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BRILLIANT BEDROOM IDEAS A stylish makeover Grown-up children’s rooms

h GLOBAL CHIC IN CAPE TOWN A HOLIDAY HOME IN VAL DE VIE TROPICAL STYLE IN KZN

Win

Cash-savvy KITCHENS A ‘new’ kitchen for R38 000!

Maximising storage space Hard-working islands MAY 2019 R41,50 (Incl. VAT) Other countries R36,09 (Excl. Tax)

Low-maintenance meadow and prairie gardens

BOUNTIFUL VEGGIE GARDENS A food forest in the Karoo An eco-friendly oasis in Kyalami

THE MOST STYLISH CURE FOR INSOMNIA. NO PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED. Like the name suggests, our block out roller blinds blocks out most light, creating a peaceful, distraction-free environment that’s perfect for bedrooms, nurseries or boardrooms. Choose between our many different fabrics to meet your design needs and brace yourself for a good night’s (or day’s) sleep.

Block Out Roller Blinds

0861-1-TAYLOR (829567) www.taylorblinds.co.za

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contents

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MAY 2019 decorating 8 12

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TREND SPOTTING:

HOME FRONT What’s

MODERN GLAMOUR

happening on the decor scene?

Art Deco-inspired pieces

ARCHITECT’S PLAN: OPEN

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59 60

LAYING LOW Rugs for

86

EVERLASTING LOVE

pattern and colour

The appeal of prairie and

THIS MONTH’S GOOD

meadow gardens

90

INSPIRATIONS: INDUSTRIAL

IDEA Wall-mounted

WIDE Balancing natural light

ACTION 21st-century

kitchen shelves

barren piece of land to a

and privacy

farmhouse style

ROOM FOR GROWTH

productive food garden

20 28

36

Making three bedrooms

home in Val de Vie

work for four children

PARADISE A seasoned

NATURAL SANCTUARY

gardener’s water-

Cape property went from a

A bedroom gets a modern

saving strategies

challenge to an inviting home

update with a natural feel

AN EXOTIC TOUCH This

66

MAKING GOOD Updating

gardening 70

braai area

72 76

most of kitchen storage space

56

THE GREEN ROOM:

TOP KITCHEN DESIGN TIPS

an expert

Cover photograph: Green Scene pg 36 Photograph: Sally Chance

TREASURE ISLANDS Work-

GARDEN NOTES Garden

102

A GRAND AFFAIR The elegance of French style

HIGH SOCIETY A chic

INSIDE STORY Making the

A WATER-WISE

news and debuts

the bank

Valuable advice from

52

98

GREEN SCENE A KZN home

kitchens without breaking

48

94

FLOATING ON AIR A holiday

that’s all about space and flow

42

62

AN EDIBLE OASIS From a

106

SPRING SHOW Sowing winter and spring annuals

110

SAVE OUR SEEDS

A GROWING PASSION

How to preserve

A pretty Cape garden

heirloom varieties

QUICK SILVER The cool elegance of silver foliage

80

EARTHLY PLEASURES An

ON THE COVER horse of the modern kitchen

award-winning farm garden

gardenandhome.co.za | MAY 2019

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READERS’ QUERIES 087 158 0279 or e-mail gardenhome@caxton.co.za EDITOR Mary Jane Harris ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Mandy Buchholz 087 158 0279 KZN CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, DECOR Candice Botha candicebotha@gmail.com CAPE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, GARDENING Marianne Alexander gandhgardenguru@gmail.com FEATURES EDITOR Lauren Delargy laurend@caxton.co.za CHIEF SUB-EDITOR, GARDENING Diane Peacock dianep@caxton.co.za PRODUCTION MANAGER / COPY EDITOR Richard Goller richardg@caxton.co.za DIGITAL EDITOR Khanyi Mlaba khanyim@caxton.co.za EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Juliette Arrighi de Casanova, Natalie Boruvka, Jane Griffiths, Richard Holmes, Lizette Jonker, Derick Kirk, Connall Oosterbroek, Tess Paterson, Deborah Rudman, Jo Trappitt, Dina Venter, Diana Wemyss, Lyn Woodward, Lynne Yates MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS Roline Haine 087 158 0309 rolineh@caxton.co.za ADVERTISING JOHANNESBURG 368 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall 2196, 010 492 8356 CAPE TOWN 36 Old Mill Rd, Ndabeni, Maitland 7405, 021 001 2401 DURBAN 115 Escom Road, New Germany, Pinetown, 3610, 031 716 4444 SUBSCRIPTIONS 087 405 2003, +27 21 045 1809 (international), Subscribe online at gardenandhome.co.za or e-mail subs@magsathome.co.za BACK ISSUES 087 405 2003 or 021 045 1809 CLASSIFIEDS Charmaine Pillai 087 087 8898 cp@caxton.co.za Shantal Pillay 087 087 8902 shantalp@caxton.co.za DISTRIBUTION RNA Distributors 12 Nobel Street, Industria 2093, 011 248 3500, rna@RNAD.co.za PRINTING

by CTP Gravure, 19-21 Joyner Rd, Prospecton, and published by the proprietors, Caxton/RP Magazines (Reg No. 68/12588/06)

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promotions & offers 101

120

COMPETITION Win a two-night tented safari

regulars

for two worth R50 000

105

SUBSCRIPTIONS Get 35%

6

off with Click & Collect

126

128

2

food & travel

touch with us

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collecting antiques

WRITE NOW Keep in IN VIVID COLOUR

114 NICE AND EASY

Judy Wentzel’s

A professional

exuberant paintings

baker entertains

129 DIRECTORY AND

119 BON APPETIT What’s

COLLECTING WITH…

WORKSHOPS Good

new in the world of

Olivia Fraser shares her

shopping guide and

food and wine

love for Cornishware

short courses

TREASURE CHEST

132 LAST WORD ON

How much are your

STYLE Mardre Meyer

collectables worth?

reveals his favourite things

MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

120 TALKING ITALIAN Flavourful classics

122 ALL ABOARD Exploring France by canal boat

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.

27 YEARS

OF QUALITY SERVICE

STYLISH SOPHISTICATION. TIMELESS ELEGANCE. We do more than kitchens. At Easylife Kitchens we pride ourselves in designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke living spaces for your home. From bedrooms and bathrooms, to studies and kitchens. Speak to our expert designers at one of our 31 showrooms across the country. 2 year kitchen guarantee. Easylife Kitchens, making life easier since 1992.

Proudly featuring Jo-Ann Strauss, Easylife Kitchens Brand Ambassador.

0861 327 9543 | 0861 EASYLIFE | www.easylifekitchens.co.za

TITANIUMROOM/ELK/K226/G&H/1905

C

E B R AT I N

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Flavour OF THE MONTH A

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Black is definitely having a moment as far as kitchens are concerned. To see how a dramatic new colour scheme transformed this ordinary kitchen, turn to page 44.

I loved the effect of this woodland wallpaper in the bedroom makeover on page 66.

One way to add interest to your garden in autumn and winter is to choose plants with attractive seed heads such as gaillardia.

Discover more plant selections on page 86.

I was very impressed by how Karen McEwan turned a dry, barren plot in the Karoo into a lush, productive vegetable garden. Find out how she did it on page 90.

If you don’t have space for an island in your kitchen, here’s a clever solution. See more great island ideas on page 56.

PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA CALDWELL, KARL ROGERS, CONNALL OOSTEBROEK AND SUPPLIED

lthough it’s the hardestworking room in the home, the kitchen doesn’t necessarily have to be the biggest, have the latest appliances, or the most expensive finishes, but it does need to be comfortable to work in and uplift and inspire. Judging by the number of kitchen makeovers entered in our recent online #DontMoveImprove competition, it’s evident that many of you feel the same. And let’s face it, attractive surroundings make all the difference.

I’ve never been a great cook. I much prefer sticking a roast in the kettle braai to fiddling with a complicated recipe. However, after replacing dated cupboards with fresh white cabinetry and soft closing drawers, installing plenty of windows to let light in and French doors that open onto the garden, spending time in the kitchen has become a lot more pleasurable. I’m now inspired to attempt new dishes and even though I still have the same 19-yearold stove, my culinary skills have definitely improved.

The good news is that updating a kitchen doesn’t require winning the lottery. The kitchen makeovers in this issue are great examples of what can be achieved on a budget. Kim Bayly’s kitchen, on page 42, is a case in point. “The cabinets were in good condition and the layout worked so I looked for a cost-effective makeover that would ensure I didn’t over-capitalise,” she explains.

One of her tips is to consider the effect of lighting. “My kitchen looks gorgeous at night. There are two circuits so you can have the main lights on when you are prepping and cooking and use the softer mood lighting on other occasions.”

But it’s not all down to aesthetics. A well-planned layout can make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Contributor Tess Paterson chatted to designer Candice Koller about what to consider when designing a kitchen (see page 48), while features editor Lauren Delargy went looking for ways to maximise storage space whether you’re installing a new kitchen or updating an existing one (see page 52). If, after reading this issue, you’re inspired to revamp your kitchen, we’d love to see your before and after photographs.

To all the mothers out there, the GH team joins me in wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day!

Write NOW

WE ASKED OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY…

WINNING LETTER

HURRAY FOR BEETROOT

Thank you so much for the Berry and Beetroot Smoothie recipe in the April 2019 issue of Garden and Home. It did what nobody could ever manage to do – get my family to eat and enjoy beetroot. It’s a lip-smacking way for those who don’t like it to get all the good stuff and minerals. And not even know what they’re actually enjoying. I will be making this easy-to-prepare smoothie when my children’s friends come to visit.

I am sure they will be very impressed and love it too.

JM du Plooy

LIGHT RELIEF Opening the post box every month and finding the latest copy of Garden and Home is such a treat. With two kids and a busy family life, sometimes finding the time to sit guilt free and pore over the latest articles can be tricky. However, I have chosen to use Eskom’s load-shedding as the perfect opportunity to curl up on the patio and devour the latest copy. No e-mails to answer, no chores to be done… It’s me time. Heaven.

Annie Williams

GARDENING GUIDE WINNER Big thank you to all our readers who sent in their pics for our 12-Month Gardening Guide giveaway.

The winner of the hamper is Elizabeth Quixley.

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT GROCERY SHOPPING? A. Make a list and go to the supermarket. 67% B. Pick up items as you see them. 30% C. Shop online with home delivery. 3%

WHAT A PLEASURE Wow, where do I begin with this amazing magazine! I haven’t had the finances to buy Garden and Home for a long time, but received the February 2019 issue from my neighbour. I am so thankful, as it was such a pleasure indulging right from the beginning to the very last page. We recently moved into a newly built house. It’s not completely finished yet and the ‘Island Life’ article was a nice read with great ideas and tips. What intrigued me most was the article ‘Succulent Success’, as I have just started my own succulent garden. I can’t wait to do it the right way now.

Lindy Botha

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

Write in and win JM du Plooy has won a standard size pillowcase and a Deluxe Mask from The Silk Lady worth R1 000. The Silk Lady is a proudly South African brand offering products made from 100% organic silk that bring style, luxury and health benefits to your life. Silk is believed to reduce the loss of natural hair and skin moisture to minimise the signs of ageing. It’s also hypoallergenic. thesilklady.com

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MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

@SAGardenandHome sagardenandhome sagardenandhome

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

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

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

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

Statement piece

Baker Lifestyle’s Homes & Garden III collection is a wonderful blend of styles. Hand-block designs, complex embroideries and subtle ikats are combined with geometrics and abstract prints.

Add the gorgeous subtle colourways and you’ve got a versatile, must-have range. Available from St Leger & Viney. stleger.co.za

Houtlander was awarded this year’s Most Beautiful Object in South Africa at Design Indaba. Interdependence II, a novel take on a Victorian loveseat, was intended as a conversation piece.

The sinuous curves, bold colour and witty design look set to become an example of iconic local design. houtlander.co.za

JUST moved in Situated at 89 Andries Pretorius Street, Somerset West, Home Fabrics’ new light-filled showroom is convenient for Winelands decor enthusiasts. With extensive local and imported fabric and wallpaper collections, it’s the ideal spot to plan a new scheme. hf.co.za

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MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

IN HARMONY Unison Store in Mt Edgecombe, Durban, has quickly become known for its range of stylish homeware, fashion and accessories curated by discerning owner Shauna Neill. A veritable treasure trove, Bungalow Living, Cape Island and Sweet Peas are just some of the brands on offer.

Shop 10, Flanders Mall 031 035 1061.

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

QUALITY THREADS

Eastern EDEN Japan is top of mind right now, leading the way in both fashion and textiles. Sandberg’s new Nippon wallpaper collection is inspired by wabi-sabi – a belief in the beauty of the imperfect. Twelve hand-drawn patterns document a journey through Japanese villages, scenery and cities. See the range at The Silk & Cotton Company. silkco.co.za

MOODY MODERN Nothing adds a touch of contemporary flair like a piece in bold black. We love Dark Horse’s range, which includes this knuckle light, R1 650. dark-horse.co.za

TIME and AGAIN Treasures of Time is the stunning new fabric and wallpaper range from Carlucci. A gorgeous mix of decades and cultures, it’s got everything from statement velvets to wide-width ombré sheers. Botanicals, Bauhaus prints or Italian frescoes – there truly is something magical for every taste. Available from Home Fabrics. hf.co.za

DOUBLE TAKE

DOING THE ROUNDS We love the look of the Holly occasional chair, R3 495, from Block & Chisel.

The bold shape and padded velvet fabric are just the thing for a hit of on-trend living room colour. blockandchisel.co.za

Fans of stylish Durban decor store Inside Out Home Boutique will be thrilled to hear they have opened a second shop in Ballito. Stocking their stylish range of furniture, softs, accessories, rugs and art, the new branch is a must-visit.

1A Silverstone Way, Douglas Crowe Drive, Ballito. insideouthb.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | MAY 2019

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Designer’s FAVOURITE “I can’t resist browsing through Delos every time I visit Cape Town,” says interior designer David Muirhead. “Their mix of architectural items, chandeliers and antiques is inspiring – it’s always a rewarding experience.” davidmuirhead.com; delos.co.za

CLOTHES QUARTERS Master Studio’s latest offering is The Wardrobe, R29 900 – a freestanding piece designed for compact dwellings. “We came across a ‘portmanteau’ travel trunk from the 1920s and wanted to explore that sense of old-world elegance in a contemporary context,“ says Yaniv Chen. masterstudio.co.za

Thermal PLUS The Luxaflex® range of insulated window coverings includes Duette® Shades – thermal blinds with a trademarked structure for superior energy efficiency in summer and winter. The Architella® fabric provides three insulated pockets of air, cutting down on heating and cooling energy bills – a common challenge for large windows. luxaflex.co.za

WHAT’S ON 26 APRIL – 1 MAY KAMERS/Makers Jo’burg This creative showcase returns to St David’s Marist in Inanda. The theme for 2019 is Celebrating the Artisan Way, with homegrown fashion, jewellery, decor and food from both new and established crafters.

Tickets R60 at plankton.mobi or R90 at the door. kamers.co.za

ON A ROLL Combining paint and applicator in one nifty device, the new Roller Tester from Dulux allows you to test a paint colour directly from the sample. Each 30ml container has a built-in mini roller and comes in 24 on-trend Dulux colours, including the 2019 colour of the year, Crème Brulee. It’s an easy way to try out colours without having to purchase rollers and paint trays. dulux.co.za

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MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

Illovo, Wynberg, Diep River | 021 691 0878 www.blockandchisel.co.za

ARCHITECT’S PLAN

OPENwide Even though this farm-style house is situated on an estate with a clear architectural code, it has been interpreted in an original way

AT A GLANCE

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MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SALLY BLACKMAN

O

ne of the challenges architect Derry Baker faced when designing this house was balancing plenty of natural light with the client’s desire for privacy. “A sense of light and space was essential, with lots of large windows, but the last thing I wanted was to have to put up curtains and blinds to screen the neighbours,” says the owner, Sally Blackman. The solution was twofold: they selected a plot on the highest point of the estate and then built the house in a U-shape around a courtyard and swimming pool in two barn-like structures linked by a doublevolume area.

“The lightweight industrial core, where the kitchen is situated, ties the two heavier barns together,” says Derry.

Black steel clerestory windows allow light to pour in and they are echoed by the two striking arched windows that

THE ARCHITECT: Derry Baker (pictured) of Wyatt Baker Architects.

THE CLIENT: Sally Blackman and her family.

THE BRIEF: A farmhouse-inspired design that emphasises privacy, light and space.

THE HOUSE: A four-bedroom, four-bathroom house with an openplan living and dining area, kitchen, scullery, powder room, study and loft room built around a courtyard and swimming pool.

GET THIS PLAN ONLINE golf cart barn

Ground floor

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

First floor

pool bar balcony

covered patio pool

bedroom

living room

guest wc

loft room

master bedroom

entrance

garage

en suite kitchen

tv room

study

en suite dining room scullery

line up with the front door. “In contrast to the lightweight steel windows, solid timber pergolas surrounding the house, create dappled, shaded light and screen external spaces. The scale of the house is reduced as it radiates out from the high double-volume centre towards the golf cart barn, garden store and pool bar,” says Derry.

The estate has a clear architectural code, but Sally wanted to interpret it in an original way. “Most important was the use of textures,” she says. “There had to be a good balance of wood, metal and aluminium in a way that looks different to the rest of the houses on the estate.”

Thick stone-clad walls, exposed brickwork and eclectic patterned tiles create interesting spaces that are inviting and relaxing. “The design blends the building with its surroundings, taking cognisance of neighbours, the golf course view and future potential development,” says Derry. “Many of the original ideas were influenced by the simplicity and the earthy textures found in Franschhoek farmhouses, where our client has spent many holidays.”

en suite bedroom

bedroom

SOURCE Wyatt Baker Architects derry@wyattbaker.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | MAY 2019

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CREATIVE SPIRIT

In vivid

COLOUR How did you develop your distinctive style? I have always loved drawing and creating and was fortunate to have a mentor, Lib Stewart, who taught me about the magic of putting colours together and adding movement. She also suggested I paint upside down (the picture on the canvas not me!) and now I always paint this way as it quietens my ADHD and forces me to concentrate. My style is impressionistic, eclectic and optimistic – I want viewers to feel the childlike wonder of seeing the world with naivety and openness.

How do you select your subjects? I am an avid writer, champion of children’s welfare and an animal activist and these passions are often reflected in my choice of subjects.

I mostly paint from imagination.

What medium do you work in? I work mainly with waterbased acrylics. They are easier to wash off hair, face, feet and hands! I paint on canvas, wood for tabletops, and paper that’s

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MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

turned into purses. I’m happy to decorate anything.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists? Paint with music playing and have a happy energy – it will show in your work. Also, switch off from unkind remarks. There is a buyer for every painting. If one person likes your work, then it’s a success.

What excites you most about your work? It never turns out as I imagined. I just go with the flow and enjoy the journey.

Painting keeps me sane.

What are you currently working on? I am creating about 150 works, all the same size, for an upcoming exhibition in Durban and pieces that I hope to have showcased in New York in the future. I am also working on a series of children’s books.

SOURCE Judy Wentzel judywentzel@yahoo.com

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SALLY CHANCE

Durban artist Judy Wentzel’s exuberant, colourful paintings express her optimistic vision

COUNTRY COLLECTION

JVB FURNITURE COLLECTION www.j-v-b.co.za info@j-v-b.co.za

9 Kramer Rd. Kramerville, Sandton.

T +27(0)11 2624118

TREND SPOTTING 1

Modern GLAMOUR

2

Up the luxe factor with Art Decoinspired furnishings in golds, creams and soft coral tones 5 4

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7

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1. Rolleo drinks trolley, R1 999, @home. 2. Corona pendant, R999, The Lighting Warehouse. 3. Brass deep-frame mirror, from R6 390, Esque. 4. Gold metallic Mantis bar stool, R2 200, Eleven Past. 5. Vogue sideboard, R7 995, Block & Chisel. 6. Linear antique brass tray, R1 390, Cécile & Boyd. 7. Column pot stand, R990, KNUS. 8. Revers lounge chair, POR, Créma.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Cécile & Boyd cecileandboyds.com Créma cremadesign.co.za Eleven Past elevenpast.co.za Esque esque.co.za KNUS knus.co The Lighting Warehouse lightingwarehouse.co.za

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MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

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

3

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

INSPIRATIONS

Industrial ACTION

Combine smart black accents with traditional details for farmhouse style that’s pure 21st century

Add presence and drama with overscaled pendants such as this black and gold pendant, R1 540, from K. Light Import.

Be inspired by the past with a bold wall clock, R129,99, from Mr Price Home.

There’s nothing like copper to give a kitchen warmth and character. Copper seven-piece pot set, R4 999, @home.

EXPERT TIPS Designer Sumari Krige of La Grange Interiors and co-founder and curator of Rooms on View at Design Joburg, taking place in May, has these tips for giving a classic kitchen a more modern, industrial look: As this open-plan, farm-style kitchen had classical detailing throughout, to add contrast we decided to introduce bold industrial elements such as the dark pendant lamps over the island, which balance and define the space.

We chose a charred teak dining table and layered this with patinated objet d’art and hints of glass and metal.

The dark lacquered Nora dining chairs bridge the gap between old and new.

A playful mix of soft and hard materials, strategically placed, creates depth and interest.

Play up the industrial look with a splashback that resembles brick.

Tiziano Crema matt glazed porcelain tiles, R439m2, Italtile.

Mix it up with a modern metal vase. Brass vessel, R625, Weylandts.

Evoke a sense of nostalgia with this classic brass jug, R1 300, from Bespoke Home.

Complement a traditional setting with clean-lined furniture.

Tungsten dining table, R44 995, La Grange Interiors.

To enhance the industrial feel, store fruit and vegetables in wire baskets.

Round basket, R245, Weylandts.

Link the present with the past with modern furniture inspired by Shaker designs. Nora dining chair, R7 995, La Grange Interiors.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Bespoke Home bespokehome.co.za Design Joburg designjoburg.com Italtile italtile.co.za K. Light Import klight.co.za La Grange Interiors lagrangeinteriors.co.za Mr Price Home mrphome.com Weylandts weylandts.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | MAY 2019

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Floating ON AIR

The chill room overlooks the veranda and the lake. As the owners are not keen on braais, the room was furnished as a casual living area, with cane chairs from Block & Chisel and tie-dye grey linen curtains from Hertex.

TEXT DIANA WEMYSS PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

This holiday home in the Cape Winelands is a haven of calm and peace

WINELANDS HOLIDAY HOME

WHO LIVES HERE A semi-retired couple who built it so they could eventually retire here, but now use it for holidays with their grown-up children and four-yearold granddaughter.

THE HOUSE A double-storey townhouse with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and an open-plan living area overlooking a pool and deck.

W

hen interior designer Danela Conti Bryant was asked to decorate this newly built home at Val de Vie, Paarl, she had to take careful stock of the owners’ needs.

Danela is a great fan of colour, but these clients wanted interiors that were neutral and calming. “They are fans of easy, laid-back tones rather than vivid hues,” says Danela. At the same time, she was to include all the luxuries for contemporary living.

Known for her bold palettes in the high-end projects she has worked on, Danela settled for plush fabrics, waxy leathers, textured wallpapers and bespoke furnishings as a substitute for colour.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT:

The formal living area is furnished with large sofas from Wunders and scatters from Ardmore. The marbletopped tables were gold leafed. Large pots from Liebermann Pottery make a strong statement on the deck. The lounger is from Bloc Outdoor. The deck next to the lake. A solid piece of granite was used to make the outdoor table on the deck.

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MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

The spacious terrace off the bedroom is furnished with large statement pots from Liebermann Pottery and outdoor furniture from Bloc Outdoor.

“However, they were not adverse to busy patterns which I used in wallpapers,” says Danela. “I layered with simplicity, using textures to create interest on a subtle tone-on-tone palette.

“I also considered the wonderful views over the lake. In the main bedroom, for instance, I kept everything chalky and light so that the whole emphasis could be on the magnificent colour-changing views across the water to the Paarl Mountains.”

The second bedroom is used by their daughter, a great friend of Danela’s.

“So this bedroom is by far the most glamorous room in the house and quietly reflects a bit of holiday magic and the mood of our friendship,” says Danela. “It’s palm-frond paper and fabrics from wall to wall. I love it!

“My clients are not keen on indoor braais, so I decorated the braai room for conversation and drinks – elegant, but casual. In the main living room we used plush fabrics with lots of velvet scatters on an elegant curved back sofa and

Ash bar stools from Wunders create a casual dining area in the kitchen.

In the dining area, Danela used a metal cage light fitting from Morgan Associates and teamed it with a glass-topped table and chairs from Wunders.

chose a viscose rug, which looks like silk, adding to the feeling of luxury with heavily draped windows. I always interline curtains, as this preserves the fabric in our harsh climate,�

Danela says.

Easy living was the key and there are no unnecessary or fussy decor items.

The custom-made pieces designed by Danela and her craftsmen add a sense of individual style.

Danela worked around existing

architectural elements, fittings and hardware such as taps and vanities. She had but a scant four months to complete everything so that her clients could

move in for their first holiday with the house fully fitted – even down to champagne flutes in the cupboards and bubbly chilling in the fridge.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: For the second bedroom Danela used a palm-

frond wallpaper from Halogen, which complements the faux bamboo occasional chair from her Resort collection. The Fiji bedside tables are also from her range and the throw, specially coloured, is from Lula Fabrics. A dreamy bedroom for the four-year-old granddaughter. The butterfly wallpaper from Halogen and pink silk bed throw are offset with a chenille tweed from Hertex on the headboard. In the main bedroom, the headboard and night frill are in a woven tweed from Romo.

Get the look Recreate the tranquil look of this home

Song of Jamaica plant including ceramic pot, R440, Plantify.

Line detail scatter, R795, Weylandts.

Tan leather dhurrie rug, R1 599, Airloom.

Textured Hausa scatter, R795, Weylandts.

Kravitz coffee table, R9 999, Coricraft.

Brindisi hanging chair, R5 990, Patio Warehouse.

The main en suite bathroom has a vinyl wallpaper from Home Fabrics for easy cleaning. The Rwandan laundry basket adds texture.

Wallpaper brings the tiny guest loo under the stairs to life.

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Rattan armchair, R5 199, Bespoke Home.

SOURCES Airloom airloom.co.za Ardmore ardmore-design.com Bespoke Home bespokehome.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Bloc Outdoor blocoutdoor.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za Danela Conti Interior Design danelaconti.com Halogen halogen.co.za Hertex hertex.co.za Home Fabrics hf.co.za Laforma Barcelona Living laformasa.co.za Liebermann Pottery liebermannpottery.net Lula Fabrics lulafabrics.com Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Morgan Associates morganassociates.co.za Patio Warehouse patiowarehouse.co.za Plantify plantify.co.za Romo romosouthafrica.com Weylandts weylandts.co.za Wunders wunders.co.za

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

Iringa basket, R795, Block & Chisel.

CAPE TOWN HOME

An exotic

TOUCH

The colour scheme in the living room is largely muted, in contrast to the bedrooms. Colour accents are provided by the scatter cushions from Weylandts.

TEXT DEBORAH RUDMAN STYLING JULIETTE ARRIGHI DE CASANOVA AND LEI LESTER PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

From a formidable challenge, this Cape Town property became an inviting home, thanks to interior designer Lei Lester

WHO LIVES HERE A UK-based couple, who turned this property into their home from home.

THE HOUSE A four en-suite bedroom house in Oranjezicht, Cape Town, with spacious open-plan living, kitchen and dining areas, a guest cloakroom and a laundry.

The practical yet glamorous kitchen was designed by Lei Lester and features Caesarstone countertops. The rustic pendants are from Pilgrimage Spaces and the bar stools from Dark Horse.

L

ooking at this house today, with its exuberance of colour and established air, you’d be hardpressed to imagine its earlier incarnation, a mere year ago. Then it was not only a shell of a building, but it occupied a piece of land that was difficult to develop, requiring excavation, levelling, reshaping – a massive project that only a dreamer could envision.

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Fortunately for the UK-based owner and her husband, interior designer Lei Lester is just such a dreamer. A colleague recommended her when the couple were looking for someone to run the project while they were overseas for the European summer. They had already chosen a builder and project manager, and plans had been approved.

Now they needed a designer to run the aesthetic side of the four-bedroom

rebuild for themselves and their two toddlers.

Experienced in managing projects across countries and budgets, Lei was a sound choice. This commission, however, represented one of her more engrossing challenges. Undeterred by the difficulties inherent in the site, she literally dug in – during a landscaping process that took some eight months.

The whole garden was literally built into the side of the mountain, necessitating major excavation work to remove boulders, trees and excess soil.

Once the site was ready, Lei turned her attention to the interior. Because the owners were overseas for most of the time, that work had to be handled longdistance through Skype calls and the exchange of “a million voice notes”.

Lei was tasked with choosing all the The wall-mounted baskets, from LIM, and sideboard, from Monsoon Trading, reflect the eclectic taste of the much-travelled owners. The Indian prints from Pilgrimage Spaces are an effective counterpoint to the sleek furniture.

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The dining room table and chairs (from the owner’s London home) and an array of artworks and greenery contribute to the exotic look. The ornate light fitting is from Weylandts.

The headboard in the master bedroom was made from antique panels from India. The light fittings from KNUS and the throw on the bed from Pilgrimage Spaces finish the look. There’s a tropical feel in the bathroom, which is separated from the bedroom by folding shutters from Plantation Shutters. The earthy theme is carried through by the vanity from Luxury Living Direct and the herringbone-patterned tiles from Union Tiles.

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fixtures and finishes, and furnishing the entire home. She oversaw all joinery work, kitchen features, lighting, taps and bathroom fittings, wallpaper, plants and window treatments – “right down to the cake forks”.

A bonus was that the owner had great ideas of her own, shaped by her extensive international travels, and the collaboration was successful and mutually satisfying. Lei loved how daring the owner was prepared to be and the fact that she – like Lei – appreciated decor elements from a global perspective. “She did not have average taste,” says Lei. “She pushed it a bit.”

Today the house consists of a spacious open-plan living, kitchen and dining area, a guest cloakroom, a laundry, and four en suite bedrooms (one is currently used as a study). The aim was for the home to have a touch of the exotic, as well as to be warmly inviting. This effect has been achieved through the judicious selection of a wide range of items, many imported from Morocco and India. Lei scoured her antiques sources, constantly looking for

quirky pieces that could give the home a unique interest.

Alongside the elements of texture, pattern, print and material – which here are fresh and unexpected – the contribution of colour is a powerful, integral feature. Despite the disparate elements, there’s a seamless coherence to the whole.

And that garden? Today it shows little evidence of its past. An outdoor

terrace makes the most of the space, with the majestic mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.

“This house is why I do what I do: working with interesting clients, with a sense of style, who understand good functional design,” says Lei. It’s a striking house, speaking of exotic worlds beyond Cape Town, yet it remains an entirely liveable family home.

The sleek black basin in the bathroom, from Cape Plumbing and Bathroom Supplies, is offset by textured bamboo bins and a handwoven rug. A moody sea-green wallpaper by Cara Saven Wall Design creates a relaxing atmosphere in one of the bedrooms.

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Get the look Introduce tribal chic to your bedroom with these elements

Cape Morgan wool blanket, R3 788, KNUS.

Austick headboard, R1 995, KNUS.

Jute lightshade, from R1 195, Weylandts.

Antalya Spice rug, 160 x 240cm, R3 700, Hertex.

Textured chevron scatter 60 x 40cm, R325, Woolworths.

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: The girls’ bedroom was

given splashes of colour, with patterned throws from India Ink. Wallpaper from Cara Saven Wall Design brings a tropical garden feel into the guest loo.

Liberia Blues scatter 50 x 70cm, R700, Hertex.

SOURCES Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Caesarstone caesarstone.co.za Cape Plumbing and Bathroom Supplies cpandb.co.za Cara Saven Wall Design carasaven.com Dark Horse dark-horse.co.za Hertex hertex.co.za India Ink indiaink.co.za KNUS knus.co Lei Lester leilester.co.za LIM lim.co.za Luxury Living Direct luxurylivingdirect.com Monsoon Trading facebook.com/monsoontradingcapetown Plantation Shutters plantation.co.za Pilgrimage Spaces pilgrimagespaces.co.za Union Tiles uniontiles.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za Woolworths woolworths.co.za

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

Wrigley pedestal, R4 695, Block & Chisel.

Green SCENE F

or Benno and Danelle Terblanche, building their own home has been a labour of love. They chose a compact, sloping site facing a green belt in a KZN North Coast estate and set about planning a house that would fulfil all their requirements. “We wanted quite a lot in a small area: four bedrooms, a separate TV room, a wine cellar, an office and a spacious living area,� she says. In addition, the house had to be built around a gorgeous old tree on the property and have an indoor-outdoor flow.

ABOVE: In the bar area, timber shelving displays both glassware

and drinks. A built-in wine rack above the drinks fridge makes good use of a potentially wasted space.

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WHO LIVES HERE Interior and graphic designer Danelle Terblanche, her husband, Benno, a builder, and their oneyear-old son, Ben-Louis.

THE HOUSE A four-bedroom, four-bathroom house with an open-plan living area, office, TV lounge, wine cellar and patio.

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SALLY CHANCE

This estate home is all about maximising space and indoor-outdoor flow

NORTH COAST HOUSE The combination of natural textures, bold, black accents and industrial details gives the kitchen and dining room a contemporary style. The cabinetry was made and installed by Kingston Kitchens.

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Terrazzo floors offset the furnishings in the living room. The bench behind the sofa is from a monastery and the standing lamp is from Weylandts.

Designed and built by QSB Construction, the house has garages at road level, with the office, TV lounge and wine cellar beneath them. The rest of the house opens out towards the garden. “To ensure that there was outdoor space on both sides of the house, we created an inviting courtyard at the base of the entrance stairs. The office, TV lounge and living room all open on to it, maximising light and the indoor-outdoor feel,” Danelle explains.

The architecture is contemporary, with concrete and steel elements and terrazzo floors. The Terblanches made a feature of the ceilings, combining cast concrete and timber beams to demarcate certain areas. “As the high ceilings give a sense of space, I felt we could use lots of interior detail and colour, without making the rooms feel cluttered,” says Danelle.

The kitchen forms the centre of the living areas and striking green tiles, handmade by Hadeda, are a focal point.

“The house faces west so we have lovely afternoon sun and beautiful sunsets,” says Danelle. “The hanging chair on the patio is the ideal place to enjoy them.” In the sitting room, a pair of old armchairs were given new slipcovers. Collections of ornaments and art create interesting focal points.

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“My husband and I love combining old and new and my passion is colour!” says Danelle. The couple have collected art and furniture for years, much of it second hand. “We both love the character they add,” says Danelle. “All houses need a bit of warmth and you get that from older items.”

The wallpaper in the different rooms was chosen to complement their existing furnishings, the charcoal and deep green paintwork and timber cabinetry. “All the designs are playful and not too formal, as we are not formal at all. We want visitors to feel at home and I kept this in mind when making my selection,” she says.

The family spends a lot of time outside on the veranda and in the garden under the tree. “We love making a fire, like true South Africans, and enjoy being outdoors,” Danelle says.

“Luckily for us, with Durban’s mild winters, we can do this year round.”

Danelle managed to fit a shower into this tiny guest bathroom. The narrow vanity unit is from On Tap. The guest bedroom features an eclectic collection of items offset by the wallpaper from Graphic Gurus.

A troop of playful monkeys decorates the walls of the second guest room. The group of stools makes an interesting alternative to a traditional bedside table.

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Get the look Pair contemporary elements with pops of emerald to get this stylish look

Metal pendant, R5 045, K. Light Import.

Retro shelf small, R1 800, Mr Price Home.

Sandstone pendant, R1 640, Eurolux.

Terrazzo Bianco tile, R320,85/m2, WOMAG.

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

Provenza Verde Victoria mosaic tile, R29 each, Italtile.

Asparagus fern mossball R320, Plantify.

Cone bookshelf, R7 995, Weylandts.

A concrete wall separates the bathroom from the main bedroom. The wallpaper by Graphic Gurus was the starting point for the main bedroom.

The pedestals are tree trunks the couple found and sanded down. The pendant lights are from Wire World.

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Tolix stool, R699, Union3.

SOURCES Danelle Terblanche danelle@graphicgurus.co.za Eurolux eurolux.co.za Graphic Gurus graphicgurus.co.za Hadeda hadeda-tiles.com Italtile italtile.co.za Kingston Kitchens 072 586 6476 K. Light Import klight.co.za Mr Price Home mrphome.com On Tap ontap.co.za Plantify plantify.co.za QSB Construction 083 412 4841 Union3 union3.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za Wire World wireworld.co.za WOMAG womag.co.za

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BEFORE

Making

GOOD By using savvy, cost-saving ideas, these homeowners gained virtually new kitchens without breaking the bank

Counter measures By retaining the existing countertops and painting the cabinets, Kim Bayly gained a ‘new’ kitchen When Kim Bayly moved into her home three years ago, her aim was to change

the outdated kitchen. It had wood-look cabinets, a dated tiled floor and granite countertops which looked brown and dreary. “The cabinets were in good condition and the layout worked, so I looked for ways to improve it without overcapitalising,” she recalls.

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS STYLING JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

The lattice panels in the upper cabinets were replaced with glass. The baskets were retained to add a natural element.

BEFORE

KITCHEN COSTS (APPROX) Tiles and tiling materials

R7 600

Tiling (labour)

R5 200

Rhinoliting and painting of walls, cornices and ceiling

R1 500

New sink and prep bowl

R3 700

Pendant lights

R1 600

Electrician (LED and pendant installation and materials)

R4 140

Painting of cabinets

R14 000

Miscellaneous

R360

TOTAL

R38 100

WHAT SHE DID

While researching kitchens, Kim discovered that one of the main expenses was the countertops. “The existing granite ones were in good condition, so it made sense to find a colour scheme that they could fit into.” She found a photograph of the industrial style she wanted featuring charcoal cabinets, white subway tiles and wooden countertops.

“The granite was a similar colour to the wood, so I knew it would work,” Kim says.

GET MORE ONLINE Be inspired by more stunning kitchen makeovers at gardenandhome.co.za

The first step was to replace the existing floor and wall tiles. “I chose a wood-look tile for the floor with a broad plank look to make the kitchen appear wider and more spacious. I didn’t want to tile right up to the ceiling, which can look a little sterile so we painted the section above the tiles white.”

As there was nothing wrong with the cabinets, she asked paint effects specialist Mary Edwards to paint the lower ones in deep charcoal and the upper cabinets white to give a sense of

space and light. “The finish is very durable – they look brand new – and we reused the original handles.”

Energy-efficient LED lights were installed for general lighting and Kim added some bling with crystal-look pendants which illuminate the prep area. “There are two circuits, so you can have the main lights on when you are prepping and cooking and the softer mood lighting from undercounter and in-cabinet lighting on other occasions.”

THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Although the floor plan didn’t change at all, the

kitchen has a completely new appearance, thanks to the painted cabinets, as well as subway and wood-look floor tiles from Italtile Bryanston. To suit the industrial style, a new stainless steel prep bowl and sink from Italtile Bryanston were installed.

SOURCES Italtile italtile.co.za Mary Edwards Specialist Paint Techniques marypaint.co.za

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Estate, it came with the developer’s A coat of black paint and a patterned standard kitchen. “We wanted to give it some personality, but without breaking tile floor turned a standard kitchen the bank,” explains Esté. Luckily the into a showstopper couple had a friend they could turn to When Esté and Reenen Kok bought this for advice – designer Willem J Bruwer house in Stellenbosch’s Welgevonden of Karakter Studio.

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WHAT THEY DID

As the existing layout suited the openplan space and the cabinets were in good shape, Willem saw no need to make any major structural changes.

“I assessed the budget and helped Esté and Reenen identify the areas they

TEXT NATALIE BORUVKA PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

Back to black

BEFORE

Painting the original white cabinetry with Plascon’s Dark Onyx gave the kitchen a high-impact effect at a low cost. The bar stools from Pedersen and Lennard are an invitation to gather at the counter. Patterned floor tiles from Moroccan Warehouse add the wow factor. The splashback consists of inexpensive white tiles from Tilehouse.

THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

opposite side, an awkward niche was turned into a pantry cupboard aligned neatly with the neighbouring wall.

The cabinets were then painted in Plascon’s Dark Onyx. “It’s incredible how a simple change of colour gave them a much more expensive look,” says Willem. The Venetian blinds, which were also in good nick, were sprayed to match. What remained of the budget was used to replace the flooring with

beautiful hand-painted Moroccan tiles.

“For the splashback we opted for a budget-friendly white tile, which was laid in a running bond pattern for interest.”

“Now our kitchen really makes a statement and has loads of character,” say Esté and Reenen. “Guests tend to gravitate towards the kitchen counter, so it’s become a great space for entertaining.”

BEFORE KITCHEN COSTS (APPROX)

were happy to spend money on,” he explains. As they enjoy entertaining, the couple decided to invest in a freestanding cooker and extractor fan.

To accommodate them, the existing cabinets were altered slightly. On the

Cupboards (including modifications, new hardware and paint)

R15 500

Blinds respraying

R 600

Floor tiles (excluding labour, tile adhesive and grout)

R11 880

Splashback tiles (excluding labour, tile adhesive and grout)

R835

TOTAL

R28 815

SOURCES Karakter Studio 084 402 7795 Moroccan Warehouse 021 461 8318 Pedersen and Lennard pedersenlennard.co.za Plascon plascon.com Tilehouse tilehouse.co.za

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Montpelier Agencies made the narrow wooden table to the Strouds’ specifications and painted it to match the chairs.

Grey chic A simple coat of paint and few new furnishings brought this Jo’burg kitchen right up to date When their three sons went off to university and boarding school PetaAnne and Hugo Stroud decided that their kitchen could do with a little sophistication. “We no longer needed a robust table and benches and the kitchen looked far too country for the rest of the house,” recalls Peta-Anne, an interior decorator. However, they didn’t want the hassle and upheaval of a major renovation.

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS STYLING PETA-ANNE STROUD PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

BEFORE

WHAT THEY DID

“The layout worked well for us, as did the quarry tile floor which continues into the adjoining courtyard, so we left them as is and concentrated on cosmetic changes,” says Peta-Anne. Taking her cue from the grey tones of the living and dining rooms, she chose a rich shade of grey for the cabinets and walls.

“The colour makes the existing white countertops stand out beautifully and although the accessories were there, they now look fresh and new,” she explains.

She replaced the scratched stainless steel splashback behind the stove with mosaic tiles in shades of grey and black and asked a handyman to mount shallow shelves on the wall to display crockery. The old table was replaced with a new timber one and the benches with stylish contemporary chairs.

“It was very quick and easy to do and within a week the kitchen was so completely rejuvenated that our friends asked if it was new.”

BEFORE

KITCHEN COSTS (APPROX) Paint and labour

R6 900

Handyman and shelves

R1 500

Tiles and tiling

R1 600

Table and chairs

R14 000

TOTAL

R24 000

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To disguise an awkward angle, shallow shelves were mounted on the wall and display crockery. In the scullery section the plate rack was left in its original colour and now stands out against the dark walls. All the walls, shelves and cabinets were painted in Plascon’s Bovine. The tiles for the new splashback came from Italtile.

SOURCES Italtile italtile.co.za Montpelier Agencies 083 659 5104 Peta-Anne Stroud 083 306 2658 Plascon plascon.com

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Top kitchen DESIGN TIPS Whether you’re refurbishing or planning a new kitchen, interior designer Candice Koller shares her advice

Candice added a bulkhead to the slab above the island to conceal all the electrical wiring. In addition to the ceiling downlights, pendants from Eurolux add a decorative touch. The island includes storage space and a breakfast bar.

TEXT TESS PATERSON PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

DESIGNING A KITCHEN

F

ounder of CW Interiors, Candice Koller recently added a kitchendesign arm, CW Kitchens, to her consultancy. “We’ve always worked on kitchens, but realised there was a niche for detailed planning, design and installation. A well-designed kitchen is such an enduring investment.

It’s important to get certain key things in place right from the start.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTING “Before you even think of decorative feature lighting, give careful consideration to functional lighting,” advises Candice. “This is often an afterthought, but it’s essential to budget

for a proper lighting plan.”

Things to consider include the angle of your task lighting (try to avoid working in your own shadow), as well as the coverage of the area that’s illuminated. “Think about the lumens of your chosen lights, which will indicate the actual spread or brightness, as opposed to the amount of energy used (watts).”

Where you have cupboards above a work station, Candice suggests under-unit lighting. “Above kitchen islands, a group of pendants is an attractive alternative to low-energy LED downlights that are used in the rest of the ceiling. Keep it to a maximum of three to avoid a cluttered effect.”

This renovated kitchen originally had beige granite countertops and very dark cabinets. To lighten and freshen the whole space, Candice added quartz tops from Eeziquartz and painted the cabinetry white. Glassfronted cabinets display favourite crockery and glassware. Three metal pendants from CW Interiors complement the pale tones.

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CHOOSING WORK SURFACES “If you’re renovating, new countertops are a guaranteed way to transform a dated kitchen,” says Candice. “The benefit of planning a kitchen from scratch is that you can create an entire mood board, from tops and cabinetry to splashbacks and floors. On the whole, I find that pale countertops made from quartz composites just look cleaner. For longevity, I tend towards calm, neutral kitchens, with accents of timber and painted islands to add interest.”

If you like the look of deep, generous countertops, consider the 20mm options which have a front overhang of 40mm – a far more cost-effective option.

CREATE A SEPARATE SCULLERY “Keeping the mess and clutter out of sight is definitely first prize. Where space permits, include a double sink, dishwasher and washing machine in a separate scullery. Allow for plenty of landing space, plus storage for lesser-used items such as food processors or large vases.”

In more compact or open-plan spaces, Candice recommends giving the scullery area as much attention as the rest of the kitchen. “Treat this space as part of the room, extending the mood, materials and palette all the way through. The result will be far more cohesive.”

ENDURING FLOORS “Much like wall tiles and paint colours, floor finishes are a very personal choice.

I tend to avoid timber laminates, as they’re water sensitive. Vinyl laminates are better, but you need to invest in the best-quality product you can afford,” says Candice. If you’re opting for tiled floors, Candice advises against highly polished finishes, which can lead to slipping.

“Also, think about the grouting

pattern, which will appear ‘busier’ when smaller tiles are used across a large expanse. On the other hand, where spaces are very compact, don’t choose such large tiles that you end up having to cut them down.”

If a concrete screed floor suits your design, Candice advises using a reputable installer with a proven track record. “These floors are not patchable, so you want to avoid any cracks as far as possible.”

THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: By using the same wall tiles, timber shelves and

countertops in the scullery, it blends seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen. Silver appliances add to the sense of cohesion. In this townhouse kitchen, Candice paired simple floor tiles from Tiletoria with marble-look herringbone wall tiles from Douglas Jones.

OPTIMISE STORAGE SPACE “Incorporating a generous, full-length pantry goes a long way to creating a user-friendly kitchen. It just makes sense to keep your dry goods in one area,” says Candice. She suggests including top shelves above the groceries – ideal for storing items like big baking appliances, while saving on counter space.

“If your design includes a passageway

or screening wall, line the back of the wall with open shelves – the perfect place to keep larger crockery.”

Candice includes numerous drawers where possible, often in lieu of cupboards. “Drawers are not just for pots and pans – they’re brilliant for accessing everyday crockery and glassware. I also incorporate storage space in kitchen islands – it’s a superb space saver.”

Placed above the hob, a timber cupboard and shelves add visual balance to this compact kitchen. The countertop is from ProQuartz. Accessories add a visual element to custom-made timber shelves, all by CW Interiors.

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MORE DESIGN TIPS TO CONSIDER When it comes to electrical plans, it’s helpful to get your IT person and electrician to work together.

For instance, you’ll want Wi-Fi points out of sight, yet have plenty of easily accessible plugs for charging stations and appliances.

The recognised work triangle of fridge, prep sink and stove remains valid.

Candice adds a roomy pantry to this – having these items in close proximity makes for a very practical space.

Try to create a sense of symmetry wherever appropriate. For instance, line up top and bottom cupboards, place windows either side of your stove and add wall-mounted cupboards either side of a cooker hood.

SOURCES CW Interiors cwinteriors.co.za Douglas Jones douglasjones.co.za Eeziquartz eeziquartz.co.za Eurolux eurolux.co.za ProQuartz proquartz.co.za Tiletoria tiletoria.co.za

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1

Inside STORY Increase the efficiency of your kitchen and make the most of the storage space with these clever ideas

T

here are so many different ways to make your kitchen more organised and efficient, while keeping it clutter free. Here are some smart innovations for both new and existing kitchens.

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MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

OPT FOR DRAWERS “We always recommend using drawers instead of shelves,” says Izelle Janse van Rensburg of Easylife Kitchens.

Often items on shelves get forgotten at the back, but drawers allow you

to pull out the contents and access everything inside.

High-end systems like the Space Tower by Blum take the concept of the drawer to a whole new level. “It’s the perfect solution for a pantry cupboard,” explains Bronwyn Shell, marketing consultant at Eclipse. “The drawers are arranged at heights that suit you and each one extends completely, giving you access to the contents from three sides.”

The drawers also have high sides so that even larger items like bottles are safely contained.

Drawers for heavier items like pots and crockery need runners that can take the weight. “Blum’s drawer systems are designed to open and close smoothly, even with a heavy weight inside,” says Bronwyn. The system also allows for add-ons such as power-assisted opening and closing. For example, Blum’s electrical Servo-Drive does this with a light touch.

If you’re upgrading an existing

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS HEMA PATEL AND SUPPLIED

2

KITCHEN STORAGE

5

QUICK FIXES Install a rail above your splashback and hang utensils on it with S-hooks.

A magnetic strip, available from Neat Freak, mounted on the wall keeps knives safely out of the way, but easily accessible.

Store plates vertically with a plate rack from Neat Freak. It holds 13 plates and, for stability, can be screwed into the bottom of the shelf or cabinet.

Instead of stacking tinned goods one of top of the other, use a stainless steel can dispenser from Neat Freak (pictured below).

4 3

kitchen, a carpenter or handyman can replace shelves with runners and drawers. Just make sure that the runners are strong enough to hold the contents and that the hinges allow the cabinet doors to open completely. Another point to consider is whether the carcasses are strong enough to bear the load of the drawers. “Make sure the runners are installed properly,” says Izelle. “Unfortunately, some installers exclude the front screws on some runners, resulting in damage to the carcass.”

CABINET DECISIONS Make more use of a corner cabinet by fitting a revolving carousel. “Our

model makes for easier accessibility and smarter use of the space,” says Andrew Milne, managing director of UCAN. It can also accommodate smaller items like spices and groceries.

You could also consider the half-moon shaped shelving system from Leroy Merlin. The front is attached to the cabinet door so, as you open it, the shelves swivel outwards. It can be used for storing pots and crockery, and even groceries.

The Le Mans corner cabinet system

by Kesseböhmer (available from Easylife Kitchens) is another option. The system consists of two shelves with non-slip bases, so that items like crockery don’t move around.

6

THIS SPREAD: 1. The Space Tower by Blum lets you access the contents from three

sides. 2. Kesseböhmer‘s Cleaning Agent slides easily into a cupboard. 3. Stainless steel can dispenser from Neat Freak. 4. The carousel from UCAN is ideal for a corner cabinet.

5. The ORGA-LINE foil and film dispensers from Blum have built-in blades and are designed to fit in a drawer. 6. The non-slip bases on the Le Mans corner unit by Kesseböhmer ensures that your crockery stays put. 7. These shelves from Leroy Merlin swivel out as the door is opened.

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3 THIS PAGE: 1. The knife-holder from Blum’s

DIVIDE AND CONQUER Cooking is much more pleasant when all your utensils are in one place and easy to find. Whether it’s cutlery or crockery, placing everything in compartments makes it more accessible.

One of the advantages of a new kitchen is that you can optimise the available space and choose wider, deeper drawers to increase storage. Customise each drawer using organising systems that create separate compartments for storing items neatly.

You can also maximise the storage space of existing drawers with expandable organisers like the OXO Good Grips utensil organiser and individual dividers like those by Progressive to partition the available space. Both products are available from Yuppiechef.

Blum ORGA-LINE stainless steel containers can be placed in multiple configurations to suit your needs and they can be popped in the dishwasher for cleaning.

If you’re worried about plates toppling off the top of the stack, the Blum plateholder stores 12 plates securely and can

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be adjusted to the size of the plate. Each holder has handles so you can lift out a whole stack of plates at the same time and the non-slip feet ensure they’re kept safely in one place. “You can also buy non-slip mats for crockery drawers,” adds Izelle.

AMBIA-LINE range stores up to nine knives neatly in a drawer. 2. Adjustable to standard plate sizes, the plate-holder from Blum allows you to carry a whole stack of plates. 3. The OXO Good Grips utensil organiser is a good budget option for a cutlery drawer. 4. Blum ORGA-LINE dividers can be used to organise pantry items.

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1 THIS PAGE: 1. The waste-

MAKE RECYCLING A BREEZE These days it’s compulsory in some areas to separate waste. As bins take up space and aren’t particularly attractive, the solution is an organised waste system such as Leroy Merlin’s, which can be installed under the sink. The large drawer holds the different bins, which have handles for easy emptying.

While it’s designed to fit into their DIY kitchens, it can also be installed in an existing kitchen.

The Wasteboy from Eclipse also fits into the cupboard under the sink and has a shelf on top for bin bags and cleaning products. The unit consists of two bins, which slide out smoothly. The waste bin drawer can be equipped with Ninka bins, available in different sizes and configurations.

The similar Unolux system from Easylife Kitchens also has lids with built-in bio-filters, reducing odours and improving hygiene.

management system from Leroy Merlin. 2. Unolux bins from Easylife Kitchens have optional bio-filter lids for extra odour protection.

3. The Wasteboy is a sliding unit that fits neatly into the space under the sink. 4. For flatlets and apartments, this kitchen in a cupboard from Milestone Kitchens stores everything you need in one unit.

4

POINTS TO CONSIDER If drawers aren’t opening and closing easily, they’re probably overloaded.

Drawer bases should be thick enough to bear the weight of the contents. Some installers try to cut costs by using thin materials, which warp over time.

“We recommend choosing shorter kick plates and increasing the height of the base units,” says Izelle. “We use 80mm kick plates as opposed to the industry standard of 150mm, which adds 10 percent more storage space.”

For peace of mind, check that your kitchen installer is a member of the Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA).

SOURCES Eclipse eclipsegroup.co.za Easylife Kitchens easylifekitchens.co.za Kitchen Specialists Association ksa.co.za Leroy Merlin leroymerlin.co.za Milestone Kitchens milestonekitchens.co.za Neat Freak neatfreak.co.za UCAN ucandoit.co.za Yuppiechef yuppiechef.com

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TREASURE ISLANDS

COMPILED BY MARY JANE HARRIS AND LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN, KARL ROGERS AND ANDREA CALDWELL

Featuring everything from hobs and pop-up plugs to wine fridges and casual dining areas, islands have become the true workhorses of the kitchen

KITCHEN ISLANDS

TIME TO SHINE Making a huge impact in this contemporary kitchen, the island has a thick Caesarstone wraparound finish, which accentuates its sculptural shape.

Fitted with a hob and prep bowl, it’s slightly bigger than the base, giving the impression that it’s floating above the floor. The timber-clad sides are set slightly back to create an alcove for comfortable dining. Kitchen accessorised by Jacquie Bender of Motife Interiors.

OPEN INVITATION In open-plan kitchens, use an island to make up for the cabinets that would be against the walls. In this kitchen designed and made by Blue Planet Furniture, the island is fitted with a prep bowl and plugs. Numerous drawers hold crockery and utensils so that the far wall can be used for attractive open shelves and glass-fronted cabinets. An overhang on two sides accommodates stools for casual dining.

STRAIGHT AND NARROW If there’s no space for an island, then a narrow work table like this one is the next best thing. Designer Karen Smit of K&R Design Consultants painted hers black so that it adds a smart accent in her predominantly neutral kitchen.

ON A ROLL If you don’t need to have prep bowls plumbed in or electrical connections, then an island like this one on castors will double your work surface and provide extra storage space. Another advantage is that it can be wheeled to the dining area and used as a server or drinks table and even onto the patio for a braai. Design by Nikki Lange of Design & etc.

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GO WITH THE FLOW Waterfall countertops that extend down the sides of islands can be very effective, giving a clean, contemporary look. In this Pretoria kitchen, the sides are cut away to reveal the stone cladding on the dining side of the island. The bar stools are from Donald Nxumalo Interior Design.

CENTRE STAGE

RUSTIC CHIC

This French oak island made by Blue Planet Furniture features not only a hob and extractor, but plenty of drawers providing all the storage space you could possibly need for crockery, pots and pans. In addition, cabinets have been included on the other three sides.

To modernise this island in a revamped farmhouse, Claire Clarke of By Dezign Interiors lightened the timber countertop and replaced the paint effect on the cabinets with a flat colour. “The island is the focal point of this section of the kitchen, which is visible from the living areas, while the scullery is hidden around the corner,” she explains.

SOURCES Blue Planet Furniture blueplanetfurniture@gmail.com By Dezign Interiors bydezign.co.za Caesarstone caesarstone.co.za Design & etc. designandetc.co.za Donald Nxumalo Interior Design donaldnxumalo.com K&R Design Consultants 082 374 7120 Motife Interiors motife.co.za

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SHOPPING

LAYING LOW There’s nothing like a rug to add pattern and design, even in the kitchen

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

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1. Lingala rug, R9 100, Esque. 2. Versova rug, R3 490, SHF. 3. Tufted medallion rug, from R13 900, Lund Rug Gallery. 4. Cancun Candy outdoor rug, R1 399, Fab Habitat. 5. Moldavian Kelim Tea Rose rug, R16 000, Hertex. 6. Hieroglyphics square carpet, R18 389, KARE. 7. Tufted mantle rug, R13 900, Lund Rug Gallery. 8. Denim and jute rug, R1 200, Mr Price Home. 9. Botany evergreen outdoor rug, from R2 700, Hertex. 10. Abstract dark rose carpet, R5 929, KARE. SOURCES Esque esque.co.za Fab Habitat fabhabitat.co.za Hertex hertex.co.za KARE kare-design.com/za Lund Rug Gallery lundruggallery.co.za Mr Price Home mrphome.com SHF shf.co.za

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This month’s

GOOD IDEA… USE WALL-MOUNTED SHELVES TO FREE UP SPACE ON YOUR KITCHEN COUNTER

Kitchen counters tend to collect clutter, crowding the workspace. Shelves like these (similar ones are available from Clever Little Monkey) look attractive and keep items you use every day where they’re out of the way, but easily accessible. A bonus is that, depending on the ones you choose and how you arrange

them, they can add a decorative element.

Another great clutter-clearing tool is an ordinary pegboard, which can be used for hanging up utensils and even mugs.

SOURCE Clever Little Monkey cleverlittlemonkey.co.za

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS PHOTOGRAPH BRETT STEVENS/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA

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CHILDREN’S ROOMS

Room for GROWTH

Built-in bunk bed structures divided this spacious room in two, making it ideal for the two youngest girls. The rug and floor cushions are from Hertex and the joinery, shelving and pendant lights were custom-designed by Beautiful Spaces.

TEXT DINA VENTER PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

What do you do when you have four daughters who need their own space and you only have three bedrooms? You call in interior designer Kimberley Richmond

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Hanging above the

mantelpiece in the shared bedroom, these round mirrors, designed by Kimberley, make a playful contrast to the straight lines of the cabinets. The green vase is from Heart Works.

Dividing the large bedroom into two, open shelves provide shared display space for toys and books.

Below, a cabinet hides less attractive items. In the 13-year-old’s bedroom, chests with padded lids double up as storage and seating.

The chair is from Chair Crazy.

T

he challenge that the owners of this Cape Town home faced was to accommodate the needs of their four daughters without moving to a bigger house,” explains Kimberley Richmond of Beautiful Spaces. “The idea was to adapt the rooms and create unique spaces where each girl could feel at home.”

DOUBLING UP While it made sense for the two youngest girls (7 and 11) to share the biggest room, the siblings had quite different requirements. “To prevent them from feeling as though they were sharing, I came up with a design that established two separate spaces,” says Kimberley.

Fortunately, the room had a high ceiling that could accommodate identical builtin bunk beds, accessed by ladders, with customised space underneath for each girl. “The older sister wanted a study area and space for her books so we built a desk and cupboards for her. As the 7-year-old isn’t studying yet, I created an area for drawing. Here, I included pouffes and a rug so she can play on the floor.”

Separating the two spaces is a bookshelf that both girls use. Built-in cupboards and funky hexagon and floating shelves keep the room tidy and clutter-free.

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GET MORE ONLINE Visit gardenandhome.co.za for more bedroom decor ideas

KIMBERLEY’S TIPS FOR CHILDREN’S ROOMS Scandinavian style looks contemporary and is timeless. To get this look, include natural wood, shades of white and grey, and stick to clean lines.

Bring in colour with cushions, rugs and pouffes, which can be easily replaced as tastes change.

Sufficient storage space is important. Look for furniture that has a dual purpose, such as ottomans with storage space inside, beds with drawers, and shelving that can act as a room divider.

Involve children when choosing fabrics and colours – they’ll appreciate the end result so much more.

ALL GROWN UP For the two older girls (13 and 15), Kimberley chose simple designs and neutral greys and introduced warmth and colour with scatter cushions. “This way, the schemes can be updated as they get older,” says Kimberley. “As personal items are important at this age, in each room I included a combination of open and covered shelving for display. In addition to built-in desks, both rooms feature chests with padded lids that double up as storage space and a place to relax with friends.” For the 15-year-old, Kimberley

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designed a dressing table with a mirror for doing hair and make-up. A deepbuttoned ottoman acts as a stool, but can also be used as a footrest or seating.

In the eldest’s bedroom, a desk for studying was fitted into the corner. Shelving stands out against the dark grey paint (S4000 from Prominent Paints). The chair is from Chair Crazy and the throw and scatter cushions are in fabrics from Hertex. The ‘film star’ mirror, combined with a deep-buttoned ottoman, adds glamour to this grown-up room.

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SOURCES Beautiful Spaces beautifulspaces.co.za Chair Crazy chaircrazy.co.za Heart Works 021 465 3289 Hertex hertex.co.za Prominent Paints prominentpaints.co.za

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SANCTUARY In this bedroom’s modern update, nature took centre stage both inside and out

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TEXT NATALIE BORUVKA PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS AND SUPPLIIED

Natural

MAKEOVER

“OUR BEDROOM lacked personality and style,” recall homeowners Audette and Ian Loebenberg of Durbanville. “We felt that the leather sleigh bed was too bulky for the room and the matching brown curtains, which we had in our previous home, were at least 14 years old.” As well as updating the decor, they wanted the windows behind the bed bricked up and those overlooking the garden to be removed and replaced with doors.

HOW THIS SPACE WENT FROM DRAB TO FAB After meeting

BEFORE

with Audette and Ian, Stacey Russell and Kyle Coetzee of House2Home put together a mood board reflecting a contemporary, nature-inspired scheme. Once approved, the building work ensued. This included installing a lintel to support stackable, sliding doors and erecting a deck to extend the spatial flow to the exterior.

To establish a warm foundation for the neutral scheme, the carpet was replaced with vinyl flooring. The pendant lights are from Superbalist, the bed is from @home and the throw is from H&M Home. The mirror from Block & Chisel and the chair from @home make a striking contrast to the built-in desk.

THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

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BEFORE

Creating a feature of the bricked-in back wall with wallpaper was central to the scheme. After looking at many options, Audette settled on a scene depicting silhouettes of trees from Cara Saven Wall Design. Instead of traditional bedside lamps, pendant lights were chosen to enhance the sense of height established by the trees soaring to the ceiling.

“Our clients wanted a neutral scheme. To keep it exciting, we established a strong tonal contrast by painting the opposite and adjacent walls black and offsetting them with white floor-to-

ceiling curtains and bespoke high-gloss cabinetry,” says Stacey.

“NOW OUR BEDROOM is a beautiful sanctuary. We love lying in bed and watching the birds at the bird feeder, and the deck is a wonderful place to escape to in the late afternoons.”

A striking picture gallery was created using white frames against the black wall. The rug is from Hertex. The rocking chairs from Chair Crazy add easygoing elegance. The deck was installed by House2Home.

THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

SOURCES @home home.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Cara Saven Wall Design carasaven.com Chair Crazy chaircrazy.co.za H&M Home hm.com Hertex hertex.co.za House2Home house2homesa.co.za Superbalist superbalist.com

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COMPILED BY MANDY BUCHHOLZ PHOTOGRAPHS GREG COX/BUREAUX AND SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

THE GREEN ROOM

HIGH SOCIETY

Take braai areas to new heights with contemporary furniture, lighting and a black and white scheme

Giant wall-mounted lamp, POR, Newport Lighting.

EXPERT TIPS Anthracite Pacific cool bar, R1 490, Keter.

Urban bloomer plant box, R1 190 (incl. delivery if bought online from from za.keter.com), Keter.

Lisbeth three-drawer server, from R9 957, Milestone Kitchens.

Cancun stool, R999, Coricraft.

Acapulco-inspired chair, R1 550, Esque.

Quintin Lamprecht, managing director of Allbro, recommends using weatherproof socket boxes when installing power outlets in outdoor living areas For plugs that are only exposed to rain, a box with a sliding lid and an IP level of 54 is sufficient. However, if there’s spraying and splashing, a hinged or screw lid enclosure with an IP level of 66 is necessary.

If the plug is in direct sunlight or exposed to heat near a cooking area, a GRP/fibreglass enclosure should be used as plastic becomes brittle in these conditions.

Aesthetically, a socket outlet box inserted in the wall looks much neater as the back end is chased into the brickwork and is invisible.

Installations should be signed off by a qualified contractor and a Certificate of Compliance provided.

Graphic throw, R695, Weylandts.

Outdoor kitchen trolley, POR, Casarredo.

Round cheeseboard with metal inset, R595, Weylandts.

SOURCES Allbro allbro.com Casarredo casarredo.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za Esque esque.co.za Keter za.keter.com Milestone Kitchens milestonekitchens.co.za Newport Lighting newport.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za

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A growing PASSION

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When she couldn’t find suitable help, this gardener decided to tackle the garden on her own

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS MARIANNE ALEXANDER

CONSTANTIA GARDEN

WHO LIVES HERE A couple originally from Gauteng who retired to the Cape.

THE GARDEN A recently revamped garden in Constantia, Cape Town.

Statice, salvias and roses thrive on the north side of the tipuana tree. A container planted with a standard wild olive adds height to this bed filled with petunias and white verbena. The intriguing shape of a flowering artichoke stands out among the vegetables. Alfresco meals are enjoyed in the shade of a liquid amber tree against a lush backdrop of viburnums and a frame of bougainvillea. Luna the cat enjoys the shade under the wrought iron table.

THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

W

hen the husband retired, this couple moved to the Cape to be near their children. When they moved to this Constantia property, they looked for a suitable landscaper to help them establish a new garden and integrate it with what was already

there. But they felt the plant list from one landscaper was uninspired, while the other was so expensive they could have built a small cottage instead. The wife, on impulse, decided to go it alone, although her only previous gardening experience had been to carry out tasks given to her by a ‘gardening adviser’. “As

I was guided by her and never felt that the garden was mine, I took very little interest in it. Now it was exciting to be able to plan the garden myself using a site plan,” she says.

She admits to making mistakes, but after a faltering start, with telephonic help from a landscaping friend from

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This bed under the existing tree receives some late afternoon sun so that heliotropes and salvias thrive among shade-lovers like fuchsias and foxgloves.

Low plantings of verbena, gaura, wild garlic and lamb’s ears along the driveway.

the Midlands, and ad hoc advice from a landscaper, her confidence grew.

Suddenly she found gardening exciting and started enjoying it.

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The existing garden was rather tired and overgrown so the first task was to decide which trees to prune and which to remove to let in more light and open

up views of Table Mountain. Wellestablished trees were also brought in to screen neighbouring houses and soften the high walls. Creepers were trained up boundary fences where there was no space for trees.

To get the informal look she wanted, she laid out gently curving beds around the perimeter to link the older part of the garden and its established shrubbery with newer beds near the house.

Through her judicious plant selection, which includes white and blue agapanthus, Tulbaghia violacea (wild garlic) and white and pink gaura, and by enriching the soil with compost and adding water-absorbing crystals, she established a garden that’s water-wise.

To create a sense of mystery and depth, she included annuals like petunias, begonias and snapdragons as fillers while the more permanent plants such as hebes, pelargoniums, salvias and lavenders brought from her Jo’burg garden, grow under the large trees.

One tip she recalled from her old garden was never to plant just one of

Gaura and statice create a splash of colour.

The blues of heliotrope and ‘Mystic Spires’ salvia weave through the pinks of roses, verbena and gaura. The sound of water in the courtyard off the dining room muffles extraneous noise. A gap was left to so that lamb’s ears could be planted against the water feature. Shasta daisies make a stunning display in summer.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

anything, rather three or five to promote flow and harmony. In just 15 months since she and her gardener planted the first bed, her colour and plant themes weave their way through the garden creating a sense of continuity. These are complemented by bold and floriferous floribunda roses, which she says laughing, were selected not by choice but purely by availability, colour and how

prolific they would be.

Her favourite outdoor living area is the gravelled courtyard off the openplan kitchen-dining area where a water feature masks the sounds of traffic.

Herbs and vegetables are grown in a raised bed within easy reach of the kitchen. This is the family’s preferred gathering spot in the shade of a tall liquid amber tree.

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SILVER-LEAFED PLANTS

M

ore often than not, plants with silver leaves evolved in hot, arid regions. The colouring is generally not pigmentation, but comes either from tiny hairs that reflect light, lowering the leaf’s surface temperature or a white, waxy outer layer that helps to slow down evaporation.

This makes them ideal in a lowmaintenance garden, as apart from welldrained soil, they don’t ask for much.

If they get too much water, they can become dull and leggy and even develop root rot.

Adding cool elegance, silver plants work well on their own as focal points or when interplanted with other species.

They break up the monotony of green gardens, tone down bright reds and blend well with shades of blue, lilac, and pink. Place taller silver plants towards the back of beds as a backdrop for shorter flowering plants. Plant groundcovers under taller flowering plants like standard roses and shrubs with green or blue foliage. Use them to define the edges of paths, borders, verges and along a driveway to reflect car headlights.

Silver foliage also brightens up shady areas where greens tend to get lost. It’s especially useful for ‘moonlight gardens’ that are designed to be enjoyed at night.

DUSTY MILLER (SENECIO CINERARIA)

SILVER Not only are silver-leafed plants eye-catching in their own right, they make the perfect foil for brightly coloured blooms 76

MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

Dusty Miller has been a firm favourite for many years. Mature plants grow up to about 60cm tall with a similar width, and although they’re perennials, many people treat them as an annual. They are particularly useful in container gardens where you can rely on them to withstand heat and periods of dry weather. Give the plants a midsummer trim if they become leggy. S. ‘New Look’ from Ball Straathof is a new dwarf variety that features tall, thick stems with large, smooth-edged silver leaves.

TEXT CONNALL OOSTERBROEK PHOTOGRAPHS CONNALL OOSTERBROEK AND SUPPLIED

Cool grey foliage of Dusty Miller offsets the vibrant shades of red.

Helichrysum ‘Silvio’

Senecio cineraria ‘Silver Dust’

CURRY PLANT (HELICHRYSUM ITALICUM) This drought tolerant, evergreen shrub is a member of the daisy family and gets its common name from the strong smell of its crushed leaves often used to flavour salads and cooked foods. Sun loving, it can tolerate strong winds, but not exposure to sea spray. Prune regularly to keep it compact. ‘Silvio’ is a brand new variety with a neat shape and compact habit.

PIG’S EARS (COTYLEDON ORBICULATA) This fast-growing, indigenous succulent forms a low shrub and tolerates mild frosts. There are a number of varieties on the market, but the silver form is

Cotyledon orbiculata var. flanaganii

arguably the most attractive. It’s at home in rockeries and pots, and while it prefers full sun, it also grows well in a semi-shaded spot under a tree. It grows easily from cuttings.

DICHONDRA ‘SILVER FALLS’ Closely related to Wonderlawn, ‘Silver

Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’

Falls’ has a cascading habit, which, combined with its heat and drought tolerance makes it ideal for hanging baskets and containers. It can also be used as a low-growing groundcover to edge beds and walkways or under taller annuals, perennials or shrubs. It branches well without pinching. Plant it in full sun or partial shade.

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Salvia argentea

Calocephalus brownii ‘Silver Sand’

SILVER CLOUD (CALOCEPHALUS/ LEUCOPHYTA) BROWNII) Hailing from the coastal sand dunes of southern Australia, this 50cm tall shrub resembles a neat cloud. The small mounds of silvery-white twisted foliage and stems may look like barbed wire, but are actually silky soft to the touch.

Released by Ball Straathof a few months ago is the heat-tolerant Calocephalus ‘Bed Head’.

SILVER SAGE (SALVIA ARGENTEA) This unusual Mediterranean native is prized for its fuzzy leaves arranged in a wide rosette. Use it as a specimen plant, an accent in the rock garden or at the front of a sunny border. To get the most out of this short-lived perennial, snip off the flower spikes as they appear. It grows best in rich, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

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Tillandsia harrisii

Gazania rigens var. leucolaena

AIR PLANTS (TILLANDSIA HARRISII AND T. USNEOIDES)

TRAILING GAZANIA (GAZANIA RIGENS VAR. LEUCOLAENA)

These members of the bromeliad family are able to grow on pretty much anything – tree limbs, fences, rocks, etc. They don’t need soil because their silvery leaves are lined with specialised cells that absorb ambient humidity.

They grow well in shade and semishade. When grown indoors, place them in strong, diffused light, such as on a south-facing windowsill, and mist the plants every few days.

Gazanias are loved for their hardiness and colourful blooms, but not as wellknown is the trailing variety. This creeping perennial sports both intensely silver foliage and cheerful yellow blooms from late winter, right through summer.

Resistant to sea spray and frost and drought tolerant, it’s a must for waterwise gardens. Use as a groundcover, along a flower bed, in rockeries or against a slope.

SOURCE Ball Straathof ballstraathof.co.za

tayloredwright_GH10082_E

WHILE MOTHER NATURE DOZES It might not look as green, but work in your garden doesn’t stop, even in winter. Hedges and edges, mowing and moss removal, trimming and chopping and general chores are all on the to-do list. Get it done with your choice of STIHL power tools – numerous seasonal specials are available now at over 180 STIHL dealers across the country with the STIHL Winter Promo. Blowers and shredders help gather organic debris and shred it for mulching and compost; trimmers and lawnmowers and chainsaws keep hedges and branches in shape and neatly chopped for firewood; gloves and glasses protect your hands and face; batteries and chargers keep you on the go. There are even kiddies’ toys such as junior chainsaws, balancing bikes and brushcutters so mini-me gardeners can work alongside you. Visit a STIHL dealer today and get started in these cooler months while Mother Nature slows down....

Like any premium item, STIHL products are only available at specialised dealers nationwide, for expert advice and superior after-sales service.

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P

icture your dream garden: huge trees, gorgeous mixed plantings, a veggie garden large enough to supply a hotel, a farm dam,

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an eco-swimming pool, fragrant walk, dogs, cats, chickens and horses. A lot to expect on one property, yet this two-hectare farm garden in Kyalami, Jo’burg, has it all. In addition, it recently won the SALI (South African Landscapers Institute) Rand Water Water Wise Trophy for its design and sustainability.

WHO LIVES HERE A professional couple, their two children and a plethora of dogs, cats, chickens and horses; there’s even a resident porcupine.

THE GARDEN A free-flowing farm garden complete with raised veggie beds, dam, ecopool, fragrant walk, paddocks and large trees.

TEXT LYNNE YATES PHOTOGRAPHS LOREN SHIRLEY-CARR

pleasures

FARM GARDEN

When the current owners bought the property nearly four years ago, the garden needed a drastic revamp. “After moving in, we contacted landscape designer Mia Marsay of Over the Garden Wall, who we’ve known for 15 years, and asked her to redesign the entire garden,” say the owners. “As we’ve always been organic and free-range

shoppers, our main requests were for a veggie garden and a dam.” This wasn’t going to be easy as the large, rectangular site, consisting mainly of paddocks and grazing land, sloped and had poor drainage as a major hailstorm that left the horses knee-deep in water revealed.

“My inspiration actually came from the surrounding area; there was space,

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Set right in the middle of the veggie garden, the dam has a viewing deck.

The dam was a huge project that required levelling and it’s now a beautiful feature. A variety of berries are grown in the veggie garden. The veggie garden consists of raised brick planters for easy access and gravel walkways.

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deck on the northern side and a bridge on the southern side. “Rainwater is pumped back into the dam via channels that run down the driveway,” explain the owners. “This also helps oxygenate the water for the tilapia.”

The steep northern side of the dam was terraced and planted with waterwise, seasonal flowering plants such as Aloe sp., Felicia amelloides, Crassula sp., Dietes grandiflora, Tecoma capensis, Kniphofia sp. and various cotyledons.

The result is free-flowing and informal, offset by the formal vegetable garden filled with heirloom veggies, herbs, nut trees, grapevines, olive trees and berries.

“It’s always been a dream of ours to grow what we eat, so the veggie garden keeps us busy all year round harvesting and planning,” say the owners.

As the family loves bees, hives were placed nearby. “This resulted in a need for flowering plants throughout the open sky, lots of birds, some lovely wellestablished trees and a sense of peace,” says Mia. “A beautiful karee (Searsia lancea) in the middle of the east side called for a raised planter with a bench around it to sit on after working in what would become the vegetable garden.”

The circular bench gave Mia the idea of

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raising all the beds. “What a challenge that proved to be!” she exclaims. “To correct the sloping ground, some of the vegetable beds landed up having foundations and walls 1,5m below the surface.”

Mia positioned the dam in the centre of the vegetable garden with a viewing

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The built-in bench around this large karee tree (Searsia lancea) led to the idea of the raised planters. African horned cucumbers. Heirloom tomatoes.

Water channels feed rainwater into the dam.

year,” explains Mia. “I grouped those that would flower in the different seasons with evergreen foliage plants to attract more insect and birdlife.

“The big consideration for the layout and design of the rest of the property was how well the plants would fare on a low-water regimen,” says Mia. Indigenous shrubs and groundcovers make up 98 percent, while the few THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE:

A raised wooden walkway leads up from the dam and the veggie garden.

Grasses, aloes and wild garlic line the walkway linking the different sections of the vegetable garden. The grapevine walk under a long pergola provides a cool respite and features a number of benches.

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GET MORE ONLINE Start your own veggie garden with help from gardenandhome.co.za

exotics such as buxus, abelia, lavender and carex were chosen for their waterwise and hardy characteristics.

“As we didn’t want to use chemicals, Mia filled in the existing swimming pool and created a natural one off the patio,” say the owners. Water is pumped through a layered gravel filtration bed, which then flows into the main pool.

Around the back of the swimming pool, a fragrant walk leads to the chicken run, paddocks and greenhouses that house their son’s heirloom tomato business. It’s planted with chamomile, pelargoniums, wormwood, lemon thyme and many other fragrant plants that scent the air and repel the flies.

“When we first moved here, we knew very little about gardening, so it’s been a big learning process, but thanks to Mia, everywhere we look we are rewarded with beautiful vistas, and a veggie garden filled with vegetables that taste exactly as they should,” say the owners.

THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Rocky channels lined with tulbaghia, grasses

and watsonias direct rainwater from the driveway to the dam. The eco-pool, filtered through gravel and a wetland, is chemical-free resulting in water that is soft and pure.

Beehives help pollinate the plants. Runner beans.

SOURCE Mia Marsay Over the Garden Wall overthegardenwall.co.za

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PRAIRIE PLANTS

Everlasting

LOVE

1

Inspired by the American plains, prairie and meadow gardens not only maintain their interest year round, they’re low maintenance and wildlife friendly 86

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TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS CONNALL OOSTERBROEK

P

rairie and meadow gardens traditionally consist of a mix of grasses and perennials. The advantage of this style is that interesting shapes, flowers and resulting seed heads maintain the visual appeal through the seasons. Plus, plants don’t have to be deadheaded or cut back after flowering, keeping maintenance to a minimum. Another benefit is that the flowering plants attract pollinating insects, while the seed heads bring the birds.

Grasses form the backbone of a prairie garden, and fortunately, most nurseries carry a good selection. Choose varieties with different heights and interesting seed heads, for example Melinis repens ‘Natal Redtop’ and Chasmanthium latifolium. For coloured foliage, try Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ (purple fountain) and Imperata ‘Red Baron’ while Muhlenbergia dumosa and Setaria megaphylla provide attractive texture.

Interplant these with the following longflowering perennials and create impact with repeat plantings in large groups.

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1

COSMOS (COSMOS BIPINNATUS)

Just as cosmos brings the roadsides to life in autumn, it’ll do the same in a prairie garden. Sow the seeds in situ in early spring so the plants are established before the hot weather arrives. Use MayFord’s low-growing yellow and orange C. sulphureus ‘Poliodor Mix’ towards the front of the bed, and pretty white ‘Picotee’, which has a crimson edge to lighten up the back of the bed.

2

CONEFLOWER (ECHINACEA SPP.)

Coneflowers are popular perennials as they’re heat and drought resistant, easy to grow, bloom for months, make great cut flowers, and attract birds and pollinators. They come in shades of pink, orange, yellow, red and chartreuse, as well as a range of flower forms. ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ from Ball Straathof has a wide colour range and well-branched habit, while ‘Pow Wow’ is compact. Leave the seed heads to mature on the plant and self-seed.

3

3

TICKSEED (COREOPSIS SPP.)

There are more than 100 different species of tickseed and growers have had a field day creating some spectacular varieties.

New on the market from Ball Straathof are ‘Double the Sun’, which has large yellow blooms, and the bicolour ‘UpTick Gold and Bronze’ (pictured). The fernlike foliage is also appealing. Although they’re hardy, they don’t tend to live longer than three to five years.

NOTE: Coreopsis lanceolate is a declared invader throughout South Africa and must be eradicated.

4

SUNFLOWERS (HELIANTHUS SPP.)

A few sunflower seeds randomly popped between grasses and ornamentals will

4 add vertical interest. Sow a fresh batch every couple of weeks to ensure a continuous parade of blooms until the first frost. Once the central flower has finished flowering, snip it off as this will encourage smaller flowers to develop from side shoots for a longer display.

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5

5

BLANKET FLOWERS (GAILLARDIA SPP.)

Richly coloured gaillardias are easy to grow, but short-lived. However, they make up for this by blooming almost continuously. Their daisy-like blooms are a magnet for butterflies and other pollinators. Keep them going by dividing them every two to three years. Two-tone ‘Arizona Sun’ and ‘Mesa Bright Bicolor’ both have a neat compact shape and upright habit.

6

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BLACK-EYED-SUSAN (RUDBECKIA SPP.)

These robust no-fuss, bushy perennials produce masses of blooms all summer right up until the first frosts. Usually the flowers are yellow with a black centre, but breeders have added many colours and forms in recent years. A favourite is the clump-forming Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ (pictured), which is particularly effective when planted among grasses.

SOURCES Ball Straathof ballstraathof.co.za MayFord mayford.co.za

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Include grasses like Melinis repens ‘Natal Redtop’ (left) and Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubum’ (purple fountain) (right) in a meadow garden for their seedheads and to add movement.

KAROO GARDEN

An edible Chef Karen McEwan turned a barren piece of land into a productive food garden in a few short years

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K

aren McEwan lives on a farm near Graaff-Reinet in the Karoo – a region with very cold winters and extremely hot, dry summers. Not a perfect place to create an edible garden, but, as a qualified chef, the idea of growing her own food appealed to her. “In 2014, I was inspired by a friend’s garden, to try my hand at growing a few veggies,” says Karen. “Now, five years later, I can’t believe what I’ve accomplished. From the improvement in the soil, to the seeds that have adapted to our climate, I’ve gained knowledge and a new respect for food, plants and seeds.”

TEXT JANE GRIFFITHS PHOTOGRAPHS FAIRFIELD FOODS

OASIS

THE SEEDS

BEFORE

“I started off with non-GMO organic seed and have been saving my own seed ever since. This helps both the seeds and plants adapt and strengthen themselves to cope with the extreme temperatures.” Karen has discovered that seeds from self-seeded plants have a higher germination rate, the plants thrive better, are more resistant to pests and are more prolific than the ones she sows. And because plants self-seed thickly, they prevent weeds growing. “This reduces the amount of work needed – some areas hardly have any weeds.”

THE WATER THE SOIL Karen followed permaculture and food forest principles, working with nature to establish her sustainable and lowmaintenance edible garden. “When I started, the soil was compact, very dry with no life. Instead of tilling the soil, she layered it every three months with either compost or mulch (natural and straight from the farm) and the soil is now rich and crumbly. The garden is alive with worms, birds, lizards and frogs. Regular mulching also prevents the soil from drying out.”

Being in the Karoo, water is a precious resource even though they have a borehole. “I use drip irrigation to water the roots directly so no water is wasted through wind or on unplanted areas.” She also plants sunflowers, maize and giant marigolds throughout the garden to create windbreaks and as protection from the hot afternoon sun.

Massed plantings of sunflowers and marigolds help protect the soil from wind and sun. A few years later, the garden is an abundant food forest.

Pink and purple potatoes. Heirloom tomato.

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A harvest lunch is often served on a table under the pergola.

Fruit trees, companion plants and herbs grow abundantly. Pumpkin patch with vine backdrop.

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BEFORE

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THE HELPERS A food forest should be as self-sustainable as possible, and with this in mind, Karen has established a large rabbit pen. “Their diet consists of fresh veggies, greens and flowers straight from the garden and their manure benefits the garden hugely. And don’t forget the laying hens, which also get greens from the garden and kitchen scraps. They provide me with all the eggs I need, plus good manure for the compost heap.”

THE PLANTS In her two 5 x 17m patches, Karen grows corn, tomatoes, chillies, peppers, potatoes, aubergines, beetroot, carrots, garlic, onions and more. “Funnily enough, the humble pumpkin grows very well. After the first season, we added another section to grow all the squash, pumpkins and melons separately and this has become my pride and joy. I never thought I’d be so proud of a simple pumpkin.” Herbs and lettuces generally do well in shady areas. Marigolds, nasturtiums, cosmos, alyssum, calendula and dahlias thrive among the vegetables. “They are pretty – mostly edible – and excellent for attracting pollinators. I also have a bugrepellent hedge of lavender, rosemary, marigolds and garlic chives.” And, as with any successful food forest, there are plenty of fruit trees and grapevines.

THE RESULT From a dry barren plot, the garden is now an edible wonderland, more than just a source of nourishment for the family. “Teaching the children how to sow, water, harvest, save seeds and prepare and store the vegetables and nurture the bunnies and chickens has all become an important part of our everyday life.” Karen hosts walk-and-talk mornings during summer. “I follow this with a cooking class, a late morning tea, or a lunch with a harvest table filled with fresh vegetables

GET KAREN’S TIPS ONLINE at gardenandhome.co.za and grow a sustainable veggie garden

and home-baked goods.” The garden provides plenty for Karen to preserve and bottle and she sells the excess. She also sells starter packs of seed to locals who are keen to start their own gardens.

A classic combination of mealies, pumpkins and sunflowers. Red sweet potatoes.

A ripe pumpkin ready to harvest. From barren earth to an edible wonderland.

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SOURCE Fairfield Foods fairfields@gmail.com or 082 397 8698

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A WATER-WISE

paradise

Beds brimming with interesting textures and colourful flowers are testimony to the success of this seasoned gardener’s water-saving strategies

Verona Redinger, who has since moved to a smaller property where she immediately started gardening.

THE GARDEN A large garden on a hillside with an indigenous section accessed by steps and a lawned area surrounded by rose-filled beds. Rainwater tanks installed around the garden are screened by plants.

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS LIZETTE JONKER

WHO LIVES HERE

GREYTOWN GARDEN

I

n 2005, when Verona Redinger and her late husband Walter moved to this Greytown property, they knew they had a large task ahead of them.

“There were a couple of fruit trees and very little else,” recalls Verona.

The first thing on their agenda was to level the front garden so that it would flow around the house. “This took tons of soil and another 20 bakkie loads of compost to enrich the beds.”

To screen the neighbours and provide privacy for the swimming pool, they planted conifers as well as a tea tree, bottlebrushes, ‘Johannesburg Gold’ and a cabbage tree.

Behind the house, steps lead up through a rockery to a levelled area.

This is the hot, dry section of the garden and home to hardy plants THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Steps lead up through a rockery to the indigenous garden on the top level.

Massed echeveria edging this border resemble a stream. The roses are ‘Deloitte & Touche’ and ‘Corona’.

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such as succulents, cycads and proteas.

From the start, the Redingers were passionate about conserving rainwater.

Although there was a borehole, they also installed several rainwater tanks.

In those sections not accessible by the tanks, Walter extended the downpipes from the house so that rainwater is channelled directly into the beds. “Only when the tanks are empty, do I switch to the borehole,” says Verona, who also believes in watering by hand. “It really saves water and you can’t accidently forget about a running sprinkler.”

Verona made clever use of edging plants such as echeveria, ajuga and lowgrowing ornamental grasses planted en masse to accentuate the curving lines of the beds. She also made sure that every inch of soil is covered to retain moisture.

Verona loves roses, especially those in peach tones such as ‘Deloitte & Touche’, and ‘Table Mountain’ and offset them with cream and peach THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

Verona loves using standard roses in mixed beds as she can plant underneath them as well. This bed is edged with Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’. Bright pink bougainvillea and star jasmine disguise the fence. A large cabbage tree shades a bench in the front garden.

perennials, including Inca lilies, foxgloves and begonias. The roses are fed every six weeks with Epsom salts.

The tall hybrids also get 8:1:5 and the floribundas and landscape roses 5:1:5.

“A garden involves lots of work,” she says, “but it also brings lots of pleasure.”

Spoken like a true gardener.

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A freylinia bush screens the borehole tank. A variety of foliage plants create interest even when there are no flowers.

Verona loves soft peach foxgloves.

Pincushion bushes (Leucospermum) attract insects and birds.

GARDEN NEWS & DEBUTS

GARDEN

notes

Look out for plants which bring seasonal colour, trees with beautiful autumn leaves and grasses with attractive seed heads

10

must-dos this month Contributing gardening editor Marianne Alexander’s handy checklist of essential chores to do in May

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3 4

Down to EARTH Compact, durable and fully weatherresistant, The Eco Composter, R840 (incl. delivery when purchased online from za.keter.com), has a capacity of 320ℓ. Its good air circulation results in quicker, more efficient composting with less odour. Place it directly on soil to allow access for earthworms and good bacteria.

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IT’S A COVER-UP For a weatherproof outdoor power connection, cover it with an Allbro Weatherproof Plug Box, R150 (incl. socket), from Builders. It's also padlockable to ensure that it can't be tampered with. builders.co.za; allbro.com

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.

Foliar feed bulbs, annuals and pot plants fortnightly with organic foods like Seagro and Nitrosol, or your own liquid manure diluted to the colour of weak tea.

Pinch out the first flowers from annuals such as stocks, pansies, violas, calendulas and snapdragons. In cold regions, sow sweet peas towards the end of the month.

Protect susceptible plants from frost. Lay down a thick bark, wood chip or grass mulch. Cover tender plants with thatch or buy commercial fleece. Group containers in a sheltered spot. Use windbreaks to counteract icy winds, and, in severe frost areas, wrap hessian or bubble wrap around the stems of standard roses.

Harvest fallen leaves and use as mulch, add to the compost, or tip into black bags with a handful of nitrogen-rich fertiliser to make leaf mould. Mow leaves on the lawn with the catch box on; chopped leaves decompose faster.

Propagate woody shrubs such as viburnum, hydrangeas and hibiscus from hardwood cuttings; trim 20cm-long pieces of mature wood to just below a node.

Take cuttings of short-lived plants that dislike cold weather, like heliotrope, lavender, fuchsias, penstemon, daisy bushes, Chinese lanterns and moon flowers. Root frostprone plants such as begonias, impatiens and iresine in glass jars of water.

Buy new lilium bulbs, keeping a few in the refrigerator (at 5°C) for a few weeks before planting to extend the flowering season. Cut back the stems of those that have died down and mark their position. They only need lifting and dividing every five years; replant immediately.

Plant out tulips (as soon as they arrive) in pots and tubs for a spring show, or 10–15cm apart and 8cm deep in sun or semi-shade in the garden; keep moist. Lift and split clumps of day lilies, agapanthus and dietes (wild iris). If you’re lifting dahlias and gladioli, label them and dust with flowers of sulphur before storing.

Give hedges and topiary a final trim before winter. Clean up debris and remove weeds under hedges and out-of-the-way places as pests often breed or lurk there over winter. Tidy up old palm fronds; remove damaged and dead growth on trees.

Start watering shrubs, roses and bedding plants in summer-rainfall areas, as well as azaleas and camellias in winter-rainfall areas. Clear gutters and drains and check water tanks. Check that the ties on young trees and standards are not too tight.

Plant new trees, shrubs and local fynbos plants in winter-rainfall areas. Look for plants and trees with autumn foliage, grasses with attractive seed heads and plants with attractive fruits or berries.

Start preparing shrubs and trees that you intend moving during winter by trenching one side at a time over the next two months. Spike compacted lawns to aerate them.

THREE TREES WITH AUTUMN COLOUR 1

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Crataegus laevigata (English hawthorn) This small tree or large shrub bears clouds of white spring blossom and attractive lobed leaves followed by clusters of beautiful red rose hip-like berries in autumn.

The lowdown: Frost hardy, it enjoys a cool climate. Height: 2–4m.

Koelreuteria paniculata (golden rain tree) Attractive foliage with a pink tinge in spring is followed by cascading golden yellow flowers early in summer and unusual bladder-like pods that turn from green to orange to salmon pink in autumn.

The lowdown: Deciduous with a rounded crown, it’s best in warm areas.

Height: 5–7m.

Lagerstroemia indica (pride of India) Also called crape myrtle, this elegant tree has appealing bark, crinkled paperlike flowers in pink, red and mauve in midsummer, exquisite autumn foliage and a sculptural shape in winter.

The lowdown: Although it’s frost and drought tolerant, it’s best in warmer regions.

Height: 6m.

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Rounding off

A well-chosen container adds the finishing touch

Two-piece pot and stand, R680, Builders. builders.co.za

Terracotta strawberry pot, R399,99, Lifestyle Home Garden. lifestyle.co.za

THIS WEEKEND To keep the garden neat and tidy in autumn, cut back the old stems of flowering perennials like Michaelmas daisy, physostegia (obedient plant), Japanese or wind anemones and golden rod. In warm areas, they can be divided.

The VEGGIE GARDEN Encourage new growth of kale and oriental veggies such as mustard with high-nitrogen feed.

Plant ‘English’ spinach and more peas and broad beans if you have space.

Cut back Jerusalem artichokes (above) when the plants have died back; leave a stub of stem to mark their position. Dig up tubers as needed during winter with a fork and store in sawdust.

Lift sweet potatoes when leaves begin to yellow.

Keep ripening pumpkins off the ground if the soil is wet. They’re ready for harvesting if they sound hollow when you knock on them; retain the stub of their stem when picking.

Pinch out the tips of broad beans that have stopped producing flowers.

Add some soup celery to the kitchen garden.

Pick herbs and freeze for use during winter.

Cut flower stalks off rhubarb.

Propagate more globe artichokes by removing suckers from the base of plants.

Feed granadillas with an organic 3:1:5 fertiliser.

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We’re planting…

DIANTHUS ‘PURPLE WEDDING' Why: Compact, it’s equally good in pots and in the garden. Its single flowers in shades of pink and purple with frilly white edging resemble a bouquet, but last a lot longer.

Where: If grown indoors or on the patio, it needs plenty of bright light.

In the garden, it’s ideal as edging in full sun to semi-shade.

How: In the garden, plant it in wellcomposted soil that drains well. In pots, it grows best in those measuring 12cm wide and which have drainage holes.

Don’t let the pot stand in water as the roots will rot. The soil should almost dry out before watering. Remove dead flowers to prolong flowering.

For more information, visit Ball Straathof, ballstraathof.co.za

WHAT’S ON

OPEN garden Visit this spectacular indigenous garden and help a good cause GARDENS OF THE GOLDEN CITY 25 – 26 MAY Aloe Ridge Enjoy a day out at 303C Olievenhout Avenue, Northriding. Featuring hundreds of aloes and indigenous trees and shrubs, it's open from 10h00 – 17h00; entrance is R30, children under 12 are free. Call Margreet on 072 400 1559 or Helena on 083 267 1661, or visit gardensofthegoldencity.co.za

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UNTIL END OF MAY Lifestyle Garden Design Show Glean good ideas from the seven French-style gardens designed by landscapers at Lifestyle Home Garden and students from Lifestyle College. It’s on at cnr Beyers Naudé and Ysterhout Avenue, Randpark Ridge, Jo’burg. For more information, call 011 792 5616 or Lifestyle College on 011 792 8244, or visit lifestyle.co.za and lifestylecollege.co.za 11 MAY Mother’s Day celebration at Sunbird Aloes Treat your mother to tea and a stroll through the garden at Sunbird Aloes Wholesale Nursery at 336 Vine Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg (pictured above).

Selected aloes and light refreshments (R40 pp) will be on sale. sunbirdaloes.co.za 17 – 26 MAY Early Aloe Festival Choose from a unique collection of water-wise aloes at Witkoppen Wildflower Nursery in Johannesburg North. It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 08h00 – 17h00, and Sunday until 16h00. witkoppenwildflower.co.za

COMPETITION

WIN

A LUXURY TWO-NIGHT TENTED SAFARI FOR TWO WORTH R50 000 WINNING IS EASY – ENTER NOW! To enter, SMS KUGANHA, your name, e-mail and postal address to 48406. Each SMS costs R1,50.

Free SMSes don’t apply.

S

ituated just a couple of hours from Cape Town, the luxurious Kuganha Tented Camp and Spa is a safari treat for the soul where guests can experience the vastness of the majestic Tankwa Karoo.

The beautifully appointed tents are arranged among the acacia trees and each tent offers a personal dining experience on the patio or the private dining veranda – the perfect setting for leisurely breakfasts as the sun rises.

Personalised itineraries give guests the opportunity to unwind. Make use of the private pool and the exclusive spa bungalow, or go on safari in the 10 000-hectare wildlife

conservancy and learn about the cheetah rehabilitation and conservation project.

Evenings are spent around the fire, while the rangers prepare dinner and the Karoo skies reveal a magical display of the Milky Way. The prize includes: Return transfers from Cape Town; welcome drinks and a Kuganha gift; a private safari; afternoon tea; SA braai evening (starters, mains and desserts); private spa treatments; complimentary bar service and cheetah educational experience.

For more information, visit kuganha.com

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. The first correctly completed entry to be drawn will win the prize. 2. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

3. The prize isn’t transferrable and can’t be exchanged for cash. 4. Employees of Kuganha Tented Camp and Spa, 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 until 30 November 2019. 6. Apart from return transfers from Cape Town, the prize excludes all other transport costs. 7. Entries close on 31 May 2019. 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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SHOW GARDEN

A grand

AFFAIR

TEXT DIANE PEACOCK PHOTOGRAPHS PETER WHITFIELD AND SUPPLIED

Highlighting the elegance of French style at this year’s Lifestyle Garden Design Show is Garden and Home’s sponsored garden, ‘Classique Magnifique’

D

esigned and implemented by the students of Lifestyle College of Landscape Design with senior lecturer Mike Rickhoff (pictured) as chief designer and show manager, this splendid garden celebrates the grandeur of the French Renaissance.

The formal layout comprises three parterres and a knot garden divided by a traditional formal axis of gravel pathways.

These unite the design visually and draw the visitor to a central focal point.

“The strength of the garden lies in the topiary,” explains Mike. “Trimmed into interesting shapes as well as being pleached and stilted, it reflects the refinement of this era and provides structure and form.”

Stepped hedging using two different Abelia varieties creates layers of pattern and accentuates the lines in one of the quadrants, while a three-dimensional chequerboard effect is achieved using block topiaries in another.

“In the classical tradition, green planting dominates as a backdrop,” says Mike. White was used to soften the garden bringing the other plants to

Topiary plays an important role in this formal design. Wrought iron discs suspended over the central water feature create a sense of grandeur. Buttressed trellis panels topped with lions on either side of the chateau doors reflect the pomp and dignity of the Renaissance era. Red and white petunias and blue salvia represent the French flag.

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E

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PLANTING LIST

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1

Westringia fruticosa ‘Blue Haze’

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Abelia spp.

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Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’

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Syzygium paniculatum

5

Petunia x hybrida

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Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’

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Rosa sinensis spp.

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Begonia x semperflorens

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Angelonia angustifolia ‘Alonia’

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6

F 7 1

C

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2

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3 G

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13

G

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7 5 4

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D

C

10 Mentha requienii

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11 Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Euphoric White’

A

12 Buxus sempervirens 13 Lobelia erinus ‘Deep Blue’ D

14 Solanum rantonnetii ‘White’ 15 Lobularia maritima 11

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8 2 7 F

HARD LANDSCAPING A

Water feature

13

B

Bench

G

C

Buttressed trellis supporting stone lions

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Dalmation Crush gravel pathway

E

Planter with topiary

F

Planter

G

Cobble and herringbone pavers

D 15

G

B 4 G 14

VISIT THE SHOW The Lifestyle Garden Show is on until the end of May at Lifestyle Home Garden, cnr Beyers Naudé Drive and Ysterhout Avenue, Randpark Ridge, Randburg. Entrance is free. For details, call 011 792 5616 or visit lifestyle.co.za

life without detracting from the cool blues and soft greys, which serve as accents. White varieties including roses, Euphorbia ‘Euphoric White’ and solanum are featured with blue and white Lobularia maritima.

Imposing hard landscaping features with exaggerated height, such as the arched trellis work and buttressed trellis supporting stone lions, impart a sense of grandeur. Urns and statuary, Versailles-type wooden planters and a stack of dramatic wrought iron

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baroque-patterned discs embellishing the central pond were added to represent the magnificence of grand French formal gardens.

LEFT: The knot garden, a strong link to the

classical past, is sunken so it can be viewed from above.

SOURCES Lifestyle College of Landscape Design 011 792 8244 or lifestylecollege.co.za Lifestyle Home Garden 011 792 5616 or lifestyle.co.za

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SOWING FOR COLOUR

Sow a seed mixture like MayFord’s Meadow Mix for a carpet of colour.

Spring

SHOW

1

1 Growing winter annuals from seed is an easy, cost-effective way to give your garden a colour boost in late winter and spring

Spring just wouldn’t be the same without sweet peas, which come in a multitude of colours. Both the climbing and bush varieties need deep, rich soil and regular feeding. Well worth the extra effort, the more you pick, the more flowers they produce. Sow direct. Days to flowering: 90.

2

LIVINGSTONE DAISIES (VYGIES)

N

ow’s the time to start sowing annuals that bloom in late winter and early spring offering masses of colour and interest when the rest of the garden is only waking up. Whether in sun or light shade, large beds or containers, there’s something that will work for your garden.

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Indigenous to the Western Cape, vygies thrive in poor soil and will reward you with masses of bright blooms. They only reach a height of 10cm, but more than make up for this with a continuous display. Very easy to grow, they are ideal for edging rockeries, borders and massed displays. Sow direct.

Days to flowering: 80.

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS CONNALL OOSTERBROEK

SWEET PEAS

4

2

3

3

BELLIS PERENNIS ‘MONSTROSA MIXED’

Also known as the English daisy, this low-growing bedding plant, with delicately coloured, double flowers, is ideal for edging and beds. While it’ll tolerate full sun, it prefers a cool, semi-shady position. It’s very hardy, making it suitable for the colder parts of the country. Sow in seed trays. Days to flowering: 110.

4

PANSIES AND VIOLAS

With their bold faces and floriferous nature, pansies and violas are welcome additions to the winter and spring garden.

Many varieties like Pansy ‘Dream Giants’ and ‘Super Swiss Giants’ and Viola ‘Cornuta’ come into flower early in the

5 season and, because they tolerate warm temperatures, carry on flowering into summer. A single viola plant, if cared for correctly, will produce over a thousand flowers in a season.

Sow in seed trays. Days to flowering: 80.

5

CALENDULA

This annual has many medicinal, culinary and cosmetic uses and tolerates poor soil. It’s quick and easy to grow, and through extensive hybridisation, there are a number of gorgeous varieties available such as ‘Fiesta Gitana’ (pictured).

Sow direct. Days to flowering: 85–100.

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8

STEP-BY-STEP SOWING GUIDE

GET MORE ONLINE Find this month’s gardening to-do list at gardenandhome.co.za

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6

VIRGINIAN STOCKS ‘ENCHANTED EVENING’

Quick-growing Virginian stocks thrive in any soil type and are particularly useful in sunny parts of a garden. Reaching a height of about 20cm, they flower best when sown directly (in situ). Days to flowering: 80.

7

Step 1: Start by digging over the bed to a depth of about 25cm, or roughly the length of a garden fork, breaking up soil clods and removing any large stones. If you live in a townhouse, look out for rubble, especially bits of concrete that inhibit root growth.

Step 2: Mix in a generous amount of compost and a handful of a general fertiliser like 2:3:2 to every square metre. Most bedding plants need well-drained soil to thrive. If your garden has a large clay content, dig in extra compost and add river sand.

Step 3: Mix it together and rake over the surface. The bed is now ready for the seed.

Step 4: Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the prepared bed, spreading them out as evenly as possible.

Step 5: Lightly rake over the seed.

Step 6: Gently water the area. Repeat this at least once a day until the seedlings have emerged. Gradually reduce the frequency of watering, but water for longer. Shade-loving plants under trees have to compete for moisture and don’t always get rain so make sure they are well watered. In warm weather, keep a close eye on those growing in full sun as they may need extra watering.

ALYSSUM

This hardy, honey-scented annual is very easy to grow from seed. It thrives in full sun to light shade, grows in almost any soil and is drought tolerant and heat resistant. Although spring and autumn are best, the seed can be sown almost all year round. It works well for edging, in rock gardens, filling a container and cascading from hanging baskets. Alyssum is available in white (‘Carpet of Snow’), lavender (‘Royal Carpet’) and purple (‘Violet Queen’). Sow direct or in seed trays. Days to flowering: 60.

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8

AFRICAN DAISY MIX

Anyone who’s visited Namaqualand in spring will know what an impact African daisies make. Easily grown from seed, they’re perfect for brightening up sunny beds. They’re available in mixed colours or white, and in economical bumper packs. Sow direct. Days to flowering: 80–90.

SOURCE These seeds are available from MayFord Seeds mayford.co.za or 011 548 2800

Spruce up your kitchen with a little help from GARDENANDHOME.CO.ZA START FROM SCRATCH Whether you prefer country or city chic, design a kitchen that suits your lifestyle.

Add a splash of colour How to use colour to give your kitchen style and personality.

AN INVITING SPACE Make your kitchen warm and welcoming in winter.

Amazing makeovers Give your kitchen a fresh look with inspiration from our makeover section.

SA Garden and Home magazine

@SAGardenandHome

sagardenandhome

sagardenandhome

Save Our Seeds It saves money and keeps varieties alive, especially lesser-known ones. The wider range of seed saved, the more genetic diversity is maintained. This ensures there’ll be new sources to turn to if and when plants become susceptible to disease.

SEED-SAVING BASICS Choose open-pollinated varieties.

Seed from a hybrid will produce an unpredictable mixture of characteristics, often inferior to the parent.

Only keep those from the healthiest and strongest plants. If you want to develop a particular trait, such as heat tolerance, select seed from the plant that was the last to bolt.

Sean Freeman of Livingseeds (South Africa’s largest seed bank of heirloom seeds) recommends starting with beans and peas. “These are a good option as they don’t cross-pollinate easily.”

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CROSS-POLLINATION Wind- and insect-pollinated varieties cross-pollinate more readily than selfpollinated ones. “Wind-pollinated varieties like corn, beetroot and Swiss chard are some of the more challenging ones from which to save

Sunflowers can be bagged to prevent crossBeans don’t cross-pollinate easily. Peas grow easily from seeds.

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pollination.

pure seed,” explains Sean. To prevent cross-pollination, the first step is to understand how the plant is pollinated and then isolate it so it can’t crosspollinate. “There are many inexpensive isolation techniques,” he says.

These include: Covering flowers with bags or

TEXT JANE GRIFFITHS PHOTOGRAPHS JANE GRIFFITHS AND KEITH KNOWLTON

WHY SAVE SEEDS?

SAVING SEEDS

THE WITSA BEAN To keep a particular strain alive, someone needs to collect its seeds every year and replant them, or it will die out. Sean Freeman says: “Many home gardeners are the real seed savers, saving certain varieties year in and year out. Multiply that by tens of thousands of gardeners throughout the world and you have the world’s best living seed repository.” A good example is the Witsa bean (pictured above). “For years South Africa’s entire supply of this outstanding variety of local runner bean was grown by a single farmer. Thankfully after he passed away, home gardeners across the country who had saved seed for their own use sent us some and Livingseeds is now able to supply Witsa seed again. If it weren’t for these home gardeners, the Witsa bean would have been lost.”

screening off the plants and pollinating these by hand. For plants with male and female flowers (such as squash), gently twirl a soft paintbrush inside a male flower then brush it around the inside of a female flower. Where the male and female components are contained in one flower (such as chillies and tomatoes), gently vibrate open flowers, distributing the pollen.

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Planting different varieties far enough apart or timing plantings so they don’t flower simultaneously.

Planting only one variety of each species.

Spinach going to seed. Place bags over flowers as soon as they appear and leave them on to protect the ripening fruit. Seed heads drying in paper bags to prevent them scattering.

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HARVEST AND CLEANING Seeds fall into two basic categories: wet seeds that include tomatoes, eggplants and many squash plants, and dry seeds, which include beans, brassicas, chillies, basil and onions.

DRY SEED Leave dry seeds on the plant until the seed pod has dried fully. Although the plant looks as if it’s dying, the longer you leave seeds to mature on the plant, the healthier they’ll be. However, you also run the risk of pods bursting and scattering seeds, so check regularly.

Once harvested and fully dry, crumble the pods to release the seeds. Separate seed and chaff by pouring the mixture from one bowl to another while in a slight breeze or blowing gently on them.

WET SEED This involves removing seeds from inside fruit and vegetables. The seed from cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes and squash should be harvested when the vegetables are fully ripe. Sometimes

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this means leaving them beyond the eating stage. Scrape the seeds into a bowl of water and rub the flesh off.

Most of the pulp will rise and viable seed will sink. Rinse and repeat until the seeds are clean. Spread out on a flat surface out of direct sunlight to dry as quickly as possible.

in a location where the temperature remains constant, you’re ahead of the pack. If you can keep the seed constantly cool – like in a fridge – even better. Don’t include silica gel sachets with your saved seed as they’ll overdry them, leading to seed death. Always label and date the container.”

STORING SEEDS

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To ensure seeds germinate and grow strongly, they must be stored in optimum conditions. As Sean explains, “Temperature fluctuations will kill seed.

If you store it in an airtight container

Tomatoes almost ready to be picked for seed. This eggplant will taste bitter, but is ripe for seed saving. Brassica seeds hanging until completely dry. Broad bean seeds left on the plant until dry.

SOURCES Jane’s Delicious A-Z of Vegetables by Jane Griffiths (Sunbird Publishers, jonathanball.co.za) janesdeliciousgarden.com Livingseeds livingseeds.co.za

ENTERTAINING

EASY Professional baker Taryn Smith of KZN prefers her entertaining casual, relaxed and outdoors

YAKKA

HARVEST PLATTER

BUTTERNUT LASAGNE

GREEN SALAD

BRAAIED DOUGHNUTS WITH ICE CREAM, CARAMEL SAUCE AND NUT BRITTLE

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SALLY CHANCE 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

Nice and

Menu

Taryn Smith

S

urprisingly, the owner of Smith’s Bakeshop and cake creator extraordinaire, Taryn Smith studied photography and then worked in the clothing industry. “But I’ve always had a bit of an obsession with baking, and to earn a bit of extra money, I started selling cupcakes at a local farmers’ market,” she says. “I had a couple of regular clients who talked me into making their wedding cakes and things took off from there. Lots of experimenting, recipe testing and YouTube tutorials later I was able to leave my job and bake full time.”

Now that she has a daughter, Sloane (2), she counts herself lucky that she can work from home making all manner of elaborate cakes. “People get really excited about cake,” she says.

Although she cooks for a living, she and her husband Robin also enjoy entertaining at their home in the countryside near Shongweni in KZN. They even held their wedding next to the paddock. “We had a beautiful transparent marquee full of fairy lights and tables for dining and later moved to sofas outside so everyone could relax,” she recalls.

Kerryn Kimber, Lindsay Barnes, Jon Gorden, Jason Erdey and Robin, Taryn and Sloane Smith

Taryn prefers entertaining outdoors in the shade of the towering trees. “I lean more towards a natural, casual settings and there’ll always be flowers involved,” she says. For today’s lunch, she’s set the table with blooms picked straight from the garden: hydrangeas in vases and pretty sprigs of chamomile flowers at each place setting.

She advocates a healthy diet and enjoys trying out new recipes on her friends and family. “It’s a good time to try vegetarianism,” she says. “I advise starting slowly, for example, with

meat-free Mondays and sneaking in veggies into sauces by blending them in a Nutribullet. There are so many fantastic plant-based foods available.”

She’s not afraid to experiment and the firepit has been the location for much recipe development, including the dessert served today. “I love trying things you wouldn’t normally cook over an open fire, like doughnuts. It doesn’t always work but you can still have fun,” she says. “At the end of the day, hanging out with friends and family and enjoying a good laugh is what entertaining is all about.”

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YAKKA (Serves 6) 1 bottle vodka 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 10 lemons, sliced 1 bag of ice

1. Prepare slightly ahead of time. Place the vodka, water, sugar and lemons in a big bowl with the ice.

2. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar. The vodka breaks down the lemons and the ice keeps it cold. Serve over ice.

HARVEST PLATTER (Serves 6) Serve a variety of finger foods including: Cheddar cheese, goat’s cheese, blue cheese, baby tomatoes, baby carrots, gherkins, olives, pickled jalepeños, sugarsnap peas, grapes, roasted nuts, cheese straws, toasted ciabatta and hummus

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Arrange all the ingredients on a platter so that guests can help themselves.

BUTTERNUT LASAGNE (Serves 6) 1 box lasagne sheets

MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

2 medium/large butternuts, peeled and chopped FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE 3T butter or margarine 3T flour, heaped 4 cups milk salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese, plus extra for the top

TO SERVE feta cheese

1. Boil or roast the butternuts until soft and then mash, leaving some chunky bits for texture.

2. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

ONLINE EXTRA Visit gardenandhome.co.za for this crispy bread recipe Lindsay Barnes

3. To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a pot and whisk in the flour; cook for 1–2 minutes.

4. Add one third of the milk and mix to a smooth paste.

Season with salt and pepper.

5. Add the rest of the milk, stirring until the sauce thickens then add the cheese.

6. Layer the cheese sauce, lasagne sheets and butternut in an ovenproof dish until you have used all the mixture, ending with a layer of cheese sauce. Sprinkle with the extra cheese and bake for 30 minutes.

7. Serve topped with a generous sprinkling of feta.

COOK’S NOTE I serve my lasagne with freshly baked crispy bread.

GREEN SALAD (Serves 6) mixed salad leaves of your choice ½ red onion, thinly sliced 1 avocado, sliced mixed nuts and seeds feta cheese, crumbled FOR THE DRESSING 1t wholegrain mustard 1 clove garlic, finely grated ¼ cup lemon juice 2T olive oil salt and pepper, to taste

1. Arrange the salad ingredients on a platter.

2. To make the dressing, whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad just before serving.

Jason Erdey and Coco

Robin Smith

Jon Gorden, Lindsay Barnes and Kerryn Kimber

QUICK CHAT WITH THE COOK My cooking style is making it up as I go along, unless it’s a baking recipe.

The kitchen gadget I couldn’t live without is my Kenwood mixer.

No dinner party is complete without something sweet and good music.

My store cupboard and fridge staples are butter and lemons.

My favourite comfort food is warm crusty bread, straight out of the oven and slathered in butter and salt.

If I had just one recipe book, it would currently be Wild Adventure Cookbook by Sarah Glover (Wild Kitchen).

The best thing I ever ate was fresh fish pulled straight out of the ocean in Thailand and cooked on an open fire.

When it comes to food my family loves everything but especially pizza.

Robin and Taryn Smith and Jason Erdey

BRAAIED DOUGHNUTS WITH ICE CREAM, CARAMEL SAUCE AND NUT BRITTLE (Serves 6–10) FOR THE ICE CREAM 2 cups fresh cream 1 tin condensed milk 1t vanilla essence or paste FOR THE NUT BRITTLE 1 cup castor sugar 1 cup nuts of your choice (I used mix tree nuts, but peanuts on their own are fine.)

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FOR THE CARAMEL SAUCE 1/3 cup water 1 cup castor sugar 1T butter ½ cup fresh cream 1t salt FOR THE DOUGHNUTS 6–10 store-bought doughnuts (day-old doughnuts work well)

1. To make the ice cream, whisk the cream until soft peaks form and fold in the condensed milk and vanilla essence or paste.

2. Place in a container, cover and freeze overnight. The condensed milk will stop it from crystallising so there is no need to churn it.

3. To make the nut brittle,

MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

place the castor sugar in a dry pot over a medium heat.

Gently agitate with a fork and swirl the pot around until all the sugar has melted and is a lovely golden colour.

4. Working quickly, add the nuts and coat with the melted caramel. Pour onto baking paper and leave to cool then break into pieces.

Store in an airtight container until needed.

5. To make the caramel sauce, bring the water and castor sugar to the boil in a saucepan over a medium heat, while stirring.

6. When all the sugar has dissolved and it turns a lovely

caramel colour, whisk in the butter followed by the cream and the salt. Set aside to cool.

7. Place the doughnuts in a grid you’d use to make toasted sandwiches/ braaibroodjies and heat over coals until the sugar has caramelised and the doughnut is warm. This can also be done on a griddle pan on the stove.

8. To serve, top each doughnut with ice cream, crushed brittle and the caramel sauce.

SOURCE Smith’s Bakeshop facebook.com/smithsbakeshop

FOOD AND WINE

TRATTORIA WITH A TWIST

Wild and WONDERFUL

Bon appetit

Inspired by the Nguni cow, the new Survivor Wines from the Swartland include Chenin Blanc 2018, R120, Wild Yeast Syrah 2017, R185, and Pinotage 2016, R161. Buy them online or from selected wine stores. overhexsurvivor.com

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

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

Berried treasure

PACKED WITH FLAVOUR In Spice Odyssey, R350, Penguin Random House, Cariema Isaacs’ Cape Malay heritage plays a role in her selection of spice-infused recipes that will inspire you to join her on a fragrant journey to India, Turkey, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and the Middle East. Find the recipe for the From Mumbai With Love Bowl on our website, gardenandhome.co.za

Clover’s creamy Fruits of the Forest with Cereals yoghurts make a healthy start to the day. With 10 vitamins, real fruit and a crunchy cereal mix of oats, granola and seeds, they’re available in Strawberry & Cranberry, Red Fruit Mix and Guava in a range of sizes. clover.co.za

BOCCA, located in trendy Bree Street in Cape Town, isn’t your average Italian eatery. You’ll find modern, urban Italian cuisine with the finest pizzas in town. Try the small ‘Bites’ plates with sundowners. For bookings, call 021 422 0188 or visit bocca.co.za

Free STYLING Get creative with Le Creuset’s new Freestyle collection, which comes in bold colours including Ultra Violet, Marseille Blue, Flame and Soleil. Mix and match with other classics in a celebration of fusion cooking. lecreuset.co.za

WHAT’S ON 1 MAY Allée Bleue Estate May Day Meander Learn more about wine, fruit, herbs, olives and olive oil then choose between a cheese and charcuterie platter or a picnic basket. For tickets, from R175, contact Nadia at info@alleebleue.com 11 – 12 MAY Winter Sculpture Fair This fair at Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park in the Cradle of Humankind teams up with the Franschhoek Wine Valley for a taste of the Cape in Gauteng offering delicious food and wine.

Tickets, R240 per adult (R220 pp for the early bird special), and children under 12, R40, can be booked at webtickets.co.za 25 MAY Shiraz & Charcuterie Festival Sip and savour fine Shiraz wines from 18 top estates paired with artisanal charcuterie at picturesque Anthonij Rupert Wyne, in Franschhoek. Tickets, R295 pp, are limited and are available at webtickets.co.za

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EFFORTLESS ENTERTAINING

CAPRESE RAVIOLI

If you love simple, yet flavourful food, serve these classics at your next get-together

300g ready-made ravioli 250g cherry tomatoes 30ml olive oil 30ml balsamic vinegar salt and milled black pepper, to taste 80g butter 30ml fresh sage leaves, finely chopped 2ml salt 125ml vegetable or chicken stock 60ml basil pesto 250g buffalo mozzarella or bocconcini, torn TO SERVE 45ml fresh basil leaves, torn Parmesan cheese, finely grated

1. Cook the ravioli according to the packet instructions.

Drain and set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Toss the cherry tomatoes, olive oil and balsamic vinegar together and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a baking tray and roast the tomatoes for 10 minutes.

3. Melt the butter in a heavybased pan over a medium heat for 5 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Stir in the sage and salt and cook for 1 minute.

5. Add the stock and cook for 2–3 minutes.

6. Stir in the basil pesto, cooked ravioli, roasted tomatoes and mozzarella, or bocconcini. Heat through for 2–3 minutes.

7. Serve topped with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

RECIPES AND STYLING LYN WOODWARD PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

TALKINGItalian

(Serves 2–3)

ZABAGLIONE (Serves 3–4) 250g seasonal fruit salad or mixed berries 5 egg yolks 20ml castor sugar 5ml cornflour 25ml dry sherry or masala 125ml sweet dessert wine TO SERVE boudoir sponge fingers or biscotti

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

1. Divide the fruit into pretty glasses and set aside.

2. Place the egg yolks, castor sugar and cornflour in a heatproof mixing bowl.

3. Whisk, using an electric whisk, until the mixture becomes thick, pale and foamy, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Gradually whisk in the sherry and wine.

5. Place the bowl over a pan of barely simmering water and keep whisking for 4–5 minutes.

6. Pour the warm mixture over the fruit and serve at once with finger biscuits or biscotti.

All ABOARD

Proudly South African cruising on the Charente.

Boating sedately down a picturesque canal past bucolic scenes is an unforgettable way to explore France, says Richard Holmes a riverboat exploring the classic countryside of rural France.

I’ve travelled extensively in France, but this was my first time exploring by boat.

And I’m not alone: barging holidays are booming among South African travellers, and it’s not hard to see why. These rivers were once the watery highways of France, and the most important towns and villages were typically built on the banks of a waterway. Throw in bucolic country scenes and that canal boating is done at a sedate pace, and you have all the right ingredients for an idyllic holiday.

Le Boat, Europe’s leading canal boat

TEXT RICHARD HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHS RICHARD HOLMES AND SUPPLIED

I

won’t lie; I was happy to see the back of Paris. Sure, we’d enjoyed the charm of our apartment in Montmartre and the delicious macarons of Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées, morning runs along the Seine and afternoons in Le Jardin de Luxembourg. But, after a few days of searing heat, endless queues and inconsiderate crowds, we were ready to discover a different side of France.

So we – my wife and seven-year-old son, along for the journey for a change – hopped on a high-speed TGV train heading south-west. Our destination: the Charente River and a week aboard

DESTINATIONS

RICHARD’S TRAVEL TIPS WHAT TO PACK The Charente is famous for its clear waters and offers wonderful swimming. Pack your cozzie.

MUST-SEE SIGHT Plan your journey to coincide with the daily fresh markets held in villages alongside the river. The Saturday market in Saintes is particularly good.

INTERESTING TO KNOW Love the blues? The Cognac Blues Passion music festival returns to the riverside town from 4 – 8 July 2019.

NICE TO KNOW On the Charente, most of the locks are manual, so allow 30–45 minutes to make your way through them.

operator, has dozens of bases on rivers across France – as well as seven other European countries, and Canada – but we’d chosen the Charente River for its combination of clean waters, charming towns and scenic countryside. Plus, at just three hours from Paris, it was an easy escape for a week on the water – which is how we found ourselves casting off the lines at the town of Jarnac. We had a week to explore and no firm plans; either upstream to the artsy medieval town of Angoulême, or downstream towards Cognac and the west?

We chose west, and soon we were tackling the first of a dozen locks on our journey; each levelling out the river and making it navigable for larger vessels.

Centuries back these would have been barges laden with salt from the coast, or crops and cognac heading for the port at Rochefort. But today, the river traffic is almost entirely boats like our own – holiday rentals filled with happy travellers taking in the scenery.

The river took us past the village of Bourg-Charente, its grand château home to Grand-Marnier, the famous

Barrels ageing at the Château de Cognac.

Fine wines and local cheese on the river.

Charming alleyways in Saintes.

Breakfast aboard.

blend of cognac and orange essence.

This fiery spirit draws many visitors to the Charente, and by lunchtime we were tied up at the quayside in the town of Cognac, the annual Blues Passion festival in full swing and the cobbled alleyways alive with music. Cognac is home to iconic marques such as Martell and Rémy Martin, but far and away the most charming experience is to be found at the 10th-century Château de Cognac, where visitors sip on well-aged Baron Otard cognac just steps from the atmospheric barrel cellars.

That evening, a short way downstream, we tied up beside the family-owned distillery of Chez Landart, the ruins of windmills

The locks are easy to navigate if you take it slowly.

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peppering the surrounding hillsides.

One of the real joys of a boating holiday is the simple freedom to stop wherever you fancy. In the heat of the afternoon, we’d moor in a shady stretch of riverbank for lunch and a swim. The Charente is famous for its clean waters, and each day we’d tie up near one of the demarcated swimming areas, or find a quiet stretch of river and dive in off the back of the boat.

Come evening, town moorings are easy to find and are rarely more than a few minutes’ walk from a local bistro.

We were looking for peace and quiet though, and most nights found a secluded quay away from the village, soaking up the river’s calm at sunset.

Most moorings are free of charge, although it’s first come, first served, so if your preferred spot is taken, you’ll need to motor on to the next one. But, with the long evenings of a European summer, we never found ourselves caught short.

And so the days unfurled in a happy routine, each morning planning our day’s route over croissants and coffee, balancing time on the river with wanders through charming country towns. Like quaint Dompierre-surCharente where we munched on pain au chocolat outside the 11th-century chapel, or admired the seven arches of the 17th-century mill house that lies outside Chaniers. Completely restored, Le Moulin is home to an acclaimed restaurant popular with day trippers.

But we were watching our budget, so cast off in search of fresh baguettes and local cheese. We found both in the town of Saintes, perhaps the highlight of our week on the Charente. The town dates back to Roman times, and the two-thousand-year-old Arc de Germanicus dominated the riverbank just downstream from our mooring.

A handy map from the nearby tourist office pointed us in the direction of the Benedictine Abbey of St Mary of the

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The charming village of Saint-Savinien.

Ancient chapel in Dompierre-sur-Charente.

Peaceful countryside.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP GETTING THERE Air France offers direct flights from Jo’burg and Cape Town to Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. From the airport it’s a three-hour rail journey to Jarnac. airfrance.co.za and trainline.eu RENTING A BOAT Rental costs vary according to the size and comfort of the boat, as well as region and season. Rentals start from as little as R3 300 for three nights and early-booking discounts of up to 20% are offered for advance reservations.

Call 021 200 1838 or visit leboat.co.za VISAS South African passport-holders require a Schengen visa to visit France. za.ambafrance.org CURRENCY The euro. At the time of going to print €1:ZAR16,30. An espresso costs €1 (about R16), a main course in a local bistro about €20 (R326).

Dames, while the Gothic architecture of the Saint-Pierre Cathedral towered above the shops and restaurants of the pedestrianised Rue Alsace Lorraine.

The road also led us to the superb

Marche St Pierre, where fresh produce stalls spilled out of the market building into the church square. An hour later, our shopping bags were bulging with local cheese, pastries, fresh peaches and

Make the most of village markets.

Mooring in the heart of Saintes.

Make time to stroll along the riverbanks.

NEW TO BOATING?

Local produce is superb and affordable.

Evening mooring at Chez Landart.

Worried you won’t be able to handle a large canal boat? Don’t be. Before departure Le Boat’s English-speaking shore crew provide a thorough introduction to the inner workings of each boat, explaining everything from the air conditioning to the bow thrusters. A ‘driving’ lesson is also given, allowing you to get comfortable with steering, turning and mooring your boat. The on-board manuals are excellent, with clear and comprehensive maps of the river.

a carton of plump red cherries.

With our galley well stocked, we cast off for the village of Saint-Savinien.

Once famous for its stone works – churches across Europe are built from Saint-Savinien stone – today it’s a charming village of quiet squares and family-friendly attractions.

It’s also as far west as we went; from here the river is tidal, and only for experienced boaters. That was no hardship though, and we chugged an hour back upstream to Port-d’Envaux.

It’s a popular spot for locals, and we made the most of the long French evening swimming in the river and toasting the golden sunset.

The next day we began the slow journey back to Jarnac; the end of our first holiday on the waters of France, but certainly not the last.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF CORNISHWARE T.G. Green & Co has produced hand-painted kitchenware as far back as 1864 and introduced the Cornishware brand in 1924. But by the mid-1960s, the Cornishware look had fallen out of fashion. In an effort to revive it, in 1967, T.G. Green commissioned a new graduate of the Royal College of Art, designer Judith Onions, to update the brand, which kept it going for another 25 years.

By the late 1990s, the company was in receivership and closed its doors in 2007.

However, thanks to social media and the T.G. Green website (gresleypottery.co.uk), the brand lives on. Collectors can now buy new pieces of Cornishware, replacement pieces such as lids and saucers, and even order personalised mugs and dog bowls online.

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CORNISHWARE with Olivia Fraser It’s the story behind each find that makes it more valuable for this collector 126

MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS DERICK KIRK

Collecting

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his writer and professional underwater photographer is lucky to live just a few steps from the inspiration for Cornishware. Olivia Fraser lives and works surrounded by white sands and blue Atlantic in the quaint seaside village of Kommetjie in the Cape.

The name came from one of the workers at the Derbyshire manufacturer, T.G. Green & Co Ltd, who remarked that the colour reminded them of the blue skies and white crested waves of Cornwall.

“I’ve always liked vintage crockery and started collecting the pale yellow

COLLECTABLES

CARING FOR YOUR COLLECTION Handwash older pieces as they’re not dishwasher safe.

Newer pieces are dishwasher safe.

But use the glass cycle, which is gentle and leaves sparkling results.

Don’t immerse items like rolling pins and storage containers with wooden parts in water; simply wipe with a damp cloth.

Wash Cornishware every six months or so to prevent pieces drying out and developing fine surface cracks known as crazing.

To prevent structural cracking, never pour boiling liquid into vintage wares and don’t microwave them.

to find well-priced treasures,” she says.

“For me, going to a shop that I know stocks a rare item takes away the thrill.

I feel that when there’s a good story behind the item, it makes it so much more special.

“I use and enjoy my collection on a daily basis. I know I had Cornishware in the back of my mind when we renovated our home because the blue and white stripes go perfectly with the shabby chic seaside look we opted for,” she says.

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6 THIS SPREAD: 1 Pre-WWII teapot. 2 Green Shield cup and saucer,

5 Beryl Ware Jasmin because it reminded me of my grandmother. About five years ago, my interest in Cornishware was sparked by a visit to my husband’s aunt, who showed me a couple of iconic blue and white pieces she’d collected over the years,” explains Olivia.

“My first and probably still my favourite piece is the very rare rolling pin I picked up for a song in Somerset West. I’ve bought both from dealers at the Milnerton Market and online on Bidorbuy, but I enjoy hunting through charity shops and jumble sales far more

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priced from R350. 3 Butter dish with serif typeface indicating it was made in the ’50s. 4 Olivia’s first and favourite piece, a rare woodenhandled rolling pin. 5 Wall-mounted salt box rarely found with original flip lid. 6 Large mixing bowl worth about R2 000. 7 Salt and pepper shakers designed by Judith Onions. 8 Domed dishes for butter (left) and cheese (right).

SOURCES Froggatt & Frost 021 715 9089 froggattandfrost.co.za T.G. Green Collectors & Co Ltd facebook.com/gresleypottery

TIPS FOR ASPIRING COLLECTORS Because of the extensive range of Cornishware, it’s best to specialise. Many collectors focus on the hundreds of labelled storage jars, from common ones like tea, coffee and flour, to the more obscure such as Borax and Pine Nuts.

You can also collect according to the period of manufacture. The earliest pieces from the 1920s and 1930s bear the Church Gresley maker’s mark. Those with black and green shields were made between the 1940s and mid-1960s. The Judith Onions’ range has a target motif.

T.G. Green used the Green Shield again during the past decade, but items are no longer made in the UK, but in the East.

“Cornishware has always been popular, but the vintage versions have become increasingly difficult to find and are priced accordingly. The modern-shaped Judith Onions’ pieces are desirable with a move away from the blue and white stripe to other colours like yellow, red and Cornish Gold,” says Sheila Froggatt of Froggatt & Frost in Woodstock, Cape Town.

“You can get a lot of information by joining one of the many Cornishware collector groups on social media, where you can share your finds with others,” says Campbell McCucheon, administrator of T.G. Green Collectors on Facebook.

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ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES

What are your collectables worth?

I bought this sword many years ago from an antique shop in Hong Kong because I loved the engraved designs and the hidden knife in the scabbard.

The sellers claimed that it had been taken by an American soldier in WWII and that for this reason the Japanese didn’t want it back. Can you tell me if it’s genuine and how much it’s worth?

Paul Martin Our Oriental expert David Calthorpe says, “The provenance is good as it’s likely that it was surrendered to an American soldier during the war. However, it would have to be handled by an expert to assess whether it was made by a top craftsman from the workshop of one of the great masters, often national treasures in their own right, and who would have signed the blade.”

I’ d love to know more about this vase I inherited from my grandparents.

It has no distinctive markings.

Eileen van der Merwe Ingrid Aron of Kalk Bay Antiques Centre says, “With no markings, it’s difficult to establish the origin. It looks as if it’s Chinese or Japanese, but I think most likely Chinese.

As it’s an early 20thcentury piece, it would sell for around R600 – R700.”

FIND OF THE MONTH Can you tell me more about this original wooden Dutch herring barrel, which belonged to my mother?

It’s decorated with interesting Bauernmalerei, the staves are oak and the bands are brass.

Eddy Schudel According to Ingrid Aron of Kalk Bay Antiques Centre, “The painting on wooden items called Bauernmalerei is a type of folk art by Austrians, Germans, the Dutch and Eastern Europeans, in fact, most of Europe and even in the parts of the US where these immigrants settled. They covered almost everything made from wood including furniture, kitchen items and boxes. Probably from the late 19th century, this herring barrel would be hard to sell in SA, but there would be collectors in Holland. I’d value it around R3 500.”

WRITE IN AND WIN

EXPERT TIP “Japanese arms is a field entirely on its own. Items like these have to be examined personally as photographs cannot confirm their authenticity,” says David Calthorpe THANKS TO OUR SPECIALISTS Ingrid Aron Kalk Bay Antiques Centre 021 788 8882 David Calthorpe 021 671 4613 or 083 627 1728

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MAY 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

EVERY MONTH we give away a *prize for the most valuable or interesting item sent in. This month Eddy Schudel has won a magnum Retief Reserve signed by the Retief Cousins worth R1 500.

Van Loveren’s award-winning Retief Reserve Cape Blend is a characterful, full-bodied, wellstructured wine. With its light peppery scent of ripe berries and spice, it’s ideal with lamb, rare roast beef and roast chicken. For details, visit vanloveren.co.za E-mail clear photographs and relevant information about your collectable item to gardenhome@caxton.co.za with Treasure Chest in the subject line. Due to the volume of mail we are unable to respond personally. Pictures must be sent as separate attachments at a size between 1MB – 2MB. For guidelines on the best way to take your photos for Treasure Chest, visit gardenandhome.co.za

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

Treasure chest

LAST WORD ON STYLE

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This Cape Town designer and feature curator at this year’s Design Joburg shares some of his favourite things

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reative director at interior design firm Source IBA Mardre Meyer took the long way around before embracing design. He initially worked in marketing and PR, but while the field ticked all the boxes career-wise, he still felt unfulfilled. “Then I enrolled in design school and that’s when the magic began,” he explains.

Mardre is simply inspired by real life.

“Design has the ability to actively affect the way we feel, the way we live our lives and how communities interact.”

For him, it’s not just a career or a skill,

but a compulsive point of view and it permeates his signature style, which features black, grey and strong, clean lines.

Living in Cape Town’s CBD, a typical weekend for Mardre is usually planned around food and wine with friends and loved ones. As he believes we underestimate our ability to influence how we experience life, he always leaves home with a positive attitude. “And my glasses – I need those!”

At Design Joburg, Mardre and his team will be curating an exhibition showcasing local products that are

geared for commercial roll-out or have the potential. “We’re calling it SPA ZAR, a play on the word ‘spaza’ meaning informal shop and the South African rand,” Mardre explains.

Mardre Meyer is curating the SPA ZAR exhibit in partnership with SA Tourism at this year’s Design Joburg featuring Rooms on View presented by Sanlam Private Wealth, which will showcase some of South Africa’s biggest names in decor and design. Design Joburg takes place from 24 – 26 May 2019.

SOURCES AC Hotels by Marriott achotels.marriott.com Chaumette chaumette.co.za Design Joburg designjoburg.com Harper Collins jonathanball.co.za Houtlander houtlander.co.za Pierre Jourdan pierrejourdan.co.za Redemption Leather redemptionleather.com Source IBA sourceiba.co.za

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TEXT LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED

Mardre Meyer

1 THE ALCHEMIST BY PAULO COELHO (Harper Collins) This is my favourite book. It has a simple but poignant message and every time I read it, I discover something new.

2 MATT BLACK CERAMICS I can’t resist black handmade serve ware like this bowl from Chaumette.

3 THE AC HOTEL BY MARRIOTT V&A WATERFRONT Of my own projects, this hotel that opened in December stands out. The aesthetic is timeless, restrained and doesn’t try too hard. It’s the first new build for this brand in Africa.

4 PIERRE JOURDAN BELLE ROSE This Pinot Noir MCC has been a fond partner for many years.

5 MY LEATHER ESPADRILLES I’m currently obsessed with these ones from Redemption Leather in Wellington.

6 HOUTLANDER This is just one of many South African brands I love for their effortless local voice.

7 BARCELONA I’m convinced I should have been born there.

Although I’ve visited many cities, when I visited Barcelona, I felt such a sense of belonging.

ALBERTON