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Easy steps to a really LOW-MAINTENANCE GARDEN

12

PAGES

GARDEN IDEAS

COLOURFUL CLIMBERS

Get set,

GARDEN LIGHTING 100s OF CLEVER WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME FEBRUARY 2020 R41,50 (Incl. VAT) Other countries R36,09 (Excl. Tax)

2

STYLISH KITCHENS FOR LIVING AND ENTERTAINING

GBR/24229/GH

BLACK MUSSEL 50 |

ACACIA HONEY 69 |

GREY LOURIE 32 |

Paint so smart, you’ll style your life around it.

Introducing Duram’s new Habitat Colour Collection, a curated palette for the contemporary home. Featuring 90 beautiful designer colours from subtle earthbound neutrals to dark inky hues, choosing the perfect colour for your living space couldn’t be simpler. Inspiration comes easily with Duram’s richly pigmented interior and exterior paints that provide exceptional depth of colour, luxurious finishes and superior long-lasting results that always look smart.

Ask for Duram at your local hardware store. The paint that’s made smart to look smart.

Each colour is available for purchase in convenient and affordable 90ml Colour Samples at select stores.

Dry paint colour and sheen may vary from colours shown.

74 42

26

contents

66

16

FEBRUARY 2020 decorating 6

TREND SPOTTING: BACK TO

60

86

WORKING WONDER A

HERE COMES THE NIGHT

HOME FRONT What’s

NATURE Responsibly sourced

storage space becomes a

The lowdown on garden and

happening on the

decor items

home office

outdoor lighting

decor scene?

10

14

16

INSPIRATIONS: A GOOD

ARCHITECT’S PLAN: OUT OF

VINTAGE Create a soothing

THE BLUE A contemporary

bathroom sanctuary

renovation of a Cape house

18

63 64

BAREFOOT LUXURY An elegant

90

HOME WORK Stylish office accessories

landscapers recommend

THIS MONTH’S GOOD IDEA

plants for shady areas

94

Revive an old desk

34

42

DESIGNED FOR LIVING

gardening

Clever ways to minimise

Savvy additions turned a

66

garden upkeep

AND RELAX Use a bench as a

family home

striking focal point

GOING WITH THE FLOW

68

Cover photograph: Barefoot Luxury, page 18 Photograph: Karl Rogers

97

GARDEN NOTES Garden news and debuts

A SMALL GARDEN WITH A

100 BETWIXT AND BETWEEN Find

A 1940s house updated to suit

BIG HEART Colour dominates

out what to plant between

this creative family’s needs

this tiny estate garden

the growing seasons

THAT’S A GOOD IDEA Fabulous

the house

56

THE GREEN ROOM: SIT BACK

dated house into the ideal

74

updates for every room in

52

NINE STEPS TO A LOWMAINTENANCE GARDEN

coastal retreat in Kommetjie

26

COOL CUSTOMERS Top

BUGLE CALL Colourful, eyecatching climbers

78

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

OUT IN THE OPEN Kitchens that

A Jo’burg garden with areas

embrace the outdoors

for socialising and alone time

THE ART OF DRAMA How to

82

A GARDEN FOR ALL

make the most of a double-

SEASONS Two looks for a

volume living area

small garden

ON THE COVER

gardenandhome.co.za | FEBRUARY 2020

1

118 112

63 68 food & travel 104 FEASTING WITH FRIENDS

124 TREASURE CHEST

Chef and caterer Pholosho

How much are your

Matondolo entertains

collectables worth?

in style

12

DAY DREAMING Linka Rasmussen’s whimsical paintings

new in the world of

promotions & offers

food and wine

73

110 BON APPETIT What’s

regulars

112 LAST-MINUTE INVITATION Easy dishes for spur-of-the-

62

127 DIRECTORY AND COURSES Good

COMPETITION Luxury

shopping guide and

bush retreats worth over

short courses

R59 000 up for grabs

128 LAST WORD ON

SUBSCRIPTION OFFER

STYLE Vegan

Sign up now and save

restaurateur Lexi

nautical delights of the

35% on a 12-month

Monzeglio shares her

north German coast

subscription

favourite things

moment occasions

118 BALTIC BEAUTY The

collecting antiques

ENJOY DAIRY AGAIN

122 COLLECTING WITH…

Lactose intolerant? Find a delicious alternative on page 115

Arné Söderlund shares his rare flags

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FEBRUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

READERS’ QUERIES 087 158 0279 or e-mail gardenhome@caxton.co.za EDITOR Mary Jane Harris PRODUCTION/EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Mandy Buchholz 087 158 0279 ART DIRECTOR Geoff Maher geoffm@caxton.co.za KZN CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, DECOR Candice Botha candicebotha@gmail.com CAPE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, GARDENING Marianne Alexander gandhgardenguru@gmail.com FEATURES EDITOR Lauren Delargy laurend@caxton.co.za CHIEF SUB-EDITOR, GARDENING Diane Peacock dianep@caxton.co.za COPY EDITOR Marianne McDonald marianne.malone@caxton.co.za DIGITAL EDITOR Khanyi Mlaba khanyim@caxton.co.za EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Juliette Arrighi de Casanova, Natalie Boruvka, Judy Bryant, Jane Griffiths, Connall Oosterbroek, Tess Paterson, Loren Shirley-Carr, Alice Spencer-Higgs, Tasha Tollmann, Jo Trappitt, Diana Wemyss, Lyn Woodward, Lynne Yates ADVERTISING JOHANNESBURG 368 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall, 2196, 010 492 8356 CAPE TOWN 36 Old Mill Rd, Ndabeni, Maitland, 7405, 021 001 2401 DURBAN 115 Escom Road, New Germany, Pinetown, 3610, 031 716 4444 SUBSCRIPTIONS 087 405 2003, +27 21 045 1809 (international), subscribe online at gardenandhome.co.za or e-mail subs@magsathome.co.za BACK ISSUES 087 405 2003 or 021 045 1809 CLASSIFIEDS Charmaine Pillai 087 087 8898 cp@caxton.co.za Shantal Pillay 087 087 8902 shantalp@caxton.co.za DISTRIBUTION RNA Distributors 12 Nobel Street, Industria 2093, 011 248 3500, rna@RNAD.co.za PRINTING

by CTP Gravure, 19-21 Joyner Rd, Prospecton, and published by the proprietors, Caxton/RP Magazines (Reg No. 68/12588/06) GENERAL MANAGER Anton Botes FINANCIAL MANAGER Rohan French NATIONAL HEAD OF SALES Ronell Buitenbos HEAD OF RETAIL MARKETING AND INNOVATION Dejane Poil MARKETING MANAGER Reinhard Lotz PRODUCTION MANAGER Sada Reddhi DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGIST Aqsa Qureshi EDITORIAL HEAD OFFICE Caxton House 368 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park 2196. Box 1558, Saxonwold, 2132.

Tel 087 158 0279 © All material published is copyrighted and may not be reproduced. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be accepted.

Please note: Variations in actual paint colours may occur. Due to the effect of light, colours are reflected as accurately as the print process allows. While due care is taken to ensure accuracy, SA Garden and Home is not liable for any errors in product listings or availability, pricing or any other information that was checked and has changed since the time of going to print.

THE snowball EFFECT

This garden is proof that you don’t need a lot of space to have a pretty retreat. Find out how to create something similar on page 82.

A

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FEBRUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

I love the effect of the oversized wallpaper design Tammy Holmes chose for her office. See more of her beautiful home on page 26.

I’m dying to try Pholosho Matondolo’s recipe for seared scallops on page 104.

I couldn’t imagine anything more blissful than relaxing on the veranda of this beach house in Kommetjie on page 18.

If you’re into indigenous plants, the Port St Johns creeper is well worth growing. See more beautiful climbers on page 74.

PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN, MAGRIET JANSEN VAN RENSBURG, CONNALL OOSTERBROEK AND KARL ROGERS

t the beginning of every year I start a number of home improvements. I think it’s because, being on leave over the festive season, you tend to notice that the walls need a refresh and the sofa could do with recovering, and that’s how it starts.

Last year, when I returned from the Cape after staying with two designer friends (images of their beautiful house fresh in my mind), I decided that the whole house needed painting. Fortunately, there is a wonderful contractor in my neighbourhood. His team made short work of the job and within a week they were finished.

Then I thought, why put all the pictures back in the same places? This was a great opportunity to give the house a new look, albeit just by moving the pictures around. This involved another designer friend with a good eye and a drill. But, while hanging them, we noticed that some needed reframing and new mount boards, which necessitated a trip to the framing shop.

Against the newly painted walls, the bookshelf and console tables looked grubby, but that was easily fixed with a coat of paint. Then the lamps didn’t look quite right and the shades were crooked – still a work in progress.

In the garden, it was the same thing. We replaced a worn bank with grass steps, which was a huge improvement. However, the pile of leftover bricks sparked the idea of building pillars and a pergola at the far end of the garden. This ended up looking great, but needed creepers to cover it and a rose bed underneath. Off to the nursery.

Then my neighbour very generously gave me his leftover lattice panels, which made the perfect backdrop to the outdoor living area. However, it needed a few more panels to fill the space, so I was on the phone to the lattice suppliers. To get the best effect from the new lattice backdrop, the wall on one side of the veranda had to be removed and the floor extended. This involved the wonderful neighbourhood contractor, and on it goes.

So consider this a heads-up. After you’ve been inspired by the beautiful houses and clever ideas in this issue, be prepared for the snowball effect.

3VERSE/2958/G&H/T10/ENG

CRAFTE D TO A PER FEC T TEN .

THE FINEST BOTANICALS WITH A BOLD SQUEEZE OF FRESH CITRUS, HANDCRAFTED INTO A FRAGRANT AND EXQUISITELY SMOOTH TASTE.

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

MRP Home has joined forces with artist and printmaker Miranda Crooks to create a limited-edition collection. From cork placemats and stationery to floral scatters and chairs, the look is fresh and painterly – ideal for easy-going, summery spaces. mrphome.com

SCENE Stealer Rebel Walls’ new wallpaper collection, La Chinoiserie, features five statement designs based on hand-drawn murals. From weeping willows to exotic birds and butterflies, the palette includes pearl grey, jade and a calming blue. It’s glamour in an instant. Available from St Leger & Viney. stleger.co.za

Poolside COOL Mungo’s latest additions to the Summer towel range are Lemon and Mint – adding a pop of fresh colour to this signature flat-weave collection. Wonderfully soft, the pure cotton towels are woven on vintage looms, which provides a true selvedge and prevents the fabrics from fraying. It’s their longevity and style that truly sets them apart. mungo.co.za

JUST ADD TEXTURE Natural timber accents are a great way to add contrast to a scheme. We love the bold shape of these wooden lanterns, too.

From R1 195 at Weylandts. weylandts.co.za

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

SUMMER Colab

THE RIGHT LIGHT Nordlux’s Ella pendant is the ideal choice for dressing up a quietly elegant space. Minimalist in shape with a matte metal finish, it combines great design and functionality in the best possible way.

Available at Newport Lighting from R1 025. newport.co.za

Escape to the Country Located in Sheffield on the KZN coast, Springvale Country Estate boasts farm-style living within a secure environment. With plots averaging 2 600m² from R1,65 million, homeowners will enjoy expansive gardens with space for up to four dogs, two cats, chickens and ducks. Established trees and natural waterways support indigenous antelope and birdlife, with a network of walking and biking trails allowing access between homes. For more information, visit springvalecountryestate.co.za

WONDER WALLS Few interior finishes are more luxurious than a textured, woven wall. Thibaut’s Grasscloth Resource Vol 5 features natural woven grasses, paper weaves and raffia. The upshot is a wallcovering that’s tactile, has a gentle sheen and comes in a variety of tones from chic neutrals to saturated hues.

Available from St Leger & Viney. stleger.co.za

LET THE LIGHT IN Luxaflex®’s new top-down/ bottom-up shades allow you to open them from above or below, or somewhere in between. The neat Duette® SmartCord® allows for the perfect balance of light, views and privacy.

And there’ll be no lift-cords accumulating at the side of the window. Find out more at luxaflex.co.za

LIGHT Fantastic Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2020 is Classic Blue and we love the pop of this tranquil hue these delicate glass pendant lights, R3 995 from La Grange Interiors, will bring to a room. lagrangeinteriors.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | FEBRUARY 2020

7

Practical MAGIC Both useful and beautiful, rugs are an effective way to tie a room together. Block & Chisel’s new summer collection includes a wide range of styles and colours, from striped jute to circular braided designs. Whichever room you’re updating, these beauties are sure to do the trick. blockandchisel.co.za

HEAVEN Scent Having a gorgeously fragranced home is such a luxury. SOH Collections makes it easy to infuse your home with a beautiful scent, thanks to their Ultrasonic Roma Max diffuser.

Available in a stylish wood finish and seven different scents, it’s simple to use and the 50ml fragrances last for up to eight weeks. sohcollections.co.za

Designer’s

FAVOURITE

“I love shopping at Cécile & Boyd,” says Durban-based interior designer Lisa Walters. “They started out in Durban, and you can find beautiful pieces in limited quantities. Their one-off items and unusual objet always help to create a truly bespoke interior.” cecileandboyds.com; lisa@lisawaltersinteriors.co.za

CLEVER COLOUR

Sheer BEAUTY Hinoki is the gorgeous, new Japanese-inspired collection from Romo. A serene mix of lightweight fabrics and elegant sheers, it comes in a pared-back palette with shimmering metallic accents. Innovative weaving techniques create stunning structural effects – perfect for calm, contemporary rooms. romosouthafrica.com

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FEBRUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Looking for a harmonious shade for that quick decor update? Duram’s Habitat Colour Collection includes 90 shades in a sophisticated, balanced palette. Choosing the perfect colour is made easy thanks to these 90ml low-sheen sample pots, R20 each at selected stores. duram.co.za

ALBERTON

ARCHITECT’S PLAN

OF THE

blue

This Cape Town house was transformed into an entertainer’s dream

A

lthough this project was a renovation, we basically had to start from scratch,” says Cape architect Jenny Mills. “While the original footprint was retained, it’s definitely a new house.” The owners bought the property for its position in the beautiful Welgedacht Estate in Belville, but it was broken up into small rooms and disconnected further by different levels.

The brief included requests for a double-volume entrance hall, open-plan living areas and a more contemporary look, while retaining the original pitched roof. The house is on multiple levels, which proved to be a unique challenge for Jenny.

“We demolished the existing slabs and laid new ones,” she explains. “To

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FEBRUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

do this with an existing building involved some ingenuity.”

As the outdoor living area was small, they increased the size of the garage so that a large terrace with a pool could be constructed above it. The original living room was demolished and rebuilt to create a generous living area and increase the size of the bedrooms above. With a busy social life, it was imperative that the owners had plenty of space in which to entertain.

“Another challenge was marrying the classic, pitched roof with the contemporary style of the new house,” Jenny explains. “We did this with horizontal, cantilevered, concrete eaves that separate the roof and allow it to sit in the background, while retaining the ceiling internally.”

AT A GLANCE THE ARCHITECT: Jenny Mills of Jenny Mills Architecture THE CLIENTS: A professional couple who love entertaining.

THE BRIEF: To design a modern house within the footprint of the original house, with open-plan living areas and ample space for guests.

THE HOUSE: A three-storey, contemporary house with a rim-flow pool, generous living areas and a TV room on the ground floor. Upstairs are two bedrooms, a study and a pyjama lounge.

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS DAVID ROSS

OUT

GET THIS PLAN ONLINE Visit gardenandhome.co.za and click on Decor then Architects’ Plans. garage

The house is large and, while they wanted an open-plan, spacious look, it also had to appear connected. This was achieved with pocket doors, allowing the spaces to be opened up completely, or closed off when necessary.

As the owners are busy professionals, a resort-like air was also on the list of must-haves. Lots of glass, which lets in an abundance of light, and a rim-flow pool provide a laid-back atmosphere.

“It feels as though we’re on holiday at home,” say the owners. “The transformation is something we had hoped for, but didn’t imagine possible.”

First Floor pool

bedroom 2

Basement TV room

study

pyjama lounge

kitchen entrance

open-plan braai area dining and living area

main bedroom balcony

Ground Floor

balcony

SOURCE Jenny Mills Architecture jma.za.net

gardenandhome.co.za | FEBRUARY 2020

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DAY

dreaming Architect Linka Rasmussen’s paintings blur the lines between realism and impressionism What is your background as an artist? I think I was born an artist. My grandfather made incredible handcrafted boats and I used to wander through his workshop. Both my mother and father are creative. I took art in school, but I decided on architecture at university as a discipline to take my creativity in a different direction.

How does your understanding of architecture influence your painting?

They inform each other. Architecture without art lacks form and beauty, leaving it cold, while art without structure and spatial awareness lacks depth.

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FEBRUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

What medium do you work in and why does it appeal to you? I work with oil paint on canvas as the paint has a richness and texture that is tangible.

It is time consuming as the paint dries slowly, so the process is stretched out over weeks and even months. My first five to 10 layers are fluid and thin with a turpentine mix that dries quickly, allowing me to build the structure.

From there, the layers thicken and I mix the paint with linseed oil to give it a beautiful, rich shine.

How would you describe your style?

It’s a mixture of impressionism and

realism. I paint what I see, while allowing my emotions and intuition to contribute. I sometimes blend colours, other times I separate them to overemphasise a feature or highlight a certain element. I want my paintings to remind the viewer of something familiar that they can relate to.

What inspires you? I always consider spatial quality. I love indoor spaces that encourage us to go outside. In that sense, I suppose you can say nature inspires me.

The ocean, in particular, and the in-between space where sea meets land.

That blurred area between what is solid and what is fluid.

Where can readers view your work?

My recent series ‘By the Sea’ is currently on show at PURE at Sage Centre in Ballito, KZN. SOURCE Linka Rasmussen instagram.com/linkarasmussenart PURE facebook.com/pureatsage

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED

CREATIVE SPIRIT

TREND SPOTTING

1 2

4

BACK TO 3

NATURE Reduce your carbon footprint by shopping consciously and locally 6 5

1. Locally made Fauna and Flora scatter, R450, Handmade By Me. 2. Wimbi pendants handmade from palm and wicker with 100% natural dyes, from R1 130, KNUS. 3. Mini mirror set, locally made from sustainable timber, from R299, Native Décor.

4. Handwoven, indigenous grass Soldier stool, R2 530, Dokter & Misses. 5. Bali forest rug made from recycled plastic, R1 399, FabHabitat. 6. Laundry basket, locally made from recycled plastic, R845, The Joinery. 7. Handmade, upcycled Growbag planters, from R200 each (excl. plants), Faithful to Nature.

SOURCES Dokter & Misses dokterandmisses.com FabHabitat fabhabitat.co.za Faithful to Nature faithful-to-nature.co.za Handmade By Me handmadebyme.co.za KNUS knus.co Native Décor nativedecor.co.za The Joinery thejoinery.co.za

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FEBRUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

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

7

vintage

The wallpaper featured in this bathroom is from Morris & Co’s Melsetter collection, available from St Leger & Viney.

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

Combine the romance of the Arts and Crafts movement with modern finishes and fittings for a bathroom that soothes the soul

INSPIRATIONS

EXPERT TIPS David Ralphs, managing director of fabric house St Leger & Viney has these pointers for wallpapering a bathroom Using wallpaper in a bathroom is a great way to add personality and a splash of colour to a room that is most often designed with functionality in mind.

The most important consideration is ventilation. Excess moisture and humidity can cause the wallpaper to peel off, but if the room is well-ventilated, standard wallpaper should work.

As it’s best to avoid using wallpaper in wet areas, use it on the upper half of the walls above the tiles or wainscoting, as shown in the picture on the left.

Vinyl wallpaper is wipeable, so can be used in wetter areas where it could get the odd splash.

To create a similar old-world look, clad the walls with Borastapeter’s Foglavik wallpaper, R1 801/roll, from St Leger & Viney.

Make a statement with a large, on-trend round mirror. Anna mirror, R3 499, Coricraft.

For flooring that doesn’t date, choose a marble-look porcelain tile like the Canal Grande, R573,85/m2, from WOMAG.

You need a wall-mounted mixer with a claw-foot bath. Look for one in the new bronze finishes. Tivoli Roma brushed bronze bath mixer (incl. hand shower), from R3 999, Italtile.

In this style of bathroom, a freestanding bath is ideal.

Classique bath on Imperial feet, R22 000, Victorian Bathrooms.

Emphasise the subtle greeny blues of the wallpaper with smoky glass filled with greenery.

Bottle vase, R990, SHF.

A small table like this half-moon style, R3 813, from Mavromac & Gatehouse takes up little room and provides a place for toiletries and candles.

Luxuriate in an Indulge Jewel bath sheet, R329 each, from Volpes.

SOURCES Coricraft coricraft.co.za Italtile italtile.co.za Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za SHF shf.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za Victorian Bathrooms victorianbathrooms.co.za Volpes volpes.co.za WOMAG womag.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | FEBRUARY 2020

17

TEXT AND STYLING NATALIE BORUVKA PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

luxury

Pared-back interiors and a seamless flow make this home an elegant and comfortable coastal retreat

KOMMETJIE HOUSE

WHO LIVES HERE Angela Simpson and Amos Khan, and their children Stella (11) and Jacob (7). The family lives in Jo’burg and spends as much time as possible at this seaside property.

THE HOUSE A double-storey with ground-floor living areas that open out to a wrap-around veranda and a decked pool.

Also on this level are three bedrooms and bathrooms.

Upstairs are two bedrooms and a bathroom.

A

ngela Simpson and her husband Amos Khan spent many Decembers in Cape Town visiting family. To escape the hustle and bustle, they rented homes in Kalk Bay, Simon’s Town, Miller’s Point and Noordhoek and then, for two consecutive years, in Kommetjie. “We loved the unspoiled, rugged beauty of the area and the proximity to the beach. As a young family, the slow pace of a quaint seaside village was exactly what we needed while on holiday, so we started looking for a property,” says Angela.

THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: The covered veranda is

furnished with weatherproof sofas and chairs from Patio Warehouse and an outdoor rug from HAUS. “My clients want to spend as much time as possible outdoors, so it was very important for them to have a sheltered outdoor living area,” says designer Nicky Tyers. The two wings of the house protect the pool and deck, off which is the stone-clad firepit.

gardenandhome.co.za | FEBRUARY 2020

19

“Because we visit throughout the year, we wanted to be able to open or close areas depending on the season,” says Angela. “In good weather, with the doors open, there’s an easy flow between the interiors and the covered veranda.”

The house they bought in Klein Slangkop – an estate surrounded by fynbos and with picturesque sea and mountain views – required significant renovating. “It was quite rustic and we had something more contemporary in mind. We also wanted five bedrooms, a much bigger kitchen and a spacious outdoor entertaining area sheltered from the strong summer winds.” A friend suggested that they contact designer Nicky Tyers, whose company Lion & Tyers Design Consultants specialises in renovations.

Furnishing the dining area is a wooden table designed by Lion & Tyers Design Consultants, who were also responsible for the metal light fitting. The laundry is discreetly tucked away behind frameless glass doors flanked by oak cabinets. These display blue and white crockery Amos inherited from his grandmother.

“I wanted to create the perfect kitchen where the family can prepare meals together around a large central island,” says Nicky. To bring in more light, a row of windows was installed above the counter. The shutters are by Shutters Cape.

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

To fulfil their brief, Nicky redesigned and extended the ground floor. Working with Coast Projects, the building contractor, the original living room became a spacious kitchen with a large island highlighted by lanterns suspended from a bulkhead. The old kitchen is now the open-plan dining area, while the garage was transformed into a wing housing the new living room. “The living area was divided into two. One half is for the adults and this section is more informal, with a comfy sofa for the kids to watch television on,� says Nicky. The entrance passage features a console table and storage baskets, above which is a specially commissioned artwork. The upholstered furniture in the living area was custom designed with easy-to-maintain slipcovers for a comfortable, relaxed look.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT:

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FEBRUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

The kitchen and living areas now open onto a covered veranda and pool deck through extensive stacking doors and the two wings of the house form an L-shape, which provides protection from the wind. “We all agreed on creating a formal entrance to avoid any confusion as to where to enter the house. The entrance also forms a passage connecting the living room with the open-plan dining and kitchen area,” Nicky explains.

Central to the brief was the couple’s request to keep things simple. “While we didn’t want a fussy, traditional beach look, we did want a touch of barefoot luxury,” says Angela.

Another important consideration was to ensure that the house remained sensitive to its natural setting.

Separating the bed from the dressing area in the main bedroom is a leatherupholstered headboard with mounted reading lights.

The scatter cushions are in fabrics from St Leger & Viney.

The balcony off the main bedroom has beautiful mountain views. The chairs are from Pezula Interiors.

THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM:

The existing concrete floors were resurfaced, and extended to the veranda for a seamless finish. Echoing the colour of the sand dunes, they are practical and pleasantly cool underfoot.

The sense of luxury the couple wanted came in the form of Nicky’s choice of furniture and accessories. “I introduced large slipcovered sofas and armchairs, and for extra comfort added lots of down-filled scatter cushions in beautiful artisanal fabrics. To me, nothing says luxury more than plush furniture and layers of subtle texture created with fabrics, objets and artwork,” says Nicky.

To complement the concrete floors, Nicky chose an easy-on-the-eye scheme of smoky greys, charcoal, white and oatmeal with shades of blue to accent and unify the different areas.

In this guest bedroom, Nicky deviated from the blue theme and introduced an acid-yellow throw from HAUS. Adding a touch of luxury to the streamlined main bathroom is a mirror from Cécile & Boyd.

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

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FEBRUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Get the look Create a cool, coastal feel for your outdoor living area 180 x 270cm Blue Tangier mat, R1 400, India Ink.

Rivoli grey three-seater outdoor sofa, R25 999, Mobelli Furniture + Living.

Ancona outdoor coffee table, R4 499, Mobelli Furniture + Living.

Nasi hanging pod and stand, R12 999, Coricraft.

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

Fabio side table, R1 695, Block & Chisel.

“Every element in this home contributes to the relaxed, elegant environment, which is exactly what we want when we’re on holiday. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect refuge,” says Angela.

ABOVE: Inspired by sleeper cars, the custom-designed

bunk beds in Stella’s room were given a nautical character with brushed stainless-steel ladders.

Baroque navy scatter, from R399, House of Sofia.

Philodendron potted plant, R820, Builders.

SOURCES Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Builders builders.co.za Cécile & Boyd cecileandboyds.com Coast Projects coastprojects.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za HAUS hertexhaus.co.za House of Sofia houseofsofia.co.za India Ink indiaink.co.za Lion & Tyers Design Consultants liontyers.com Mobelli Furniture + Living mobelli.co.za Patio Warehouse patiowarehouse.co.za Pezula Interiors pezulainteriors.co.za Shutters Cape shutterscape.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | FEBRUARY 2020

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JO’BURG RENOVATION

DESIGNED for living

The outdoor entertaining area is designed for hosting parties with a bar at the far end and lots of comfortable seating. The bar stools were custom made by Cane World.

TEXT MARIANNE MCDONALD STYLING JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

Building on the good bones of a dated house, Tammy and Alistair Holmes transformed it into the ideal place to raise a family, work and entertain

WHO LIVES HERE Tammy and Alistair Holmes, their daughters Ivy (2) and Hannah (2 months), and their dogs, Summer and Lucky.

THE HOUSE A double storey in Parkmore, Jo’burg, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen/dining/living area and playroom on the lower level. Upstairs are an office, two bedrooms, a bathroom and kitchenette. The property also has a staff room and woodworking workshop.

W

hen Tammy and Alistair Holmes decided to buy their first family house, the area was the most important consideration. They wanted something secure and close to good schools, in a community with young families. “This house was dated, but it had great bones, was in the right area, and the property had the space to build on a separate wing for visitors,” says Tammy.

Enlisting the expertise of builder Gavin Painting, the couple began the first phase of renovations. This involved gutting the house and installing new oak laminate flooring throughout.

They also added a new kitchen and redid all the bathrooms with new finishes and fittings, and converted what was a study into a playroom. “We also decided to remove the ceilings and leave the rafters exposed to give a very light, airy look.”

After living in the house for a year, they embarked on phase two. A guest wing was built with two bedrooms and a bathroom, plus a small kitchenette to make it self-sufficient. It also houses Tammy’s decor and design studio, Ivy Décor & Design. What Tammy loves about the property is its potential to expand and evolve.

“This house could be sold as a seven-bedroom, and the upstairs extension could also be totally separate. It has so many possibilities.”

Renovated in two phases, the house now has five bedrooms, plus a studio for Tammy’s design business. At the front of the house, a covered patio gives an indication of the cool, tropical feel of the rest of the decor.

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Their daughter Ivy has recently progressed to a ‘big-girl room’ featuring a fun canopy bed and bright curtains, and the nursery was updated with new wallpaper and furnishings for baby Hannah.

The fluidity of the spaces and relaxed, cosy feel of the house are quite a departure from the modern bachelor pad her husband lived in when they met. “Alistair is more adventurous now and gives me free rein,” laughs Tammy. As it turns out, renovating and decorating this house was the reason she started her interiors business after a successful career in marketing.

“This house is the perfect showcase of my style. Decorating it also gave me the opportunity to vet suppliers first-hand.”

Tammy explains that although she enjoys designing ultramodern interiors for clients, for her own home she prefers a more classic look. “I believe homes should be playful and comfortable,” she says. “I love mixing high-end pieces with more affordable ones. When you have dogs and In the sitting area, the dark navy sofa is practical, while the red cabinet adds a playful element. Although the kitchen and breakfast bar form part of the main living/dining area, the pantry and washing up area are hidden at the back so the space always looks tidy when entertaining. The barstools are upholstered in fabric from Mavromac & Gatehouse and the pendants are from Amatuli.

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For the kitchen, installed by Kitcor Kitchens, Tammy took a bold approach with dark navy cabinetry and white quartz countertops.

The fun guest bedroom features two walls in Plascon’s Njabulo and a carved bed painted in Provence by Annie Sloan. Artwork by Paige Gemmel and scatter cushions from MRP Home pull the colours together.

To shake things up in the guest bathroom, Tammy used Moroccan tiles from Union Tiles on the floor and painted the walls in Plascon’s Bovine.

A crystal chandelier found on bidorbuy and three racquet mirrors from SHF provide quirky touches.

kids running around, practical furniture and fabrics are essential. Slipcovers are an excellent option as they can be washed regularly. And, funnily enough, white ones in a preshrunk, hardy fabric are the best as they can be bleached.”

Tammy’s other tips include using dark fabrics in high-traffic areas and natural floorcoverings such as seagrass and jute.

“Not only are they hypoallergenic, but they hide dirt really well and have such a relaxed feeling. Even with the dogs, ours still look brand new.”

“As this is where I choose fabrics and colours for clients, I wanted my office to be a white space,” says Tammy. The wallpaper was designed in conjunction with Cara Saven. To make the guest suite selfsufficient, Tammy incorporated a kitchenette in the passage between the bedrooms and office. The work table in the office is from Block & Chisel and the pendant lights are from @home.

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Get the look Kick back in an entertaining area like this one, reminiscent of the tropics Vintage cage pendant, R1 499, @home.

Marlin side table, R649, Superbalist.

Luca occasional chair, R6 100, KNUS.

Bamboo side table, R1 624, Superbalist.

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

Chelsea scatter, R850, HAUS.

“We love having guests and want them to feel at home here.

We both grew up in warm, welcoming homes and hope our children will have the same memories,” says Tammy. “Visitors should be able to relax and not worry about making a mess or breaking something. With children, you can’t stress about furniture ‒ this is not a show house, it’s for living,” she says.

ABOVE: Ivy’s new grown-up bedroom was originally the study. It

now has a fun yellow feature wall, brightly patterned curtains and an adorable custom-made ‘house’ bed.

Brioche counter stool, R2 199, Block & Chisel.

Malta carpet, R3 400, Coricraft.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Annie Sloan anniesloansa.co.za Amatuli amatuli.co.za bidorbuy bidorbuy.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Cane World caneworld.co.za Cara Saven carasaven.com Coricraft coricraft.co.za Gavin Painting gvpainting@mweb.co.za HAUS hertexhaus.co.za Ivy Décor & Design ivydecor.co.za Kitcor Kitchens facebook.com/kitcorkitchens KNUS knus.co Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za MRP Home mrphome.com Plascon plascon.com SHF shf.co.za Superbalist superbalist.com Union Tiles uniontiles.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | FEBRUARY 2020

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JO’BURG FAMILY HOME

GOING WITH THEflow

In the living area, the white walls were replaced with wood-look tiles, giving the room a much more dramatic, mid-century style. A cluster of pendants from K. Light Import adds a striking focal point.

TEXT MARIANNE MCDONALD STYLING JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

Over the years, Victor and Charlene dos Santos have adapted their 1940s home to suit the changing needs of their family

WHO LIVES HERE Charlene (pictured) and Victor dos Santos and their youngest son, Caleb (13). The eldest, Calvin (19), is at university.

THE HOUSE A 1940s house in Greenside, Jo’burg, with an open-plan living and dining area, separate kitchen, enclosed patio, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a self-contained flatlet on the ground floor. Above the guest bedroom is a study.

W

hen Victor and Charlene dos Santos bought this house almost 20 years ago, they loved the easy flow through the rooms, the relaxing laid-back atmosphere and the very forgiving Oregon pine floors, which have withstood years of bike riding and general wear and tear.

“At that stage, we were first-time

homeowners and new parents, so we had a very limited budget for improvements.

We had also just launched our business, SANTOS, which specialises in lifestyle storage solutions. So, we couldn’t do all the things we wanted straight away,” explains Charlene. Fortunately, Victor is an industrial designer with a wonderful eye for design and the technical ability to go with it. Together with his father, Eugene, who also works at the

Scandi meets mid-century modern in the openplan dining and sitting area where the combination of warm wood and stark black is sophisticated and stylish. The slipcovers on the sofas and ottomans make it family friendly. When they needed to add on an office, the couple built it above the guest room of their 1940s house.

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To add character to the kitchen, they incorporated an old set of drawers that Victor bought from the Wits science lab and fitted it with the same white quartz top as the rest of the countertops.

company, he put many hours of physical labour into the kitchen and bathroom renovations. He also built in all the cupboards and cabinetry as well as undertaking the joinery for the staircase up to the study.

“With young children, we had to be practical and organised and as the house wasn’t large, we had to make the most of the available space,” recalls Charlene. “Originally, there were no cupboards so we made use of the walls with shelving and built-in units ‒ especially in the boys’ rooms.” As a

result, they knew first-hand what young families and those working from home needed, and this had a huge influence on their company. They added custom carpentry to their repertoire, along with an extended range of decor and storage accessories. “Our home is not only a reflection of our style, but also our business,” explains Charlene. “It’s filled with plenty of clever storage solutions that help create an organised home life.”

As, initially, they only had one bathroom, they had to make it as attractive and functional as possible.

By fitting the patio with stacking glass doors, they turned it into an all-weather entertaining and dining area. The table is from Weylandts and the chairs are from Chair Crazy. A series of kodedama suspended from the ceiling provide a connection with the garden. The sitting area of the enclosed patio features artwork Calvin produced while in matric. Victor made the sideboard.

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The former playroom was converted into an Airbnb selfcontained flatlet. The built-in shelving was made by Victor.

Victor clad it with moisture-resistant saligna, which gave it a minimalist, Scandinavian look that still works for them today. Next came the kitchen where they replaced the old countertops with white quartz and clad some cabinet doors with wood veneer. To free up space in the kitchen, the passage running from the garage to the kitchen was roofed and converted into a laundry.

As their business grew, a home office became essential, so they built one above the guest room. To provide access, Victor crafted a staircase with treads formed by drawers that are now used for storing linen.

Next on their list was adding on two bathrooms and a playroom adjoining the dining area. The white walls of the living and dining area were replaced with wood-look tiles taking on a more mid-century style

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that suits the age of the house.

“Although our taste has always tended towards this style,” says Charlene. Their latest improvement was enclosing the patio with stacking glass doors. “It’s become an extra living/dining area that’s perfectly cool in summer and warm in winter,” says Charlene.

Now that their sons are older,

the playroom has been converted into a self-contained Airbnb flatlet with an eat-in kitchen. “The kids had hours of fun in the playroom, but now it’s being put to another good use ‒ generating an income,” says Charlene.

THIS PAGE, ABOVE: The bedroom in the

flatlet features a chest of drawers and a standing lamp from SANTOS.

Visit one of our showrooms Johannesburg 227 Jan Smuts Avenue Parktown North 011 447 3149 Centurion 15 Coachmen’s Park, 26 Jakaranda Street Hennopspark 012 653 6808 Cape Town Eagle Park, Computer Road, Montague Gardens 021 555 1034

“Raw becomes refined.”

Natalie Maier Style-a-Space

Manufacturers of Distinctive Decorative Coatings www.cemcrete.co.za

0860 CEMCRETE

enquiry@cemcrete.co.za

R

Get the look Bring mid-century cool to your living space with modern accents like these

Concessa pendant, R1 693,66, Eurolux.

Casablanca side table, R3 800, Leonardo Designs.

Ziggy Chevron fabric, R373,85/m², Black Fabrics.

Daffodil scatter cover, R645, Esque.

From the guest bedroom, a flight of beechwood stairs made by Victor leads to the office. Each tread consists of a drawer used for extra storage. Victor clad the bathroom with moisture-resistant saligna, which still looks good 10 years later.

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Ritter coffee table, R5 700, KNUS.

SOURCES Black Fabrics blackfabrics.co.za Chair Crazy chaircrazy.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za Esque esque.co.za Eurolux eurolux.co.za K. Light Import klight.co.za KNUS knus.co Leonardo Designs leonardodesigns.co.za SANTOS santos.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za

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

Koda slipcovered three-seater sofa, R9 999, Coricraft.

DECORATING IDEAS

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Outdoor living spaces

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That’s a

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CLEVER IDEA We’ve rounded up some fabulous ways to update and improve your home 42

FEBRUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

Soften a covered patio and give it a cool, garden feel with a green wall.

Designer Angela Saffy of Versatile Interiors clad the wall of this veranda at The Precinct Luxury Apartments at Waterfall Estate with faux greenery.

“I basically wanted to bring nature inside,” she says.

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HAPPY HOUR

Transform a corner of the patio into a social hub with a bar table and stools, as designer Dylan Thomaz did under a pergola in this Jo’burg property. Look for a weatherproof set in materials like metal and wood, so you can leave it outside all year round.

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN, SALLY CHANCE, KARL ROGERS AND SUPPLIED

LUSH LOOKS

GET MORE ONLINE For more outdoor living ideas, visit gardenandhome.co.za

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3

AN ABSOLUTE SHOWER

If you don’t have the space or budget for a swimming pool, an outdoor shower is the next best thing for cooling off in the heat. Have it properly plumbed with hot and cold water so you can use it in all seasons, and place it so that the water drains into the garden.

4

FIRM FOUNDATION

When constructing an outdoor entertaining area, consider building in seating at the same time. On this terrace, built by CDH Projects, the seats are neatly finished with timber, and washable cushions give them comfort and style. Styling by Juliette Arrighi de Casanova.

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PATTERN APPEAL

Add interest and pattern by tiling the floor. Moroccan-style tiles, like these from Moroccan Warehouse, are all the rage and offset contemporary furniture to perfection.

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SHUTTER SERVICE

Make a covered patio comfortable in all weather by enclosing it with shutters. They screen the sun while

allowing air to circulate and give protection from prevailing winds. When it rains, they can be closed to create a cosy living space.

SOURCES CDH Projects 072Â 032 0167 Moroccan Warehouse kundra@mweb.co.za Studio Dylan Thomaz dylanthomaz.com The Precinct Luxury Apartments century.co.za/the-precinct-midrand Versatile Interiors a.saffy@hotmail.co.uk

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2

Guest-ready living rooms

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OFF THE WALL

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When space is limited, take advantage of the walls. At The Precinct Luxury Apartments in Waterfall Estate, the wall was clad with timber slats, which add a textured element and hide the cables of the TV. Beneath this, is a wallmounted unit that houses electronic equipment. Underneath, there is space for two ottomans, which can be pulled out for extra seating. Decor by Spiandi Dickson of Cotton and Yarn Interiors.

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INSIDE STORY

Unexpected guests? Do a quick clean-up by stashing magazines, toys and other miscellaneous items in a side table with storage space inside, such as this Ballito stool, R1 699, from Coricraft.

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SIMPLY CHIC

This living room is an excellent example of creating a place for everything. The coffee table has space for magazines underneath, floating shelves display attractive items, while

5

4 everything else can be hidden in the white unit below. The result is neat and uncluttered.

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BASKET CASE

TV rooms naturally accumulate remotes, magazines, throws and toys. Use a large, attractive basket placed under a console table or TV unit as a receptacle so that the room can be tidied in seconds. Decor by The Private House Company.

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SHELF LIFE

Take advantage of a recess or alcove and build in shelving to display ornaments. Add a wider surface to act as a desk and include drawers so that the laptop and paperwork can be hidden from view.

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PET PROJECT

Keep the dogs off the sofa by giving them their own designated spot, like this bed from the Nap Stations range from Ora Pets.

Choose a fabric that complements your scheme.

SOURCES Coricraft coricraft.co.za Cotton and Yarn Interiors cottonandyarn.co.za Ora Pets orapets.com The Precinct Luxury Apartments century.co.za/the-precinct-midrand The Private House Company privatehouseco.co.za

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1

Sociable kitchens

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OPEN HEARTED

In an open-plan layout, the kitchen has to match up to the decor in the rest of the house. In this kitchen by Easylife Kitchens Table View, the smart black and white scheme is in keeping with the contemporary style. Glass-fronted cabinets give it a more furnished look and the island has plenty of wine storage, making entertaining a breeze.

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DIVIDE AND CONQUER

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These metal shelves subtly separate the kitchen from the rest of the living area, but still allow you to see

GET MORE ONLINE Make your kitchen the place to be with tips from gardenandhome.co.za

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through. Plus, they provide plenty of space for displaying and storing attractive cookware. Decor by Tessa Proudfoot.

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ISLAND STYLE

You can never have too much storage space in a kitchen. If you prefer a more open, furnished look, replace wall-mounted cabinets with an extra-large island that has drawers and cabinets on both sides.

4

COUNTER MEASURES

If your kitchen doesn’t have room for an eat-at island, consider a narrow peninsular instead. This one, consisting of a countertop extension supported by a metal pole, seats three easily and isn’t visually intrusive.

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HIDE AND SEEK

If you want to screen a scullery or pantry, but don’t have space for a door to open, then opt for a barn door that slides on a rail and needs very little room. One with a distressed-wood finish will add a rustic character and make an attractive contrast to slick cabinetry.

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SPACE INVADER

In a small kitchen, prevent the cabinetry from overwhelming the space by choosing a darker tone for the lower cabinets and a lighter material for the wall-mounted ones. As you can see under them, placing the cabinets on legs also makes them seem less bulky. Kitchen styling by Vanessa de Villiers of Spacenergy, photographed at The Precinct Luxury Apartments, Waterfall Estate.

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SOURCES Easylife Kitchens easylifekitchens.co.za Spacenergy spacenergy.co.za Tessa Proudfoot tessaproudfoot.co.za The Precinct Luxury Apartments century.co.za/the-precinct-midrand

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1

Bedroom sanctuaries

1

THE GREAT ESCAPE

Disappear into another world by covering the walls with a mural. There are designs depicting everything from tropical jungles to mystical cities of ancient China. If that’s a bit exotic for your taste, opt for one of gentle sand dunes like Pale Shore by Rebel Walls from St Leger & Viney.

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GOOD REFLECTIONS

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Up the glam factor in a bedroom by extending the headboard with a series of mirrors. A pair, or trio, of identical mirrors looks more interesting than one.

Choose a dark, antiqued mirror finish for a dramatic, moody look.

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ART OF THE MATTER

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QUIET TIME

Surround yourself with art you love and items that have sentimental value.

Your bedroom is the one place where you can indulge yourself with pieces that mean something to you.

To really make your bedroom an escape from the hurly burly of family life, include a sitting area with a sofa or chairs and a coffee table. Here, you can read, enjoy a cup of coffee and take a little ‘me’ time.

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SERENE SCHEME

Soft tones and sumptuous textures are the key to designing a bedroom that soothes the soul. In this bedroom in a Jo’burg townhouse, designer Anna Correia introduced relaxing shades of duck egg blue mixed with taupe and pale grey.

Adding to the sense of comfort are the deep-buttoned headboard and bench.

The geometric rug adds just the right amount of pattern and enhances the calm, serene look.

MIRROR, MIRROR

Get your day off to a good start with a pretty dressing table. All you need is a table, chair and a stylish mirror. Then add a pretty tray to hold make-up, hair brushes, perfume and a vase of flowers and you’ll be the prettiest of them all. Decor by The Private House Company.

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SOURCES Anna Correia annacorreia.com St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za The Private House Company privatehouseco.co.za

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2

Glam bathrooms

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WALL POWER

Interior designer Sue Bond gave this powder room the wow factor with a striking Pierre Frey wallpaper with a marine life theme from Mavromac & Gatehouse, a bright blue ceramic stool and an oversized circular mirror.

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GLAMOUR GIRL

There’s nothing like a glamorous vanity to add the luxe factor to a bathroom. This one, painted bright blue and embellished with gold fittings, makes a striking focal point. It’s offset

by Thibaut’s Kalahari wallpaper from St Leger & Viney.

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PRIVATE PARTY

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If you want privacy, but don’t want to cut out the light, then adjustable louvre shutters like these from Plantation Shutters are the answer.

“Timber and aluminium shutters are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.

However, for areas where water is in direct contact with the shutters, such as the shower, we recommend aluminium,” says Plantation Shutters’ marketing director, Briggie Kirchmann.

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GRID LOCK

In this property, built by CDH Projects, a Crittall-style, black-framed shower screen and a marble-clad shower give the bathroom a contemporary, yet very luxurious, appearance.

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CENTRE OF ATTENTION

For the ultimate in indulgence, look no further than a freestanding bath. They provide both a striking focal point and a place to soak away the stress. Wallpaper from Sanderson’s The Glasshouse Collection from Black Fabrics.

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A NEW LEAF

To give your bathroom an instant update, fill it with plants. Indoor plant specialist Chantal de Kock of Naak says, “Vanities, bath surrounds and windowsills are perfect for displaying plants, but make sure the ones you choose are suitable for the light conditions in the bathroom.”

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SOURCES Black Fabrics blackfabrics.co.za CDH Projects 072 032 0167 Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Naak naak.co.za Plantation Shutters plantation.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za Sue Bond Interiors instagram.com/suebondinteriors

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OUT

OPEN

Open sesame By furnishing rather than fitting this kitchen, it blends perfectly with the indoor/outdoor style of the rest of the house In keeping with the design of this KZN North Coast home, which has floor-to-ceiling glass doors throughout, the living area/kitchen extends naturally into the garden. “There is minimal separation between the indoors and outdoors, and the garden is visible from the kitchen as well as all areas of the house,” says interior designer Lisa Twyman.

The natural flow is enhanced by the fact that the kitchen is

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not obtrusive. “We designed the island and countertops slightly lower than the standard height and chose nontraditional materials such as dark timber, black finishes and brass, with pieces that look more like furniture than fitted cupboards,” notes Lisa. Her mix of marble, granite, brass and timber has a contemporary look that complements the off-shutter concrete ceilings and walls, and concrete and aggregate flooring.

Even though the cooking area is compact, the welldesigned layout provides easy access to essentials and plenty of work space. “It’s very convenient to work in, and it complements our lifestyle,” says the owner. “Most of our

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SALLY CHANCE

Two fabulous examples of how the heart of the home can be opened up to the great outdoors

KITCHEN INSPIRATION

By keeping the same flooring throughout the living area and kitchen, they flow together seamlessly.

evenings are spent around the island – cooking, eating and doing homework – with the doors wide open.”

“The secret to a functional kitchen is sufficient storage space,” says Lisa. “Drawers are easier to use than shelves, and if you include plenty of them, you can hide the clutter.”

THIS PAGE, FROM ABOVE RIGHT: Framed artworks and a vintage

light fitting enhance the furnished feel. A series of ceiling-mounted spotlights provide plenty of task lighting. Comfortable stools encourage gathering around the kitchen counter, which consists of a marble base with a brass top. With the addition of legs, it looks more like a freestanding piece of furniture than a built-in.

SOURCE Lisa Twyman Design lisatwyman.com

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By moving the kitchen to the original living area and opening it up to the terrace, Sue Lloyd-Roberts (pictured) turned it into the perfect entertaining area When a room just doesn’t work, it’s worth considering moving it to another part of the house. In the case of this Cape Town home, the owner decided to move the kitchen to the original living room to take advantage of the access to the garden. She asked Sue Lloyd-Roberts of Mint Designer Renovations to make it happen and give it a lighter, brighter look.

To give the impression of light and space, Sue designed a new butterfly roof that soars upwards on either side of a central spine. This allowed them to install long, narrow windows just

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below the ceiling. “As well as bringing in more light, these windows reveal views of the treetops and the lush surrounds,” says Sue. The small sliding door was replaced with a five-panel stacking version that runs the length of the room and opens onto a decked terrace. For the kitchen, Sue chose large-format porcelain tiles in the same light grey as the deck so that the flooring flows seamlessly outdoors.

She placed the kitchen, which has light oak and white cabinets, on one side of the spine. On the other side, is a dining area with a built-in banquette and timber table separated by a raised counter, which keeps any prep hidden when entertaining.

To create a focal point, Sue painted the far wall in a deep blue-grey. “It’s a dramatic shade that adds a pleasing contrast

TEXT AND STYLING NATALIE BORUVKA PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

Inside out

THIS PAGE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: The custom-made shelves

and cabinetry feature oak and aluminium tubing. The ceramicware is by Lissa Claassens and the succulents are from Bungalow Living. Sue designed the bench with space under the seat for storing the wood pellets for the fire. The light fittings are from Spain.

To link the kitchen and terrace, Sue chose floor tiles in the same shade as the decking. The chair cushions are upholstered in Mavromac’s new range of outdoor fabrics, the jug is from @home and the plates and napkins from MRP Home.

and highlights the design of the ceiling,” says Sue. It also offsets the owner’s favourite painting.

In winter, a woodburning stove keeps the kitchen cosy, and in summer it takes on a breezy café feel when the doors are opened. “It’s lovely to have a cup of coffee here in the morning, taking in the view of the garden. And, while the area is sheltered, it still has a sense of being outdoors, which makes it perfect fot entertaining,” says the owner.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Bungalow Living bungalowliving.co.za Lissa Claassens Pottery earthplaystudio.com Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Mint Designer Renovations minthouse.co.za MRP Home mrphome.com

DECOR UPDATE

THE ART OF

drama

BEFORE

By painting the walls in Plascon Addo Skin, the living area retained its spacious feel, but now feels more intimate. The scatter cushions were custom made and embellished with velvet piping.

TEXT MARIANNE MCDONALD STYLING JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

Double-volume living areas have become very popular of late. To make the most of them, be inspired by this update of an open-plan living and dining room

BEFORE

O

ur double-volume living and dining area was light and airy with beautiful views, but our furnishings didn’t complement the space,” recall the owners of this Dainfern, Jo’burg, property.

Wanting a contemporary, sophisticated look, they showed interior designer Bronwen Barnes a picture they’d found on Pinterest. It wasn’t of a room, just a setting with dark tones and a lush, green, living wall. “I immediately had the idea of dramatic, moody colours and strong shapes that would fill and enhance this large space,” says Bronwen.

“Rather than starting from scratch, we decided to incorporate some of the owners’ existing furniture and I wanted to combine slick, modern items with others that had patina and character. But, first of all, we dealt with the shell.” Bronwen chose a dark green for the walls to make the double-volume space appear more intimate and at the same time more dramatic, adding a contrast to the white ceiling beams. The colour also connects the two spaces and highlights the views through the tall windows.

“Then we turned to the furnishings,” says Bronwen.

“As it’s important to choose furniture in proportion to the space, we opted to buy a new dining table that filled the area properly. However, we chose one made from reclaimed

Bronwen added a grey chevron rug from T&Co. and a black metal server from Wunders to visually distinguish the sitting and dining areas. To keep costs down, the existing occasional chairs were reupholstered to complement the scheme.

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BEFORE

BRONWEN’S REDECORATING TIPS wood to add character. Then, as a contrast, we brought in sleek dining chairs and added the wow factor with a stylish drinks cabinet and a glamorous glass light fitting.”

While they could incorporate the occasional chairs they already owned into the scheme, the existing sofa was far too small. “In a large space like this, it’s best to have a few substantial pieces rather than a lot of small items,” says Bronwen. For seating, they chose a dark grey corner unit and recovered their existing slipper chairs in a green velvet fabric.

To break the straight lines, Bronwen introduced round nesting tables instead of a coffee table and separated the living and dining sections with a console table behind the sofa. “As the ceiling is high, we filled the space with a series of pendants from Weylandts, which act as a large hanging sculpture.”

The owners are delighted with the transformation.

“Although it’s dramatic and contemporary, it’s also a comfortable place for spending time together, reading a book or watching a video,” they say.

A new dining table was custom made by Amatuli. The chairs from Weylandts and molecule light from K. Light Import give the room a sophisticated edge. The drinks cabinet is from Weylandts.

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Consider the size of the room. If you have a doublevolume space like this, you will need to invest in a sofa and dining table in proportion to the space. Similarly, if you’re downsizing, don’t fill small rooms with furniture that’s too large. It’s better to sell what you have and buy a new piece.

If you want to incorporate your existing furniture, take a look at it. Is it well designed? Sometimes, reupholstering an item is more expensive than getting something new that suits the scheme. However, if an item has a good shape and a solid wood frame (rare these days) it’s worth reupholstering it.

A clever way to cut costs is to use an expensive fabric for the cushions of a chair or sofa and then cover the base in a similar, but more affordable, fabric.

Just because something has sentimental value, it doesn’t mean you have to fit it into your scheme. Try finding another place in the house where you can use it. You should only have things in your home that you absolutely love.

SOURCES Amatuli amatuli.co.za Bronwen Barnes Interiors bronwenbarnes@hotmail.com K. Light Import klight.co.za Plascon plascon.com T&Co. tandco.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za Wunders wunders.co.za

Working WONDER

BEFORE

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SALLY CHANCE

Although tiny and windowless, this room was transformed into a practical, productive work space by two talented designers

MAKEOVER

GET MORE ONLINE Find great ideas for home offices at gardenandhome.co.za

every inch had to count, the team designed a built-in desk and plenty of storage space, including shelves and drawers.

Pop-up plugs disappear when not in use, keeping the work area clutter free. They even managed to fit a bar fridge under the counter.

“As the room has no windows, we chose a frameless glass door that lets in the light and, while cutting out noise, doesn’t make you feel shut away,” explains Chelsea.

“NOW OUR HOME OFFICE is the practical, modern space we envisioned,” says the owner. “It’s ideal for working, checking e-mails and dealing with admin. My husband can’t believe that this tiny room looks this good.”

“THIS ROOM WAS basically just wasted space that we used for storage,” says the owner. “But, because it’s situated just off the pyjama lounge, it had the potential to become a home office.”

HOW THIS ROOM WENT FROM DRAB TO FAB “I wanted it to be modern and light and to look larger than it really is,” says the owner, which was her brief to designers Hayley Blaine and Chelsea La Reservee of Inside Out Home Boutique. They began by gutting the room, removing the existing shelving and chasing the walls to hide the wiring.

Wanting a contemporary look that was also glamorous, the owner chose a pale wallpaper with a subtle, metallic geometric pattern that visually expands the space. As

As the room is long and narrow, the designers fitted a slim, white desk on one side with a storage unit alongside it. In the alcove at the end of the room, a corner counter adds more work space and a bar fridge was neatly fitted underneath. Giving the room its contemporary look are floating shelves and metallic wallpaper, Gravure from United Wallcoverings.

A framed mirror hides the unsightly DB board and reflects light into the corner, while a set of framed botanical prints forms a focal point.

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SOURCES Inside Out Home Boutique insideouthb.co.za United Wallcoverings unitedwallcoverings.co.za

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SHOPPING

1

2 3

4

Home WORK

5

Workspaces should look just as good as any other living area. Here are items that’ll up the style factor

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

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8 7

1. Branch standing lamp, R2 790, SHF. 2. Palazzo two-tier stand, R695, Block & Chisel. 3. Bamako rug, R5 200, HAUS. 4. Union station clock, R1 299, @home. 5. Brooklyn bookshelf, R7 500, KNUS. 6. Mokka desk, R5 499, Coricraft. 7. Akron office chair, R8 300, La Grange Interiors. 8. Black pagoda plant, R409 (excl. stand), The Atrium.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za HAUS hertexhaus.co.za KNUS knus.co La Grange Interiors lagrangeinteriors.co.za SHF shf.co.za The Atrium atriumplants.co.za

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HOME PROJECT

This month’s GOOD IDEA… GIVE AN OLD DESK A BRANDNEW LOOK It’s so rewarding to give old furniture a new life. To update this tired desk, Nan Day of Simply French in Bryanston, Jo’burg, painted the base and drawers with Annie Sloan chalk paint in a mix of Louis Blue and Paris

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Grey. “It’s so easy to do as you don’t have to apply a primer. No sanding needed, just wipe clean and paint.

You can do a one-colour plain finish, or give it a distressed look as I did using two colours. Then, just add

new decorative draw pulls,” says Nan. “For contrast, I sanded down the top, added a stenciled border and finished it with Annie Sloan Lacquer and the base with Annie Sloan Clear Wax.”

SOURCE Annie Sloan anniesloansa.co.za Simply French simplyfrench.co.za

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED

BEFORE

PROMOTION

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Sit back

AND RELAX

The cushions on the bench are in fabrics from Sanderson’s The Glasshouse collection from Black Fabrics.

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

Whether it’s in a conservatory, on a patio or in a corner of the garden, use a bench to create a striking focal point and provide a place from which to admire the view

THE GREEN ROOM Grey Austin bench, R2 990, Patio Warehouse.

Lutyens raw untreated teak bench, R9 950, Plaisir du Jardin.

Two-seater imbuia bench, from R2 760, Wild Ways.

Banana raw untreated teak bench, R10 750, Plaisir du Jardin.

The Kholeti garden bench in Plantation Teak, R8 170, Homewood.

Corda two-seater lounge chair, R9 199, Mobelli Furniture + Living.

EXPERT TIPS If you want to protect your wooden bench and give it a new look at the same time, here are some tips from Frikkie Greeff, Woodoc’s managing director Timber furniture that’s left outdoors, even if under cover, needs to be maintained on a regular basis. To protect it from UV-rays and prolong its life, treat it with a sealer such as Woodoc 30 or Woodoc 35 Exterior Polywax Sealer.

The tinting in Woodoc 35 not only complements the look of the wood, it also provides additional protection in exterior conditions.

If you want to give your bench a whole new look, try Woodoc Colours, available in a range of shades, including wood.

These can be added to clear Woodoc Water-Borne- and Solvent-Based Sealers and applied to bare, sanded wood.

Maintain your furniture with regular applications of a liquid wax such as Woodoc Patio or Woodoc Deep Penetrating Weatherproof Wax, which helps to protect the wood while it cleans and rejuvenates it.

Cuban Morris bench, R24 737, Mavromac & Gatehouse.

SOURCES Black Fabrics blackfabrics.co.za Homewood homewood.co.za Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Mobelli Furniture + Living mobelli.co.za Patio Warehouse patiowarehouse.co.za Plaisir du Jardin plaisirdujardin.co.za Wild Ways wildways.co.za Woodoc woodoc.com

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JO’BURG GARDEN

Despite its small, awkward spaces, this garden is a master class in how to use colour with sophistication and subtlety

TEXT ALICE SPENSER-HIGGS PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

WITH A

T

here is almost no need to ask for directions to Cheryl van Acker’s garden. On arrival at the security estate, the helpful men at the gate sign you through with a simple instruction; drive in and look right! Because, you can’t miss its eye-popping, extravagant, abundant colour and so much more.

When Cheryl met landscaper Debbie Smit of Foxgloves Landscape Design four years ago her brief was simple: “I want an explosion of colour!” Debbie has delivered, and there are more flowers packed into this tiny garden and on the pavement than most other gardens two or three times the size.

“As she’s a florist, Cheryl knows flowers, so when I find something I think she’ll like, I add it,” explains Debbie.

Everything is densely planted, even under the roses, because Cheryl dislikes bare soil.

WHO LIVES HERE Terry and Cheryl van Acker, and Cheryl’s mother, for whom the ‘Double Delight’ roses were planted.

THE GARDEN A small 450m² garden in a security estate in Northcliff, Jo’burg.

‘Knockout’ standards and ‘Satchmo’ roses provide the bold colour that Cheryl van Acker loves. The lavish use of flowering perennials entices one along the pathway to the rest of the garden. The roses on the pavement are enhanced by perennials in softer, matching tones including blue statice.

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Roses are the main feature, with vivid pink ‘Knockout’ standard roses on the pavement, which Debbie describes as “incredibly giving roses” that are never without flowers.

‘Satchmo’ lines the driveway, with ‘Blue Moon’ and ‘Vodacom’ more recent additions.

Under and around them is a dreamscape of perennials: blue statice (the backbone), delphiniums, foxgloves, scabiosa, dwarf alstroemerias and pink and red valerian. Most of the colour comes from perennials chosen for their long flowering period, with the only annual colour provided by ranunculus and poppies (Iceland and Shirley) planted for Cheryl’s husband, Terry.

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Moving from the pavement, a white wrought iron fence demarcates the inner garden. Perennials flow through and fill the small space, leaving just enough room for a little pathway leading to a bench under a banksia-covered arbour.

It’s a detour, because the main pathway brushes past the rose ‘Dancing Ayoba’ and tumbling star jasmine towards the hidden garden at the back. The effect is one of surprise and delight, because the short passageway gives no indication of what is to come.

A perfectly placed mirror decorates a bare wall, increasing the natural light and visually enlarging the space. Fragrant star jasmine covers the boundary wall. The tiny front garden, also densely planted with a profusion of long-flowering varieties, offers a quiet space under a banksia-covered arbour.

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A long, blue pool draws the eye all the way to the back of the garden. With a bench as the focal point, it’s framed by roses on either side. ‘Oklahoma’ standards run along the bordering wall, fragrant ‘Double Delight’ under the bedroom windows, with lacy blue statice at their feet, and creamy spires of verbascum.

The final section of the garden is a tranquil space, with muted colours, dappled shade from silver birches underplanted with daffodils for spring, lupins, shrubs, and for height, two newly planted ‘Carmine’ spire roses.

Colour is the signature of this garden, but it’s a sophisticated palette, using tonal ranges within a scheme of red, pink, and purple, all complementary colours on the colour wheel.

“Most people go for contrasting colours on opposite sides of the wheel, but working with tonal variations produces a more subtle effect,” says Debbie. For instance, the pinks are not girly pinks, but mature woman pinks that reflect the rich, warm personality of her client.

The sparkling expanse of the pool attracts attention, with ‘Double Delight’ roses on the left and ‘Oklahoma’ and ‘Iceberg’ roses on the right. The lupins and foxgloves are Cheryl’s pride and joy and she waters them by hand.

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As she doesn’t want to harm the bees, Cheryl won’t use chemical sprays and fertilisers, so every effort is made to grow healthy plants that can withstand pests and diseases.

The garden is composted regularly; the roses are fed with Vigorosa every eight weeks and with Talborne organic fertiliser in between. The perennials are foliar fed with Multifeed every two to three weeks.

“I know that rose expert Ludwig Taschner doesn’t like planting under roses,” admits Debbie, “but one just needs to provide sufficient water and nutrients so that the roses thrive.” Ludwig certainly does approve, having chosen Cheryl’s garden to be part of last year’s bus tour to some of Jo’burg’s best rose gardens.

The back garden is a serene green ‘room’ enclosed by roses on one side, shrubs and trees on the other with an inviting bench. Red valerian, left to grow freely along with erigeron creates a soft, dreamy effect along the path. This section of the back garden was raised to give the impression of space.

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When it comes to creating the illusion of space, Debbie has some tricks up her sleeve. A mirror in the narrowest part of the garden opens a window into infinity. In the back garden, the original lawn was split into two levels. “The psychological effect of stepping up and down gives the impression that the area is bigger than it really is,” says Debbie.

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SOURCES Foxgloves Landscape Design 083 449 7048 Ludwig’s Roses ludwigsroses.co.za

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Safari Plains redefines luxury in the bush, with a magnificent high-ceilinged dining room, elegant lounge, impressive bar and relaxing spa. All the tented suites have private wrap-around decks. Spot the Big Five on open-vehicle safaris, bush walks and horseback safaris.

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. The first correctly completed entries to be drawn will win the prizes. 2. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 3. The prizes are non-transferrable and can’t be exchanged for cash. 4. Employees of Mabula Game Lodge, Safari Plains, CTP Caxton, their advertising agencies and immediate families may not enter the competitions. 5. Accommodation is subject to availability and excludes peak travel periods. The prizes are valid for one year from date of notification. 6. The prizes exclude conservation levy, transfers, beverages and items of a personal nature. 7. Entries close on 29 February 2020. 8. The competitions are only open to South African residents over the age of 18. 9. The winners will be notified telephonically. 10. To comply with the Consumer Protection Act, postal entries will no longer be allowed and the winners will be required to supply their ID numbers. 11. E-mail addresses are not mandatory. 12. By entering the competition, you give Caxton Magazines the right to present other Caxton offers to you.

gardenandhome.co.za | FEBRUARY 2020

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Bugle

Y

ou can never have too many climbers in your garden,” says plant specialist Leoné Williams of Petal Faire Nursery in Pretoria. “But, remember that while most are well behaved and will obediently fill up a trellis or neatly cover your pergola, there are some that, given the chance, will try and take over,” she warns. To get plentiful blooms over the longest period, plant them in good soil, water regularly, feed in spring with Talborne’s Vita Fruit and Flower (3:1:5) and always keep a pair of secateurs at hand.

1

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS CONNALL OOSTERBROEK

Leoné Williams of Petal Faire Nursery selects nine popular climbers with eye-catching, trumpet-shaped blooms

FLOWERING CLIMBERS

2

1

NEPAL TRUMPET FLOWER (BEAUMONTIA GRANDIFLORA) This strong creeper has large, glossy leaves and magnificent, fragrant, 150mm-long, white flowers. It’s hardy to -3oC and can climb up to 10m high. “I adore this plant and mine is in flower practically throughout the year,” enthuses Leoné. “But do give it a strong support and some space to grow as the vines can get quite thick and heavy. Or use it as a cascading shrub against a wall,” she says.

2

PORT ST JOHNS CREEPER (PODRANEA RICASOLIANA)

Similar to the bower vine, this aptly named rambler hails from the Wild Coast and is an excellent choice for indigenous enthusiasts. Fast growing

and easy to cultivate, it needs full sun and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.

Give it regular applications of wellrotted compost and plenty of water in summer. It can also be grown in large containers placed where the long stems can be trained up the pillars of a pergola.

3

BOWER VINE (PANDOREA JASMINOIDES) This Australian native blooms willingly, is easy to propagate and doesn’t require much maintenance. Its neat habit and showy blooms make it good for decorating walls, hedges and trellises. Look out for ‘Rosea’ (pictured), ‘Southern Belle’ and varigated ‘Charisma’. It flowers from late winter into midsummer.

“It will tolerate mild frost, but prefers warmer climates and may need a good trim every so often,” says Leoné.

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5 The plants must be kept well-watered and are best trained over gazebos, pergolas and arches to allow the large racemes to hang down. Don’t train it against a fence as the flowers won’t show off well.

5

BLACK-EYED SUSAN (THUNBERGIA ALATA)

4

4

INDIAN CLOCK VINE (THUNBERGIA MYSORENSIS) Although this climber is sensitive to cold, its unique blooms in cascades up to 30cm long make it well worth growing. “I started off my first plant in a large pot so it could acclimatise over a couple of winters. Once planted in the garden, it did very well,” says Leoné.

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This indigenous creeper is loved for its fast growth and lovely colours.

In temperate parts of the world, it’s treated as an annual and grown in window boxes and tubs. However, in most parts of SA, it will survive the winters, and in warmer regions, even continue flowering. “I often use it as a groundcover when I have a large area to fill,” says Leoné. It grows easily from seed and cuttings. Look out for ‘Suzie Mix’ (pictured) from Ball Straathof.

6

ROCK TRUMPET (MANDEVILLA VAR.)

“With their bold blooms and lush foliage, these are just the plants to add tropical flair,” says Leoné. They will

6 happily scramble up an airy trellis or tumble over a large container, but remember that they loathe being trained up a hot wall. Prolific bloomers, they flower from early spring right into late autumn. While they thrive in warm, humid regions, they’ll grow on the Highveld if given a sheltered position. Make sure though, that the air can circulate around them. Water well through summer. The Diamantia range from Ball Straathof comes in a wide variety of gorgeous colours that include ‘Tourmaline’ (pictured).

7

MEXICAN BLOODTRUMPET (DISTICTIS BUCCINATORIA)

This strong climber offers bold, almost

8

7 brash blooms offset perfectly by the lush, leathery leaves. It does best in a sunny position, preferring loamy, well-drained soil. “A single plant can cover quite a large area, if provided with support. Left to its own devices, it can climb up to 25m so cut it back when necessary,” advises Leoné. Prune immediately after flowering. Hardy up to -50C.

8

MEXICAN VIPER (MAURANDYA BARCLAYANA) Delicate leaves and foxglove-like flowers make this climber a firm favourite. “Although it grows well from seed, it’s best to sow a few at a time to ensure success,” says Leoné. Plant it in full sun or part shade in rich soil and

allow the tendrils to tumble over pots or clamber up fences. Once established, it doesn’t need much care. In frost-prone areas, treat it as an annual and replace every year. It comes in purple, pink and white.

9

BENGAL TRUMPET VINE (THUNBERGIA GRANDIFLORA)

Boasting large, gloxinia-like flowers in summer and autumn, this evergreen climber is particularly well suited to warmer areas. “It’s a strong grower and mine is seldom without flowers, but it can be hammered by frost,” cautions Leoné. As it has a large rootstock, don’t plant it close to buildings or paving, rather use it to cover pergolas and fences.

SOURCES Ball Straathof ballstraathof.co.za Petal Faire Nursery petalfaire.co.za Talborne Organics talborne.co.za

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attract

Although it’s compact, this cleverly designed garden boasts areas for socialising and quiet contemplation

TEXT LYNNE YATES PHOTOGRAPHS LOREN SHIRLEY-CARR

OPPOSITES

SMALL ESTATE GARDEN

BEFORE

WHO LIVES HERE A professional couple, Stephen and Tilana Endersby.

THE GARDEN A contemporary, low-maintenance 50m2 garden, with firepit and movie screen in a secure estate east of Jo’burg.

F

aced with a totally featureless garden, aside from a lawn and swimming pool, Stephen and Tilana Endersby envisioned one that would be an extension of their living area, with firepit for entertaining and would also include somewhere for solitude and reflection.

“We wanted an easy-to-maintain garden with a precise layout,” they recall.

Situated in the far corner of the property, the entertaining area consists of a raised deck surrounded by stone-clad, built-in seating. A pergola provides privacy and the screen is often used for movie nights and big matches. The existing swimming pool was updated with the installation of raised stone water features and a planter box.

A railway sleeper and gravel pathway leads to the front lawn.

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Craig de Necker and the team at The Friendly Plant came to the rescue. “Fortunately, the pool area and the back garden were separated by a small gate so this made a natural division.

We designated the front section for entertaining and kept the back garden as a quiet zone,” explains Craig.

To make the entertaining area a destination, they decided to place it in the far corner against the boundary wall. As it’s surrounded by double-storey houses, to provide privacy, a pergola was constructed over a raised deck. Seating was built in around the edges and clad with stone, and in the centre, they installed a gas firepit. A popular feature is the movie screen on the wall opposite, which comes in handy when friends are invited to watch a big match.

Inspired by contemporary and Mediterranean styles, this area encourages conviviality. “It lends itself to social occasions with drinks and food on warm summer evenings and also in winter when the fire is lit,” says Stephen.

Alongside is the swimming pool, which the landscaping team embellished with two water spouts on either side of a raised planter filled with Dietes grandiflora. “We specifically

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Neatly edged with cobblestones, this bed is planted with Carex ‘Frosted Curls’ and ‘Evergold’, Syzygium paniculatum standards, wild garlic and phormiums. From the upper storey of the house, the structured lines of the design are clearly visible. Beds and paving demarcate the different areas, softened by neat low-maintenance plantings.

The sound of running water from the stone-clad water feature adds life to the entertaining area, while muting outside noise.

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BEFORE

requested water features to incorporate sound and movement in some way,” says Tilana. “The sound also muffles the noise of passing cars,” adds Craig.

“While we liked the idea of low-maintenance, indigenous plants that would offer year-round interest, by and large we left the choice of plants to Craig’s team,” says Stephen. Although the layout is geometric, the lines are softened by informal plantings. These include contrasting textures, shades of greens and pops of yellow.

Surrounding the pergola, grasses including mondo grass, Carex ‘Evergold’ and ‘Frosted Curls’ mingle happily with Tulbaghia violacea and architectural plants and succulents such as aloes, agaves, lampranthus and Cotyledon barbeyi.

A bed of Syzygium paniculatum, Tulbaghia violacea, phormiums and carex lines the boundary wall.

From the pool area, a railway sleeper and gravel pathway leads to the front lawn at the far end of which is the gate to the rear section. Once through the gate, the change in mood is noticeable. Emphasising the sense of tranquillity are tall, arched hybrid Duranta repens standards, which line the path to a wall-mounted bench flanked by lanterns and a small water feature.

“The garden has proved to be the perfect place to escape everyday life. When Tilana and I get the opportunity to work from home, we take a break by enjoying a cup of coffee under the pergola or on the bench in our quiet zen-like space,” says Stephen. “And, when we entertain, the garden takes on a totally different, more social personality.”

To provide a tranquil spot for solitude and meditation, a bench was mounted on the far wall and flanked with lanterns and a small water feature.

Carex ‘Evergold’. Duranta repens hybrid.

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SOURCE The Friendly Plant thefriendlyplant.co.za

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A FOR ALL

A

small garden is no reason not to have a beautiful private sanctuary filled with pretty plants,” says landscaper Terry Moller-Welsh of DIY Garden Designer. This one measuring just 5 x 5m is a perfect example.

Designed by Terry for the Garden World Design Show in Gauteng, it has a formal, classic design that makes the most of the compact space.

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“In a small garden, it’s best to keep the design simple,” says Terry. “As it’s surrounded by boundary walls on two sides and a white picket fence on the third, I used formal lines, which I balanced with informal, relaxed planting.” A square, raised bed was built in the centre, and to catch the eye and add height and interest, she placed a classical fountain in the middle. “This reinforces the style of the garden while

bringing the soft sound of falling water.

Another essential element of this style is the metal bench.”

To give a sense of seclusion and soften the boundary walls, she planted a border around the edge of the garden, keeping in mind that the area is in dappled shade.

“It’s important that the backdrop looks lush and green all year round, so here I included Blechnum gibbum ferns and Murraya exotica clipped into topiary. The

TEXT TASHA TOLLMANN PHOTOGRAPHS MAGRIET JANSEN VAN RENSBURG AND BALL STRAATHOF

With a good framework in place, you can change the look of a small garden to suit the time of year just by replacing the annuals

SMALL GARDEN DESIGN

Paint Master painted the walls using Stonewash and Don’s Wash. The faux lawn was laid by Forever Green Lawns.

murraya has evergreen glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers from spring to autumn, but if this shrub is prohibited in your area, you can use Viburnum tinus standards instead. They also produce pink-white flower heads in spring, but don’t have the scent.”

As this garden doesn’t get a lot of sun, lawn was not practical and faux grass, which looks gorgeous all year round – no mowing required – was laid instead.

The central bed overflows with spring-flowering cyclamens and alyssum offset by delicate Rumohra adiantiformis ferns. A succulent wall hanging by John Sauer of Ngena Succulents breaks the expanse of the boundary wall. Hanging baskets along the fence feature Brachyscome ‘Fresco Candy’, gypsophila, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ and alyssum.

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Brachyscome ‘Fresco Candy’

SPRING SELECTIONS

Indiaka cyclamen

“In a small space, every plant must contribute something, so choose them carefully,” says Terry. “For spring, I decided on a soft, pastel colour scheme and used massed Indiaka cyclamens, which have pretty pink edging, plain white cyclamens and white honeyscented alyssum, all offset by delicate Rumohra adiantiformis ferns.

“Boundary walls are very evident in a small garden, so break their expanse with decorative elements, such as wall decorations.” She also made use of hanging baskets along the wooden trellis to add colour and texture.

Planted in them is a mix of gypsophila, Brachyscome ‘Fresco Candy’, trailing Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ and alyssum.

Viburnum tinus

Gypsophila

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Begonia Sprint Plus Rose from Ball Straathof

Beacon Red-Blue fuchsias from Ball Straathof

FOR SUMMER/ AUTUMN PLANTING “When spring is over, replace the Indiaka cyclamens with Begonia semperflorens, which come in a range of colours so you can bring in warmer tones to reflect the warmer weather,” suggests Terry.

“Another great choice for adding colour in a semi-shady area are the new disease-resistant impatiens, which also offer amazing colours and lush leaves and work well with the soft texture of the Rumohra adiantiformis ferns.”

Once the spring-flowering gypsophila, brachyscome and alyssum in the baskets start looking tired, remove them and replace with Impatiens walleriana. These trailing impatiens are perfect for hanging baskets in semi-shade areas producing single or double flowers in a wide range of colours.

To add seasonal interest to the boundary border interplant the standards with exotic-looking fuchsias. Their dainty ballerina-like flowers come in a wide variety of colours and add interest for months on end.

Big Bounce impatiens from Ball Straathof

SOURCES Ball Straathof ballstraathof.co.za Forever Green Lawns 012 003 1541 Garden World gardenworld.co.za Ngena Succulents 079 317 5396 Paint Master paint-master.co.za Terry Moller-Welsh, DIY Garden Designer 082 326 9274

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

Here comes

THE NIGHT Lighting not only lets you enjoy your garden long after dark, if installed correctly, it can also transform it into a magical wonderland

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

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ith the right lighting, you can make use of outdoor spaces for both relaxing and entertaining long after the sun has set. While you might only think of lighting in terms of safety, don’t ignore its decorative effects. It can be used to give gardens, patios and swimming pools a magical resort-like feel, and a totally different look to their daytime appearance. An outdoor scheme should ideally include the following: AMBIENT LIGHTING This is general lighting that illuminates a large area and should have a comfortable level of brightness. Wall lights, those on posts, pendant lights on patios and bollards along pathways and next to steps are good ways to include ambient lighting.

TASK LIGHTING This enables you to perform tasks such as braai without burning yourself and negotiate steps and pathways. Use it along driveways so that you and visitors can park safely.

ACCENT LIGHTING Use this type of lighting to add drama and visual appeal to specific features. For example, using spotlights to illuminate trees, accent plants, architectural features and sculptures. Underwater lighting can be used to highlight ponds and pools.

Clifton LED brick or step light, R399, The Lighting Warehouse.

Pond lamp, R517, Eurolux.

LED flood light, from R79, The Lighting Warehouse.

SECURITY LIGHTING More for practical reasons, this usually involves motion-sensor floodlights and day/night sensors, which automatically switch off outside lighting. But lighting up outdoor areas boosts the security of your home.

Wall washers highlight the texture of this stone wall and light the pathway.

Illuminate steps by recessing fittings into the risers.

Accent lighting increases the dramatic appeal of sculpture.

The above-mentioned gardens were all landscaped by Inspirations. Die-cast aluminium light fittings like these from Eurolux are maintenance free.

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Dealing with the elements To be legally compliant when installing lighting outdoors, only use fittings designed to withstand long-term exposure to the elements. All fittings have an IP (ingress protection) rating according to their level of protection against moisture. A low IP rating of 20 would apply to indoor fittings, 44 would be for a bathroom, 65 for a splash-proof outdoor wall light and an

IP rating of 67 is necessary for a fitting exposed to rain and irrigation. Always check the rating before purchasing.

“We highly recommend fixtures made from UV-stabilised shockproof resin and die-cast aluminium,” says Kelly Klopper of Eurolux. These fixtures have proven ideal in coastal conditions as they’re maintenance free, anti-rust and anticorrosive. Die-cast aluminium fixtures emit more light and heat than steel. When aluminium is exposed to air, it generates a protective oxide coating making it resistant to corrosion.

Outdoor light fittings Once you’ve decided what type of lighting effects you want, choose fittings that will give the desired results.

Wall lights are a practical option, don’t take up much room and can be mounted on virtually any surface. If they are waterproof, they can be used in covered and exposed outdoor areas and are perfect for both ambient and task lighting.

Ceiling and pendant lights provide ambient lighting for Well-placed post lights and pond lamps create a magical setting for entertaining at night.

Landscaping by Mike Carver. These unobtrusive bollards from Eurolux add ambience and guide visitors safely along the path.

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covered patios and come in a wide range of styles. Since they are under cover, they only need to be rated for damp areas.

Post and pedestal lights are mounted on top of posts and provide far-reaching ambient light. Perfect for entrances, fences, gardens, or around decking, they need to have an IP rating of 68.

Landscape lights are low-voltage, wet-rated lights used to light up features such as trees, pillars, arches, sculptures, focal points and decorative wall surfaces. They include spotlights, spike spotlights, floodlights and bollards and can change the personality of a garden, giving it a glamorous new look. Use spotlights to highlight a tree or statue, or position them below or behind an object to create interesting shadows or to define their shape. For something magical, wrap a tree trunk and lower branches with fairy lights.

Deck and step lights are designed to be set into, and lie flush with, surfaces such as floors, decks and steps (either on the risers or on an adjacent wall) or surface mounted. They can be used for both safety and decorative purposes.

Stainless steel ground light, R802, Eurolux.

United LED bollard, R1 138, Eurolux.

Energy efficiency With the ever-increasing cost of electricity, LEDs are the best energy-efficient option for outdoor lighting. Long lasting and cost-efficient, they come in different wattages, shapes and sizes.

SAFETY TIPS Outdoor lighting specialist Douglas Sinclair of Bhadisa Electrical has these tips for installing garden lighting Only buy fittings and materials from a reputable dealer as poor quality products will result in circuit board failure and could lead to shocking. Visit the SAFEhouse website, safehousesa.co.za for a list of approved dealers.

Only use a qualified electrician to do the installation.

If you have an existing Certificate of Compliance (COC) for your property, ask the electrician to add an annexure of the extensions onto the certificate.

Ensure that the cables are laid at least 600mm deep, and although more expensive, it’s advisable to insist on steel wire armoured cable (SWA).

Ensure that the electrician puts junction boxes and joins above ground so that they are accessible for maintenance and fault finding.

Familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions and regulations, and mount fittings accordingly.

Use landscape lighting to create interesting effects such as highlighting a tree. Spotlights are ideal for architectural features. Add ambient light with wall-mounted fittings. Landscaping by Elizabeth Steyn.

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LED outdoor wall light, R1 420, K. Light Import.

Chic bracket outdoor lamp, R510, K. Light Import.

SOURCES Bhadisa Electrical 083 22 77 969 Elizabeth Steyn elizabeth@elizabethsteyngardens.co.za Eurolux eurolux.co.za Inspirations inspirationsjhb.co.za K. Light Import klight.co.za Mike Carver 082 453 3966 The Lighting Warehouse lightingwarehouse.co.za

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Cool CUSTOMERS Brighten up dark, gloomy areas with shade-loving plants recommended by top landscapers

3 HYDRANGEA QUERCIFOLIA (OAK LEAF HYDRANGEA) “This is a lovely shrub for a shady mixed border. It grows about 2m high and 1,5m wide. In summer, the creamy white flowers cover the bush, but really come into their own in autumn when they turn shades of pink, followed by dark red and purple.” Prune it in spring before the flowering season.

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BLOOMING MARVELLOUS The delicate flowers and bold foliage of landscaper Karen Gardelli’s recommendations for shade add an enchanting, fairy-like touch to woodland areas. All three thrive in fertile soil to which slow-release 2:3:2 fertiliser and compost should be added. Keep them moist but not soggy.

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PLECTRANTHUS ECKLONII “If you want a romantic fairyland look under trees, this large plectranthus (visible in the centre) with its soft flower spikes is a must,” says Karen. Its blooms come in white, blue or pink and appear in autumn.

“At the end of the flowering season, prune the bush back by at least half and it will come back stronger.”

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P. ‘MONA LAVENDER’ “This plectranthus is a good performer in shade and partial shade, growing into a dense, rounded bush about 1m high,” says Karen. The pretty lavender flowers with purple markings appear from summer to autumn. “After flowering, prune it back hard and pinch off about 5cm of the flowering stems to encourage new growth.”

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TEXT LYNNE YATES AND LOREN SHIRLEY-CARR PHOTOGRAPHS LOREN SHIRLEY-CARR AND SUPPLIED

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REPEAT PERFORMERS “For shade, I prefer a mix of flowering annuals, perennials and shrubs, which provide interest for most of the year,” says horticulturist Keith Kirsten.

His choices all prefer well-draining, fertile soil.

SALVIA ROCKIN’ ‘FUCHSIA’ AND ‘DEEP PURPLE’ “These colourful salvias perform as an annual in frosty areas and bloom nonstop throughout spring, summer and into autumn,” says Keith. “They’re compact, easy to grow and troublefree. You can easily trim them to keep them in the shape and size you prefer, which also encourages them to branch out and become bushier, bearing even more flowers.” They’re drought tolerant and only need moderate watering.

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3A ANTHERICUM SAUNDERSIAE ‘STARLIGHT’ “To lighten up a dull spot, look no further than this indigenous, grass-like perennial,” says Keith. Its variegated white and green leaves and sprays of white, star-shaped flowers provide contrast and look impressive when planted in large groups.

Provide moderate water.

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3B ENCORE AZALEAS ‘AUTUMN EMBERS’ (3A) AND ‘AUTUMN CARNIVAL’ (3B) “These shade-loving azaleas are easy to care for and provide brilliant colour throughout spring, summer and autumn,” says Keith. Grow them in acid soil, feed with a slowrelease, granular, azalea fertiliser and mulch with pine needles.

Water them moderately.

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GET MORE ONLINE For more shade solutions for the garden, visit gardenandhome.co.za

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GAME OF TONES Craig de Necker of The Friendly Plant likes to combine plants with different heights and textures. “Include those with variegated leaves, add a pop of bright red with a foliage plant like iresine, and texture with a tree fern,” he says. His recommended plants prefer well-drained, compost-enriched soil.

“Water regularly to keep them moist.”

ACORUS GRAMINEUS ‘GOLDEN EDGE’ The lime-coloured foliage of Acorus gramineus ‘Golden Edge’ shows off beautifully in shady areas. “It only grows about 20cm high so it makes a striking edging,” he says. “It’ll also tolerate boggy ground.”

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IRESINE HERBSTII (BEEFSTEAK PLANT) This deep red to maroon shrub provides a stunning contrast to plants with green foliage. “It adds warm colour in spots where you don’t expect it and grows to around 70cm–1m high.” A good pruning in early spring will keep it compact.

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2 DICKSONIA ANTARCTICA (TREE FERN) “Nothing beats a tree fern for giving a dark corner textural interest,” says Craig whose first choice is Dicksonia antarctica.

“This eventually grows into a mediumsized tree, but as it’s slow growing, it won’t overwhelm the bed for a while and its large, dramatic fronds make a good focal point.”

MACKAYA BELLA “The indigenous forest bell bush (Mackaya bella syn. Asystasia bella) is very useful at the back of a shady bed,” says Craig. Although it reaches about 2m high, it can be kept smaller by pruning.

The deep green foliage shows off the blue-veined white blooms, which cover the plant in early summer.

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SOURCES Craig de Necker, The Friendly Plant 082 805 0910 Karen Gardelli, Creative Containers 082 745 2891 Keith Kirsten keithkirsten.com

9LOW-MAINTENANCE STEPS TO A

GARDEN Easy ways to create lasting beauty without constant upkeep

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Edge your beds

Keeping lawn grass from spreading into beds is a time-consuming task.

Prevent this by edging beds with cobbles, pavers or timber slats. This gives a neat, modern look and, as the beds are clearly demarcated, prevents them from getting bigger every time you trim the edge of the lawn.

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Install irrigation

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To make watering one less thing to think about, install an automated irrigation system. Include a rain sensor that automatically switches it off when it rains so that you don’t waste water.

TEXT LYNNE YATES AND LOREN SHIRLEY-CARR PHOTOGRAPHS LOREN SHIRLEY-CARR

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f you don’t have time for gardening, or do have the time but lack green fingers, don’t despair. There are ways to create a beautiful garden with minimum effort. Just make a few design changes and you can radically reduce the maintenance your garden needs, giving you more time to sit back, relax and enjoy it.

LABOUR-SAVING TIPS

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Hard landscaping to the rescue

Who says a garden has to consist of plants and grass? Reduce the size of beds and lawn that require care and replace them with attractive hard landscaping such as gravel, pebbles, paving or decking that needs no upkeep.

For more interest, you can include arbours, arches and pergolas, which also add height. But don’t include water features, as they are high maintenance and need regular cleaning.

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Think straight

Mowing a lawn that has an awkward shape is difficult and time consuming. It’s worth taking the time to give it a simpler format. Straight edges are best, but if you prefer curves, ensure that they are gentle and sweeping so they are easy to follow with a lawnmower. Landscaping: Jacqui Clucas, Bumble Bee Garden Designs.

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Adopt the no-dig method

Reduce your workload by leaving the soil in beds unturned. Only dig when preparing a bed or hole for planting, then mulch with compost.

This way nature does the job for you.

5 Earthworms, microorganisms and other insects break down organic matter and turn it into healthy compost. Constantly digging kills these organisms by exposing them to air and heat. Landscaping: Mia Marsay, Over the Garden Wall.

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Choose easy-care plants

Indigenous, water-wise and evergreen plants are essential in a low-maintenance garden. Indigenous varieties such as freylinia, dietes and felicias are more tolerant of pests and diseases and don’t need to be sprayed. Look out for those that survive with little water like Aptenia

6 cordifolia, tulbaghia and Buddleia auriculata, to cut watering costs. And, if you stick to evergreens like Magnolia grandiflora, camellias and pittosporum, you won’t have to rake up leaves come autumn. Ornamental grasses (pictured), such as mondo grass, liriope, indigenous restios, sedges, Natal red top (Melinis repens) and eragrostis always look good with little effort. Stay away from hedges and lollipops as these require regular trimming. Landscaping: Craig de Necker, The Friendly Plant.

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GET MORE ONLINE Visit gardenandhome.co.za for more low-maintenance gardening tips

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Much more mulch

Mulching beds is one of the best time savers. It inhibits evaporation and weed growth, keeping watering and weeding to a minimum. Organic mulches like pine needles, leaves, compost and bark chips have the extra benefit of adding nutrients as they break down, while inorganic mulches such as gravel and pebbles give an attractive finish.

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Put them in a pot

While everyone loves annuals for their seasonal colour, it takes time and effort to replace them every season. The answer is to plant them in containers. This way planting is quick and easy and you can still have your fix of colour with much less work. Place containers where you can see them, and

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9 for watering and deadheading purposes, in easy-to-reach places like the patio, courtyard, or next to the front door.

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Plant self-seeders

These come back year after year with no effort apart from the initial planting.

Good self-seeders include forget-me-

nots (left), aquilegias (centre) and poppies (Papaver nudicaule) (right).

Let them go to seed after flowering and they’ll pop up again the following year. A bonus is that you won’t have to deadhead and, as you shouldn’t disturb the soil around them, turning or digging it is a no-no.

SOURCES Jacqui Clucas, Bumble Bee Garden Designs 082 466 1351 Craig de Necker, The Friendly Plant 082 805 0910 Mia Marsay, Over the Garden Wall 083 227 8030

GARDEN NOTES

Garden

NOTES

Start planting winter- and spring-flowering bedding plants now for seasonal colour

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

Water beds well then spread good-quality organic mulch or rough, weed-free compost between the plants. If you’re using bark chips or chipped wood, check that it’s from a reliable source and not contaminated with the dreaded shot hole borer.

Husks, pips and shells of nuts and fruits, straw and shredded leaves are also suitable.

Don’t cut the grass too short. Taller blades help keep the roots cool and reduce evaporation. Water early in the morning. Check bare patches for lawn caterpillars, mole crickets or ‘Parktown prawns’; control in an environmentally safe manner.

Pesticides containing BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) will control lawn caterpillars.

Give late-summer and autumn-flowering shrubs a boost with 3:1:5 or 2:3:4 fertiliser, then water and mulch. Among these are the ribbon bush (Hypoestes aristata), barleria, poinsettia, Syncolostemon spp.; salvias like S. leucantha, patens and involucrata, Dyschoriste thunbergiiflora (purple bells) and plectranthus as well as autumn-flowering perennials including Japanese anemone, penstemon and rudbeckia.

Thin out water plants that are taking over your pond and remove decaying matter. Check for alien invaders such as Kariba weed (Salvinia molesta), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), which float on top of the water, and dispose of them responsibly.

Prune hydrangeas lightly once the flowers have faded, cutting back to a pair of plump buds. Leave those with flower heads that colour well in autumn until late winter. Apply acidic mulch for blue flowers. Feed with a balanced fertiliser like 2:3:2.

Sow seed of winter- and spring- flowering bedding plants like primulas, cineraria, Iceland poppies, stocks, violas and pansy, foxgloves and larkspur in late February in cool areas; keep them cool and moist. Collect seeds of annuals like cleome, Queen Anne’s lace, marigolds, cosmos, nasturtiums, scabious and candytuft.

Make sure your irrigation system is working efficiently. Check that it switches on, on the right days, at the right time and for the correct length of time, also that nozzles aren’t blocked. Water deeply and less often.

Remove the spent flower stalks at the base of perennials like gaura, Shasta daisies, penstemon, lobelia, achillea, digiplexis and cannas.

Cut back untidy lavender and daisy bushes, pelargoniums, heliotrope and greyleafed plants like Teucrium fruticans, santolina and Dusty Miller. Use these cuttings to propagate more plants. Deadhead fuchsias to encourages new growth.

Continue to feed roses with 5:1:5 Vigorosa. Continue spraying to prevent fungal outbreaks. Mulch if necessary, but keep the crown of the plant clear.

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LEMON AID Lemon-flavoured water is always refreshing on a hot summer’s day.

If you don’t have your own lemon tree, plant easy-to-grow lemon verbena, lemon grass, lemon pelargonium (pictured) or balm to flavour water and cocktails.

GOOD BUY!

Modular herb garden, from R1 500, Angles + Earth Terrariums. anglesandearth.co.za

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

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GREEN STAR Recognised for their commitment to green energy at their stateof-the-art greenhouses outside Krugersdorp, local supplier of indoor pot plants, LGV Plants, is one of 10 growers worldwide nominated for an International Grower of the Year award at The International Plant Fair. Held in in January 2020 in Essen, Germany, this leading agricultural trade fair showcases trends for the coming horticultural season. ipm-essen.de

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We’re PLANTING…

In GOOD shape Easy to grow, succulents and rockery plants come in an array of unique shapes, sizes and rich colours, while also being in demand for their reliability and water-wise characteristics. Garden Succulents by Gideon F. Smith and Ben-Erik van Wyk (Briza), R395, is a guide to common species from all over the world. The book contains sections on gardening with succulents, water-wise gardening, cultivation and propagation.

‘HANNON’ ROSE Why: This new hybrid tea from Malanseuns bears deep pink blooms ideal for the vase, throughout the season. Tall, spreading and upright, it makes the perfect shrub rose.

Where: In full sun in large containers, beds or as an accent.

How: Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Apply a good layer of mulch.

It should have good air circulation, but must be protected from harsh winds. malanseuns.co.za

GOOD BUY!

Wild Ways obelisk, R975, Builders. builders.co.za

THIS WEEKEND GET THE EDGE BERA® B-Edge Smart, R315, for 6m, can be used to separate beds, borders, lawns and paths. It also prevents soil, mulch and gravel from spreading. Available from Starke Ayres, it’s flexible, easy to install and fully recyclable.

021 685 4120.

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Prepare beds for sweet peas. To increase water retention, loosen the soil in the base of a 40–50cmdeep trench or hole and line it with shredded newspaper. They like slightly alkaline soil, so mix in some agricultural lime, bonemeal and a good amount of compost to the remaining soil. Do this a few weeks before planting seeds.

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The VEGGIE GARDEN

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INDIGENOUS PLANTS FOR AUTUMN BERRIES

Turrea obtusifolia (small honeysuckle tree) This neat, evergreen shrub has glossy, dark-green foliage. White ribbonlike flowers in summer are followed by miniature, pumpkin-like fruits in autumn.

The lowdown: Plant it in sun/semi-shade; it takes cold but not frost. Height: 1–2m.

Rhamnus prinoides (dogwood) A small tree, the dogwood can be trained as an evergreen shrub. It has glossy foliage and small flowers; birds love its tiny red fruit.

The lowdown: Plant it in sun/semi-shade; it’s frost hardy. Height: 3–5m.

Psychotria capensis (bird-berry) A small tree, it’s often grown as a shrub in shady gardens. Dark-green foliage offsets clusters of small yellow flowers. The fruits change from green to yellow, then ripen to red or black and attract birds.

The lowdown: Plant it in sun or shade; frost tender. Height: 3m and over.

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Keep plants moist as temperatures rise. Make a shallow bowl around each plant, water by hand and mulch.

Pick chilies for drying.

For extra flavour in salads, sprinkle the flowers of garlic chives (pictured) over the top.

Check periodically for caterpillars of cabbage white butterflies on brassicas like kale, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.

In hot areas, if you can keep beds damp, sow a few rows of beetroot and carrot seeds and the last beans.

Plant Swiss chard and parsley. In the subtropics, make a final planting of brinjals and green peppers and, towards the end of the month as the weather cools down, start planting beans, baby marrow, tomatoes, beetroot and carrots.

Get new beds ready for planting young strawberries (pictured).

Keep citrus trees watered. Feed with 3:1:5 and a dose of Epsom salts.

Water in Vita Green 5:1:5 or 8:1:5 around deciduous fruit trees like almond, apricot and plum trees.

Handwoven planter, R895, Weylandts. weylandts.co.za

GOOD BUY!

Venice planter by Ecopots with integrated water system, R520, ParcHaus. parchaus.co.za

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Rectangular cement planter on stand, R159,99, MRP Home. mrphome.com

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GROWING VEGGIES

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eeping a vegetable garden productive all year round takes planning. Quick-toharvest vegetables are ideal for sowing between seasons, ensuring a continual harvest when the big summer performers are coming to an end and winter crops are not yet producing.

Betwixt Jane Griffiths shares tips on which vegetables to plant between the growing seasons 100

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WHAT TO PLANT BUSH BEANS These don’t yield as prolifically as climbing beans, but they reach harvest much quicker – about 40–60 days after planting.

Growing Sow seeds directly where they are to grow, at a depth of double the size of the bean (approximately 5cm). Provide some support for the plants as they can become top heavy and break when they’re bearing.

TEXT JANE GRIFFITHS PHOTOGRAPHS JANE GRIFFITHS AND KEITH KNOWLTON

AND BETWEEN

Bush beans

Cherry tomatoes

Radishes

RADISHES These are one of the fastest vegetables to grow, ready to harvest in just four weeks.

Growing They are grown easily from seed, and benefit from being buried slightly below the surface – about 1–1,5cm deep. This encourages them to produce fatter roots. Thin out so they have space to develop to a decent size. Sow seeds every few weeks because they mature so quickly.

CHERRY TOMATOES Cherry tomatoes bear earlier than larger varieties – about 10 weeks after sowing. Stagger your sowing from early to midsummer to ensure a continual harvest through to March or April.

Growing They grow easily from seed and should be started in trays.

Transplants do best if planted deeper than they were in their trays.

Set them in the earth so the soil is just below the bottom leaves. This encourages the growth of roots along the stem, resulting in larger, healthier plants. Because of their rambling habit, cherry tomatoes need strong staking and support.

LEAFY GREENS Lettuce, bok choy, mustard, mizuna, tatsoi and kale are all fast growers and leaves can be harvested after 25–30 days.

Growing Easily grown from seed, they like moist, fertile, well-drained soil.

Do successive sowings more regularly during warmer weather.

SPRING AND GREEN ONIONS Spring onions are ready to harvest about 60 days after sowing. These are bunching onions that don’t form big bulbs. Sow directly (or in seed trays and then transplant) year round, except in the hottest midsummer and the coldest midwinter months.

Growing They like full sun, fertile soil and regular moisture. Once established, they easily self-seed. Leave some to develop large, round seed heads. Make sure the heads are positioned over soil and not pathways. Or, as soon as the little black seeds appear, shake the heads into your hand and sprinkle the seeds where you want them to grow.

Green onions are simply large onions that are harvested about eight weeks after sowing, before the bulb has formed.

Red mustard and mizuna

Green onions

Growing They can be direct sown and, as you will be harvesting them before they have bulbed, you can plant them much closer together.

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Wild rocket

ROCKET Rocket is ready to harvest after four weeks. Wild rocket can be harvested over a longer period than cultivated rocket because it doesn’t go to seed as quickly in hot weather.

Growing Rocket likes full sun, except during the hottest summer months when it prefers semi-shade. Direct seed and keep moist until it germinates. In hot weather, when cultivated rocket goes to seed quite quickly, either sow wild rocket or do successive sowings every few weeks for a continual harvest.

SWISS CHARD Grow classic Swiss chard with thick white stems and dark green crinkled leaves, or try varieties with vibrant red, orange, pink and yellow stems. They add wonderful pops of colour to the vegetable garden. Young side leaves will be ready for harvest after 30 days.

Growing Swiss chard likes full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It grows almost all year round, but is a little more prone to bolting in the hot summer months than during winter. You can buy seedlings, but it’s easy to grow from seed. Swiss chard will seed itself once established. It’s a moderate feeder and grows well with most other plants.

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Swiss chard

EXPERT TIPS When older plants are about two weeks from harvesting, sow seeds and transplant seedlings underneath. This provides protection for the young plants and ensures something is already growing by the time the older plants are ready for harvesting.

Sow seeds in seed trays and pots and keep them protected, ready to be transplanted as spaces open up.

Leave spring onions, lettuce and rocket to seed themselves.

Plant early, mid- and late-season

varieties of the same crop. This ensures a staggered harvest.

Choose varieties suitable for ‘cut and come again’ harvesting. Instead of producing a once-off yield, these provide a steady supply over several weeks or even months as only the side shoots or leaves are picked.

Include perennials like strawberries, rhubarb, chives, asparagus, artichokes and Mediterranean herbs. These, combined with annuals, result in yearround harvests.

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

See the recipe for Seared Scallops with Citrus Dressing on page 106.

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

ENTERTAINING

Feasting WITH FRIENDS

Pholosho Matondolo likes nothing better than to cook up a storm in honour of her friends

Jason and André Blignaut Pholosho Matondolo

Menu FRUITY SUMMER COCKTAIL

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH CITRUS DRESSING

BALSAMIC-GLAZED LAMB CHOPS

POTATO PURÉE WITH CHIVES AND DILL

STEAMED VEGETABLES WITH LEMON AND HERB SAUCE

NO-BAKE BLUEBERRY AND GINGER BISCUIT CHEESECAKE

I

believe I was born to serve people and make them happy. Cooking has become my way of doing this,” says Pholosho Matondolo.

Originally from Polokwane, the Cape Town-based private chef and caterer has loved cooking ever since she started helping her late mother in the kitchen at the age of 12.

While studying hospitality management, she agreed to cater her cousin’s wedding for 100 guests. “My sisters and other cousins who were meant to assist me didn’t arrive on time, so I had no choice but to get on with it myself,” she recalls. With the help of one of the guests she managed to feed everyone, and all the plates returned empty. “The sense of achievement and the pleasure of seeing people enjoy my food was an experience I’ll never forget.”

After completing a BTech in Food and Beverage Management at Vaal University of Technology, Pholosho went on to work at the former Radisson Royal Hotel in Dubai for four years, first as a front desk supervisor and then as a trainee in the hotel’s Japanese restaurant. “I thrived in the high-pressure environment and learnt so much about different cuisines and ingredients. This is when I realised I wanted to share my knowledge and skills with others.”

Mary and Marlon Hartnick

Two years ago, she established Pholoshoskitchengoodies offering private chef and catering services. She also arranges one-on-one cooking lessons as well as group classes in Cape Town, East London and Pretoria. And, if this wasn’t enough, Pholosho is completing a Masters in Hospitality and Tourism Management and developing a signature ice cream Emonate (which means delicious in Sepedi, her mother tongue). So far there are 11 different flavours soon to be available in supermarkets.

Despite being a pescatarian (she eats fish but not meat), Pholosho’s menu for today’s relaxed lunch with her husband, Siyamthanda, and their friends features lamb chops in a brown sugar and balsamic glaze. “It surprises people, but I enjoy cooking meat as much as I do vegetables. As a result, I feel I’m a more versatile and creative cook.”

As with the menu, the decor is simple but elegant. A wooden table on the lawn is set with vases of fresh flowers and pretty, vintage crockery.

“After food, my next love is crockery.

Using beautiful plates and dishes is another way of showing your guests you care.”

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Lelethu and Khaya Mamani

FRUITY SUMMER COCKTAIL (Serves 8) 500ml red grape juice 500ml mixed berry juice 300ml lemon sparkling water ¼ cup strawberries, sliced 1/3 cup blueberries 2 nectarines, sliced 2 apricots, sliced 1 lemon, sliced handful mint leaves TO SERVE ice strawberries and lemons mint leaves

1. Place all the ingredients in a large glass jug and stir.

2. Pour into cocktail glasses and top up with ice.

3. Add slices of strawberries and lemons, and garnish with mint leaves.

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH CITRUS DRESSING (Serves 8)

106

2T olive oil 16 fresh sea scallops, washed and patted dry salt and black pepper, to taste FOR THE DRESSING 4T olive oil 3T lime juice, freshly squeezed zest of 1 lime 2T honey 2T French chives, finely chopped 1T fresh coriander, finely chopped salt and black pepper, to taste TO SERVE 3 cups mixed salad leaves 1 cup frozen edamame beans, thawed 2 cups mixed cherry tomatoes, halved 2 medium avocados, sliced 20g micro leaves

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until hot and sizzling.

2. Add the scallops in a single layer without overcrowding the pan (work in batches if necessary).

FEBRUARY 2020 | gardenandhome.co.za

3. Season with salt and pepper and fry for 2–3 minutes on one side, until a golden crust forms underneath.

4. Flip and cook for 2 minutes until crisp, lightly browned and cooked through. The cooking time will vary depending on size. Remove from the pan and transfer to a plate.

5. To make the dressing, whisk together all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate.

6. To serve, toss the salad leaves, edamame beans, cherry tomatoes and avocado in a bowl with just enough citrus dressing to coat the leaves lightly. Arrange equal amounts on each plate.

7. Top each serving with two scallops and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Serve garnished with micro leaves.

COOK’S NOTE The dressing can be made a week in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Mary and Marlon Hartnick and Khaya Mamani

BALSAMIC-GLAZED LAMB CHOPS (Serves 8) 3T olive oil 8 lamb rib chops 2 rosemary sprigs, finely chopped salt and black pepper, to taste 2t minced garlic 1 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar ½t cayenne pepper

Pholosho Matondolo and André Blignaut

Siyamthanda Matondolo

QUICK CHAT WITH THE COOK

TO SERVE fresh rosemary sprigs parsley, chopped

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

2. Rub the lamb chops with the rosemary and season with salt and pepper.

3. Sear the chops for about 2 minutes on each side, remove from heat and allow to rest.

4. Reduce the heat to medium low, add the minced garlic and cook for one minute making sure it doesn’t burn.

5. Whisk in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to thicken.

6. Place the chops back in the pan, baste with sauce and continue to cook until they’re done to your liking.

7. Remove from the pan and arrange on individual plates.

Garnish with rosemary sprigs and chopped parsley.

8. Serve the chops warm with the potato purée and steamed vegetables.

POTATO PURÉE WITH CHIVES AND DILL (Serves 8) 1kg potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 cup cream 2t Dijon mustard salt and pepper, to taste 2T chopped chives 1T chopped dill

My cooking style is experimental. I like to try different cuisines and add twists to recipes. But that said, I also like to keep things simple.

The kitchen gadget I couldn’t live without is my Bennett Read copper stone pan. I use it daily and even take it with me when I travel. It makes cooking so much easier especially when I want to quickly prepare something.

No dinner party is complete without my signature blueberry ice cream. It’s a delicious and refreshing way to end a meal.

My store cupboard staples are couscous and baked beans. I use them a lot in meals and salads.

In my fridge there is always crushed garlic, fresh vegetables, herbs and cheese. Leftovers too.

My favourite comfort food is baked strawberry cheesecake.

If I had just one recipe book, it would be Welcome to My Table by Siba Mtongana.

The best thing I ever ate was garlic-grilled salmon served with fried rice and lemon-infused vegetables at a restaurant in Dubai.

1. Boil the potatoes in a large saucepan of salted water until tender, about 12–15 minutes.

2. Drain and add the cream, mustard and salt and pepper to taste.

3. Mash to a smooth purée and stir in the chives and dill.

4. Transfer to a serving dish and serve with the lamb chops.

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Khaya Mamani and Marlon and Mary Hartnick

STEAMED VEGETABLES WITH LEMON AND HERB SAUCE (Serves 8) 2 cups broccoli florets 2 cups carrots, peeled and cut into chunks 250g baby corn, sliced diagonally 2 cups sliced red pepper FOR THE LEMON AND HERB SAUCE 8T unsalted butter zest and juice of 2 lemons 2T fresh mixed herbs such as parsley, thyme and rosemary, freshly chopped salt and pepper, to taste

1. Steam the vegetables in batches for 5–7 minutes or until al dente.

2. Transfer them to a serving dish and keep warm.

3. To make the lemon and herb sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan.

4. Whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice and herbs.

Season to taste with salt and pepper, and remove from the heat after a minute or two.

5. Drizzle the sauce over the vegetables and serve.

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Pholosho Matondolo

NO-BAKE BLUEBERRY AND GINGER BISCUIT CHEESECAKE (Serves 8) 2 cups fresh blueberries 1/3 cup water ¼ cup granulated sugar 2T lemon juice 1½T cornflour 2T water 4T unsalted butter 2 cups ginger biscuits, crushed 1 cup heavy cream 224g full fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1/3 cup granulated sugar 2T sour cream, at room temperature 1t lemon juice ½t vanilla extract TO SERVE mint leaves lemon zest

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1. Combine the blueberries, water, sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan and bring to the boil over a medium-high heat.

Lower the heat and gently simmer for 2 minutes.

2. Combine the cornflour with the water and stir into the blueberry mixture.

3. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally until the sauce coats the back of a metal spoon. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

4. Melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the ginger biscuit crumbs. The mixture should resemble wet sand.

5. Spoon equal amounts of the biscuit mixture into small jars and press down to form a base.

6. Using a hand blender, whip the cream in a bowl to create stiff peaks.

7. Whisk the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, lemon juice and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth.

8. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula until fully combined. Do this slowly so as not to remove all the air in the whipped cream.

9. Spoon equal amounts of the mixture on top of the crumb base in each jar, leaving about 1,5cm for the blueberry topping. Chill for 30 minutes before spooning over the berry topping.

10. Serve garnished with mint leaves and lemon zest.

COOK’S NOTE If left to stand too long, the blueberry topping will seep into the cheesecake mixture and spoil the layered effect.

SOURCE Pholosho Matondolo Pholoshoskitchengoodies, facebook.com/pholoshoskitchengoodies and pholoshoskitchengoodies.wordpress.com

FOOD AND WINE

EASY CHEESY Tuck Clover Individually Wrapped 25g Natural cheese portions into lunchboxes or enjoy as an on-the-go snack. Made with 100% Clover Milk and containing essential nutrients, they come in a convenient re-sealable pouch, R49,99 for 10. clover.co.za

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

Le Creuset’s new stemware is ideal for entertainers and wine aficionados alike. Included in the range are sparkling, white and red wine glasses, and water tumblers.

Priced from R650 for four. lecreuset.co.za

Light and fresh, these Provençalstyle dry rosé wines make wonderful summer sippers.

They’re best served well chilled with light lunches and simple outdoor fare. Waterkloof Cape Coral Mourvèdre Rosé 2019, R118; Gabriëlskloof Rosebud Rosé 2019, R80; and Zandvliet Shiraz Rosé, R85.

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WHAT’S ON 1 FEBRUARY Franschhoek Summer Wines Festival Held at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, local winemakers will be showcasing their summer choices including white, rosé, Méthode Cap Classique and lighter red wines. Tickets cost R295 pp; pre-booking at webtickets.co.za is essential. For details, call 021 876 2861.

8 FEBRUARY Cape Town Pizza and Pasta Festival Enjoy a day filled with great pizzas, live music and family entertainment at Fort Wynyard in Green Point, featuring some of Cape Town’s finest Italian eateries. Tickets, from R80 pp, are available at webtickets.co.za 29 FEBRUARY Italian Festival at Idiom Wines A festive carnival atmosphere at this winery in Sir Lowry’s Pass will entertain lovers of the Italian lifestyle with good food, vino, Prosecco, Italian craft beer and a live band. For more information, visit idiom.co.za

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

DRINK the PINK

This Valentine’s Day, treat your nearest and dearest to something that’s both pretty and delicious.

1701 Roasted Macadamia Nougat, R119, is available from selected retailers including @home stores. home.co.za and 1701.co.za

Glass ACT

SAVOUR THE SEASONS Bibby’s Kitchen: The Essence of Good Food by Dianne Bibby, R420, Human & Rousseau, features modern recipes inspired by the seasons. Find the recipe for refined sugar-free Labneh Breakfast Cheesecake (pictured) on our website, gardenandhome.co.za

Pretty nice

These easy dishes are ideal for spur-of-the-moment occasions

HUMMUS PLATTER (Serves 4–6) FOR THE HUMMUS 60ml tahini 45ml cold water, more if necessary 30ml extra virgin olive oil 2,5ml ground cumin 2–3ml sea salt 2 garlic cloves, crushed 45ml lemon juice 1 tin (400g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained salt and milled black pepper, to taste FOR THE TOPPINGS 1 Mediterranean cucumber, sliced 100g bocconcini or 1 fresh mozzarella ball, torn 150g cherry tomatoes, sliced 1 small red onion, peeled and sliced 45ml pine nuts, toasted 100g black olives, pitted 45ml fresh basil leaves, torn TO SERVE 3–4 pita breads, toasted and quartered lemon wedges (optional)

1. To make the hummus, place the tahini, cold water, olive oil, cumin, salt, crushed garlic and lemon juice in a food processor. Purée until smooth.

2. Add the chickpeas and blend until smooth. Add a little extra water if the hummus is too thick.

3. Taste and season with additional salt, ground cumin, or lemon juice if needed.

RECIPES AND STYLING LYN WOODWARD PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

Last-minute INVITATION

EFFORTLESS ENTERTAINING

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

4. Cover and refrigerate until required.

5. To serve, spoon the hummus onto a serving platter. Arrange the toppings over it and serve with toasted pita breads and lemon wedges, if desired.

LEMONGRASS, CHICKEN AND CASHEW STIR-FRY (Serves 3–4) 120ml brown sugar 30ml fresh lime juice 45ml Thai fish sauce 30ml light soy sauce 2 stalks lemongrass, halved lengthwise 30ml vegetable oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 15ml fresh ginger, finely grated 1–2 fresh red or green chillies, thinly sliced 500g chicken fillets, thinly sliced 100g cashew nuts 1 bunch spring onions, thickly sliced 100g green beans, cut into thirds ½ red pepper, sliced milled black pepper, to taste TO SERVE basmati rice, cooked toasted black and/or white sesame seeds

1. Combine 60ml of the brown sugar, the lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce and lemongrass, mixing well.

2. Heat half the oil in a wok

or large frying pan. Cook the garlic, ginger and chilli for 1 minute.

3. Add the chicken, cashew nuts and remaining brown sugar and fry for about

2–3 minutes.

4. Add the spring onions, green beans and red pepper and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and the vegetables just tender.

5. Increase the heat, discard the lemongrass, add the lime juice mixture and cook for about 1–2 minutes.

6. Serve with the basmati rice garnished with sesame seeds.

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PROMOTION

Be free I

t’s estimated that 75% of people worldwide are lactose intolerant, or unable to properly digest lactose, one of the sugars in dairy. If you experience the following symptoms 30 minutes to two hours after consuming dairy, you could be one of them.

DIARRHOEA When undigested lactose ferments in the colon, the amount of water in the gut is increased, which leads to diarrhoea. This symptom is most common in young children.

NAUSEA Your body may feel the need to expel the dairy-containing food it is struggling to digest. This may lead to vomiting, but the nausea usually dissipates with time as the lactose passes through the body.

Don’t feel well after consuming dairy? You could be lactose intolerant. Here’s what to look out for and what to do about it

FATIGUE As your body expends energy trying to digest lactose and deal with pain and other symptoms, you may feel uncharacteristically tired.

The severity of the symptoms usually depends on how much lactose you have consumed. Many people can tolerate a small amount in their morning coffee, for example.

THE SOLUTION Cutting dairy out of your diet completely could mean missing out on other valuable nutrients as well

as the enjoyment of certain foods and drinks. Now, Clover Nolac Lactose Free Medium Fat Milk can be used and enjoyed in the same way as regular milk.

Clover Nolac milk contains enzymes that break down the lactose in the milk, making it easier to digest.

It is also enriched with vitamin D and calcium and is endorsed by the National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa.

Clover Nolac is South Africa’s first ultra-pasteurised, lactose-free milk. Available as fresh milk or in long-life cartons, Clover Nolac contains added vitamin D and calcium, making it the ideal milk substitute for those suffering from lactose intolerance.

GH8905/02/20 PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED

ABDOMINAL PAIN AND BLOATING This pain can range from mild to extreme and is caused by the irritation of the GI tract by undigested food particles. When lactose is left undigested in the gut, it ferments and releases gas in the small intestines, resulting in discomfort around the belly button and lower abdominal area.

Be Free with Lactose Free

Celebrate romance WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM UP THE ROMANCE Add romantic touches to your decor

SMELL THE ROSES Learn how to choose the perfect blooms and make them last

A VALENTINE’S WEEKEND AWAY Plan a getaway with inspiration from our travel section

PURE DECADENCE Spoil your loved one on Valentine’s Day with our delicious recipes

GARDENANDHOME.CO.ZA SA Garden and Home magazine

@SAGardenandHome

sagardenandhome

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PROMOTION

Twice the taste Clover Duo combines the goodness of dairy and fruit in one delicious drink

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T

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Double the goodness, double the happiness

DESTINATIONS The ‘Elphi’ concert hall on Hamburg’s waterfront.

BALTIC

beauty

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS JUDY BRYANT

Judy Bryant shares the nautical delights of the north German coast

Old sailing ship moored in Kiel.

Beautiful brickwork warehouses in Hamburg.

JUDY’S TRAVEL TIPS MUST-SEE SIGHT Fans of Gothic brick architecture should visit the town of Lübeck. Stock up here on worldfamous marzipan sweets.

NICE TO KNOW Book a meal at the historic restaurant Schiffergesellschat in Lübeck. schiffergesellschaft.de/en. Visit Café Resonanz in Kiel for coffee and cake.

ITEMS TO PACK A light raincoat and strong walking shoes.

The Baltic Sea.

W

hile exploring Germany’s northern-most province, Schleswig-Holstein, I discovered one of the most typical ‒ and evocative ‒ emblems of its rich seafaring tradition in a simple, stark Protestant church. On the antique linen altar cloth was a long row of ship’s anchors, each one painstakingly handembroidered in red thread.

There are similar symbols of this maritime heritage wherever you look: weather-beaten lighthouses, rows of red brick merchants’ warehouses and ‒ on a more light-hearted note – chocolates in the shapes of starfish, shells and anchors.

My trip began in Hamburg where I was met by friends eager to view the city’s

new landmark, the Elbphilharmonie.

Named after the Elbe River that connects the city to the North Sea, this huge building on an inimitable waterfront site has music performance halls, a public plaza, apartments and an hotel.

The ‘Elphi’ architects retained the exterior of a huge 19th-century warehouse that once housed shipments of tea, cocoa and tobacco. Above it, they positioned a massive, glittering ‘iceberg’ of over 2 000 curved and flat planes of glass.

Its wave-like façade has been portrayed in everything from handbags to cookie cutters in the gift shop.

The wrap-around observation deck was the perfect spot to view cruise, container and historic ships, and church spires and

old town landmarks. As the sun was out and so were the buskers, we wandered through Hamburg’s fish market, established over 200 years ago.

Next we explored the Speicherstadt, or City of Warehouses. There are rows of beautiful buildings, with small windows surrounded by intricate brickwork and topped with green, oxidised-copper gables.

We passed numerous canals and I was intrigued to hear that Hamburg has more bridges than Venice.

Then we drove about 100km north to the provincial capital, Kiel, on a motorway that spliced through vibrant, green forests thick with beech, oak, ash, alder and

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Eckernförde harbour.

Viking-inspired wooden bench outside a clothing shop in Eckernförde.

Old sailing ship in Eckernförde harbour.

spruce trees. Much of Kiel’s industry and business revolves around the 17km-long Kiel Fjord, a huge natural harbour. It’s also at the eastern lock of the world’s biggest artificial waterway, the Kiel Canal, which links the North Sea to the Baltic.

We passed enormous cruise liners on our way to a popular Sunday lunch spot, where a crowd was seated under trees, listening to jazz. I settled down to a plate of spring spargel (thick white asparagus traditionally served with baby potatoes, ham and hollandaise sauce).

Kiel has loads of attractions for nautical buffs, from a wartime U-boat transformed into a technical museum, to a Gothic Revival fish auction house with historic fishing and seafaring exhibits. Kiel was also gearing up for its annual Kieler Woche (Kiel Week), a summer festival welcoming sailors from around the world.

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The windswept coast attracts sailors, windsurfers and paddle-boarders.

About 4 000 old and new vessels anchor here at this time, and some atmospheric evenings were spent enjoying fish soup in candle-lit restaurants, then strolling along the promenade viewing old sailing ships.

My goddaughter introduced me to her favourite coffee haunts. Café Resonanz was adorable: the entire ceiling was clad in pastel-painted doors, copper kettles suspended from the ceiling, and at the bathroom entrance was a wardrobe piled with vintage suitcases.

This area was once ruled by Denmark and we admired gorgeous Scandinavian products in the shops, from candles and glassware to soft rugs and cushions.

Clothing boutiques sell fine linen garments printed in shades of moss, strawberry, sky blue and hay. In the main street, countrywomen in little red huts offered mounds of spring strawberries.

I stocked up on foodie presents: coffee in brown or blue printed packaging, oldfashioned jams with white cloth ‘hats’, and chocolate fish in wooden boxes, a culinary play on Kiel’s traditional delicacy, smoked fish (sprats).

We headed for the beach in a camper van, parking in a spot overlooking the Baltic Sea where pink roses rambled over crumbling stone barriers and bunkers. I was intrigued by the beach chairs, which have padded seats and woven tops and

Traditional shop in the Eckernförde museum.

The 15th-century Schiffergesellschat building in Lübeck.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP GETTING THERE Judy flew Turkish Airlines from Cape Town to Hamburg, via Istanbul.

WHEN TO GO June to September. Sailing enthusiasts should visit Kiel in late June during the summer festival, Kieler Woche – others should avoid this busy time.

GETTING AROUND A bus leaves Hamburg airport for Kiel every hour.

VISAS South African passport holders need a Schengen visa to visit Germany. visa-germany.co.za/visa_centres/view CURRENCY The currency is the euro. At the time of going to print €1=R16,22. A casual lunchtime meal with a drink costs €8 (about R130), dinner €15 (about R244), and cappuccino or beer around €3 (about R49).

sides, so you can stay cosy. These were apparently invented in the 19th century by the imperial court basket maker.

The old town centre in Eckernförde, north-west of Kiel, has narrow, cobbled streets. Roses ramble up the ancient walls of converted fishermen’s cottages and I was nearly fooled by a life-size model of a pipe-smoking sailor. A carved wooden bench was reminiscent of a Viking boat’s prow – you can visit the museum site of a large Viking city nearby.

It was a delight to cross the wooden harbour bridge, peering down on mottled rocks and floating jellyfish. Perfect for a promenade, with stops at shops selling nautical-inspired gear such as navy and white striped T-shirts and finely crafted boat shoes.

The local museum had displays featuring a replica of a traditional shop with black and white postcards, oldfashioned ruched bathing costumes, and harbour panoramas, with the artist’s box of oil pastels displayed below.

Leaving the town, fields of rape and maize (for biofuel), were dotted with red poppies and blue cornflowers. Groups of cyclists pedalled from village to village, while hikers explored the forests. Stalls sold organic eggs, vegetables and honey.

An architectural highlight was the city of Lübeck, famous for its seven church steeples and concentration of Gothic brick architecture. Allied bombers pounded this port city in 1942. In the south tower area of the Marienkirche (St Mary’s Church) two enormous broken bells were left where they fell after the bombing – very poignant.

The Schiffergesellschat building has housed a restaurant for the past 150 years. It harks back to the 15th century when Lübeck reigned as the queen of the Hanseatic League, a powerful confederation that dominated Baltic maritime trade. Shipping moguls met at this building to discuss business, and we were fascinated by memorabilia gathered over centuries.

Model of a sailor outside an old Eckernförde cottage.

Our Dutch-born waiter explained that “everything that is older than the tenants themselves is not touched, but sheltered lovingly”. Models of wooden ships hung from darkened beams, while stained glass, intricate carvings and company crests added to the atmospheric surroundings.

Such trade not only enriched the region, but also ensured a steady supply of sugar and almonds for Lübeck’s famous marzipan. Covered in chocolate and wrapped in red foil with gilt lettering, it’s a sweet temptation to take home.

North Germany comes highly recommended, whether you’re a nature lover, a maritime enthusiast, in search of architectural gems, or simply enjoy good food and wine and browsing around beautiful shops and weatherbeaten buildings.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF FLAGS

HISTORIC FLAGS

WITH ARNÉ SÖDERLUND This ardent vexillologist loves nothing more than sharing the history behind the flags in his collection

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visit to retired Rear Admiral Arné Söderlund’s home and his ‘Den of Antiquity – Junk and Disorderly’ Private Museum in the historic seaside town of Simon’s Town on False Bay is a delight, not only for the visitor, but also for the collector himself. “I love to share the history of my flag collection with others,” says this avid vexillologist, as flag enthusiasts are called.

“My passion for South African flags was sparked when I purchased my first historic flag, a Union of South Africa red ensign at the Grand Parade in Cape Town over 50 years ago.

The vendor sold it to me at half price because it was second hand – I think I paid about 10 cents for it,” he laughs.

“It’s interesting that South Africa has had no less than five flags in recent history. For instance, few people know that,

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other than the Union Jack, there was the red ensign (also a blue version, in fact) defaced with a badge depicting the Union coat of arms from 1910 before the controversial South African flag was introduced in 1928,” he explains. “Before the union in 1910, each of the four colonies had its own flag.

ABOVE: The Lebanese flag signed by Major Haddad ‘Leader of

Free Lebanon’.

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS DERICK KIRK

Collecting RARE AND

Flag-like signs or standards, considered to be the first vexilloids, date back as far as Ancient Egypt. It is believed that flags made from cloth, representing a particular group, were created in early India and by the Chinese Zhou dynasty (1 046–256 BC).

In the late 6th century BC, Roman Standards (banner-like insignia) were carried into battle by bearers. An important means of communication, they not only rallied and directed the legions, they were a symbol of national pride. From these vexilloids, flags evolved into distinctive emblems, representing political and/or social affiliation and became unifying symbols of national identity.

The flag of the Netherlands is the oldest tricolour.

Its combination of red, white and blue dates back to Charlemagne’s time (748–814 AD). During the High Middle Ages (c. 1 000–1 300), Europeans used flags in battle to identify a knight other than from the heraldic devices painted on his shield.

The flag of Denmark, the Dannebrog, dating from 1478 is the oldest national flag still in use. It inspired the cross design found on many other Nordic nations’ flags.

During the peak of the age of sail, beginning in the early 17th century, ships carried flags representing their nationality. These flags eventually developed into the national flags and maritime flags of today.

COLLECTABLES

CARING FOR AND DISPLAYING YOUR COLLECTION Most modern fabric flags can be gently handwashed in cold water with a mild detergent. Leave out to dry properly to avoid mould developing. Iron if necessary.

Don’t wash older, more fragile flags as dyes can run and fabrics disintegrate.

Moths are the worst enemies so when storing flags for a prolonged period use mothballs or sprinkle Epsom salts on the flag.

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TIPS FOR ASPIRING COLLECTORS “Flea markets and army surplus stores are great places to find old flags, but there are many reproductions, which are only worth their decorative value,” says Arné Söderlund.

“Reproduction or common flags can be bought for as little as a R150, while an historic flag with the right provenance can set you back thousands of rands,” Arné adds.

“Before parting with big money for an antique flag, do some research and check whether the dealer is a member of a reputable antiques organisation,” says CEO of the South African Antique, Art and Design Association (SAADA), Paul Mrkusic.

The oldest in my collection is from the 1840 Republic of Natalia. My collection is intended not to show allegiance to any particular flag, political party or rule, but to simply preserve history without prejudice,” he says.

“The most historical flag I own is an ANC flag, one of seven that were displayed at the Congress of the People in Kliptown in June 1955 when the Freedom Charter was accepted,” says Arné. “I’m currently on the lookout for a rare, blue version of the first Union of South Africa flag as none are currently known to be in any collection.” Arné’s

collection also includes national flags from foreign countries, especially those whose ships visit Simon’s Town, such as Argentina and India.

THIS PAGE: 1 9/11 Remembrance flag (Arné knew one of the

victims) listing the names of every person who perished. 2 The Republic of Natalia flag dates from 1840. 3 South African Flag, 1910–1928. 4 New Simon’s Town flag designed by Arné.

SOURCES ‘Den of Antiquity – Junk and Disorderly‘ Private Museum 021 786 3283 Paul Mrkusic South African Antique, Art and Design Association (SAADA) saada.co.za

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ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES

Treasure chest What are your collectables worth?

FIND OF THE MONTH Can you please give me an indication of what this bowl is worth?

It was made at the Royal Lancastrian by the artist Edward Thomas Radford. The company started to use the orange glaze in 1920 and closed in 1938. It’s 8cm high and 21,75cm across.

Mienette Ludwig “This lovely Royal Lancastrian Art Deco bowl was, as the owner says, made by the artist Edward Thomas Radford,” says Ingrid Aron of Kalk Bay Antiques Centre. “The mottled effect of the glaze is very typical of his work and the colour the epitome of the Art Deco period. Art Deco pottery and other ceramics still have an enthusiastic following among collectors worldwide, so this bowl would retail in the region of R3 500.”

According to George Curtis of Quagga Rare Books and Art, “This carving is not African but a fairly common curio from Indonesia, or somewhere further east.

Although skilfully done, works like these are produced in large numbers and it’s worth only R200 – R300.”

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Ingrid Aron of Kalk Bay Antiques Centre says that the Japanese produced fine, hand-painted porcelain for the Victorians and also in the early 20th century. The family member who brought them back could have been posted in Japan with the British and brought home a souvenir. Items such as these are still mass-produced and exported today and are not rare enough to be valuable. These duos would retail at around R350.”

EXPERT TIP “Sometimes antiques are treasured for sentimental reasons, and although they might be old, have little monetary value,” says Ingrid Aron.

WRITE IN AND WIN EVERY MONTH we give away a *prize for the most valuable or interesting item sent in. This month Mienette Ludwig has won 18 bottles of Zandvliet Shiraz Rosé worth R1 530. Gold-pink in colour and with a distinct bouquet of rose petals, melon, strawberries and raspberry coulis, this new rosé is refreshingly vibrant and packed with red fruit flavours. Visit zandvliet.co.za E-mail clear photographs and relevant information about your collectable item to gardenhome@caxton.co.za with Treasure Chest in the subject line. Due to the volume of mail we are unable to respond personally. Pictures must be sent as separate attachments at a size between 1MB and 2MB. For guidelines on the best way to take your photos for Treasure Chest, visit gardenandhome.co.za

THANKS TO OUR SPECIALISTS Ingrid Aron Kalk Bay Antiques Centre ingridaron89@gmail.com George Curtis Quagga Rare Books and Art quaggabooks.co.za

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

I discovered this carving in a secondhand shop a few years ago. It’s solid wood and well carved. The shop owner said it was North African.

Can you please tell me more about it and if it’s worth anything?

Geoff van Rensburg

I was given this cup and saucer by my grandmother some 60 years ago.

I believe my grandfather brought it and another cup and saucer back home after WWI. They were wrapped in clothing in his backpack.

Can you shed any light on them?

Lynn Attenborough

Next month in BEFORE

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LEXI Monzeglio This owner of a chain of vegan restaurants in Jo’burg shares some of her favourite things

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exi Monzeglio didn’t intend to go into the food business, but when she did, she made up for lost time by opening three restaurants in Jo’burg in just a year. “When I left home, I couldn’t cook at all,” Lexi says.

It was while working in marketing that she started a food blog as an outlet for her creativity. After gaining weight, she taught herself how to cook and eat healthily and found herself more and more involved in the food business. She opened a stall selling vegan dishes and hosted pop-ups.

Fuelled by the growing plant-based food movement, the next step was opening Lexi’s Healthy Eatery in Sandton serving mainly vegan and

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plant-based dishes. This was followed by branches in Modderfontein and Rosebank, and she has plans for two more. “The planet is under enormous stress,” says Lexi. “Eating a plant-based diet is one of the small ways we can make a difference.” And it’s not just for the planet, “Food is fuel for the body and, if chosen correctly, the way to good health. We can have a lot more control over our quality of life if we take care of our bodies and minds,” she says.

Lexi’s day starts around 6.30am, with yoga or a run before heading to one of her restaurants. “I’ll work on e-mails, some social media content, design work and event planning,” she says. Her days are spent checking dishes, chatting to

1 BLACK RICE BOWL One of the first dishes I served at my restaurants, and it’s still my favourite.

2 ZOO CITY BY LAUREN BEUKES (Jacana) My all-time favourite book is this local science fiction novel.

3 NUTRIBULLET It’s a chef’s best friend – smoothies, vegan cheese, brownies – I use mine for everything.

4 iPHONE 8 PLUS I left home without my phone once and it was torture.

5 BALI I love this island for its amazing vegan food and lush greenery. It’s like heaven.

6 SARAH GRACE’S PAINTINGS She is such an amazing artist and her work is incredible. If I could buy all her pieces, I would.

7 DKNY BE DELICIOUS GREEN APPLE I keep going back to this fresh fragrance – and it’s so pleasing that it’s inspired by a green fruit.

customers and ensuring everything is running smoothly.

When Lexi does have some time off, it’s spent outdoors. “I’ll take a walk in the park, have a picnic, or sundowners on the deck at A Streetbar Named Desire in Parkwood.” Her passion for food doesn’t end when she’s at her home in Illovo. “I also host a supper club with a bunch of close friends where I experiment with new recipes and menu ideas.”

SOURCES Jacana jacana.co.za Lexi’s Healthy Eatery lexiseatery.com Sarah Grace facebook.com/sarahgraceart A Streetbar Named Desire streetbar.co.za

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA CALDWELL AND SUPPLIED

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