, tomatoes and aubergine in all but the subtropics. Harvest baby marrows (or zucchini), gem squash and patty pans while young, tender and moist. There’s still time to sow seed of fast-growing herbs like rocket, dill, cress and coriander; you can also allow a few plants to self-seed. Once the flowers of baby potatoes have faded, loosen the soil with a fork and lift them out. In cold and frost-prone areas, start sowing seeds of winter vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Asian greens and kohlrabi. Keep vegetables mulched and feed regularly with liquid fertiliser. Tomato tip: To reduce the possibility of fungal outbreaks, water the base of the plant and not the leaves. Support tall plants, but don’t tie them up too tightly; remove the lower leaves to increase airflow.

ALLROUNDER The Impilo 16 NFT modular system allows you to grow up to 60 plants at the same time, saving you water and effort. It includes eight modular Grow Tower Panels made from recycled plastic with 16 pockets, a base tank, 18-watt pump, aerating spray nozzle, pump filter bag, 16 x 5cm net grow baskets and plant sponges, plus a twomonth supply of Impilo Nutrients, R1 650. Visit impiloprojects.com

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

INDIGENOUS PLANTS THAT ATTRACT BIRDS

Strelitzia ‘Mandela’s Gold’ (or ‘Karoo Gold’) The yellow form of the crane flower is an evergreen, bold, clump-forming plant, which is water wise, once established. The lowdown: Plant it in sun or semi-shade. It’s sensitive to frost. Size: 1–1,5m. Leonotis leonurus ‘Golden Velvet’ (wild dagga) Its golden-yellow, tubular flowers also attract insects. Cut it back hard after flowering at the end of winter to keep it neat and to promote new growth. The lowdown: Plant it in full sun. Half-hardy, it’s drought tolerant. Size: 1,5–2 x 1m. Metarungia longistrobus (sunbird bush) A neat, fast-growing evergreen shrub, it flowers in late summer and produces another flush in winter. Prune after flowering in winter. The lowdown: Plant it in rich, moistureretaining soil in shade, with a few hours of sun. Frost tender, it has average water needs. Size: 1,5–2m.

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I GREW IT

myself 1 3

MOVEABLE FEAST

Old wheelbarrows can be turned into productive containers – all they need are drainage holes. As they can be easily moved, you can place them in sunny, sheltered spots. The deeper builders’ barrows are more suited to deep-rooting plants like carrots, while the shallow ones are perfect for salad greens.

WELL WATERED

With hydroponic systems like this one from Urban Organics, plants are inserted in specially designed tubes and fertilised with nutrient-rich water, which is circulated over their roots. Most vegetables love the sun, so position your system where it will receive sufficient sunlight.

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

TEXT MARIANNE ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHS MARIANNE ALEXANDER AND KEITH KNOWLTON

CONTAINER GARDENING XXX

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HANG ’EM HIGH

Eye-catching hanging baskets take up very little space and the bonus is that they’re out of reach of the snails. As they dry out quickly, add water-retaining gel or crystals to the soil mix. Grow a melange of vegetables with similar food and water requirements. Edible flowers like violas add colour and herbs fragrance.

IN THE BOX

One advantage of raised boxes is that you can control the quality of the soil – ideal if you have poor or rocky soil. If the wood has been treated with a preservative, line the box with plastic sheeting to prevent contamination. Ensure that the soil drains well by placing a layer of gravel in the base. To save your back, raise them up on legs and fit castors so you can move them around. If they’re too deep to fill with soil, fill up the bottom third to a half with chunks of polystyrene packaging. Pictured is the The Urban Box, supplied by Talborne Organics, available in different colours at garden centres and hardware stores.

OFF THE WALL

Double your planting space by hanging containers on a metal grid attached to a wall or fence. Use lightweight containers like recycled tins and make drainage holes in the bottom before planting.

CLOSE AT HAND

A long trough fixed to the wall beneath a kitchen window makes harvesting herbs and salad greens quick and easy.

WINE AND DINE

Wine barrels are great for growing veggies as they are deep enough for those with long roots. Raise them on bricks or cobbles to ensure good drainage and to prevent the wood from rotting. To prolong their lifespan, paint the inside with a water-based, non-toxic sealant.

gardenandhome.co.za | JANUARY 2020

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POCKET PLEASERS

Pocket systems like this one from Vertical Veg offer loads of space for veggies. The smaller pockets are ideal for individual plants, such as carrots, beetroot, spring onions, bulb fennel and herbs. Larger pockets are best for those with spreading roots like tomatoes. Look for a system with builtin drip irrigation so they remain damp.

METAL WORKS

Galvanised metal containers come in many sizes and shapes, are light and perfect for deep-rooting veggies. As they heat up more than other containers, insulate the sides with newspaper, underfelt or cardboard, which also hold moisture. Cascading plants will help to keep them cooler. Photo taken at Soil for Life, a nonprofit organisation.

ROUND AND ABOUT

Old tyres are ideal for growing potatoes. Either plant commercial seed potatoes or the ‘eyes’ on your tastiest spuds. As their shoots emerge from the first tyre, add another on top and fill with good, loose soil mix. Repeat until you have a small tower. To harvest, remove the top tyres. These were photographed at SOZO, an NGO that teaches disadvantaged people how to grow veggies.

SUITABLE VEGETABLES Beetroot, spring onion, radish, beans, tomatoes, chillies, Swiss chard and English spinach, herbs, zucchini, mini carrots, peas, aubergine, peppers, lettuce, especially the ’cut and come again’ varieties, and oriental greens like tatsoi and bok choy.

JANUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

GOOD TO KNOW Anything that can hold soil, retain water and is around 20–30cm deep can be used as a container, as long as it has drainage holes. Unglazed terracotta or clay pots dry out faster than plastic and wooden ones, while black pots tend to absorb the heat. Place containers where they receive at least six hours of sunlight. Move those on wheels into the sun or shade as the seasons change. Use a good, moisture-retaining, but free-draining soil mix. Layer drainage chips at the bottom. Water regularly as containers dry out faster than garden beds. Feed regularly to compensate for their restricted root run. Plant according to the seasons. Either practise companion planting so one plant benefits another or, if you’re using smaller containers, stick to one type of plant. Position taller growers at the back or centre and cascading plants around the sides. Include some vegetables with coloured and textured leaves for interest. Tuck in a few strong-smelling herbs to deter pests.

SOURCES Talborne Organics talborne.co.za Urban Organics 071 235 4445 or sales@urbanorganics.co.za Vertical Veg verticalveg.co.za

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100s of decor ideas thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll improve your home and your life

Plant combinations for shady areas

Colourful climbers

Delicious ideas for entertaining

Two looks for a small garden

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the February issue ON SALE 13 JANUARY

PICKLING VEGETABLES Pickled broccoli and red peppers with garlic and cumin.

WELL

PRESERVED ucumbers, carrots, cabbage, beetroot, beans, eggplant, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, garlic, radishes, ginger, chillies, peppers and more can all be preserved by pickling. Hard, crunchy vegetables like carrots and beetroot need to be cooked beforehand.

PICKLING METHODS IN THE FRIDGE This is the easiest method, as vegetables only require a day or two in acidic pickling brine before they can be eaten. While they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t develop the deep flavour of fermented pickles, they are crunchier.

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METHOD 1. Pack the vegetables and flavourings tightly into sterilised bottles, leaving 2cm space at the top for liquid. 2. Cover with hot pickling brine (see recipe opposite). 3. Seal tightly and leave to cool. Refrigerate for at least a day before eating. PRESERVED PICKLES This method is a bit more complicated, but the pickles last up to six months on a shelf. Pickles are covered with acidic pickling brine and sterilised by boiling the filled bottles.

METHOD 1. Follow steps one and two for fridge pickles. 2. Seal tightly and place on a metal rack in a large pot. This prevents bottles from touching the bottom and breaking. It also ensures that the water circulates evenly. Or use a pressure cooker that has a canning setting, such as the Milex XL Power Pressure Cooker. 3. Cover with boiling water and simmer for 10 minutes. 4. Remove from the pot and leave to cool. Store in a cool, dark place and eat within six months.

TEXT JANE GRIFFITHS PHOTOGRAPHS JANE GRIFFITHS AND KEITH KNOWLTON

If you have a glut of vegetables, make the most of them with these tips from Jane Griffiths

GET MORE ONLINE Get Antonia de Luca’s recipe for Perfect Lacto-Fermented Dill Cucumbers at antonias.co.za

Pickled beetroot

FERMENTED PICKLES Controlled fermentation takes a bit longer than fridge pickles, but is easy and healthy. Using salt brine, cucumbers are transformed into long-lasting pickles and raw cabbage into easily digestible sauerkraut. Antonia de Luca, of Leafy Greens Café in Jo’burg, recommends eating fermented food. “Apart from being delicious, it’s very good for gut health.” In lacto-fermentation, lactobacilli bacteria convert the starches and sugars in vegetables to lactic acid, a natural preservative. The more of these probiotic bacteria you eat, the more diversity you have in your intestines. “Diversifying gut flora improves gastrointestinal health, leading to better digestion, a stronger immune system and improved wellbeing,” says Antonia. METHOD 1. Follow step one for fridge pickles. 2. Cover with fermenting brine (see recipe right). Place a sterilised weight on top. 3. The pickles will start bubbling after a day or two. Leave to ferment at room temperature for up to a week. 4. Check every other day to ensure they remain submerged. 5. After a week, store in the fridge to slow down fermentation.

Yellow zucchini pickles with red onion.

THE BRINE FERMENTING BRINE This consists of water and salt. Different vegetables require different strengths. Cucumbers are full of water, perish easily and need a stronger solution – about 10 teaspoons per litre of water. “The extra salt prevents pickles from turning soggy,” says Antonia. For firmer vegetables, such as beetroot and carrots, use four to six teaspoons of salt per litre. Antonia also suggests adding flavourings such as dill and mustard seeds, peppercorns, bay leaves and chillies. PICKLING BRINE Used for fridge and preserved pickles,

Pickled eggplant with garlic, chilli and oregano.

it includes vinegar, water, sugar and salt and creates an acidic environment that prevents harmful bacteria, yeast and moulds from forming. Flavouring spices and herbs can be included. The brine is heated before being added to the vegetables. A good basic recipe is: 2 cups good-quality vinegar 2 cups water ½ cup sugar 1T peppercorns 1T mustard seeds

Bring all the ingredients to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes. This amount makes enough brine for about half a kilogram of vegetables.

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Tickled Pink Pickled Red Cabbage

Beetroot and red cabbage

Chilli harvest

PICKLING TIPS Use fresh, clean vegetables. Cut the blossom ends off cucumbers and marrows as they contain enzymes that make pickles go soft. Don’t use iodised salt as it makes brine cloudy. Use good-quality vinegar such as white wine or apple cider vinegar. Use sterilised bottles (see below).

STERILISING Wash bottles and lids, place in the oven and heat at 140°C for 20 minutes. The washed, wet bottles can be placed upside-down in a microwave and heated on high for 1–2 minutes. For bottles with rubber rings, place bottles, rings and lids on a rack in a deep pot. Cover with water and heat. Simmer for 10 minutes.

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TICKLED PINK PICKLED RED CABBAGE

WIN!

Crisp, sweet and sour, this pickle is delicious with cold meats and cheeses. 2 baby red cabbages 2 carrots, peeled 1T dill seeds 2 cups water ¼ cup honey 2 cups white wine vinegar 1T salt

1. Slice the cabbage and carrots finely. Whisk the rest of the ingredients together. Fill sterilised bottles with the vegetables. 2. Add the vinegar mixture to cover. Seal and keep in the fridge for a couple of days before eating. (The vinegar is not boiled in this case as it will change the colour of the cabbage.)

WIN! We’re giving away three Milex XL Power Pressure Cookers worth R1 499 each. Seven kitchen appliances in one – pressure cooker, slow cooker, canner, soup maker, steamer, cookware & rice cooker, they’re available at all major retail outlets. To enter, SMS the word MILEX, your name and e-mail address to 48406. Standard rates apply. GIVEAWAY Ts&Cs: 1. Standard terms and conditions apply. 2. The prizes are non-transferrable and can’t

SOURCES Antonia de Luca Leafy Greens Café antonias.co.za Jane’s A – Z of Vegetables by Jane Griffiths (Sunbird Publishers, jonathanball.co.za) janesdeliciousgarden.com

be exchanged for cash. 3. Entries close on 31 January 2020. 6. The competition is only open to South African residents over the age of 18. 7. To comply with the Consumer Protection Act, the winners will be required to supply their ID number. 8. It is not mandatory to supply your email address.

Lisa Finkelstein and Oscar

MAKING

merry

When Lisa Finkelstein of Cape Town entertains she makes sure that the drinks are as tasty as the food 104

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TEXT NATALIE BORUVKA PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS FOOD STYLING KIM WOOD 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

or Lisa Finkelstein, head of marketing at fine liquor merchants Truman & Orange, no summer lunch is complete without a gin ‘harvest’ table. “I like my guests to be creative and have fun making their own drinks, so I lay a gorgeous table with a selection of our premium brands, a variety of mixers and lots of ingredients, such as blueberries, pomegranate seeds, mint, rosemary sprigs and sliced cucumber,” she explains. “And for those who don’t wish to drink, there’s always Seedlip, an aromatic non-alcoholic alternative.” Lisa studied politics and philosophy with the view to becoming a diplomat, but when a stint as an intern at a political party left her disillusioned, she decided to make a difference in another field. “I’ve always loved people and been fascinated by brands, so advertising and marketing seemed like a natural choice,” she says. After two years with the company, she can say with conviction that South Africans are discerning drinkers. “The demand for better quality

ENTERTAINING Lauren Rohloff, Rebecca Whisson-Smeda and Kirsti Lyall

Menu MUSTARD BUTTER BEEF FILLET WITH ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES GINGER ALE GAMMON DRESSED BABY POTATOES FETA, STRAWBERRY AND PEANUT BRITTLE SALAD GREEK BEAN SALAD STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING THE SOLOMONS’ FAMILY CHEESECAKE

alcoholic beverages and greater variety is increasing, and consumers understand that what they drink complements what they eat. Ours is a unique portfolio of spirits, beers and sparkling wines that have provenance, authenticity and exceptional flavour.” One such product is Bannermans Whisky, a Scotch whisky with honey and oak notes that complements lamb and beef dishes extraordinarily well.

Lisa serves a gin ‘harvest’ table. It includes a selection of Truman & Orange’s premium brands, various mixers and fresh fruit and herbs.

“When it comes to cooking, I’m somewhat of a traditionalist. I turn to a repertoire of triedand-tested family recipes that have been passed down through the generations,” she admits. A firm favourite is gammon, slowly simmered in a stock spiked with ginger ale and glazed with apricot jam and home-made mustard. “Although I have a Jewish heritage, in this case I can be let off the hook. My paternal grandmother

was Christian and an exceptional cook. Whenever I entertain alfresco, I pay tribute to her by making her legendary glazed gammon,” she explains. On this balmy day Lisa has set a pretty table on the patio of her Victorian house in Rondebosch for a lazy New Year’s lunch with some of her girlfriends. “Entertaining is as much about the drinks as it is about the food in my opinion, so there’s a refreshing welcome cocktail, lots of sparkling wine and a gin table, of course.”

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Rebecca Whisson-Smeda, Kirsti Lyall, Lauren Penny and Lisa Finkelstein

(Serves 6–8)

Onion Seasoning 2t Robertsons Barbecue Spice 1,5kg beef fillet, trimmed salt and pepper FOR THE MUSTARD BUTTER 45g salted butter, softened 1T soy sauce 1T lemon juice 2t home-made mustard ½t teriyaki sauce 2t brown sugar 1 small clove garlic, crushed FOR THE ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES 2 stems cherry tomatoes on the vine olive oil salt and pepper

FOR THE BEEF FILLET 2t Nomu Beef Rub 2t Ina Paarman Green

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. 2. Mix the Nomu Beef Rub,

MUSTARD BUTTER BEEF FILLET WITH ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES

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Ina Paarman Green Onion Seasoning and Robertsons Barbeque Spice. 3. Rub into the beef fillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 4. To make the mustard butter, mix the butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, homemade mustard, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar and garlic. 5. Rub the butter over the entire fillet and wrap in foil, shiny side inwards. Leave to rest in the fridge for at least 3 hours. 6. Roast in the oven for 40 minutes, opening the foil for the last 10–15 minutes. Leave to rest. 7. To make the cherry tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 10–15 minutes until some of the tomatoes start to split. 8. Slice the beef fillet and arrange on a serving platter, pour over the juices and garnish with the roasted cherry tomatoes.

HOME-MADE MUSTARD 5T mustard powder 5T brown sugar

boiling water salt 2T red wine vinegar

1. Mix together the mustard powder and brown sugar. 2. Add a little boiling water to form a thick paste. 3. Add red wine vinegar and salt to taste. (If it thickens on standing, add a little more red wine vinegar.)

GINGER ALE GAMMON (Serves 6–8) 1,5kg gammon 1 large onion, quartered 2 large carrots, cut into chunks 3–4 celery sticks, cut into chunks ¼ cup parsley 2T brown sugar 1t mustard powder 4 bay leaves 10 peppercorns 6 cloves ½ cube chicken stock 330ml ginger ale FOR THE GLAZE 2T apricot jam 1T home-made mustard 2t brown sugar

1. Place the gammon in a deep pot together with the rest of the ingredients. Add

Kirsten Clarence and Rebecca Whisson-Smeda

enough water to cover the gammon completely. 2. Cover the pot with a lid, bring to the boil and cook for 30 minutes per 500g. Top up with water to ensure the gammon is covered for the entire cooking time. 3. Remove from the water and when cool, peel off the skin to expose the layer of fat. Score the fat layer in a diamond pattern. 4. To make the glaze, heat all the ingredients in a saucepan. 5. Place the gammon in a roasting pan and brush the fat with the glaze.

6. Grill in the oven until the surface browns and bubbles.

DRESSED BABY POTATOES (Serves 6) 700g baby potatoes, washed FOR THE DRESSING 1T salted butter, melted 2T home-made mustard TO SERVE handful flat leaf parsley, chopped 100g crispy onion sprinkle (I use one from Woolworths)

1. Place the baby potatoes in

a pot, cover with water and boil until cooked. 2. Leave to cool for about 30 minutes. 3. Place the potatoes in a large bowl, add the butter and home-made mustard and mix gently. 4. Serve sprinkled with the parsley and onion sprinkles.

FETA, STRAWBERRY AND PEANUT BRITTLE SALAD (Serves 6) 200g baby spinach leaves

2 large avocados, cubed 250g strawberries, halved 300g feta cheese, cubed 1 large slab peanut brittle, cracked into bite-size chunks TO SERVE store-bought balsamic glaze

1.Â Layer the baby spinach leaves, avocado, strawberries and feta cheese on a large salad platter. 2. Sprinkle the peanut brittle chunks on top. 3. To serve, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

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Lisa Finkelstein and Kirsten Clarence

QUICK CHAT WITH THE COOK

GREEK BEAN SALAD (Serves 6) FOR THE SALAD 250g fresh or frozen green beans, blanched 1 tin red kidney beans, drained 1 tin cannellini beans, drained 1 tin chickpeas, drained 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced 1 medium green pepper,

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seeded and cubed 2 tomatoes, diced ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted 200g feta cheese, cubed FOR THE VINAIGRETTE 30ml vinegar (balsamic, apple cider or red wine) salt and ground black pepper TO SERVE 2T flat leaf parsley (optional)

1. Mix all the salad ingredients together.

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My cooking style is simple but tasty – colourful, easy-toprepare dishes that allow me to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with my guests. No dinner party is complete without good cocktails and a personalised playlist. The kitchen gadgets I couldn’t live without are my herb chopper and my spring coil hand whisk. If I had just one recipe book, it would be my mom’s collection of recipes she’s inherited over the years from a long line of incredible matriarchs who really knew their stuff. My store cupboard staples are our family’s home-made mustard and chilli sauce. I make both and regularly use them in cooking. My favourite comfort food is pizza, followed by a big box of Smarties. And bubbly, always bubbly! The best thing I ever ate was my mother’s Shanghai Steak. It’s a Chinese dish made with fillet, cucumbers and egg noodles. It would be my ‘last meal’ request. When it comes to food, my friends and family know me as an enthusiastic, generous cook. Second and third helpings are the order of the day and nothing makes me prouder or happier.

2. To make the vinaigrette, place the ingredients in a bottle that has a lid and shake well.

3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss. 4. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.

Lauren Rohloff, Rebecca Whisson-Smeda, Kirsti Lyall Lisa Finkelstein and Kirsten Clarence

greased container and bake for 30–35 minutes. 6. To make the sauce, mix all the ingredients and boil for about 3 minutes. 7. Remove the pudding from the oven and lower the temperature to 140°C. Pour the sauce over the top and place it back in the oven for 25–30 minutes until the top is caramelised. 8. Serve with a dusting of icing sugar.

THE SOLOMONS’ FAMILY CHEESECAKE (Serves 6)

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING (Serves 6)

½ cup boiling water TO SERVE icing sugar, for dusting

1T butter 1 cup white sugar 1 egg 1t vinegar 3t apricot jam 1t bicarbonate of soda 1 cup self-raising flour, sifted 1 cup milk FOR THE SAUCE 1 cup white sugar 1 cup cream 125g butter

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and beat well. 3. Stir in the vinegar, apricot jam and bicarbonate of soda. 4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly. Mix in the milk. 5. Pour the mixture into a

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FOR THE SHORTBREAD BASE 1½ cups cake flour 4¼T castor sugar ¾t baking powder 187,5g butter, melted pinch salt FOR THE CHEESECAKE FILLING 3 eggs, whisked 750g cream cheese 1½ cups thick cream ¾ cup white sugar 1½t custard powder, dissolved

in a little milk ¾t vanilla essence TO SERVE strawberries, blueberries and raspberries store-bought berry syrup

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C. 2. To make the shortbread base, mix together all the ingredients together except the butter. 3. Add the melted butter to bind and press into a lined pie dish. 4. To make the filling, blend all the cheesecake ingredients well in a food processor. 5. Pour the filling into the pie dish and bake for 30–35 minutes. (You can leave it for a little longer if you want a firmer filling.) Leave to settle on a cooling rack before slicing. 6. Drizzle with store-bought berry syrup and serve with a selection of fresh berries. COOK’S NOTE Don’t over blend the cream cheese mixture as it will break down, become runny and won’t set.

SOURCE Truman & Orange trumanandorange.com

FOOD AND WINE

SIP UP and GO Clover’s Sip Up is now available in an exciting new, uniquely South African limited edition flavour, Marula. This delicious on-the-go, yoghurt-based dairy snack is an excellent source of calcium, contains 10 vitamins and comes in six other flavours, R9,99 for 250g. clover.co.za

Where TO EAT Tucked away in The Peech Boutique Hotel, in Jo’burg, new dining space Basalt is headed by well-known chef Frederico Diaz. It’s a sophisticated spot to enjoy a contemporary dinner. Visit thepeech.co.za

It’s the season to indulge in juicy stone fruits: peaches, nectarines and plums. Find the recipe for celeb chef Justin Bonello’s Lime & Nectarine Tart on our website, gardenandhome.co.za. And for a selection of inspiring seasonal recipes featuring these succulent fruits, visit juicydelicious.co.za

Well OILED Grown and made near St Sebastian Bay on the Cape South Coast, beautifully packaged, Baleia Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Olive Oil, from R130 for 375ml, has artichoke aromas, a hint of lemon freshness and a buttery smooth finish. baleiawines.com

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Shaken not STIRRED

Cocktails are the latest way to entertain, plus the choice of ingredients is endless. The KitchenCraft BarCraft six-piece cocktail set, R799, from yuppiechef.com has everything you need to get started.

WHAT’S ON 24 – 25 JANUARY Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir Celebration Savour the delights of Pinot Noir wine at this winery in Hermanus where a line-up of winemakers, guest speakers and chefs won’t disappoint. Visit pinotnoircelebration.com 25 JANUARY Delheim Harvest Festival Spend a leisurely day at Delheim Estate in Stellenbosch wining, dining and enjoying entertainment, and grape picking and stomping. Tickets cost R480 per adult, R280 pp under 18, and are available via quicket.co.za. For details, visit delheim.com

COMPILED BY LYN WOODWARD PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

Wine lovers and foodies will adore Vergenoegd and Löw’s Adam & Eve 2019 Merlot Collector’s limited edition. It includes embossed glass bottles with glass stoppers that can be reused for dressings and oil, R390. adamandeve.vergenoegd.co.za

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

BEARING FRUIT

PARADISE FOUND

A Tasty alternative If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re vegan or lactose intolerant, Clover Good Hope Soy Milk is the ideal alternative

building and repair. Soy may also be beneficial in weight loss because it increases satiety.

HOW IS SOY MILK MADE?

A VARIETY TO SUIT EVERY TASTE

Simply, soybeans are soaked before being finely ground; cooked and then strained to produce the liquid we call soy milk. Clover Good Hope soy milk is also enriched with added vitamins and minerals for added goodness.

Clover Good Hope Soy Milk is available in six different flavours including regular, milk alternative, regular unsweetened, enriched, strawberry and chocolate.

hen it comes to dairy alternatives, soy milk is a good substitute.

GH8897/01/20 PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK AND SUPPLIED

WHAT MAKES CLOVER GOOD HOPE SOY MILK SPECIAL? Clover Good Hope soy milk is rich in vitamin B2 and Omega-3, and is a healthy source of protein and energy. It is low in sodium and saturated fat and is naturally free from lactose, cholesterol and preservatives. Clover Good Hope promises that only naturally grown whole soybeans are used and that no genetically modified organisms or ingredients are used to produce the soy milk. Soyfoods, like soy milk, provides a great source of protein and nutrients while helping to keep dietary cholesterol and saturated fat low. Soy protein is a high-quality protein which is key for active individuals. Soyfoods provide complete protein and all of the necessary amino acids for muscle

Clover Good Hope Soy Milk is the perfect great-tasting alternative to dairy milk. It is a source of vitamin B2, is high in Omega 3, low in sodium while also being preservative and GMO free. It is also vegan friendly!

EFFORTLESS ENTERTAINING

DAYS These two dishes are ideal for dining alfresco during the holidays

(Serves 4–6) 500g small calamari tubes, cleaned 10–15ml harissa paste, or to taste 30ml lemon juice 30ml olive oil salt and milled black pepper FOR THE SPICED RICE 30ml olive oil 2 onions, peeled and thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 carrot, peeled and grated 5ml ground cumin 300g basmati rice 3ml ground turmeric 1x 410g tin lentils, rinsed and drained zest and juice of 1 lemon 30g butter 45ml fresh coriander, chopped 30ml fresh mint, chopped salt and milled black pepper TO SERVE fresh coriander and microgreens pomegranate rubies (optional) lemon wedges tzatziki* (optional)

1. Mix all the calamari ingredients together in a non-metallic bowl. Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes. 2. To make the spiced rice, heat the olive oil in a pot and gently fry the onions and garlic for 3–5 minutes. Once softened, lower the heat and cook for 10 minutes. 3. Stir in the carrot and cumin and cook for another 5 minutes. 4. Place the rice and turmeric in a separate pot. Cover with cold water and cook until the rice is tender. Drain well. 5. Carefully fold the rice, lentils, lemon zest and juice, butter, coriander and mint through the onion mixture. Heat gently and season with salt and pepper. 6. To cook the calamari, preheat a griddle pan, large frying pan or braai and sear the calamari tubes for 1–2 minutes per side.

RECIPES AND STYLING LYN WOODWARD PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

Lazy

HARISSA-SEARED CALAMARI WITH SPICED RICE

7. Remove and serve at once on top of the rice. Top with the fresh herbs and pomegranate rubies, if using. Serve with lemon wedges and tzatziki, if desired. *COOK’S NOTE To make tzatziki: mix 125ml Greek-style yoghurt, 5ml honey, 5ml crushed garlic, 1 small Mediterranean cucumber, grated and drained, together. Stir in some chopped mint and season with salt and pepper.

LIKE A SHOPPING LIST? To download one for this menu, visit gardenandhome.co.za

YOGHURT SEMIFREDDO WITH NUT CRUMBLE AND CHERRY COMPOTE (Serves 8–10) FOR THE YOGHURT SEMIFREDDO 250g Greek-style yoghurt 250ml cream, whipped 1 orange, finely grated zest and juice 3 egg whites 45g castor sugar 100g meringue, crumbled FOR THE NUT CRUMBLE 125g cake flour 60g brown sugar 5ml ground cinnamon 100g butter, cubed 60g mixed nuts or flaked almonds, roughly chopped FOR THE CHERRY COMPOTE 30ml orange juice 5ml cornflour 200g frozen cherries 45–60ml cherry or berry-flavoured jam

1. To make the yoghurt semifreddo, line a loaf tin with plastic wrap. 2. Place the yoghurt, whipped cream, orange zest and juice in a mixing bowl and fold together. 3. In a spotlessly clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites, using an electric whisk until soft peaks form. 4. Gradually whisk in the sugar and whisk together until thick and glossy. 5. Fold the meringue mixture and crumbled meringue into the yoghurt mixture and pour into the lined loaf

pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 4–5 hours or preferably overnight. 6. To make the nut crumble, preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking dish with baking paper. 7. Place the flour, sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and mix together. 8. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the nuts and gently mix together. 9. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish and press down lightly.

10. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Break into rough pieces. 11. To make the cherry compote, stir the orange juice and cornflour together until smooth. 12. Place in a pan with the remaining ingredients and cook, stirring over a low heat for 4–5 minutes. Add additional jam for a sweeter compote, if desired. Allow to cool to room temperature. 13. To serve, unmould the semifreddo, cut into slices and top with nut crumble and cherry compote.

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Enjoying DAIRY

WHAT IS LACTOSE INTOLERANCE?

GETTING THE NUTRIENTS YOU NEED

It’s not as is widely believed, an allergy to cow’s milk, it’s an inability to digest the lactase enzyme found in milk and other dairy products. Although infants and young children are able to digest the lactase enzyme, many lose the ability as they age. Indeed, some 75% of the world’s population can’t digest lactase at some point during their lives. Many people aren’t aware that they’re lactose intolerant as they don’t know what symptoms to look out for.

If you’re lactose intolerant, you need to reduce your dairy consumption and, as a result, lack certain nutrients found in milk, including vitamins B2 and B12. Vitamin B2 is vital for sustaining the body’s energy supply, whereas vitamin B12 is important for maintaining nerve cells, and together with vitamin B9, assists with producing red blood cells. Without dairy including all these nutrients in your diet can be difficult.

THE SYMPTOMS

Clover Nolac™ is treated with the lactase enzyme which breaks down the lactose beforehand. It also has a sweeter taste than other milk, but without having any added sugar. Clover Nolac™ can be added to tea, coffee and cereal, as well as used for everyday cooking and baking.

While some people may only have slight reactions, if you’re lactose intolerant you may experience quite severe symptoms after consuming dairy products. The most common being gas, bloating, pain, cramping and diarrhoea after ingesting milk or other dairy products.

CLOVER NOLAC™ LACTOSE FREE MILK

Clover Nolac™ is South Africa’s first fresh lactose free milk. Also available in a long-life option, Clover Nolac™ has added vitamin D and calcium, making it the ideal milk substitute for those suffering from lactose intolerance.

Be free with Lactose Free

GH8897/01/20 PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK AND SUPPLIED

Made specifically for people with lactose intolerance, lactose-free Clover Nolac™ is an opportunity to enjoy dairy again

THE

PORTUGUESE ROUTE Stepping out on a stretch of the Portuguese Camino, Nancy Richards met the world on its way 118

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TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS NANCY RICHARDS

oes anyone know where we are?” The woman from Yorkshire asked no one in particular. There hadn’t been a coffee stop for some eight kilometres, so a cluster of us had fallen on the Central Café like nomads on an oasis. A feature of Northern Portugal is that they are not big on signage, street names are small and scarce and, truth to tell, the directions we’d been given by our booking agency were wanting. So in answer to Yorkshire’s question, we had no idea. In pilgrim circles it’s said that all roads lead to Santiago and that your Camino begins as soon as you set out from home. Narrowing down the field, Portugal had reared its head as an increasingly popular starting point. Having chosen not to go purist with no backpacks, we just had to settle on a route and if John Brierly (Mr Camino himself) and his guide book are to be believed, there are no fewer than 10 options in Portugal. Best known, is the traditional Caminho Centro (Central Camino), but more recently, Portuguese tourism has put energy into developing and promoting the Caminho Costa (Coastal Camino) as well as the Senda Litoral (Seashore Path). There’s also the

Pilgrims ready to hit the road from the square at Porto Cathedral.

Terracotta rooftops in pretty Porto.

NANCY’S TRAVEL TIPS NEED TO KNOW Some research is essential – book through a company and much is done for you; accommodation, bag transportation, directions, pilgrim passport, etc. Go it alone and you’ll need to plan, but leaving some things to chance is part of the journey. MUST-SEE SIGHT Like walking a slow motion movie, everything along the way is of heightened interest – churches, streets, rivers, roofs, goats, gardens, vines, shrines – and especially people. MUST-TRY BITES Bacalhau (salted cod), sardines and nata (sweet and delicious custard tarts). Look out for special low-price pilgrim menus. MUST BUY A symbolic pilgrim’s scallop shell to hang on your pack.

Fatima Path – but that’s another story. So if someone says, “I’m walking the Camino”, assume nothing. Traditionally, all Portuguese Caminos start in Lisbon or Porto, both beautiful

Milestones and Camino signs keep you on track.

Even non-believers can’t help but be impressed by the classic churches and chapels.

Old stone walls and budding vines are a frequent sight.

old port cities. Guided by our agency, our stretch of Coastal Camino began in Porto. Accommodation and bag transportation was sorted all the way, a whole stack of paperwork was provided with directions and hotel credentials – so all we had to do was walk. A treat was to add an extra day in Porto – it’s too lovely to simply scamper through, so before setting out, we were able to check out the sights and recce the Se do Porto (Porto Cathedral), the official Camino starting point where backpacked peregrinos with maps and apps were ready to roll.

First tip from our agent, however, was to reduce Day One from 36km to 30km and take the metro to Matosinhos just out of town. In Caminoesque terms, there’s not much mindful about a metro ride, but so it was we began: Day One, Porto to Pavao de Vazim. Descending the metro, an inauspicious wrong turn (not our last) had us backtracking, but patience, instinct and helpful locals put us right. Always. From the start, it was clear that distraction would inevitably cause delay – like the market alive with fresh vegetables, crowing roosters and

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Abundant floral displays abound.

Fresh fruit is cheap and delicious trail food.

Cafés offer opportunities to compare notes.

chanting poets. Then, once we’d found the waymarks to the beach, a rush of wind, sea and sun propelled us along a boardwalk, which we later discovered to be over 70km long, linking a string of towns and villages and part of the plan to encourage peregrinos. Info boards with histories of liberation and Roman relics, biodiversity messages, the tackle of generations of fisherfolk, statues, chapels on rocks and occasional cafés had us all too frequently stopping, speculating and sipping. At around 25km and the wane of day, as our own sense of humour began to fail, we witnessed two weakened peregrinos (later dubbed the Taxi Twins) hopping into a vehicle. When we finally crawled to our destination, we saw with alarm that it had taken us over 10 hours to cover 30km. On Day Two, Pavoa de Varzim to Esponade was a mere 21km along a horticultural stretch. In the quaint old town of Fao, we ate mouth-watering clarinhas, local speciality apple pastries, and marvelled at the abundant flower arrangements in even the humblest chapel – the waxy anthuriums and pincushion protea, making us feel quite at home. Day Three, Esponade to Viana do Castelo, walking through forest and

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A café owner shares his passion for football.

farms, north Portugal was dry and mercifully temperate, if windy. We crossed the River Nieve, where young men were catching eels. The pack of Portuguese cyclist peregrinos whistled by, greeting us bom caminhoooo and we had our pilgrim passports stamped in a café, a chapel, a hairdresser and a garage. The locals are very embracing of their passing pilgrims. On entering Viana do Castelo, a vertiginous down moment was crossing the 560m-long Eiffel Bridge over the river Lima. But as with all things, once it’s behind you – nothing that a good meal and glass of local Vino Verde can’t settle. And with the Fitbit telling us that the 28km, 40 000 steps and 8,45 hours it had taken us to get there had burned up 1 484 calories, we felt deserving.

Day Four, Viana do Castelo to Ancora, estimated at just 19km, was a breeze. Fuelled by another seemingly standard hotel breakfast of pressed meat and cheese with infinite pastries, we set out from the old city, known as a ‘mecca of architecture’, into suburbs that quickly become rural. Ancient walls and gnarled vines, birdsong and chapel bells, scent of privet and fresh cut hedgerows, flesh of sweet cherries and vistas of terracotta roofs conspired to assault all the senses. But an overwhelming mass of pink and purple petunias cascading around the church square in the Praca do Ancora took the visual biscuit. Once we’d located our hotel, we returned to petunia square to drink in the warm red wine of evening and

Raised vines and church steeples punctuate the landscape.

A Guarda, across the border in Spain.

A river taxi zips across the River Minho in minutes.

stroll down to the beachfront where, not bothering to count kilometres, steps, hours or calories, we treated ourselves to a delicious bacalhau (salted cod) dinner in a restaurant filled almost entirely with local families. Day Five, Ancora in Portugal to A Guarda across the border in Spain. The home stretch is inevitably tainted

Most cafés have free Wi-Fi.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP WHEN TO GO Best in Portuguese spring, May to June, or autumn, September to October, when the weather is cooler and tourists are fewer. WAYS TO GO caminoways.com; santiagoways.com or macsadventure.com GETTING THERE Angolan airlines, TAAG have regular flights from Jo’burg and Cape Town to Lisbon and Porto via Luanda. taag.com VISAS South Africans need a short stay tourist, Schengen visa – about R960. vfsglobal.com/portugal/southafrica GETTING AROUND Routes and distances are not always an exact science. John Brierly’s Portuguese Camino guidebook (Camino Guides) gives advice, guidance, maps, phrases, places to see and stay. CURRENCY The currency is the euro. At the time of going to print €1=R16,34. A cup of coffee varies from €1–€2 (about R16,34–R32,67).

as it means soon to hang up the pilgrim sticks and takkies and re-enter real life. But the final leg treated us to another lovely town, Caminah, with a buzzing tented market, cobbled town square filled with cafés, free Wi-Fi (the 21st-century pilgrim’s friend), a quaint old railway station, and most importantly, the ferry that would take us on a 10-minute trip across the Minho River into Spain. Ferry crossings can be wind and tide dependent and for the return journey we were glad of the alternative high-speed river taxi that took us back in fewer minutes than it took to say Portugal please! With no Santiago Cathedral to culminate our journey, instead we

summoned the last of our energy and summited Monte Santa Tecla, which dominates the pretty fishing town of A Guarda. At the top, ruins of an ancient Celtic settlement and a gasp-making view across a vast swathe of the Iberian Peninsula were rich rewards. It was gratifying to know that, short as it was, our walk had covered a stretch of that. So our Camino, our mini Portuguese Camino, was a string of jewel-like moments that glitter in the memory, often in random order, because for the most part, you really don’t know where you are, but you know you’re happy there and best, that you have somewhere to go. A perfect way of life really.

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Collecting

DIE-CAST MODEL AEROPLANES

with Peter Arnot More than just a collector, this Paarl farmer is an historian gripped by the dramatic stories, triumphs and tragedies behind these WWII aircraft

ver since I was seven, I’ve been collecting WWII air force memorabilia,” says Peter Arnot, an olive farmer in Paarl. “My father was in the RAF and one of three pilots to come to this country in 1947 to start British European Airways (BEA). His model aeroplane collection started about 22 years ago when he spotted a beautiful model in a shop at Schiphol Airport. “It was handmade from die-cast THIS PAGE: 1 A model of a Junkers 87B that flew in North Africa in

1941, and painted distinctively for propaganda purposes. 2 A replica of a Junkers Ju 52 transport plane used as an air ambulance for the Swiss Air Force. 3 Peter Arnot holding a Heinkel 111 model in North African colours.

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The Luftwaffe, the German air force was founded in 1935 and at the start of WWII was the largest and most powerful in Europe. After the defeat of Germany in 1945, it was disbanded in 1946. During WWII, German pilots claimed approximately 70 000 victories and over 75 000 Luftwaffe aircraft were destroyed or significantly damaged. The most famous planes in the force were the Junkers Ju 87 (or Stuka dive bomber), the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the Junkers Ju 52 (a transport plane), and the Heinkel HE 111. The Germans produced the first jet-powered fighter aircraft, the Messerschmitt Me 262, which was over 100mph faster than any of the Allies’ piston-engine planes and equipped with rockets and cannons. However, its superior construction made it vulnerable on landing and take-off as it required a long runway and a slow speed. Some of the well-known names in the Luftwaffe included Erich Hartmann who was accredited with shooting down an astonishing 352 planes, and Hans Joachim Marseille, known as the Star of Africa as he flew in the North African campaign. Reputed to have shot down 17 Allied planes in one day, he died aged 22. Luftwaffe pilots were required to continue flying with no respite until they were either killed in action, or fortunate enough to survive until the end of the war.

TEXT DIANA WEMYSS PHOTOGRAPHS HENRIQUE WILDING

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GERMAN AIR FORCE DURING WWII

COLLECTABLES

TIPS FOR ASPIRING COLLECTORS 4

CARING FOR YOUR COLLECTION Store models in a closed, glass-fronted display cupboard to keep them dust-free. Handle them as little as possible as grease from your hands can damage decals. Parts can be damaged by handling. When cleaning, use a soft cloth and don’t use cleaning fluids.

metal, the most exquisite precision-made model I’d seen.” Peter traced the manufacturer, a small company in China, and started ordering his own models: tiny craft, handmade and painted to 1:48 scale according to Peter’s meticulously researched specifications. The Chinese company was subsequently sold to Americans who stopped manufacturing seven years later, making Peter’s collection extremely rare. THIS PAGE: 4 The Junkers 52 mine detection and detonation

aircraft featured a large magnetic ring under the fuselage. 5 Apart from camouflage, planes were sometimes decorated with a pilot’s own design, such as the red snake on this Junker Ju 87. 6 The undersides of the wings of this Focke-Wulf 190 were painted red and white to act as a decoy over German airfields.

Decide whether you want to collect new or vintage planes. Many websites sell new models of commercial planes. Prices range from R200 to R1 000. Less expensive models have detachable plastic components. Solid one-piece die-cast planes are worth more. When buying vintage planes, make sure they are rare or in mint condition. The original box also adds to their value.

Most of his planes are German and his collection includes models of the first night fighters with radar, the first jet fighters made by Messerschmitt to be equipped with air-to-air missiles: the piston-engine planes used to protect German airfields, bizarrely painted with red and white striped undercarriages to make them stand out from the Mustangs and Tempest predators waiting to attack the returning German fighters. Another interesting model has a huge, metal, magnetised ring attached to its undercarriage. Invented by the British, these planes were used by both sides to detect mines: the British in the Thames estuary and the Germans in their harbours. Pilots would fly slowly low over water seeded with magnetic mines. With luck, the mines exploded behind the planes, but if they were unlucky, took them down. Although Peter doesn’t have a pilot’s licence, he has flown in many vintage planes. His most exciting flight was over Niagara Falls in a Lancaster bomber that blew an oil seal and an engine caught alight.

DIE-CAST Die-cast refers to any collectible model produced by using the die-casting method of moulding molten lead or zinc alloy into a particular shape. The most common die-cast vehicles are scale models of cars, military aircraft and trains.

SOURCE Peter Arnot peterarnot@yahoo.com

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ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES

What are your collectables worth?

FIND OF THE MONTH This painting depicting dogs by Zacharie Noterman measures about 39 x 31cm. The back is sealed, but it appears to be painted in oils on wood. Can you tell me anything about it and its value? Mary-Ann Steiner Anton Welz at Stephan Welz & Co. says, “Zacharias Noterman was a Belgian artist who lived from 1820 – 1890. The value of his paintings peaked at €4 000 in 2018 for a work with a similar subject, but much larger. The last works in a similar size featuring dogs have either gone unsold, or have fetched around €1 000. In the local market it would have an auction value of R7 000 – R10 000.”

EXPERT TIP “Fine opera glasses made from mother-of-pearl and in excellent condition are more valuable,” says Ingrid Aron. I found this very old plate at a jumble sale about a year ago. Can you tell me something about it and whether it’s worth anything? Sharon Gluckman “This piece dates from 1916 and was made in Limoges, France, in one of the region’s potteries. It was signed by both the potter and the painter and has the workshop mark. It’s a nice example of early 20th-century French hand-painted, country-style ceramics,” says Ingrid Aron of Kalk Bay Antiques Centre. “There were several studios or workshops around the country, especially in the Provence area. I’d estimate its retail value to be about R1 350.”

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I inherited these opera glasses from my aunt and would love to know more about them and their value. Bev Scott According to Ingrid Aron of Kalk Bay Antiques Centre, “These lady’s opera glasses in a velvet case are not uncommon, but because of the somewhat scuffed state, would fetch only a couple of hundred rand. They were a fashion accessory at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. In 1912, The London Opera Glass Company started making glasses that were attached to dispensers on the back of theatre seats and could be hired for 6p. The company still exists and supplies around 60 theatres in the United Kingdom.”

WRITE IN AND WIN EVERY MONTH we give away a *prize for the most valuable or interesting item sent in. This month Mary-Ann Steiner has won 18 bottles of Moscato Perlé White De Krans wine worth R1 242. A refreshing alternative to a bubbly, this wine has a delicious fruit character, low alcohol content, moderate sweetness and a lovely sparkle. Visit dekrans.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 and 2MB. For guidelines on the best way to take your photos for Treasure Chest, visit gardenandhome.co.za THANKS TO OUR SPECIALISTS Ingrid Aron Kalk Bay Antiques Centre ingridaron89@gmail.com Stephan Welz & Co. swelco.co.za

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

Treasure chest

Make the most OF THE NEW YEAR WITH JET SET GO Satisfy your wanderlust with these exciting destinations

HEALTH KICK

Get 2020 off to a g ood start with healthy, yet d elicious, summer dishes

OUTDOOR BLISS Make your outdoor entertaining area the place to be this summer

COASTAL LIVING Build your dream beach cottage with inspiration from plans for seaside houses

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LAST WORD ON STYLE

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Lorna MASEKO This Jo’burg TV show host, dancer and cookbook author shares some of her favourite things

orna Maseko was born to entertain. From her success as a ballet dancer to hosting Top Billing and appearing on Celebrity Masterchef SA, Lorna manages to elevate the ordinary with her enthusiasm and talents. However, only when she was eliminated from Celebrity Masterchef, did Lorna’s passion for food kick into high gear. “I left the competition knowing that this is what I wanted to do. I’ve always loved hosting parties.” This led to two successful

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seasons of The Hostess with Lorna Maseko, for which she created menus and table settings for various guests and occasions, always with her fussfree yet glamorous style. “My cookbook, Celebrate (Human & Rousseau), has been a long time coming. After my show, my supporters were asking for it and the timing was just right.” Lorna says the process of writing the cookbook was challenging, but it has reminded her of how far she’s come and how many of her dreams have been realised. “I want people to

1 HONG KONG I love that it’s a melting pot of different cultures. 2 HOUSE OF FABROSANZ This local designer has modernised African print. 3 BA-PITA I have a few favourite restaurants, but this Mediterranean-style spot in Melville is top of my list. 4 LILIES Pink, white or yellow – they’re gorgeous in any colour and I always have them in my home. 5 FOOD MARKETS I like trying out different cuisines on weekends and Fourways Farmers’ Market and Neighbourgoods have a great selection of food and drink. 6 GLAM COASTERS They add a touch of sophistication to any table setting. I adore these Volkan agate coasters, R99 each, from @home. 7 A CLASSIC G&T My favorite is Tanqueray No 10, with tonic and a slice of grapefruit.

celebrate aspects of their lives. I hope when they read my stories, they’re reminded that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I also hope they enjoy the recipes as much as I enjoyed creating them.” SOURCES @home home.co.za Ba-Pita ba-pita.co.za Fourways Farmers’ Market ffmarket.co.za House of Fabrosanz houseoffabrosanz.com Human & Rousseau humanrousseau.com Neighbourgoods neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za

TEXT MARIANNE MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA CALDWELL, INYOFACE PHOTOGRAPHY AND SUPPLIED PROFILE PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF @HOME