Outside & In | Spring 2021 by Paper Plane Publications

TAKE ME HOME I'M FREE SPRING 2021

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EDITOR'S letter

Those springtime feels!

We’re all about the ‘inner-bloom’ for the season ahead. Health, vitality, and a whole lot of gorgeous gardens and inspired interiors await! I must confess, ‘inner-bloom’ is a term I borrowed from my go-to cocktail at Gigi Rooftop Bar (a must visit spot in Cape Town’s CBD). I just love that term, ‘Inner-Bloom’ - a reminder to grow, take care of yourself and blossom from within. That’s our mantra for spring! It also reminds me of how much inspiration I take from cocktails ;) For spring we’re drawn to the idea of new beginnings, of fresh buds and flowers in bloom. Longer days, sweet floral scents, organic hues and good ol’ fashioned spring cleaning are all on agenda, and across SA we're all abuzz with this new energy that things will be different moving into the new chapter of 2021, showing that Covid hasn’t won! We’re also celebrating our 1st year anniversary with this special spring issue – I know right, time flies! We’ve surpassed our wildest expectation of what Outside & In will mean to homeowners. In this short time, we’ve doubled in print and now exceed 90 distributors across South Africa, gifting cherished clients with all that is Outside & In. Our cover image this month is titled ‘Spring on My Mind’, by the talented Astrid Blumer and is another nod to our ‘inner-bloom’ mantra. We’ve got you covered in this spring issue with stunning features, interviews of interest and gorgeous portfolios that showcase SA’s very best in local design.

Inner-bloom

Thanks for growing with us lovely people.

Chanel Besson, EDITOR

For spring we're drawn to the idea of new beginnings..."

Editorial Editor-in-Chief & Director Chanel Besson Commissioning Editor Tamsyn Halm

Design Zoey & I Sarah Gregg-Macdonald

Advertising Key Account Manager Justine Coleman Media Sales Executive Basheerah De Villiers Media Sales Executive Amy Aries

Outside & In is Powered By Paper Plane Publications (Pty) Ltd.

Cover Artist Astrid Blumer @astridblumerillustration Visit Gigi Rooftop Bar at Gorgeous George @gorgeousgeorgecpt

@out_side_and_in www.outsideandin.co.za

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CONTENTS The Caracal Cabin near Montagu

15 – Feed me, Seymour!

by Mark Mac Hattie, Contours Design Studio

21 – That’s Toxic

Open Day –

Blurring the boundary between indoors and out Indo

by Anji Connell, ACID+

31 – We’re Bringing Biodiversity Back, Yeah!

by Lee Burrell and Kazeka Mbekeni, Landscape Architects

37 – A Spring-kling of Colour! by Josephine Noyce, Landscape Designer

41 – Get in the Garden with Josie Gardening products you need to be using

with Malanseuns

46 – Quick Spring Edibles by Life is a Garden

51 – Oh Honey!

An Interview with Mokgadi Mabela, Native Nosi

by Erica Shalkwyk, Form Interior

Spring’s Palette -

with Lifestyle Home Garden

Trending Terrazzo –

by Jenny and Colin Armour, Notation Design

Let the Sun in –

by Ghizlaine Menebhi, Opia Design

Ice Ice Baby! – with Fieldbar

on Se

That Gut Feeling! –

ctions le

44 – Spring Gardening

The Living room –

26 – Spring is in the Air

The Importance of being Ernst –

An interview with Jan Ernst de Wet

by Saffron de la Rouviere, Saffron’s Garden

Out of Sight –

13 – Where to find us

Po r tf

Brews, kombucha’s smoothies and cleanses, O&I has them all.

Spring Fling –

100

Our top product picks in time for spring!

57 - Wild at Heart

Featuring Roushanna Gray, Veld and Sea

OUTSIDE&IN /

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F E AT U R E - D I R E CTO R Y

HERE IS WHERE YOU CAN FIND YOUR OWN COPY OF OUTSIDE & IN ACROSS SA WESTERN CAPE Abode Cape Dutch Gardens Cape Garden Centre Joostenbergvlakte Cape Garden Centre Stellenbosch Cape Garden Centre Somerset West D'Ville Garden Centre Earthworx Garden World

EASTERN CAPE Floradale Nursery Village Centre Nursery

Fiore Garden Centre Greyton Fiore Garden Centre Somerset West Flower Café Folha Happy by Nature Harry Goemans Garden Centre Hart Nursery Kirstenbosch Garden Centre Landscape Art Garden Centre Laughtons Hardware Ludwig’s Roses Cape Town Ludwig’s Roses Outeniqua Ludwig’s Roses Winelands Plantify Rawel Nursery Stanler Farms Starke Ayres Rosebank Starke Ayres West Coast Village Nursery at Tea Under the Trees Wise Gardener Nursery Wonderland Lifestyle Nursery

Greener Tidings Plant Fundi

Cherrywood Nursery Gamtoos Kwekery Garden of Eaden Nursery Sherwood Garden Centre

MPUMALANGA Concrete & Garden Creations

Ferndale Nursery Fijn Botanicals

LIMPOPO

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GAUTENG Bergmann’s Garden Centre Builders Express Sunward Park Colourful Corner Nursery CND Nursery Eckards Garden Pavillion Garden Bleu Parkhurst Garden Bleu Waterkloof Gardenista GardenShop Broadacres GardenShop Bryanston GardenShop Parktown North Garden World Hecker Nursery Lifestyle Home Garden Ludwig’s Roses Big Red Barn Ludwig’s Roses Egoli Ludwig’s Rose Farm Pretoria Ludwig’s Roses Pretoria East Plantland Garden Centre Akasia

KWA ZULU NATAL Bloomingdales Garden Centre Flatwhite Coffee Froggy Pond Nursery Greenman Nursery Grovida Halls Garden Pavilion Hingham Nursery Humble Coffee Illovo Nursery Lee’s SupaScapes Ludwig’s Star Roses Rock Paper Scissors Shop Sebenza Garden Centre Spade Design Centre St. Clements Nursery Tropical Nursery

Plantland Garden Centre Cornwall Plantland Garden Centre Menlyn Plantland Garden Centre The Wilds

FREE STATE Bruwer Kwekery Greenside Kwekery

Plant en Palm Kwekery

NATIONAL:

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Saffron’s Plant Club

Plant Ranch Germinston

Cape Garden Centre subscription boxes

Schafflers Garden Nursery Sunkist Garden Pavilion Thyme Square Garden Centre Tulip Garden Centre Witkoppen Wildflower Nursery OUTSIDE&IN /

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Venus flytrap, Image by Kelly Sikkema.

Feed me, Seymour! UNUSUAL INDOOR PLANTS TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION.

F E AT U R E - F E E D M E , S E Y M O U R

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he indoor plant community has gone viral (insert Coronavirus joke here). After the rising need to bring the green outdoors inside during the pandemic, plant adoptions have propelled to an all-time high. And with this, certain plants have become as rare as toilet paper within the first three weeks of the Covid-19 pandemic. There are bidding wars for plants that cost more than a Hermes handbag. Yip, you read that right. A Monstera adansonii varigata sold for $38,000 on eBay recently that’s around R 543,639.40. You can wipe up the tea from your desk and magazine now.

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Have you regained your sight and adjusted your eyes after that factoid? Good, because we’re now going to shift the spotlight to some unusual, unique plants to add to your collection. We are looking at plants that are available locally, or should be available in the near future based on global trends. There is an important distinction to make when referring to rare or unusual plants. It does not necessarily refer to the plant's status in the wild - they might be plentiful in some regions of the world - but they aren't always easy to propagate, the demand can’t keep up with the supply, or they are only grown by a few select growers and distribution is the problem. For example, some plants that grow wild in the forests of South America are considered rare indoor plants in South Africa, because we have no local growers and most countries have very strict laws on importing live plant material, as pathogens and pests can sneak into the country with them.

CALATHEAS (PRAYER PLANTS)

These rhizomes have become very popular for their distinct colour variations. From intricate leaf patterns with various colour combinations, to red underleaves and various heights, they offer something for everyone. The most astonishing feature of this plant is the fact that the leaves move by following light, giving them the illusion of folding together, like two hands in the prayer position. This happens without fail, every day. During the day, the leaves droop downwards and as the sun sets they start moving in an upwards direction. This is an adaptation and the red underleaf plays an important role in this process. Calatheas naturally grow under tree canopies in humid environments, and light is scarce under the canopy. During the day the leaves droop, exposing the underside of the leaf and the red pigment allows the plant to absorb reflected light from the forest floor, and at night the photosensitive leaves fold up to catch the last bit of sunrays and stay in this position until sunrise when they droop downwards again. COMMON FRUSTRATIONS: Leaf tips turn brown and die rapidly. How to avoid this: Always bottom-water Calatheas; allow them to dry out between watering and mist with filtered water, preferably pH balanced, and place them near a humidifier. Calatheas show signs of dry air when their leaf tips turn brown. Calatheas also do better in shallow pots.

ALOCASIAS

These magnificent plants have a variety of common names, from Elephant's Ear, Amazonica or African Shield. These names are indicative of the leaves' size and their amazing texture and colours. They love humid environments, wet soils and dislike direct sunlight. They are marginal wetland plants in nature and can grow to astronomical sizes, with leaves reaching the size of, you guessed it, elephant ears.

/ OUTSIDE&IN

Mark Mac Hattie

Landscape Designer Contours Design Studio @contours_designstudio

F E AT U R E - W I L D AT H E A R T

OUTSIDE&IN /

17 Anthrium

F E AT U R E - F E E D M E , S E Y M O U R

They are often found in clusters because they are tubers. The fleshy tuber lives underground and stores water and nutrients from the rainy season in the marches, so they can survive the dry and hotter months. Most Alocasias lose their foliage when the seasons change, but don't worry, they don't die, they’ve just gone into power saving mode, thanks to their tubers. Once the wet season returns, they will push out even larger leaves than those from the previous season. Thankfully, most of the indoor plant varieties have been cultivated to not die back, with help from the fact that the indoor growing environment is more stable than their natural habitat.

COMMON FRUSTRATIONS: Due to their soft leaves, they can get damaged very easily and are susceptible to pests, most commonly, spider mites and, due to the wet medium they prefer, fungus gnats. How to avoid this: Pest control and monitoring is your best friend. When you receive any new plants, keep them in isolation, give them a good hose down and spray them with Neem oil. I have been fighting spider mites on my largest Alocasia for about 2 months, due to not isolating another plant long enough. Lesson learnt, tenfold.

BOG PLANTS

These are Venus flytraps, Pitcher plants and most carnivorous plants. There is something fascinating about a plant that eats animals and insects. Evolution really gave these plants the upper hand. Venus flytraps attact flies with their scent and once they step down on pressure-sensitive spikelets on the leaf, it’s snack time. Pitcher plants have large cylinder forms and a slippery inner surface that holds a water reservoir in the base which attracts insects and rodents. The creature lands at the bottom of the reservoir and the plant's special enzymes turn the visitor into soup. Yum, good soup. Some Pitcher plants, like Attenborough's pitcher, can grow up to 1.5m tall and have a diameter of 30cm, trapping rodents and other small animals easily. So applications are still open to going to Mars, right? Almost all carnivorous plants originated in tropical bogs. The lack of nutrients in the mushy soil meant that the plants had to adapt to get their nutrients elsewhere, so they grew some teeth and wells. Very beetlejuice’esque if you ask me. As a side note, they tend to die down in winter in non-tropical regions but come back to life in the summer seasons.

THERE IS SOMETHING FASCINATING ABOUT A PLANT THAT EATS ANIMALS AND INSECTS."

COMMON FRUSTRATIONS: Bog plants tend to die very quickly if they dry out and they do not tolerate top watering at all. Fertiliser kills them and they can’t tolerate shade. How to avoid this: Keep the base of your bog plant in a saucer of water, they suck water up from the bottom like they would in a bog. The more spongy the soil, the better. Never fertilise them; they catch enough critters, especially the ones you don’t see. If you are slightly psychopathic, you can feed them insects you caught yourself, the fresher the better. They will survive in bright but direct light is better and the closer they are to the window, the more likely they will catch those flies that never seem to be able to escape an open window.

ANTHURIUMS

One of the most infamous of the Aroid family, Anthuriums are almost every plant parent's dream and nightmare, all at the same time. They have the most amazing leaf patterns, come in all different shapes (I love the long-leafed variants) and sizes. But they also come with a hefty price tag. Some sell for $1,000 easily. They are sought after internationally and I have yet to find my dream Anthurium locally. These tropical epiphytes grow upwards on trees and use their roots for anchoring while reaching for the light. If you have any and you are wondering why the leaves aren’t getting bigger, it is because they need to climb; as soon as they grow up a moss pole, their leaf sizes increase substantially. Cool party trick.

COMMON FRUSTRATIONS: They die if you overwater them, and also if you forget. The audacity. How to avoid this: Avoid giving them a reason to be dramatic by planting them in a well-draining medium that you bottom-water and allow to drip-dry. Let the soil dry out between waterings.

These are just a few of the unusual plants that are currently trending and most collectors either have, want or wish for. Keep growing!

/ OUTSIDE&IN

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THAT’S TOXIC

OUTSIDE&IN /

F E AT U R E - T H AT ' S T O X I C

was 5 years old watching my mom prune our very large Elephant’s Ear - she was hacking away at it and the huge discarded leaves had white crunchy looking stems. 'Don't eat those leaves,' I'm not sure why she said it, but she did. Perhaps her telling me not to, is what put the idea in my head in the first place. I took a big bite out of the white crispy bottom stem, I thought it looked like lettuce. Next moment my mouth was foaming, I was crying and my mom was washing my mouth out with soap. Needless to say, I now know first-hand that plants can be toxic. Now as grown adults we have a better sense (I hope) and don’t go walking around taking bites out of our indoor plants. However, pets and kids are less inclined to stick to these rules. And so as a plant lovers, it’s something we need to address.

DEFINITIONS MATTER

The word ‘toxic’ is a loaded term and can put any pet owner or parent off ever having a plant in their house again. However, the levels of toxicity are very wide ranging. They can vary from mild irritation, or in the odd severe case, organ failure resulting in death. These levels of toxicity also differ - not only from species to species, but also due to varying environmental factors, such as the parts ingested or the vegetative stage of the plant. The issue with the internet is that most sources just list plants as ‘toxic’ or ‘non-toxic’, they don’t go into detail about how toxic specific plants are (and indeed, there isn’t much research on this). I think it often results in websites erring on the side of being extra cautious and listing something as toxic without explaining what precisely that means because they’d rather not be at the end of a lawsuit. Now if you have a pet or a kid that you’re worried about, then perhaps it is the best to err on the side of caution. You’ll find the Araceae family (including genera such as Anthurium, Arum, Caladium, Monstera, Philodendron and Pothos) as the most often demonised plants, as they are all flat-out labelled as toxic. But I’m not a fan of the way half-baked information is used to put the living fear into people. So, let’s look at some practical information regarding the term by adding in another layer – ‘mildly toxic’. Mildly toxic plants might be labelled as ‘toxic’ but it actually takes a LOT of consumption to do any harm. Some of these mildly toxic plants include: Pothos, Philodendrons, ZZ plants, Sansevierias, Monsteras, Dracaenas, and Ficus trees. This doesn’t mean you should take the toxicity of plants lightly, there are definitely some plants that are known to be very dangerous when consumed. Around 6-11 % of pet poisoning enquiries made to vets in Europe are due to plants. Examples of truly toxic plants include: Euphorbia, Dieffenbachia, Lilium, and Sago Palms.

WHY ARE THEY TOXIC?

What makes some of these plants toxic? Well, most sources say it’s because these plants have a high content of calcium oxalate crystals. However, there are many plants that we eat that have these crystals present such as, spinach, brussel sprouts and lettuce. Any of these compounds consumed in large doses can cause toxicity. Oxalate from these everyday plants has in fact been recognised as one of the reasons for kidney stones in people. Another reason why plants can be toxic is because some plants (such as Euphorbia varietals) manufacture special metabolites that work as a natural deterrent against herbivores.

KNOW YOUR PLANT

If you are a pet owner or if you have young children, know what plant species you have, as it is this information that can help a medical professional rapidly intervene on the target organ of the toxin. In one study, 87% of cats that received prompt care based on their diagnosis developed only mild signs without consequences. And when I say know your plant, I’m talking about the scientific name - even if you have to jot these down in a journal somewhere.

/ OUTSIDE&IN

Saffron de la Rouviere Founder of Saffron's Gardens www.saffronsfarden.com @saffronsgarden

"WHETHER IT BE THAT YOU ARE LIVING WITH A PET OR A CHILD, THERE ARE CERTAIN INSTANCES THAT FLUCTUATE THE RISK OF HAVING ‘TOXIC’ PLANTS IN YOUR HOUSE."

OUTSIDE&IN /

F E AT U R E - T H AT ' S T O X I C

There are many types of lilies that can do varying amounts of damage to animals. Some plants are often called lilies but aren't actually a part of that family, so knowing the specific name could literally help save a life.

KNOW YOUR CHARGE

Whether it be that you are living with a pet or a child, there are certain instances that fluctuate the risk of having ‘toxic’ plants in your house. I have 3 cats, a dog and a toddler in my house, as well as over 300 odd 'toxic' plants. Why do I take this risk? Because, I know my animals and my child. All of my charges grew up around plants from the get go, so indoor plants are not novel to them. My cats are outdoor animals that have plenty of stimulation and healthy vegetation to graze on. This lack of interest in plants coupled with accessible stimulation and vegetation has resulted in owning pets who don't care whether I place a Begonia or an Anthurium next to me. That makes me lucky, to a degree. Not everyone under your roof is guaranteed to have this environment or personality. Generally, the younger an animal, the more likely they are going to be curious about a new plant and might even like the idea of taking a bite out of it. Bored animals and/or animals who don’t get to go outside, might do the same.

BEING SAFE

If you know your animal or child is bound to take a bite out of a toxic plant then make sure they can’t reach them. High shelves and plant stools can help with this. However, cats are notorious for getting places where they don’t belong, so if you have a Edmund Hillary that climbs up walls AND nibbles on plants, then it’s best to be more cautious. Another way that one can keep ornamental plants away from animals and children is by putting them in a terrarium or glass casing. There are also other anecdotes available on the web such as sprinkling cayenne pepper on your plants to deter animals, or not using kelp fertiliser as this entices dogs to eat around the plant. If none of this is possible and you do have charges under your care who might take a bite, then it is best to not keep highly toxic plants. There are many wonderful plants that are not toxic that you can still collect, these include: Begonias, Peperomias, Prayer Plants and some Ferns to name a few.

/ OUTSIDE&IN

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SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Paolo Lenti Outdoor Furniture / blooming; O U T S I D E & I N the air's losing Blooms26are its winter chill, and spring is in the air.

F E AT U R E - S P R I N G I S I N T H E A I R

Spring is nature's way of saying, Let's party!" — Robin Williams. Springtime, spring, or the vernal equinox refer to the season and ideas of rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection, and regrowth - with the promise of blissful summery days in the not-so-distant future. It's time to get outdoors again, to banish the winter blues, and to re-inject some magic into your garden, terrace, or baclony and make them summer ready. Whether you are in the city, country, or by the sea, albeit an extensive area or a small space, it’s time to start planning these areas for lounging, chilling, feasting - and with vaccinations doing the rounds, hopefully meeting up with family and friends and celebrating life to its fullest. Let's inject some colour, and interest into our precious outdoor spaces. SMALL BALCONY, NO PROBLEM. Your balcony is your sacred corner of greenery in the city, where you can admire your favourite plants as they grow. Italian designer, Fabio Meliota's, reinvention of the traditional planter on legs, looks great and is extremely practical, and features a built-in drainage system. It's also a perfect choice for screening and delineating areas, such as dining and relaxation spaces. The planter is a sturdy steel wire frame with feet and a handle support, a removable aluminium tray that's both lightweight and hard-wearing, and it's easy to move around, so you can adjust the position of your plants as the sun passes across the sky. There are three models to choose from, the long, the high, and the medium, and it's available in 22 colours.

Anji Connell

ACID+ www.anjiconnellinteriordesign.com @anjiconnell_acidplus

Add space-saving furniture so that you can have friends over for dinner, and make your balcony the place to be this year. I suggest Marc Berthier's 70's designed 'Aviva' fold-up chair, or if you have enough space for a small bench, Luxembourg in Paris, or Monceau's Backless Bench, will do nicely — they also add a splash of colour. Alternatively, add a bit of whimsy with Fatboy's Attackle Bench alongside a dining table or a Bebop Low Table, or a 'Flip' table by Richard Lampert, and you're all set. The Quiberon Side Bar Trolley can hold a tabletop BBQ and all your bits and pieces to conjure up a feast. All are available from www.plaisirdujardin.co.za GOING UP! Take planting vertically with climbers—Creeping Fig is prolific, giving a lush green covering to walls. Climbing Jasmine brings a delicious scent and gorgeous white blooms, and herbs will enhance your culinary exploits as well as adding a wonderful fragrance.

Barcelona Apartment with inner courtyard, image by Tobias Laarmann

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F E AT U R E - S P R I N G I S I N T H E A I R

LIGHT IT UP Add light to enjoy your space from breakfast till late in the evening, surrounded by nature. Fermob has great outdoor lighting that is rechargeable, connected, plug-in or wireless, small or large, to illuminate your spaces with style and to help to create an inviting ambience. Clé des Champs' 100% knitted cotton throw is perfect for keeping you cosy as you catch the last rays of sunshine while sipping a sundowner to ward off evening chills. Why not mix it up with cushions in the colours carrot and duck blue, from the same collection - they are not only warming, but they are also super stylish and machine washable at 30°C. MAKE A STATEMENT Add a sculptural piece as a focal point, an eye-catcher, or place them throughout the garden as magical discoveries that reveal themselves as you wander down a winding pathway. Look at renowned contemporary South African artist, Frank van Reenen's playful sculptural pieces. Diablo's contemporary outdoor furniture doubles up as functional art, and Cape Town-based NØDE craft's textured, functional and super-sleek shimmering aluminium pieces. Keep cool with an outside shower from Fermob, the Pasaia easy tripod design can be installed wherever you want — the only restriction is that it needs to be within reach of a water supply and a hosepipe. To disguise unsightly walls, and as a backdrop to planting, or purely for the vibe, commission a mural. Add decoration to a pool with coloured balls or ala Yayoi Kusama, a mass of floating stainless-steel balls — add a chair or even a full-scale dining table and chairs, or even loungers to a shallow pool.

Go wild, be free, seize the day, and update your space as a playground, an accessory to good living, and have fun with it!

Bepop Low Table

Flip Table by Richard Lampert

/ OUTSIDE&IN

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WE'RE BRINGING BIODIVERSITY BACK, YEAH!

F E AT U R E - B R I N G I N G B I O D I V E R S I T Y B A C K

biodiverse garden is so much more than the human experience. It provides life within its bounds, and far beyond it.

Consider your home as a tile in a mosaic; where the aim is to create clusters and connections of green, with all living organisms exchanging freely. Minor adaptions to your garden, with the addition of rocks, manipulation of soil and inclusion of new plant species may transform the lives of so many creatures. Ditch the leggy rosebush for some lush, indigenous perennials and flourishing shrubs and enjoy the beauty of a thriving, resilient garden. Resilience comes from diversity. Diversity is not only referring to species selection; make sure you have diversity in both the structure and the form you plant in your garden. Your garden can become a critical part of the network of biodiversity exchange in your area. The current urban condition has fragmented natural systems, making it impermeable for living organisms to move through the system. However, if we can begin to connect and cluster our natural systems to be active components of the mosaic of natural systems, we stand a chance at true urban biodiversity. Our birds, bees, beetles and butterflies pollinate so many of our plants, without them, our gardens don’t stand a chance. There are a few simple elements one can introduce to encourage pollinators to inhabit the garden.

"OUR BIRDS, BEES, BEETLES AND BUTTERFLIES POLLINATE SO MANY OF OUR PLANTS, WITHOUT THEM, OUR GARDENS DON’T STAND A CHANCE."

SOIL

Starting from the bottom, the soil should be rich with organic matter and protected with a layer of mulch. This encourages microbial life, which invites all sorts of organisms to the garden. In areas where there is rapid drainage, such as around your gutters or hose pipe, have rockery. Rockeries provide versatile habitats for other plant species and they create cavities for protected hives and other bug homes. Bees and butterflies like to sun themselves to warm up before take-off, rocks and bare soil provide the best kind of tanning beds for them. They also allow for them to have safe spaces to drink and eat.

PLANTING

When deciding what to plant in your garden, make a point of exploring nearby nature reserves. It’s useful to observe some indigenous natural landscapes around you to understand which plants work well together. Zoning plants together with similar needs makes it easeir to care for your garden. They will have similar watering schedules, soil conditions, and need the same amount of sun or shade, while also creating a natural habitat for wildlife. With a little research, you can find what species are native, or better yet, endemic, to your region of South Africa. Selecting species that are native to your area will make for a thriving garden. They are naturally adapted to the climatic conditions, so with a little extra love and care, they will reward you with lush foliage and abundant blooms. One of the country’s go-to nurseries, based in Cape Town, is HAPPY BY NATURE. It has a full selection of organically grown indigenous species which could help you grow your indigenous garden. Maximise the vertical parts of your garden, so you can have a complex and diverse structure. Trees assist in creating shaded areas, increasing your plant selection in the case of very sunny gardens. It is also important to use a range of plants and include trees, shrubs, and groundcovers in your garden to add depth and variety. Using these plants in different spatial arrangements can lead to habitat diversity and complexity. Try to include nectar-rich plantings where you can have year-round blooms in your garden. A biodiverse garden relies on being part of the bigger green network. If everyone starts to think of their garden as a puzzle piece, connecting one another to form a greater whole, urban biodiversity could be achieved. Birds, bees, butterflies and bugs need to be able to travel, drink and feast along their routes of migration. They are critical for pollinating many of our species, without them, many of our plants would be extinct. Plant and pollinator interactions can be imitated in the garden by recreating the plant communities seen in nature reserves or other wild spaces. These plant communities are great to replicate because they are naturally zoned together according to sunshine, soil conditions and water requirements. That’s not to say one should just copy one area of a plant community; rather create varied conditions in your garden with complex structures to enhance your biodiversity and planting opportunities. Diversity comes in many forms, from insect species to planting structure, and it is easy to achieve. So, head to your local nursery and start planting your way to a flourishing, indigenous garden!

/ OUTSIDE&IN

Lee Burrell

Landscape Architect

Kazeka Mbekeni

Landscape Architect

Images by: Sian Owen @sianowenphotography

Starke Ayres has a wide range of garden care products that will ensure your garden is in tip-top shape. Choose from our range of liquid and granular plant foods and fertilisers to keep your plants in prime health and looking beautiful.

Plant Food – Reg. No. K7974 Act 36 of 1947 • Nutrifeed – Reg. No. K2025 Act 36 of 1947 • Hydrangea Food – Reg. No. K7977 Act 36 of 1947 • Nutrisol – Reg. No. K8591 Act 36 of 1947 • Sea Secret – Reg. No. B4319 Act 36 of 1947 • Kelpak – Reg. No. L5756 Act 36 of 1947

LOUR!

IN A SPR

G-

KLING OF

F E AT U R E - A S P R I N G - K L I N G O F C O LO U R !

ith spring on the horizon, it’s a good time to talk about prepping your gardens. For some, getting involved with your garden is an incredibly overwhelming task - why is nothing surviving and where do I start? And that is because the practicality of gardening should really be seen as a science. Firstly, it is important to have a good idea of the soil, sun, level changes, climatic factors and thereafter the layout of the space - then you really need to look deeper into the plants themselves and their combinations.

Prepping the garden for spring and summer The first step I would say to any struggling beginner is to consult with a landscaping professional to get you off on the right start (and avoid wasting capital), then familiarise yourself with a small group of plants and get to know them really well. What I love about gardening is that knowledge is freely shared and there is always something new to learn. Every garden design needs to be adapted to the client’s needs and desires. Some plants might just be there for beauty, while others are more functional for their aroma, medicinal or edible quality. It is not only important to create a beautiful garden, but also a healthy one that doesn't require a huge number of resources to maintain. Here are a few suggestions on where to start:

1. Think about what’s in the background, and think about creating unique spaces laterally. Is there an unattractive vibracrete wall, architectural links or themes, an existing hedge or tree that must be included as part of the design? When you think about your garden as a set of separate spaces laterally, you look at it differently than if you were to simply think of it as one large space (or longitudinal design), that has a large piece of lawn and narrow hedges on the borders that can often make the garden seem smaller. When separating spaces laterally, consider the movement through the garden and not having everything visible at once. Wider planting allows for more interesting planting and focal points.

2. Choose the plants for their form first, then for the colour of flower. Just the form of different leaves and textures alone can give the garden enough interest, and often this looks good throughout the year as opposed to just seasonal flowering. Do some research on the growth habits of the plants to make sure that they are correctly positioned for their height and spreading habits. For example, Helichrysum petiolare can take over and swallow other less dominant plants like Iris, Agapanthus or Euphorbia 'diamond frost'.

3. Repeat planting throughout and plant in swathes/clusters/groups. It is important to choose plants that will thrive in both full sun and dappled shade if necessary. The same applies to the materials used in the design as I often continue themes from the inside, out.

4. When to keep it simple. If you are designing your house entrance or if you have a small garden, plant evergreen plants that look good throughout the year. With small garden spaces, we can’t afford to have planting that is dormant for half the year, we need the garden to always look lush and vibrant to encourage you to spend time in it. Here are some top evergreen plants for small gardens:

Top 5 evergreen flowering plants for sun: • • • • •

Calamintha nepeta (for many small flowers year-round). Cotyledon orbiculata 'Round Grey' (for grey foliage and round leaves). Dianella 'Little Rev' (for evergreen strappy leaves in sun/shade). Pelargonium graveolens 'Rose Scented' (for interesting leaves and small flowers). Scabiosa incisa (for tall flowers year-round).

Top 5 evergreen flowering plants for shade: • • • • •

Camellia japonica (for a flowering shrub/tree). Liriope 'Evergreen Giant' (hardy, strappy texture in sun/shade). Murraya exotica (for a scented flowering shrub/hedge). Viola odorata (for a flowering groundcover). Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Green Goddess' (for tall flowers and big leaves).

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Spring colour & vegetable planting 40

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The last of the raindrops before summer is a great time to be planting bulbs. If you have dense perennial bulbs such as Agapanthus praecox or Dietes grandiflora, it is a good time to divide the bulbs and replant them to fill out planting beds. Most of your shrubs and trees should be planted at the beginning of winter so if you haven’t planted the bones of your garden yet, I would suggest planting before next winter if your water source is scarce.

Four ways to include spring flowers into the garden: • • • •

Stone fruit trees give the most wonderful cherry blossoms (Prunus dulcis 'almond tree', Pyrus pyrifolia 'pear tree', Malus 'gorgeous crabapple', Prunus cerasifera 'cherry plum'). Flowering indigenous shrubs like Coleonema album. Flowering trees like a Magnolia. Bulbs like Watsonia, Daffodils, Bearded Iris, Hyacinth or Daylilies.

In winter rainfall regions such as the WC, you can plant the following vegetables: • Beetroot • Cabbage • Carrots • Lettuce • Onions • Pumpkin • Spinach • Tomatoes • And don’t forget your companion plants and marigolds!

F E AT U R E - A S P R I N G - K L I N G O F C O LO U R !

GET IN THE GARDEN with Josie Ready to get stuck in with your garden, but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve curated some garden products you'll find work wonders, Josie approved!

Ludwig’s Vigorosa Fertiliser

Makhro Grobest RSP: R100 www.makhro.co.za

RSP: R300 www.ludwigsroses.co.za

Talborne Organics Nourish Plant Food for Buds, Flowers & Fruit RSP: Price on request www.talborne.co.za

Starke Ayres Nutrifeed RSP: R85 www.starkeayres.com

Gardena ecoPulse Comfort Cleaning Nozzle RSP: R400 www.gardena.com/za

Gardena Bulb Planter RSP: R190 ww.gardena.com/za

Reel Gardening Mixed Salad Garden in a Box RSP: R70 www.reelgardening.co.za

Makhro Biosoil RSP: R110 www.makhro.co.za

Wonder Organic Vita-Boost Vermicompost RSP: From R130 www.wonder.co.za OUTSIDE&IN /

F E AT U R E - A S P R I N G - K L I N G O F C O LO U R !

Garden maintenance is key

Slowly our gardens are coming back to life, as you notice buds forming on deciduous trees and new growth starting everywhere. You may even see some early spring bulbs and notice the birds. It is a good time to start fertilising your garden with a mixture of kraal manure and compost (use your own composting if you have). Although pruning trees and shrubs is not limited to any time of year, I wouldn't prune any trees that have already started new growth. Throughout the year you should keep your garden neat with regular pruning and removing of dead foliage.

Lawn

If you have a lawn, it is a great time to cut it short and top dress with an even, thin layer of compost to stimulate fresh growth (and also fill in lawn divots). You may need to switch on your irrigation as new planting will need sufficient watering. It is also a good time to lay lawn if you are planning to do so. Make sure your levels are perfect before laying lawn. If you have patches of struggling lawn in shaded areas, I recommend seeding in a shade lawn mix in spring so that it can establish before summer. Avoid any foot traffic over this area while it establishes and try to spread the mix evenly as every seed is a blade of grass.

Pest management

Keep an eye out for aphids, black/yellow caterpillars and other pests attacking new plant growth - especially snails in September. Here is a list of frequently used fertilizers & sprays: • • • • • •

Fertilise all roses with Ludwig's Vigorosa fertiliser (every second month). Fertilise all planting beds with Bounceback fertiliser (Jan, April, Sept & Nov). Fertilise all Protea / Leucadendron / Leucospermum with Talborne Organics 3:1:5 fertiliser (Sept & June). Spray agapanthus plants for worms with Makhro Cyper (as needed in Summer). Spray plants with general insecticide & fungicide Plant Care and Chronos (as needed). Fertilise lawns with 3:1:5 fertiliser (when topdressing).

First, consider incorporating a mixture of natural pest controls that support the natural ecosystems found within nature, such as: planting Marigolds to deter pests, including plantings that attract ladybugs, praying mantis, birds and ducks which eat aphids, beetles, mealy bugs and snails. Increasing plant biodiversity and thus resilience, by using companion plants to naturally deter pests, and planting nitrogen fixing plants, such as Acacia trees and Tulbaghia violacea to feed nitrogen into the soil. If you start with good healthy soil, then you will grow healthy strong plants that are more resilient to pests. Everyone should have a small compost heap where they recycle nutrients into their garden (for free!). You should encourage wildlife and insects with water and fruit to have a more integrated pest management system. A huge amount of information on this can be found online, so start researching now!

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Josephine Noyce

Landscape Designer www.josephinenoyce.com @josephines_gardens

Spring Gardening Winter is leaving!

Say that like Ned Starke in Game of Thrones, but in a less depressing tone because ‘whoopi’, it's finally spring again in our part of the world!

www.malanseuns.co.za @malanseuns

After what felt like a long, icy-cold and dark winter, the seasons are finally changing, and we are looking forward to seeing some colour in gardens everywhere. Spring often feels like a rebirthing for our gardens. When it comes time to start planting in your garden, we have a few great ideas, starting with plants that are mildew resistant: • • • • •

Impatiens Impatiens Impatiens Impatiens Impatiens

Beacon Beacon Beacon Beacon Beacon

'Coral' 'Mixed' Rose' 'Violet' 'White'

Impatiens are a great vibrant colour selection for both shaded and sunny areas in your yard. Use them in hanging baskets or plant them in beds, it’s up you and what feels right for your space. Tip: the closer you plant your impatiens together, the taller and fuller they will grow.

PATIO PLANTS Thinking about filling up your patio with plants? The Abelia Lemon & Lime is an easy growing plant that can survive in full sun & mildly shaded areas. This is a shrub that can make any spot look alive. The Abelia Lemon & Lime is frost hardy and will look stunning on your patio all year long.

PLANTS THAT SMELL GOOD Nothing announces spring like the sweet scent of Jasminum Polyanthum. This is an evergreen climber that is perfect for planting near windows or outside entertainment areas. Its sweet perfume makes this a winning plant for any garden, and it looks amazing all year round. As a suggestion, try planting Jasmine in the arch of your house entrance, this will give a lovely welcome greeting to your guests. Jasminum Polyanthum

Salvia Wendy's Wish

SUN LOVING PLANTS •

• • • •

Hebe Sunset Boulevard – A butterfly magnet and is disease resistant. Two positive reasons for you to take this gorgeous lady home. Salvia Chameleagnea Blue Salvia hybrid Wendy’s Wish Salvia Puebla TM Geggii Carmine Salvia Victoria Blue

Salvia’s gorgeous sprays of drooping blooms flower throughout the summer, these aromatic beauties are loved by butterflies and bees, and are drought resistant. Salvia plants release different scents depending on the kind of salvia you choose, making them a must for any garden. Flowering plants are just what your soul needs this time of the year, so get outdoors and beautify your garden with these Malanseuns plants.

Happy Spring!

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Quick Spring Edibles

F E AT U R E - Q U I C K S P R I N G E D I B L E S

Harvesting your own food is one of the most rewarding triumphs a green finger can have. As such, Life is a Garden has complied a quick spring edible list that you can sow and grow now for salads, stews, soups, and smoothies. These fruits and veggies are also great for kids because picking is encouraged (and deliciously rewarding). With quick turnaround times and produce in abundance, these edibles are sure to appeal to even the most impatient gardener.

5 Super speedy vegetables Grow these yummies in full sun with compost-enriched soil and early morning watering. Seed packets and growing essentials are available at your local garden centre. 1. Radishes - Sowing to harvest: 25 days. Sow seeds 12mm deep and 2,5cm apart. Dust some soil away before pulling them out to see how they’re doing on size. Younger radishes have a milder taste compared to more mature ones. Try roasting them with garlic and butter or sauté them with red onions.

Life is a Garden

www.lifeisagarden.co.za @lifeisagardensa

2. Mixed salad leaves - Sowing to harvest: 21 days. Sprinkle seeds 30cm apart and cover lightly with a thin layer of compost. Lettuce varieties do well in containers too and can handle a bit of shade throughout the day. They aren’t very demanding, other than daily watering. Enjoy the ultimate crisp and fresh spring salads! 3. Spinach - Sowing to harvest: 30 days. Seeds like loose soil, 1cm deep and 30cm apart. Grow in edible containers or raised beds and make sure to add a good dose of nitrogen-rich compost. Add raw spinach to your smoothies or juice ‘em up for a calcium, iron, and folic acid boost. 4. Carrots - Sowing to harvest: 50 days. Press seeds 1cm down in rows of 30cm apart. For best results and faster germination, soak your seeds first by submerging them in water for an hour and then sow in well-watered soil. Carrot sticks with a tasty hummus dip are a super carb-smart spring snack. 5. Dwarf green beans - Sowing to harvest: 60 days. Non-climbing dwarf beans don’t need any support and should be sown 4cm deep and 15cm apart. Regular picking encourages more growth so get the kids in on the action. Add green beans to bulk up stews, add crunch to salads, or cook a homegrown boereboontjies pot.

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F E AT U R E - Q U I C K S P R I N G E D I B L E S

Did you know? Companion planting is an easy and smart way to get the best from your harvest, your beds, and create beauty in the veggie garden. Protect your produce, feed the bees, and add some pizazz to your grow zone with these companion planting benefits: •

Natural pest controllers: Plants such as lavender (for fleas), basil (for flies), citronella grass and rosemary (for mozzies), as well as chrysanthemum (for spider mites), repel a variety of insects owing to their essential oil compounds and deterring scent. You can sporadically plant these in and around the veggie garden as long as they are in close range of the greens.

•

Essential pollinators: Your harvest needs the bees, and they need us. Create a flower border around your veggie garden and bring in friendly flyers to pollinate and spread seeds. Try marigolds, alyssum and cool-season vygies, as well as allowing all herbs to come to flower. Remember to include a freshwater source for our helpers with a way to get in and out too.

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Soil structure activists: Champion companion plants also help improve poor soil conditions by adding lacking nutrients. Comfrey (Symphytum) roots break up heavy clay and create channels for aeration and better water absorption, while also releasing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium into the soil. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a valuable compost heap activator, while also stimulating the soil’s nutrient value as leaves fall off and decompose in the veggie patch (it also has pretty white flowers, yay!).

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Beauty filters: Veggies on-the-grow are already such a lovely sight, as is each one of the above-mentioned budding besties. For super-charged gorgeousness, pollination benefits and insect repellent power, try cosmos, nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), sunflowers, and sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus). Make space for these beauties in preparation for spring/ summer planting.

More springtime bliss If you’re feeling a little more patient, grow these edibles gems now and show off your success! •

Plant asparagus, tomatoes, chillies, peppers, eggplant, cabbage, beetroot, chard, artichokes, baby marrows, parsnips, turnips and watercress.

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Sow seeds of tomatoes, beetroot, eggplants, peppers, cucumbers, mealies, pumpkin, runner beans, maize and sweetcorn, red onions and rhubarb.

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Herbs to plant include dill, chervil, origanum, borage, mustard, caraway, coriander, mint, pennyroyal, rosemary, fennel, basil, anise and summer savoury.

TOP TIP: Remember to head over to your Garden Centre for organic fertilisers to help you get the most from your greens. Grab a seed tray (or three) and don’t forget to check out the pot's section for edible container growing.

Superfruit savvy These absolutely mouth-watering fruit trees and bushes are ready for some rich soil this season. •

Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, cape gooseberries, cherries, coconuts, dates, grapefruit, guavas, lemons, naartjies, nectarines, oranges, pawpaw's or papaya, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raspberries, sweet melon, strawberries and watermelon.

Fuel your body with the goodness of a homegrown harvest that can be as organic as you like. Get some exercise, go more plant-based, enjoy less toxins and more biodiversity, as well as total bragging rights at the next bring and braai. Spring is finally here with a planting section that has been well worth the wait.

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Outside & In Magazine was thrilled to sit down with the Queen Bee herself, Mokgadi Mabela, founder of Native Nosi, the honey brand taking SA by storm, to find out what goes on behind the scenes in her honey hive, why we should be introducing bees into our gardens and what it takes to run a thri-hiving business!

I N T E RV I E W - O H H O N E Y

Q: How did you get into beekeeping? It’s such a unique and niche profession. My grandfather was actually a crop and livestock farmer and kept a few beehives to help pollinate his crops. My father was particularly interested in the beekeeping aspect of it and introduced it to me. I spent a lot of time as a youngster around the hives and watching my father, so I feel as though I have been doing it for all of my life. One day I had a genius idea to sell my father’s honey, it was delicious of course, but I was also observing the demand for honey grow and I knew we had a product that could service this growth. My dad suggested I get a few beehives to start making my own honey, and just like that, Native Nosi was born. Q: What made you create the brand name 'Native Nosi'? Native Nosi comprises of 2 words – 'Native', meaning homegrown, indigenous, authentic, pure, rich and 'Nosi', which is a Sepedi (my home language) term, refering to the honey bee. Q: How many beehives do you currently manage and how many employees help you? We currently have approximately 300 active beehives. We employ 2 full time beekeepers, and 2 employees who run our Emporium. The rest are casual employees who are on site as and when needed, depending on the season and the beekeeping work required.

Q: Your hives are placed on farms around Gauteng. Does the location of the hive change the texture and taste of your honey? The flowers and crops that the bees feed on will determine the colour, taste and thickness of the honey. Our bees are mostly exposed to Avocado, Macadamia, Sunflower, Acacia, Boekenhout and multiflora (indigenous vegetation). Q: Beginner beekeepers! Say one of our readers is considering establishing their own hive… How would they go about doing this in their own garden? We highly recommend interested candidates undergo a beginner beekeeping class to learn the basics of how to handle bees while remaining safe. There are a few companies that offer this. A beekeeping starter kit can be bought, including a beehive and protective clothing. A beekeeping course can assist you to naturally attract bees to the hive by using products, such as wax and propolis to line your beehive in spring. In order to give your hive a better chance at attracting a strong, healthy natural swarm which will build, brood and make delicious honey.

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Beginner beekeeping courses and equipment providers near you! Honeywood Farm in the Western Cape runs a 2 day beekeeping course throughout the year. This includes food, accommodation, the course and course material. For more information, check them out: www.honeywoodfarm.co.za Bee Ware in Cape Town offers both beekeeping courses and beekeeping starter kits and protective wear. A one stop shop if you ask us! www.beeware.co.za BHive, based in Pretoria, offers beekeeping courses, protective clothing, starter kits and smokers – everything you might need when starting out. www.bhive.co.za Highveld Honey Farms in Benoni, sells an array of equipment from gloves, to wax strips, to boots and overalls. www.highveldhoney.co.za Overberg Honey Co. sells all the equipment and clothing for beginner beekeepers and they’re based in Hermanus, Stanford, Grabouw and online! www.overberghoney.co.za

If you’re still stuck – contact the Southerns Beekeeping Association www.beekeepers.co.za or the South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO) at www.sabio.org.za OUTSIDE&IN /

I N T E RV I E W - O H H O N E Y

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I N T E RV I E W - O H H O N E Y

Q: How do you tell when a hive is happy or stressed? It’s difficult to articulate, but the long and short of it is that unhappy bees will normally abscond the beehive, while happy bees remain in the hive. As the beekeeper learns their bees, they are likely to start understanding their behavior and what it means. Q: When is it time to harvest the honey and how do you go about doing this? Responsible beekeepers harvest excess honey that the bees have stored. A beekeeper will put on their smoker, smoke the entrance and exit of the beehive to make the bees believe there is a fire. While the bees are preoccupied with preparing to leave, the beekeeper will harvest the honey and close the beehive as soon as possible to allow the bees to realise there is no fire, so that they can continue with their business. Q: Why should our readers introduce bees into their gardens?

Native Nosi

Mokgadi Mabela www.nativenosi.co.za @nativenosi @nativenosi

Bees are critical for human survival, without bees we wouldn’t have fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts. Bees use scent to find flowers from afar, so choose sweetly scented, nectar-rich plants. Interestingly, bees can only see the colour of plants when they get closer to them. Bees are attracted to blue, yellow, white, purple and violet flowers with violet being their top choice.

TO ENCOURAGE BEES INTO YOUR GARDEN, HERE ARE SOME PLANTING SUGGESTIONS: FOR HERBS, PLANT: Borage, garden mint, lavender and rosemary. FOR PERENNIALS, PLANT: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Blue Mealy Sage (Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria’), Cape Marguerite (Osteospermum ecklonis), Blue Lily (Agapanthus praecox) and Ribbon Bush (Hypoestes aristata). FOR ANNUALS, PLANT: Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Fairy Primula (Primula malacoides) and Cape Forget-me-not (Anchusa capensis). FOR SHRUBS, PLANT: Aloes (Aloe spp), Heather (Erica spp), Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and September Bush (Polygala myrtifolia),

"BEES ARE CRITICAL FOR HUMAN SURVIVAL, WITHOUT BEES WE WOULDN’T HAVE FRUITS, VEGETABLES, SEEDS AND NUTS."

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I N T E RV I E W - O H H O N E Y

Growing Health

Q: What is the difference between raw and creamed honey? Raw honey is honey that has not been tampered with in any way, it should be as the bees made it. This is the honey we sell at Native Nosi. We also take some of our honey and cream it, this is when the honey crystalises and becomes grainy or hard, you beat the honey to breakdown the small pieces until the honey is smooth and creamy. Raw honey and creamed honey are the same product, just different handling which results in different textures of the product. Creamed honey is great for spreading on cheeseboards and serving on harvest tables.

NOURISH your Garden

Q: What are some of your favourite recipes to pair honey with? When I host, I love to have some honey on my harvest boards or cheeseboards. I make vinaigrettes and marinades with honey and add it to stews or even drizzle it on roast veggies. I also make a variety of warm drinks to keep the cold away as a healthy alternative to processed sugars. Q: What are some of your products under your brand and where can our readers find them around South Africa? We have a variety of honey products including honeycombs and infused creamed honey options. Some of the infusions include hemp, chilli, coffee, chai, citrus and garlic. We also have an Emporium which sells both ours and other local entrepreneurs products. You can visit our store at Greenlyn Village Centre in Menlo Park or alternatively visit our online store.

Available in the following sizes: 500ml (makes 100L), 1L (makes 200L), 5L (makes 1 000L)

100% Plant based, made from Potato & Sugar beet Approved for Organic Growing Grow nutrient dense food & climate resilient crops No preservatives or artificial growth stimulants Ideal for Organic Vegan & Vegetarian growing No Odour

Q: How do you hope to expand the Native Nosi brand in the coming years and what are some interesting or exciting products you have on the horizon? We are hoping to launch a skincare range in the near future and expand into beekeeping equipment for wholesale in both South Africa and Africa, thus employing more people and contributing towards the growth and sustainability of the beekeeping business.

Mokgadi Mabela- Founder of Native Nosi

Available in the following sizes: 500g, 1kg, 2kg, 5kg, 10kg and 25kg bags

frican

South A

ion

Innovat

a Superfood for Plants a Sustained Release of Nutrients a Climate, Carbon and Water SMART a Won’t Burn Plants a Feed Every 4 Months a Value for Money

‘Growing Health’ is not only cost-effective but planet-SMART too. www.talborne.co.za 56

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Healthy Soil = Healthy Plants = Healthy People

Wild at heart At first glance Roushanna Gray’s immediate living and working environment is harsh and unforgiving, but this passionate wild food forager loves sharing just how rich in edible treasures her Cape of Good Hope surrounds are.

ABOVE: Just a few minutes of picking yields a beautiful selection of floral confetti, ready to be used in the dishes of the day. 'The great thing about edible flowers is that many of us already have them in our gardens and if not, they are generally really easy to grow'. BELOW: Nasturtium flowers, lacey coriander flowers and nasturtium pods add intense flavour and beauty to a green salad. Red cabbage cups make perfect edible salad bowls too, while bright Calendulas bring arresting contrast to the feast. RIGHT: The indigenous flowering shrubbery of the Western Cape is reliant on fire to propagate, there are an estimated 8,000 species of fynbos plants.

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F E AT U R E - W I L D AT H E A R T

f provenance is the food world’s holy grail, then Roushanna Gray’s Veld and Sea classroom is a temple to the movement. 'Veld' means 'field' in Afrikaans but a more accurate description is wild, untouched vegetation. This is especially true of Cape Point, the most southerly point of the famed Cape of Good Hope where Roushanna and her family live. Part of the Table Mountain National Park and home to one of the most biodiverse indigenous plant kingdoms in the world, this protected reserve area is characterised by a treacherous coastline, a landscape carpeted in indigenous fynbos (the local term for the heather-like flowering plant covering) and wild, wild winds. One is truly at the mercy of the elements here. Whether you visit in winter or summer, rain or shine, it is an unrelenting environment featuring a rocky coast that has claimed many passing ships over the centuries. Some 400 years ago, when the Dutch colonists settled in the Cape to grow produce for the passing sea trade, they relied heavily on the local populace for guidance on where to source indigenous edible offerings and equally, what was safe to eat. Crops failed, the weather didn’t play ball and relying on local knowledge was essential to their survival. Much of this information has been lost over the centuries except for a growing group of enthusiasts, like Roushanna, who are intent on rediscovering and sharing their often delicious and always fascinating findings. The rustic home she shares with her husband, garden landscaper, Tom and their children, Tai and Rubi, is on the same property as the Good Hope Nursery, founded by her indigenous gardening icon and mother-in-law, Gael. Plants and trees that you would be hard-pressed to find in commercial nurseries are the order of the day at this bastion of local flora, and amongst waterwise, pro-indigenous gardeners, it has become a beacon of planting in accordance with the Cape climate. In recent years, people have made the effort to visit this farflung nursery, some 60kms from the city, for another reason – Roushanna’s sold-out Veld & Sea wild food foraging expeditions. Like any chef worth their salt, Roushanna is on a continuous quest to discover new edible opportunities and in her case - wild food flavour marriages. For those lucky enough to attend her Veld & Sea experiences, it’s a journey that yields many treasures to share. Scheduled a few times a month on the weekends and during the week by appointment only, the half day experiences involve fascinating wild food, flower and herb gathering missions in the fynbos-lined slopes up above the nursery and forays into nearby rockpools to gather mussels and whatever other offerings the ocean might yield that day. After a morning of hunting, gathering and absorbing fascinating morsels of information from Roushanna, guests return to the Veld & Sea classroom to prepare a feast featuring their bounty. 'The entire experience is dictated by the seasons and the moonphases that determine the tides. I devise a menu according to what is prolific at that time of year and we go out looking for these and other edible elements essential to the different dishes on the menu. After that we come back and break into groups to prepare for lunch. It's a really interactive experience and people love discovering that plants they’ve never heard of, as well as quite alien things, like seaweed are so delicious', says Roushanna who gives us mouth popping, peppery nasturtium pods to sample while we chat. In the winter months, pungent pine ring mushrooms are the prized harvest while in the summer, delicious delicacies from nearby rock pools and nutritious sea vegetables provide a taste of what the ocean has to offer.

PROJECT INFO: TEXT Vicki Sleet STYLING Sven Alberding PHOTOGRAPHS Warren Heath

www.veldandsea.com

Luckily for Roushanna there is a wealth of knowledge available for those who seek information on wild food foraging. The internet, local experts and both historical and recent books alike yield regular fascinating discoveries for this intrepid hunter-gatherer who says she learns something new every time she ventures out on a walk. 'When I first moved here I had no idea what I was doing, I went off into the veld and picked a pretty bunch of flowers, and came back to proudly show my family only to discover I had picked some rare endemic flower. Now I only pick what I know grows prolifically and does not suffer from being cut back a little', she says. For added flavour, colour and for medicinal uses too, Roushanna has planted a variety of edible flowers in the family’s vegetable garden, and workshop participants are given equally interesting insight to the further layers of flavour these can bring to many dishes. From pansies with their grassy fresh taste, to sweet and spicy cornflowers and piquant calendulas, many flowers, we learn, can bring fascinating and mouthwatering depth to food while beautifying things as well. 'We eat with our eyes as much as we do with our mouths', says Roushanna, as she adds delicate white coriander flowers to a salad. There are plenty of edible flowers that make excellent partners to drinks too. 'Chamomile is known for its calming properties and is wonderful in a honey syrup which you can add to gin and tonic or bubbly, while pelargoniums come in an array of delicious flavours like rose, lemon and peppermint and the leaves make a refreshing and uplifting iced tea', she says. Although it is these nuggets of information that workshop participants take home with them, there is so much more to be had from attending a Veld & Sea day. Unplugging from technology and returning to an ancient way of sustenance, if only for a short time is immensely gratifying. 'Gathering is part of our DNA, we’ve just forgotten about it. I’m glad I can help people rediscover the joy it can bring'.

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F E AT U R E - W I L D AT H E A R T

Menu • • • •

Asparagus and farm eggs on a nest of chickweed with anchovy butter and flower petal salt Glass spring rolls with a sweet and sour dipping sauce Rainbow carrot cake with lemon buttercream icing strawberries and edible flowers Chamomile cocktails with flower ice

FLOWER FLAVOURS • • • • • • • • • •

Pansies - Viola spp. Flavour – grassy, fresh Dianthus - Dianthus plumarius. Flavour – clove, spicy California poppy - Calendula officinalis. Flavour – grassy, fresh Cornflowers - Centaurea cyanus. Flavour – sweet, spicy Borage - Borago officinalis. Flavour – cucumber, sweet Nasturtiums – Tropaeolum. Flavour – peppery, spicy, sweet Chamomile - Anthemis nobilis. Flavour – fresh, grassy, apple Calendula - Calendula officinalis. Flavour - spicy, piquant Pelargonium - Pelargonium spp. Flavour – Grassy, fresh Wild pea - Dipogon lignosus. Flavour – sweet, fresh, pea

FLOWERS IN DRINKS • • • •

California poppies make a mild and gentle sedative tea, calming and good for bedtime. Borage is lovely for flavouring water, and with its cucumber flavour it pairs well with gin. Nasturtiums and Calendula are peppery and spicy and work well as a colourful and flavoursome garnish with chai tea. Steep Calendula petals in gin for a spicy, healing, golden drink. Chamomile is known for its calming properties, is wonderful in a honey syrup and in iced tea at the end of a hot day.

DRIED FLOWERS If you want to store your flowers for use out of season, pick your flowers and dry them on a paper covered tray on a sunny windowsill. Once completely dry, store them in an airtight jar or container in a cool dark place.

Claudia Uffhaus, Pippa Williams and Roushanna Gray in front of the Veld & Sea classroom.

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F E AT U R E - W I L D AT H E A R T

RAINBOW CARROT CAKE 2 eggs 2 cups of sugar 6 tsp cinnamon 2 cups of oil 3 cups of flour 6 tsp baking powder A pinch of salt 4 cups of grated carrots 1 cup of mixed raisins METHOD: Beat the eggs and sugar until creamy and light in colour. Add all the rest of the ingredients except the fruit and mix well. Carefully fold the fruit into the cake mixture and pour into two greased cake tins. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 40 mins or until a knife comes out clean. While the cake is cooling, whip up a batch of your favourite lemon/lime butter-cream/cream-cheese icing and divide into three. Ice the top of the first cake, adding a layer of chopped strawberries and cover with more icing. Sandwich the second cake on top and dust the sides with icing sugar. Ice the top and decorate with edible flowers.

SPRINGTIME ASPARAGUS DISH 1 bunch of asparagus 1 tbs olive oil 4 farm eggs 100g butter 6 anchovies 2 tbs sea salt flakes 1 sprinkle of dried flower petals 1 handful of foraged chickweed METHOD: To make the anchovy butter, blend the anchovies in softened butter until you reach a smooth consistency. Fill little butter dishes and put in the fridge to set. For the flower salt, mix the sea salt and flower petals and serve in a little bowl. Lightly steam the asparagus for about 4 mins. Do not overcook as you want to retain the green colour and crisp texture. Toss in olive oil before serving. Soft boil the farm eggs, peel and place on the chickweed and serve with asparagus, anchovy butter and flower salt. For a heartier meal, include a basket of sliced assorted farm breads.

CRYSTAL RICE PAPER SPRING ROLLS 6 rice paper spring roll wrappers bowl of water A selection of edible flowers 1 avocado, sliced Sprouts ½ cup red cabbage, sliced ½ cup carrots, julienne ½ cup sweet peppers, julienne METHOD: With all your ingredients at hand, soak a rice paper wrapper in the bowl of water until soft. Place on a wooden board and and fill with ingredients. Remember to work backwards in terms of how you want the design to come out – I start with the pretty flower petals first and then layer with veg. Fold the top and bottom sides over the filling and then fold the left side and then the right until you have a snug package. Serve with a sweet chilli dipping sauce.

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F E AT U R E - W I L D AT H E A R T

CHAMOMILE COCKTAILS + FLOWER ICE To make the Chamomile syrup ½ cup of dried or fresh Chamomile flowers or two Chamomile teabags ½ cup of honey 1 cup of water METHOD: Place all the ingredients into a small pot over a low heat. Bring to the boil and then gently simmer for about 15 mins. Remove from heat and strain through a sieve, squeezing the syrup out of the plants/teabag with a spoon against the sieve and decant into a sterilized bottle. To make the cocktail: 3 tbs Chamomile syrup 1/3 cup of sparkling wine Good quality tonic water 1 Lime METHOD: Pour the syrup and sparkling wine into a glass, top with tonic, add a squeeze of lime and pop in a few flower ice cubes.

"At first glance Roushanna Gray’s immediate living and working environment is harsh and unforgiving, but this passionate wild food forager loves sharing just how rich in edible treasures her Cape of Good Hope surrounds are."

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Put the SPRING back into your garden

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P OR T FOL IO - O U T O F S I G H T

OF SIGHT A cliff-hanging family cabin near Montagu in South Africa balances bold lines with eco-sensitive choices to connect deeply with the remote landscape it is embedded in.

‘We had always wanted a pool hanging off a cliff,’ says William Mellor. Both he and his wife, Sam, are keen hikers, and they couldn’t resist the tug of inspiration when they spotted a small recess in a cliff while on a walk, which presented the perfect recess for the pool’s position. The plot, which soars above an off-the-grid farm in the Klein Karoo, soon became the desired location for their dream retreat. 'It was very important for us to disturb the flora and fauna as little as possible,' says William. 'The brief was for a house that looks like a spaceship had landed on top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere,' he recalls, challenging Migs + Drew Architects to develop a modern interpretation of a traditional timber cabin. Having nailed the pool's location, there was a lot to consider, including plotting a route for a road and deciding how to get water and power to the site. The cabin has solar power running everything from the borehole pumps and reverse osmosis water purification plant, to the line-of-sight internet access, fridges and ice machine. 'We always envisaged leaving a very light footprint as we possibly could in the context,' says William, who owns Malawi Cane with Sam, a business that exports traditional handmade Malawi cane furniture globally, as well as a media company, 2oceansvibe.com. Undaunted by the sloped site, they chose to navigate it by using the hill’s natural ridgeline and views as an axis to design the primary form. 'We wanted to make the most of the views which are in all directions, create outdoor living spaces from which to enjoy them, whilst maintaining privacy from each suite or living area,' explain architects Andrew Payne and Miguel Ferreira-da-Silva. A bird’s eye view of the four-bedroom house reveals accommodation fragmented into smaller parts, reducing the visual impact of the building in the landscape. Two timber pods perch on the ridge, linked by an open-air stone pathway. They chose to float this main timber-framed building (containing two bedrooms on either side of the living area) above the ground to allow natural rock features and fauna to continue to pass beneath it. The living room has almost 200-degree views, and the large glass sliders enable the house to be opened or closed on either side and create comfortable outdoor living with epic views on either side. Caracal, as the cabin has been coined, is set in a raw, semi-desert region. ‘When we started thinking about building the cabin, one of our kids spotted a live caracal on the property. It is such a beautiful wild cat, and we started to refer to the site as Caracal, and the name stuck,’ recalls Sam. You can enjoy vistas over the valley to the west and the mountains to the east from the pool terrace and the barbeque deck on the other. At each end of the main timber pod, sliders are recessed back to provide bedrooms with cover from the elements. ‘There is nothing better than lying in bed with the large sliding doors wide open listening to the rain without any concern for the rain getting in,’ says Sam.

LEFT: On the west, the pool terrace drops away steeply from the pool's edge to the valley below and looks out at the mountain peak rising beyond the valley. Klipspringers, Rhebok, and the resident Pale Chanting Goshawks are often seen in the valley or on the slopes on the other side. The couple has always had a passion for design, and their love of raw, natural traditional Malawi cane furniture led to them sourcing and distributing the product globally. The raffia and cane items from the collection were ideal for this project, as the tones and textures are rooted in the landscape outside. Wicker loungers from Malawi Cane. OUTSIDE&IN /

TOP LEFT: Remi soaks in the outside tub. Bath by Bella Bathrooms. TOP RIGHT: On the east side is the boma and dining deck, which looks over the sunken, stone-clad, green roof of the third bedroom and bunk room with 200-degree views of the mountains and farm in that direction. Black Malawi chairs by Malawi Cane and the fire pit by thefirepitco.com. BOTTOM LEFT: Cocooned by timber and glass, the lounge is home to generously proportioned low slung leather sofas. The custom drinks cabinet lends a light-hearted touch to the space. Ceiling fan, timberfans.com; fireplace, beautyfires.com; light brown leather sofa, Block & Chisel, dark brown leather sofa, custom; coffee table, Block & Chisel; raffia rug, Malawi Cane; leather occasional chairs, vintage reupholstered; drinks cabinet, custom; hurricane lamp, Pezula Interiors. RIGHT - TOP: The team from Migs + Drew Architects wanted to articulate the elevation and link the two main pods that form the cabin in a way that added a sense of drama and interest. The steel and timber cantilevers make a stunning statement and create a relationship between the separated wings. RIGHT - BOTTOM: William, Sam, Francesca and Remi exploring the landscape surrounding the cabin.

The design team wanted the kitchen counters to echo the landscape's natural stone, so they chose a Rio Blanco granite. They enhanced the visible natural grain in the stone with a leathered finish. The joinery is made up of sapwood, with a sprayed matt Speciality Coatings 'PU' finish. They chose the finish for its hardwearing properties and because it shows fewer finger marks. The Plascon 'Dark Onyx' colour was specifically chosen to contrast with the timber and is the closest shade to the aluminium door and windows powder coating colour. Dining table, custom, wood sourced from Rare Woods, chairs and raffia pendant lights by Malawi Cane.

P OR T FOL IO - O U T O F S I G H T

A third bedroom and bunk room are tucked into the site's natural gradient and are cladded in dry-stacked natural stone hand-collected from the site to 'disappear' the mass of the building. The roof has been carpeted with the indigenous renosterbos flora found naturally on the site, further ghosting the building and permitting beautiful unobstructed views from the main living area above. Inconspicuous from afar, up close the building stands powerfully on the landscape with statement extended cantilever frames adding drama. Recessed windows and doors protect from the elements and, together with the contrasting projecting elements, add depth, interest and shadow to the building. Siberian Larch timber is used throughout: floors, ceilings, walls internally and externally. ‘We wanted a sustainably farmed wood that would weather well and, over time, permitting the building to recede into the natural palette of the landscape,’ explain Andrew and Miguel. With walls of glass, the cabin has a warmth to it thanks to the wooden structure, sundrenched tones, and handpicked furnishings, including a Chesterfield sofa and Scandinavian retro chairs the couple had reupholstered. A suspended fireplace is central to the living space, its flared organic shape contributing to the constantly changing interplay of light and shadows in the room throughout the day. They wanted to seat 12 people comfortably at the dining table, giving way to a raw edge table that dominates the kitchen. Otherwise, they intentionally kept the interior simple, explains Sam, with pieces in calm, earthy tones. It's all about the views, she says. 'To be in such comfort, on top of a mountain with nothing but endless views all around, is truly something to behold. When you're in the swimming pool, you feel like you're swimming in the mountains. The entire experience is a crazy, spiritual juxtaposition.'

PROJECT INFO: PHOTOGRAPHS Warren Heath / Bureaux TEXT Lori Cohen PRODUCTION Sven Alberding www.migsdrew.com

SUPPLIERS: Rare Woods - 021 535 2004 Product used: Siberian Larch

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Open Day Blurring the boundary between indoors and out, this inspiring family home combines a laidback lifestyle with subtly sophisticated interiors.

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‘It's a great house to wake up in every morning, and a great house to dwell in.'

‘It's a great house to wake up in every morning, and a great house to dwell in,’ says interior designer and artist Lisa Twyman of her home. ‘It makes you feel free, positive, motivated, excited.’ Part of the reason for this is undoubtedly the way the home perfectly suits its location: it is situated in Salt Rock, on the Indian Ocean coastline north of Durban, where the tropical climate makes for year-round indooroutdoor living – as well as the challenge of keeping everything cool during the extremely hot and humid summer months. With her husband, Will Haynes and their daughter Bo, who is nine years old, and their son Jock, seven, Lisa spent some time living in the area in a rental property before deciding on the ideal piece of land on which they could build their dream home. ‘Once we had made up our minds … we fell well and truly in love with the plot, so much so that the build became very much about the garden,’ says Lisa. ‘We did not want to impose on it, or mess up the flow of it too much,’ she adds. During the first few years they lived here, she says, ‘any extra budget available was spent on the garden and planting’. The key principle for Lisa and Will was that ‘the house needed to become part of the landscape and not feel plopped onto it,’ Lisa says. And this is precisely what they have achieved. The ground-floor living area opens up completely to the outdoors, allowing the spaces to be opened or closed to the elements as required. This ‘blurred boundary’ – as Lisa describes it – between interior and exterior is further enhanced by the fully open-plan nature of the living, dining and kitchen spaces, as well as the use of simple, low-maintenance materials such as unadorned off-shutter concrete and balau wood, which is used for cladding and screening where necessary. The resulting structure is, as Lisa says, all about ‘honesty in the construction and use of materials’. Adding to the home’s radical ‘open-ness’ is its striking central courtyard space. In this area, a trio of trees grow up through an organically shaped ‘cut-out’ in the slab that forms the first floor of the house, drawing the eye up towards the sky and disrupting conventional distinctions between indoors and out.

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When it came to decorating the open plan living spaces, Lisa says the ‘concept was to create a relaxed yet creative space’ and to keep things ‘minimal, playing with colour and texture – and a few touches of pattern – so that the interior became an oasis of calm in a riot of green garden’. She explains that because the garden is visible from everywhere in the home, it in effect ‘becomes a part of the interior and needs to be taken into account when implementing the interior decor and finishes’. Ensuring that the interiors felt uncluttered was also important because, Lisa says, the pieces put into the space need to enhance the simple and sculptural qualities of the house, rather than detract from it. But of course that doesn’t necessarily mean creating a brutally minimalist look. Rather, while finishes here are kept ‘pared back and subtle, so that the raw materials and construction of the house remains central,’ says Lisa, colour is also important to her as a designer – as is ‘a thoughtfully curated space.’ She relished the ‘freedom of curating our own space with our favourite things’, and adds that she enjoys ‘creating depth and surprise by combining unexpected colours, such as mannequin pink and deep orange.’

PROJECT INFO: TEXT Robyn Alexander STYLING Sven Alberding PHOTOGRAPHS Lar Glutz / Bureaux

The family’s lives are busy, with both Lisa and Will at work during the day and the kids coming and going to and from school and other activities. Fortunately, Lisa says, ‘the house is our oasis. The island in the kitchen is where we congregate on weekdays – homework for the kids and cooking for us.’ For both Lisa and Will, the loveliest place in their home is their tranquil bedroom. Essentially ‘a simple box’ with an outlook that frames the view of the nearby Indian Ocean, ‘it’s great for a siesta, and the best view to wake up to,’ says Lisa. And the deep grey wall colour is perfectly conducive to rest. ‘The place where you start and end your day is so essential to your wellbeing – and this room has proven that to me ten-fold,’ she adds. The entire house is generally cool throughout the long summer days and nights, but in spite of this, during the warmer months ‘the kids spend a lot of time in the pool during the afternoons and evenings, as we do on the weekends,’ says Lisa. Saturdays and Sundays here are usually given over to lazy lunches after mornings spent at the beach – Will is a dedicated surfer. Form follows function in the best possible way in this home. It combines simple, authentic materials with an architectural design that sensitively responds to its location, as well as Lisa’s laidback yet sophisticated approach to its inviting interiors. No wonder, then, that she happily declares this house to be ‘the most uplifting space I have ever lived in’.

LEFT: Lisa’s studio and office are on the landing at the top of the stairs. The wooden worktable was given to Lisa by her mother and her apron is by Skinny laMinx (skinnylaminx.com). At the moment, Lisa says, ‘other than a few renovation projects, I am focusing on the product design side of my business. This home has become my muse. I design pieces inspired by it, showcase them in the space, and then sell them via my online store (lisatwyman.com).’ RIGHT - TOP LEFT: The gallery-style kitchen was designed by Lisa and made by a number of contractors. ‘The idea for the kitchen design was to have it blend into the living space and appear more like furniture than a conventional kitchen fit-out,’ she says. ‘So, I used a variety of finishes (dark timber, brass, marble, black steel) and lower counter heights to ensure it blended in as part of the living area. And it does flow seamlessly, both in appearance and function. The island can become an entertaining zone, and is a family zone during the week.’ The @home (home.co.za) bar stools have been reupholstered in vinyl. The Marc Newson-designed hob is from Smeg (smeg. co.za) and the striking brass cupboard handles are custom designs by Lisa Twyman (lisatwyman. com). The chandelier light fitting was a lucky find at a Cape Town vintage store. RIGHT - TOP RIGHT: The roof garden walkway leads from the main bedroom side of the first floor of the house to the children’s bedrooms and playroom on the other side. The unvarnished balau decking has weathered naturally, and only water-wise plants have been used as ‘the soil is very shallow and dries out quickly when there is no rain,’ says Lisa. RIGHT - BOTTOM LEFT: ‘The round pool contrasts with the more linear shapes of the house,’ says Lisa. The pool was designed by Will and built by Karl Wang of KR Projects (krprojects.co.za). It is made from concrete and is three metres deep, with a 40cm step all around, lending itself to fun and games for the kids and lounging for the adults. The ‘lifeguard chair’ is an old tennis umpire’s chair from Lisa’s primary school. ‘I made some enquiries,’ she says, ‘and it was unearthed from a storeroom in my home town.’

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RIGHT - BOTTOM RIGHT: Lisa Twyman (lisatwyman.com) made the white ceramic vessels; the slate serving platter is from Weylandts (weylandts.co.za) and the black glass from Mr Price Home (mrphome.com).

The front of the house is clad in hardwearing raw balau timber, which is ageing naturally. The section with shutters on the first floor is where the main bedroom is located. Karl Wang of KR Projects was the contractor who built the house; he was ‘exceptional’, says homeowner Lisa Twyman. ‘Challenges that did arise were dealt with effectively and expediently, and he made the building process a pleasurable one.’ The timber used for the garden wall is burnt cedar.

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The Importance of being ERnst THE TALE OF JAN ERNST DE WET

SEA CANDELABRA

TWO EYED LAMP

SEED POD VESSEL COLLECTION

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WOMB LAMP

I N T E RV I E W - J A N E R N S T D E W E T

utside & In sits down with Jan Ernst, the multidisciplinary creative who uses clay as his medium to create some of the most unique, relevant and distinctive ceramic pieces that interior designers, homeowners and SA’s decor enthusiasts have been coveting for some time now! Q: Let’s start by asking, how did you get into ceramic design and sculptures? And why this medium? If we had to go way back, one could say it started when I was a little boy growing up on a farm. I remember building houses and villages out of clay found in the garden. I was first introduced to ceramics in high school through my art classes. Before I completed my master’s in architecture, I attended the art school at Nelson Mandela University and was further exposed to the medium in my sculpture and 3D studies. I began working with Vorster and Braye Ceramics on a wine cellar as an architect, and was almost instantly hooked. Clay has been the focus because I believe it is a material that has not been explored to its full potential in contemporary design. I am drawn to the organic nature of clay, its ability to connect the maker with nature, and how it can be shaped and manipulated. Q: How long does each sculpture take to make? Each piece is different and requires a different approach. Because the work keeps on growing in scale, it is difficult to build continuously. The integrity of the structure is determined by the wetness of the clay and that’s not something you can rush. The Womb Lamp takes about a week to build. After that, there is another 2 week air-drying period, and then it is ready for its first low firing. If it survives, it will go in for a high firing. The final step is wiring the lamp, packaging, and courier. It is safe to put a 6 week time frame on a design of that size. Q: Do you think something as small as a sculpture can transform a space, like that of a living room? Where is the best spot for a 'Jan Ernst' piece? Most certainly. With an increasing emphasis on sustainable design, interior designers focus on quality items with an impact, rather than multiple objects to fill the room. This means whatever you decide to put in your space, needs to have oomph. A sculptural lamp, Candelabra, or Vessel can transform a space because it adds conversational value and volumetrically fills the room. It allows the space to breathe with a quieter backdrop and a focal point that intrigues. I don’t think there is one specific room I would assign it to, but different designs fit better in different rooms. The Candelabra works very well on a server in a dining room, but a Vessel could go well in a kitchen or the lamp in a living room. I think the user needs to place it where the work feels at home. Q: How do you draw on nature as your inspiration for your designs? I find natural forms fascinating because it is so honest. It reflects growth, decay, and change, so there is a story of time passing. A great example is the rock formations in the Cederberg that are carved away by the winds to create monolithic sculptures. I like to collect found objects wherever I go and bring them back to the studio to examine further. To me, it’s as important to understand the structures, form, and textural make-up as it is to visually admire it. Q: You’ve recently done a collaboration with Vorster and Braye, what made you connect your brands? The collaboration with Vorster and Braye happened very organically. Colin Braye is a phenomenal ceramicist that has an eye for detailing and precision. I chose to work with them because we have a very good mutual understanding.

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"HIS ORGANIC DESIGNS STEM FROM HIS ABSTRACT UNDERSTANDING OF FORM AND SPACE AND ARE INFLUENCED BY HIS BACKGROUND IN ARCHITECTURE, HIS CONNECTION WITH THE NATURAL WORLD AND HIS SOUTH AFRICAN HERITAGE”

OCEAN POP COLLECTION – MERCHANTS ON LONG COLABORATION Photographer: Jacobus Snyman Creative director: Sumendra Chetty

I N T E RV I E W - J A N E R N S T D E W E T

My approach to design and creating is conceptually driven, while Colin is a technical master. Working together on large-scale designs made sense because we had both good ideas and even better execution. Q: Where can our readers view some of your products in South Africa? I would recommend popping into the studio at 96 Long Street, in Cape Town. Because my work is collectable design, I prefer to deal with clients and designers directly. It allows me to talk about the work and build meaningful relationships. Abroad the work can be viewed in Bordeaux through Artskop and in New York through Galerie Philia. Q: You have a very muted colour palette, what makes you use predominantly earthy tones? I prefer to work with clay in its natural form. It’s perhaps the architectural purist in me, but I find there is material honesty in that. This way emphasis remains on the sculptural qualities of the work and not intricate glazes. The earthy tones are a by-product of clay in its natural form but accommodate and enhance my organic inspired designs. A good example is the Veld Candelabra – it really couldn’t be anything else than terracotta / white stoneware. It’s a piece of the earth created by the earth. Q: What can we expect next from you for the spring season and beyond? As part of a collaboration with Merchants on Long, we are launching the Ocean Pop collection in mid-October. The body of collectible design is made up of Vessels, lamps and sculptural items.

Jan Ernst De Wet www.jan-ernst.com @jan_ernst_

I am currently working on a solo exhibition with Galerie Philia in New York. The first half of it will be a virtual exhibition that will be available on their website. A selection of the physical work will be exhibited in Paris in October. In the new year, I will be exhibiting in Brussels at The Collectible Art Fair with Artskop showcasing a collection of different lamps.

Image source: Hemls

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THE LIVING ROOM From Abandoned Museum to Family Gallery

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f you were part of one the more recent vaccine registration groups, you are a kid of the 80’s and likely remember the notorious and ominous formal lounge. The door was mostly closed, the lights switched off and it was an extremely secretive room. The mystery surrounding this room was due to you not being allowed in there at all costs. You could much rather gain unauthorized access to the sweets draw as opposed to your mother’s museum of antique ball-and-claw furniture, white fabrics and array of tasseled cushions. The space was apparently for entertaining, but even the fine town ladies were never hosted there - out of fear of spilling their Chardonnay. Enter the 21st century and we no longer have the energy or financial means to keep up such pretenses. The lounge became the living room as an ode to it’s core function being a room that the whole family can enjoy and (heaven forbid) LIVE IN. The modern living room has a TV because for any hard-working and great sporting nation like ourselves - relaxation, entertainment and sport are one in the same. It has enough comfortable seating and lounging space, unfussy surfaces, accent rugs and art, as well as plenty of natural light and greenery. The living room has literally gone from never being used, to being the favourite room in the house where families can find their safe space, entertainment, comfort, and joy.

LIVE IN YOUR LIVING ROOM.

The living room not only houses the above-mentioned functional furniture items but is a beautiful representation and tribute of who we are as a family. Modern furniture not only serves the purpose of usability and sustainability, but offers a unique design aesthetic that opens up a world where a chair can become art. What a privilege to be able to view and sit on one’s art. Everything in our home becomes an expression of who we are. In conclusion, comfort is the most important element of creating a successful living room and while you consider functionality, make sure that you absolutely love each piece in this space. Curate the couch, occasional chairs, coffee table, TV stand, rug and side tables as a gallery filled with meaningful and expressive art. Invest in stain resistant table surfaces and fabrics, washable cushion covers and rugs. You can thank me in 10 years once you’ve messed litres of wine and no one got divorced in the process. Live in your living room. Besides, you and the people you love are by far the most important and irreplaceable pieces in that space.

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F E AT U R E - T H E L I V I N G R O O M

ERICA’S GALLERY FAVOURITES FLOORING: I absolutely love FinOak flooring. It’s the most affordable real-wood flooring that won’t require you to break the bank. WALLPAPER: Treat yourself to Lemon Wallpaper. It’s designed by real South African artists and printed locally, so you can even change the colours if you need to. PAINT: Our paint brands are all good so I’m going to give you my two favourite colours. The first one is Plascon Phantom Ship and the second is Earthcote Dandelion 50% Lighter. It’s the perfect warm white and charcoal for every neutral space. COUCHES: I love a comfortable quality couch. If you don’t want to have it made by an upholsterer furniture maker, invest in retail stores, like La Grange Interiors. It is also locally made so you can custom the comfort. RUGS: Look no further than Hertex for affordable options and Lund Rugs for more investment pieces. COFFEE TABLES, SIDE TABLES, LIGHTING AND FEATURE FURNITURE: I love our South African Designers like Egg Furniture, Studio 19, Douglas and Douglas, Bofred, Anatomy, Jacobs Collection, Dokter and Misses, Jo Paine, Mash T and Houtlander. ART: Visit sites like State of the Art, Artist Press, Art it is and Jasper and Jute for prints.

Erica Schalkwyk

Form Interior www.forminterior.co.za @forminteriordesign Image: Lemon

Spring’s palette

info@lifestyle.co.za www.lifestyle.co.za 011 792 5616 @lifestylehomegarden

The floral palette that springtime offers is the perfect opportunity to paint your garden beds in blazing hues of vivid blooms.

SUN ANNUALS

These vibrant seasonal visitors bring swathes of bursting colour to garden beds, planters, hanging baskets or sunny patios and balconies. Fill empty spaces with their bright hues or change the mood from hot and lively, with red, yellow and orange flowers, to calm and soothing with blue, green and soft pink flowers.

SHADE ANNUALS

Uplift sombre shady spots with sparkling shrouds of white or glowing pink belts when springtime comes a calling. Playful blue nuances bring soft mystique to the shadows of gloomy garden nooks and brighter colours will add crisp freshness to shady patios and secluded spaces.

SUN PERENNIALS

Perennials are recurrent residents that offer colour, form and fullness throughout the year. Character and hues in leaf, foliage and flowers mark these pretty plants as priceless additions to the backbone of your garden.

SUN SHRUBS

Adorn the garden with the permanence of shrub varieties that give substance and height to your garden space. They will delight you with their dazzling blooms that declare the coming and going of the seasons while still offering their lasting presence in the garden when summer says 'adieu'. OUTSIDE&IN /

G T IN R D E N

E R RA ZZ O

F E AT U R E - T R E N D I N G T E R R A Z Z O

n 2015 the birth of Notation was inspired by three friends and their innate desire to create something with their hands. Who would have thought that a single bag of cement would turn playing around into actually producing bespoke hand-cast products? We went from dreaming up furniture designs to giving them life. In 2018, I started experimenting with terrazzo and fell in love with the endless possibilities it came with.

Terrazzo itself has been around for hundreds of years and at the time was making a huge comeback in the design world. It originated in Italy where stonemasons would use old scraps of marble in their own floors. Floors were originally hand polished and as the trend became more popular, it became an extremely exclusive material due to the cost and labour involved in making it. Anyone who was around in the 70’s in South Africa will know terrazzo - think Post Office floors, or government buildings with the brown, yellow and beige terrazzo floors. Many of these are still around today, speaking to the durability of terrazzo in even the toughest environments. The current iteration of the terrazzo trend is taking it to a whole new level. With advancements and new understanding in cement technology, we can now produce amazing precast terrazzo instead of just in-situ (cast in place) flooring like in the past. This also allows us to make casts with large and chunky pieces, not only the small speckle terrazzo from the past. Notation specializes in precast terrazzo. We have developed a very specific cement mix that allows us to cast slabs, tiles and almost any shape of terrazzo with much larger sized aggregates than what is used in traditional terrazzo. The process of making terrazzo, which seems simple - mix concrete, let it dry, grind to reveal stones - is incredibly complex and has taken us years to ‘perfect’. And we are still learning! Unlike surfaces like marble, granite or engineered quartz that can be taken off a shelf, cut and installed, terrazzo is made from scratch. The manufacturing process is time-consuming as we build all our own moulds, calculate exact quantities of raw materials for each mix, mix and pour each piece individually and then start the curing process. The curing process is unforgiving and it requires a combination of accurate timing and precision before you can grind and polish.

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F E AT U R E - T R E N D I N G T E R R A Z Z O

The most exciting part of the process has to be the first grind. Grinding away the top layer of the solid concrete to reveal how the stones have fallen in the mix, what the colour looks like, and what the stones are hiding inside. Because our product is natural and made by hand from stones, sand and cement, every piece is unique and beautiful. We have no large computer guided grinding or polishing machines, so our pieces are not perfectly calibrated and can’t be compared to other engineered surfaces that will look exactly the same every single time they are produced. But that is the charm of Terrazzo. The incredible beauty you see every time you sit down with Terrazzo is hard to beat. I still find new stones that have amazing colours, shapes or patterns in surfaces that have been in our workshop for a few years. You wouldn’t believe how often I am taking photos of individual stones in an existing surface that just happened to catch my eye. Terrazzo is really fun and limitless, although some products need to be bought as a complete piece, you can use one piece of terrazzo to completely change the aesthetic of any room. If one has an old coffee table that can use a reinvention, they can create their own modern top to fit the existing base, side tables or even a backsplash for kitchens – terrazzo is very versatile and immediately offers an instant upgrade to a room.

WHAT ARE SOME AREAS OF THE HOUSE WHERE ONE COULD ADD A SPLASH OF TERRAZZO?

Jenny and Colin Armour www.notationdesign.co.za @notationdesign

Terrazzo can be used in virtually any space in a home. It is very durable and can withstand water, humidity and the great outdoors. Side tables, occasional side tables or feature coffee tables make a great statement piece. We are seeing clients using terrazzo for kitchen islands, for walls and floors and even extending this through to patio flooring. Our most popular products are our round nesting tables. Which can also be produced with a stainless-steel base so that they are suited for fully outdoor areas. Terrazzo’s durability makes it easily one of the most exciting trends.

SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE COLOURS / STONES TO MIX Our favourite surface is called uMshwathi Mist, and is made by mixing the most beautiful variety of greys, pinks and even sometimes a hint of green. This colourway is great for longevity as well, because even though it is an overall grey and neutral colour, it has so many other colours within the stones that can be highlighted with different accessories over time.

THE BEST WAY TO TERRAZZO PRODUCT

CARE

FOR

Terrazzo is very durable and is easy to maintain. It can be cleaned like any normal kitchen surface and even spot treated with bleach for harsh stains. A terrazzo product is truly lifelong as even if it starts to show wear after many years, it can be repolished and resealed and brought back to new.

WHAT IS A SMALL WAY OUR READERS CAN HOP ONTO THIS TREND AND INTRODUCE IT TO THEIR HOMES? Accessories like candle holders, coasters, planters for indoor and outdoor plants, side tables and even stationary holders are fantastic and simple additions to your desired room, and offer you that ’on-trend’ aesthetic taking modern design by storm!

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Let the sun in

Sunny and warm, Mediterranean vibes, rich in organic materials and rooted in ancestral know-how. These are the overriding interior themes we are elegantly adapting to our interiors for the coming seasons.

F E AT U R E - L E T T H E S U N I N

Ceramicists', cabinetmakers, ironworkers, sculptors and carpenters are enjoying a revival of their know-how that pushes these exceptional craftsmen and women to reinvent ancestral techniques in order to establish a dialogue between design and locality... And we are all kinds of excited for this design style. Today, more than ever, our local artisans are competing to bring more simplicity and refinement to our homes. Here is how to adopt it into your very own living room...

1. CHOOSE A NEUTRAL PALETTE

Keep your palette simple – creams and beiges – and add layers of organic materials: ceramic jars as a deco statement, rattan furniture, baskets at the entrance, linen and cotton cushions will all generously fill the organic atmosphere and set a relaxed tone.

2. CONNECT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

Wherever possible, connect your living room to the outside area, choose window treatments in natural material which lets the light pass. If you have access to an outside area from your living room, multiply outdoor pot plants and bring them close to your living area, it will bring movement into your interior. Plants are your best friends; plants will naturally lift a neutral palette and further warm up your space, always bring a few inside – you decide what a 'few' means as there is no real limit when it comes to plants!

3. KEEP YOUR FURNITURE FUNCTIONAL AND INTEGRATED

Built-in sofas and wall niches are characteristic to Mediterranean interiors. If you’re thinking about renovating your living room, niches can be a great asset for your sculptures and other artwork.

Ghizlaine Menebhi

Opia Design www.opiadesign.co.za @opiadesign.sa

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F E AT U R E - I C E I C E B A B Y !

ICE ICE BABY!

F I E L D B A R ’ S H A N D C R A F T E D D R I N K S B OX I S O U R ‘MUST HAVE’ ITEM FOR SPRING

sing modern materials to create products just like they did generations ago - with craft, skill, and workmanship, The Fieldbar Co. specialise in handcrafted cooler boxes that are made to last and to be cherished by their owners. The bespoke boxes are both a feast for the eyes and high performing, which makes this one of those products that ticks all the boxes. We love this brand because their Drinksboxes are 100% locally made by a team of previously unemployed artisans, who are now hard at work at the Cape Town factory, creating… Well, masterpieces! Fieldbar’s first product was inspired by the leather and wood 'drinks boxes' made by the prestigious picnic hamper companies of the Victorian era. They mirrored the dimensions and proportions of these boxes which were designed to accommodate Champagne bottles in an upright position and adapted the top-handles used to carry them. The high-performance insulation and the use of modern materials is new, but the quality and dedication to craftsmanship remains unchanged.

You’ll also love that your Fieldbar Drinksbox comes in 6 signature colours to suit your personality.

1. SEA BOAT BLUE This colour is inspired by deep oceans and classic yachts. This is their signature colour and is only available online from the Fieldbar website.

SEA BOAT BLUE

BAZARUTO BLUE

2. BAZARUTO BLUE As its namesake suggests, the light blue hue is inspired by the shallow waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique.

3. SAFARI WHITE A classic off-white hue, inspired by sophisticated safari experiences.

4. PARISIAN GREEN Be inspired by the undulating Parisian parks and picnicking amidst the greenery.

PARISIAN GREEN

OYSTER GREY SAFARI WHITE

ORCHARD ORANGE

5. OYSTER GREY This classic and sophisticated hue is inspired by the unmistakable tone of an Oyster.

6. ORCHARD ORANGE Orange is the new orange with this vibrant spring tone. Inspired by a lined orachard of orange laden fruit trees.

www.fieldbar.co.za hello@thefieldbar.co.za @fieldbar.co Illustrator: @emmakateacton

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Brews, kombucha’s, smoothies and cleanses… The team at O&I dives into the country’s most delish and nutritious health and wellness drinks, with brands you should be consuming for your very own springtime ‘inner-bloom’. Get amongst these!

THAT GUT

feeling!

Image: SKOON.

Happy Culture Kombucha is a sparkling probiotic tea, bubbling with an abundance of natural goodness and delicious, sugar free refreshment. The range is available in a rainbow of delicious blends, ready to invigorate the senses and uplift well-being of those who enjoy its wonders. All products are passionately handcrafted at Happy Culture’s very own production facility located in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Why not get happy?

Dr Tom’ s

Happy Culture Kombucha

F E AT U R E - T H AT G U T F E E L I N G

www.happyculture.co.za Dr Tom’s Kombucha is brewed using the finest green tea, along with kiwi juice as a source of sugar, to produce a unique, tangy, and smooth kombucha. Patience is a virtue during production - their Kombucha is fermented slowly for a minimum of 21 days before bottling, allowing for the development of complex acids and a drier kombucha base. Dr Tom’s comes in five distinct flavours – coffee, rooibos, cranberry, ginger, and spirulina & lime. They keep things simple and use only pure juice concentrates in their five delicious flavours. The product is then fortified with a dose of probiotics and a dash of stevia. Just what the Doctor ordered.

www.drtoms.co.za

Goodleaf With naturally occurring probiotics to boost your immune system and a guilt-free low sugar content, Brew Kombucha is the perfect fizzy fermented beverage for those looking to give their gut a healthy kick this spring. Inspired by local African flora, Brew offers a range of award-winning and trendy flavours that are made using the natural sweetness of rooibos and other organic ingredients. As South Africa's first certified organic kombucha, with 99% plastic-free packaging, their kombucha is good for the environment, and good for you, bru.

www.brewkombucha.co.za

The Goodleaf CBD Infused Sparkling Water range gives you all the benefits of CBD in each sip. CBD beverages require less CBD to achieve the same effect as CBD drops, thanks to their higher absorption rate and quicker activation time within the body. Hydrating with CBD while you're on the go helps to provide a feeling of calm, focus and greater presence. Their CBD infused sparkling water comes in 4 delicious flavours - the only stressful part will be choosing which flavour you'll be having.

www.goodleaf.co.za

Uplift Kombucha Uplift is setting out to redefine the modern individual's perception of kombucha and the health benefits associated with this fermented drink. This living probiotic elixir is made using only the finest organic teas and all natural ingredients to create a refreshing experience designed to leave you feeling renewed while aiding in your overall well-being. These unique cans of goodness come in 3 delicious flavours, let us know which one you’ll be trying.

www.drinkuplift.co.za 98

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F E AT U R E - T H AT G U T F E E L I N G

BOS

Visit the BOS website and use code O&I for 20% off all BOS products.

Discover the magic of organic superfood rooibos! The BOS team’s Rooibos Health shots are packaged in a convenient 50ml glass bottle and are packed with the magic of brewed organic rooibos and a healthy dose of functional ingredients. They have 4 functional shots to cover all your needs Immunity, Collagen, CBD and Probiotic. BOS also plants and maintains 1 tree for every 2,000 units sold, and they have planted over 30,000 trees to date! That’s something O&I can get behind!

CultureLab Kombucha’s Buchu and Rooibos flavour is an all day, everyday, fermented kind of soft drink. With a lush and bold indigenous flavour, CultureLab hits the mark with this gut healing ferment. Flavoured with local buchu and rooibos botanicals from the Cederberg, slowly brewed and naturally carbonated. Every bottle is handmade and designed to blow your hair back.

C u lt u r

eLab

www.bosbrands.com/za

www.culturelab.co.za

SKOON. SKOON. Elasticity Skin Smoothie This sachet offers a firm complexion collagen booster with 50+ skin loving ingredients including marine collagen, MSM and vitamin C, in an easy-to-drink daily sachet to give your skin glowing bounce-back. With 30 x 7.5 g raspberry mango flavour sachets – you’re covered for a month! Not only will you have the building blocks for new collagen, but you’ll also have 2.5 billion probiotics to promote good gut health – that sounds like 2.5 billion reasons to buy these sachets if you ask us!

www.skoonskin.com

One-Juice Regular Cleanse This cleanse has been specifically designed to provide you with balanced goodness in support of your health, weight loss, and detox journey. Packed with vitamin K, C and beta-carotene, the juices in this cleanse have an array of amazing benefits that assist in healing the gut, restoring your energy, and promoting natural weight loss. The cleanse includes the following juices: Red Juice, Green Juice, Turmeric Juice, Black Lemonade, Balance Juice, Probiotic Ginger and Pink Lemonade.

www.one-juice.com OUTSIDE&IN /

Spring Fling F E AT U R E - S P R I N G F L I N G

So, you’re flirting with the idea of some new products to beautify your home or yourself... Well, we see you! Here are some quirky and down-right on-trend items for your home, your garden or to gift a friend. These are brands we love and products we can’t live without, making them our Outside & In ‘must-haves’ for spring!

Good Roots Convenience is king!

Magic Soft Kit Hose RSP: R245

Simply Bee Simply Bee are a local company, specialising in products made with natural ingredients and packed full of good health benefits that will help make you extra ‘bee-autiful’. We love their:

Anti-ageing Cream RSP: R236 for 50ml

Propolis Serum RSP: R291 for 20ml www.simplybee.co.za

Wiid Design Furniture PopStrukt Whether it’s media units, lockers, drawers or home products you’re after, take a look at this flatpack designer furniture by local brand, PopStrukt.

Wiid design, curated by renowned designer Laurie Wiid covers all your creative cork furniture needs.

African Cork Side Table, Terrazzo Top. Price on Request

www.wiiddesign.co.za

Sugar Cube Side Table in Blush.

Big Green Egg (large)

RSP: R1,749 www.popstrukt.com

The Big Green Egg will suit all your spring-braaing needs, and the large size is able to cater up to 8 steaks! We suggest you find 7 friends first. RSP: R23,570 www.biggreenegg.co.za

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F E AT U R E - S P R I N G F L I N G

Eva Solo

Eva Solo's bird feeder will make sure you’re not solo in the garden – by inviting flying friends to sing to you.

Bird Feeder Tube RSP: R699 www.yuppiechef.com

Fettle & Frisson South African perfumer’s with exquisite fragrances, boasting plant-based ingredients that are as kind to your skin as they are your senses. Expect subtle, yet complex nuances.

We love: DAMASK - Carnal Floral RSP: R1290 www.fettleandfrisson.com

OOLASKINCA

Meet SA’s own OOLASKINCAR E oil, a daily an burst that’s perfe tioxidant ct for all skin typ es. Made from a trusted ingredien few ts, 100% Marula oil being one of them! Ma

rula Oil RSP: R600 www.oolaskinca

re.com

Neptun Boots Banish the last of the winter blues and changing seasons with Neptun’s colour-cool gumboots for the garden.

We love: Marina Gumboots in Lotus Coral & Summer Yellow RSP: R250 www.neptunboot.co.za

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Folha Not only will these cards help you become the best plant parent, they’re also the perfect gift for friends (hint hint!).

Plant Care Cards RSP: R270 www.folhashop.com

Fieldbar Coolers Retro in good looks, superior in performance and no stranger to our pages, our top colour picks forthe season are:

Parisian Green and Orchard Orange. RSP: R1,699 www.fieldbar.co.za

Present Time This watering can will have your plants thinking it really is 'present time'.

Grace Watering Can

Crocs

level Take the flower power of spring to the next in a pair of crocs!

Crocs Classic Vacay Vibes RSP: R699 www.crocssa.co.za

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RSP: R599 www.superbalist.com

We are back!

NEW Generation Hover Mowers

Easier by Design. ®

TurboLite 250 1400 Watt

HoverVac 250 1400 Watt

SimpliGlide 360 1800 Watt

www.flymo.com

YO U L L FI

R GARDEN W ITH

Wonder’s diverse range of plant nutrition and fertiliser solutions provide everything you need for a beautiful, bountiful and balanced garden.

Available at a wide selection of retailers, nurseries and garden centres. www.wonder.co.za

Wonder Garden Care

Registration Holder: Agro-Serve (Pty) Ltd Reg. No. 1973/000868/07 | All products registered under Act 36 of 1947. PO Box 652147 I Benmore 2010 | Customer Care: 0861 333 586 | info@wonder.co.za

Download the Green Fingers app

Wondersol All Purpose Reg. No. K8556 I Contains: N 81,45 g/kg; P 17 g/kg; K 48 g/kg; Mg 1.11 mg/kg; S 0,32 mg/kg; Fe 23,01 mg/kg; Mn 43,05 mg/kg; Zn 124.16 mg/kg; Cu 27.81 mg/kg; B 422,19 mg/kg; Mo 261.59 mg/kg S.G 1.21 (20°) I Wonder Kelp Reg. No. L2812 N-AR0926 I Contains: Natural Auxins 2.2 mg/l; Cytokinins from Ecklonia maxima 0.0062 mg/l I Wonder Colour Boost Reg. No. K8552 N-F0625 I Contains: N 81,45 g/kg; P 17 g/kg; K 48 g/kg; Mg 1.11 mg/kg; S 0,32 mg/kg; Fe 23,01 mg/kg; Mn 43,05 mg/kg; Zn 124.16 mg/kg; Cu 27.81 mg/kg; B 422,19 mg/kg; Mo 261.59 mg/kg S.G 1.21 (20°) I Wonder Lawn & Leaf 7:1:3 (15) + C (8) SR Reg. No. K8299 N-F0580 I Contains: 95 g/kg N; 14 g/kg P; 41 g/kg K; 80 g/kg C I Wonder Organic Vita-Boost Vermicompost Reg. No. B5695 N-F1705 I Contains: 42,8 g/kg N; 88,6 g/kg Ca; 76,5 g/kg S; 9784 mg/kg Fe; 1190 mg/kg Mn; 5059 mg/kg Zn; 394 mg/kg B

Outside & In | Spring 2021

Articles inside

Spring Fling

That Gut Feeling

Ice Ice Baby

Trending Terrazzo

Let the Sun in

Out of Sight

Wild at Heart

The Importance of being Ernst

Spring’s Palette

Open Day

Oh Honey

Quick Spring Edibles

That’s Toxic

Spring Gardening

Feed me, Seymour

Where to find us

We’re Bringing Biodiversity Back, Yeah!

A Spring-kling of Colour

Spring is in the Air