Aflictivo ggg by elloco666

Heritage ROSES

Celebrate

IN STYLE * Createmagicwithcandlelight * Splashoutonfestivetabledecor * Makeyourowncrackers andwreaths

Fresh looks for FAMILY HOMES

SA CHRISTMAS LUNCH DECEMBER 2018 R39,50 (Incl. VAT) Other countries R34,35 (Excl. Tax)

Summer gardening

LOADS OF GREAT GIVEAWAYS INSIDE

45738

Dulux Luxurious Silk in Ice Quartz Dining Room Ice Quartz Make Your Home A Masterpiece

80 44 18

contents DECEMBER 2018 decorating 8

HOME FRONT What’s happening on the decor scene?

16 18

TREND SPOTTING: GOLD RUSH

GH GARDENING GUIDE

Up the glamour with gold

Look out for this on the

INSPIRATIONS: HOME FOR

news stands

OLD-WORLD BEAUTIES Heirloom roses are back

ARTY FACTS How to use sculpture in the garden

SPOIL YOUR KITCHEN

ARCHITECT’S PLAN: RURAL

THE HOLIDAYS Create a

BLISS A contemporary

welcoming entrance

Indulge in on-trend

AN URBAN BARN Clever decor

culinary gadgets

Jo’burg garden gets a

BLURRING THE

colourful makeover

farmhouse in Centurion

updates transformed this Cape

ON TOP OF THE WORLD A

colourful conservatory

JOB Expert suggestions for

MAKEOVER: THAT’S

different needs

a new lease on life

ENTERTAINING A living

THE PERFECT BALANCE A

area becomes a social hub

95 98

THIS MONTH’S

around family heirlooms

GOOD IDEA Make your

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

own Christmas crackers

table settings

52 Cover photograph: Celebrate the Season, pg 44 56 Photograph: Christoph Hoffmann

gardening

for making your own wreath

gardening systems

101 104

BURSTING WITH FLAVOUR

you’re away

THE GREEN ROOM: JUST CHILLING Relax outside on

sparkle with candles

a sun lounger

HOLIDAY CHECKLIST Keep your garden happy while

GET GLOWING Add festive

great gift ideas

WAY TO GROW Vertical

Growing popcorn

DECK THE HALLS Expert tips

PRESENT COMPANY Loads of

GARDEN NOTES Garden news and debuts

Inspiring Christmas

THE BEST PLANT FOR THE

BOUNDARIES A

KZN home designed

A MEADOW MOOD An old

Town house dated Plett holiday home gets

106

SCENTS OF PLEASURE Make your own perfume balms

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT A romantic Cape garden

ON THE COVER

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

120

8 promotions & offers 42

SUBSCRIPTIONS Get 50%

110

off these monthly titles

regulars

COMPETITION Win faux

lawn worth R42 000

FABULOUS FREEBIES Win these great getaways

collecting antiques 126

DOORWAYS TO THE

110

FESTIVE FLAVOURS

PAST Diane Johnson-

Nicky Stubbs’ SA-style

Ackerman’s paintings

Christmas lunch

129 DIRECTORY AND

116

BON APPETIT What’s

WORKSHOPS Good

new in the world of

COLLECTING WITH…

shopping guide and

food and wine

Darling Sweet founders

short courses

share their toffee tins

128

touch with us

food & travel

WRITE NOW Keep in

132 LAST WORD ON

118

FEAST FOR THE EYES Tasty summer recipes

120 FRENCH TOAST Tess

TREASURE CHEST

STYLE Chef Nti of Taste

How much are your

Kitchen shares her

Paterson explores

collectables worth?

favourite things

south-west France

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

READERS’ QUERIES 011 449 1010 or e-mail gardenhome@caxton.co.za EDITOR Mary Jane Harris ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Mandy Buchholz 011 449 1010 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 SENIOR DESIGNER Kyle Shoesmith kyles@caxton.co.za PRODUCTION MANAGER Tracy-Lee Nicol tracyn@caxton.co.za CHIEF SUB-EDITOR, GARDENING Diane Peacock dianep@caxton.co.za DIGITAL EDITOR Khanyi Mlaba khanyim@caxton.co.za REPRO AND RETOUCHING Caxton Repro Department 011 449 1050 neville@caxton.co.za EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Juliette Arrighi de Casanova, Jane Griiths, Lizette Jonker, Derick Kirk, Connall Oosterbroek, Tess Paterson, Deborah Rudman, Lida-Marié Saayman, Alice Spenser-Higgs, Jo Trappitt, Dina Venter, Diana Wemyss, Lyn Woodward MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS Roline Haine 011 293 6015 rolineh@caxton.co.za ADVERTISING JOHANNESBURG 368 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall 2196, 010 492 8390/1, bookings 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 011 449 1064 cp@caxton.co.za Shantal Pillay 011 293 6104 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 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 011 449 1010 © 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 efect of light, colours are relected 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.

What’s on our wish list this

Mary Jane Harris – Editor A couple of ‘Figaro Panarosa’ rose bushes (p. 77) for my new rose bed.

Mandy Buchholz – Administrative Officer The nine-pocket panel from PatioScapes™ (p. 100), as I don’t have a garden.

Candice Botha – KZN Contributing Editor, Decor The floral notebook from Woolies (p. 59) to stay organised.

Marianne Alexander – Cape Contributing Editor, Gardening A pack of Foreva Straws (p. 57) to help the environment.

Lauren Delargy – Features Editor The Le Creuset casserole (p. 64). I’ll have it for life.

Kyle Shoesmith – Senior Designer The hydroponic herb garden (p. 56) for fresh, organic herbs.

Tracy-Lee Nicol – Production Manager The Russell Hobbs ice cream maker (p. 64) for summer sorbets.

Diane Peacock – Chief Sub-editor, Gardening The chocolate shortbread from Woolies (p. 58) to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Khanyi Mlaba – Digital Editor I love sleepwear, so the personalised gown from NetFlorist (p. 56) is perfect.

Roline Haine – Marketing and Promotions The Indu iron bookshelf (p. 41) for my increasing book collection.

THE GH 12-MONTH GARDENING GUIDE HAS ARRIVED! It makes the ideal Christmas gift – and it’s only R60! See page 61 for more info.

Happy holidays from the GH team!

PHOTOGRAPHS HEMA PATEL, SALLY CHANCE AND SUPPLIED

Festive season

Write NOW

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

We asked... Our online community Which is your favourite rose? These came up tops.

GOING WINNING FOR BOLD LETTER A big thank you to Anne Roselt and GH for ‘Summer’s New Hues’ in the October issue. My husband and I recently found out we’re pregnant with our first baby and have excitedly turned our attention to her nursery. The article was just what we needed to help us include brighter and bolder colours in our baby’s room. Thanks to the guidance of this article, I believe we’ll pull off the decor tastefully. Michelle Joanne

What a joy the October issue was. We were blown away by the new varieties of roses available – such beauty and finesse. Imagine our delight when reading ‘Lush Oasis’ that we learned that it belonged to the Adamses, whom we met briefly in the UK in August. Rose (an apt name) and Brett Adams are truly nice people and their garden is a cascade of colour. A splendid issue, which we have shared with many. Thank you! Ian and Jenny Donald

‘Forever Busy’

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Write in and win Michelle Joanne has won a R2 000 voucher from Volpes. Bring a new level of luxury to your bedroom with indulgent Egyptian cotton. In addition to the comfort of cotton, it’s extra smooth, soft to the touch and breathable. Volpes’ Egyptian cotton duvet sets come in a range of thread counts up to 300, and beautiful neutral colours. Adding to the range’s quality and elegant style are details including fine pintucks. When it comes to investing in timeless linen, you can’t go wrong with Egyptian cotton. Learn more at volpes.co.za

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

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

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

SMALL WORLD

‘L’Aimant’

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

French Connection

Sanderson’s new Port Isaac collection is a celebration of the English seaside. Hand-drawn designs come to life in a restful palette of driftwood, sky blue and blush. From beach huts and seagulls to coral and kelp, it’s perfect for a relaxed beach-house vibe. See the range at Black Fabrics. blackfabrics.co.za

We love Andrew Dominic’s Franc Chest O Drawers for its style and functionality. Clean lines, quality American red oak, and handcrafted ﬁnger-pull detail make it lust-worthy. andrewdominicfurniture.com

PEACE OF MIND An ideal way to secure your front door without cutting out air and light, Trellidor Clear Guard is made from industrialgrade woven stainless steel mesh set in an aluminium frame. It’s custom made to fit any type of door or window, accommodating handles and other hardware and is specifically engineered as a protective barrier against home invaders. trellidor.co.za

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

Nature’s Way Natural materials such as sisal and water hyacinth are gaining sway as future fibres, thanks to their sustainable qualities. With this in mind, Block & Chisel has introduced textured pieces made from these fibres, plus rattan and pandanus. It’s a great way to add warmth and tactility to any room. Rizki stool in woven pandanus, R1 495. blockandchisel.co.za

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

COASTAL COOL

PURE THEATRE Jim Thompson No. 9 has launched Takes the Stage – a dramatic collection of wallpaper panels inspired by the paintings of theatrical backdrops. Designs hand-painted by Richard Smith range from the exotic Tigers in the Grass to Maharaja Tent. The range is complemented by Jamboree Velvets – 100% cotton pile velvets in gorgeous jewel tones. Available from The Silk and Cotton Co. silkco.co.za

Home for Christmas

Perfect for a white and gold table, this ceramic angel statue from Mr Price Home, R199,99, makes a striking centrepiece. mrphome.com

Vintage Finds Specialising in vintage, antique and upcycled pieces, Trouvé has opened up a new store in Jo’burg’s Greymont. From retro to French, you’ll find one-off furniture items, plus gifts and decor accessories. A stockist of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, Trouvé also offers a furniture painting service and on-site coffee shop. 118 Long Road Greymont. facebook.com/TrouveZA

Let’s Celebrate Add a handcrafted note to Christmas decorating with a group of painted heart and house baubles, R69,95 each, from Woolworths. woolworths.co.za

DESIGNER DOGS Mungo’s new Mohala dog blankets, R450 each, are thick, durable and very easy on the eye. Brightly coloured and easy to clean, they’re ideal for taking on picnics, to the beach, or adding to the end of your bed – anywhere your four-leggeds might want to flop. mungo.co.za

That Special Something

If you’re after stylish yet practical gift ideas, Newport Lighting has a new range of accessories that are just the ticket. We’re taken by this cactus vase, R818,90 (medium). newport.co.za

DESIGN ONLINE Design in a Box is an interior design planning platform, which allows you to customise any room in your home. After completing four easy online steps, you’ll receive a tailor-made package including floor plans, mood boards, a supplier database and a 3D render of the finished space. Decor was never this easy! designinabox.co.za

Fine Print Christopher Farr Cloth has launched two irresistible geometric designs, Orchestra and Temple (pictured). Celebrating the works of textile artist Anni Albers, they’re screen printed on pure Belgian linen. Modern yet timeless, the designs are a stunning foil for simple Scandi furniture. Available from St Leger & Viney. stleger.co.za

Nice Weave Nourison’s Broadloom range of woven carpets is now available at Gonsenhausers Fine Rugs. Renowned for their high-tech approach and covetable designs, the Broadloom collection includes animal prints, geometrics, florals and ikats. finerugs.co.za

WHAT’S ON 2 – 19 DECEMBER Jenny Parsons Exhibition Riebeeck Kasteel Western Cape-based artist Jenny Parsons is holding a solo exhibition at the RK Contemporary Gallery in Riebeeck Kasteel. Entitled Silent Land, it features a series of paintings depicting the vast and beautiful Swartland landscape. rkcontemporary.com 4 – 9 DECEMBER KAMERS/Makers Irene Don’t miss the last show of the year at Cornwall Hill College in Irene. Perfect for Christmas shopping, some 200 crafters and artisans will showcase the finest decor, food, fashion and music. 09h00 – 17h00 daily. Tickets R60 each at Plankton.mobi or R90 at the door. kamersvol.com

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

DESIGNER’S

WISH LIST

Stellenbosch-based jewellery designer Karien van Langelaar is coveting the Spindle Back dining chair from Houtlander. “I love the simplicity of their furniture, intentionally designed for everyday life. This beautiful piece is timeless and crafted with great attention to detail.” houtlander.co.za; kvldesigns.com

Luxalex® Silhouette® Shades UV protection without compromising your view, perfect for large windows.

The Art of Window Styling

luxalex.co.za

Rural

This contemporary farmhouse was designed for family living and entertaining

hen Jacques and Karien Gresse started house hunting, they had their minds set on Southdowns Estate in Irene, Centurion. “It’s within walking distance of our son’s school, with easy access to Jo’burg, Pretoria and the airport,” they say. With only a few stands available at the time, they weren’t spoilt for choice and eventually bought a panhandle with a north-east entry. They knew the stand wasn’t ideally suited to the single storey they wanted, but this didn’t deter them and they started to explore the estate, taking note of all the homes they liked. “Coincidentally, most of these were

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

designed by Devilliers du Toit, so we knew which architect to approach,” they recall. Their brief to Devilliers specified a laidback home ideal for family living, with ample space for entertaining. “We jokingly told him that we wanted a braai and entertaining area with a house attached to it.” Apart from their personal preferences, the structure also had to adhere to the estate aesthetic. “This is based on a down-to-earth farm style, because it’s located on a working farm,” explains Devilliers. In response to the brief, Devilliers arranged the rooms in a U-shape with most of them leading onto a

AT A GLANCE THE ARCHITECT: Devilliers du Toit (pictured). THE CLIENTS: Jacques and Karien Gresse and their son, Evan. THE BRIEF: A single-storey family home with generous entertaining space. THE HOUSE: A modern farmstyle single-storey with a relaxed atmosphere.

private courtyard. Because the Gresses specifically requested that there be plenty of natural light, he included high ceilings and gable windows. “The stand isn’t north-facing, and this way natural light floods deep into the rooms,” he explains.

TEXT DINA VENTER PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PORTRAIT ANDREA CALDWELL

BLISS

ARCHITECT’S PLAN

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

main bedroom

dining area / braai room

dressing room

double garage

living area

bathroom play room bedroom

workshop staff quarters

study

As a nod to the agrarian surroundings, the design incorporates materials such as corrugated iron, local Irene stone and flush-jointed stock bricks on the exterior. “Inside, the house features the same stock bricks as accent walls to tie in with the exterior, and pigmented screed floors reinforce the earthy feel,” he says. Despite the narrow stand, the result is a home with a relaxed atmosphere, where the entertaining area flows out to the garden. The Gresses say that Devilliers executed their brief perfectly. “The house is warm and social, and it has great flow, all coming together at a central meeting point, which is exactly what we had in mind.”

kitchen scullery

bathroom

guest bedroom

SOURCE Devilliers du Toit Architects devilliersdutoit.com

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

CREATIVE SPIRIT

Doorways

Somerset West artist Diane Johnson-Ackerman captures the beauty of moments in time

What inspires you? I’m drawn to the strong contrast of light and dark and the dramatic mood that it evokes. I want to communicate moments in time, often from the past. For this reason, I love the interiors of old buildings – looking in and through doorways and windows – and verandas with old-fashioned columns, which define the sunlight by their shadows. I love the vast landscape and skies of the Karoo, and deserted structures feature a lot in my work.

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

What mediums and techniques do you use? I paint in acrylics. My printmaking mainly entails intaglio etching, with wood and linocuts, reduction woodcuts and monoprints. What is your artistic background and how has it influenced you? I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Rhodes University under Brian Bradshaw, Tom Mathews, Joss Nel and Neil Rodgers. My father was a big influence in my life; he was such a perfectionist. My husband, Pierre, is a forester and we’ve lived in the most beautiful parts of the country, which has also inspired my work. Tell us more about your journey as an artist. I loved creating from a young

age and I had a wonderful grounding at Rhodes’ Art School. In my fourth year, I concentrated on interiors, sometimes a still life, or an interior with a doorway, looking out. It took me some years to develop and to become confident in my individual style. I also have a great passion for printmaking. I attended a course in etching and I was in seventh heaven! It is exquisite to have the two mediums to work in. Are you a full-time artist? Yes, I’ve been fortunate to be able to concentrate on my art full time. Do you have any exhibitions coming up? I’ll be exhibiting at the Prince Albert Open Studios from 13 – 16 December.

SOURCES Diane Johnson-Ackerman dfjohnson-ackerman.co.za Prince Albert Open Studios 023 541 1057

TEXT LIDA-MARIÉ SAAYMAN PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED

TO THE PAST

TREND SPOTTING 4 1 2

GOLD RUSH

All that glitters is definitely gold this festive season

10 1. Plates chandelier, R10 000, SHF. 2. Round mirror, R399, H&M Home. 3. Two-piece flatware gold server set, R555, HAUS. 4. Elitis VP-718-02 0901 wallpaper, POR, St Leger & Viney. 5. Scratch bottle vase, R99,99, Mr Price Home. 6. Mantelpiece clock, R139,99, Mr Price Home. 7. Large metal parrot figurine, R299, H&M Home. 8. Astro wire kitchen chair, R2 000, Esque. 9. Lilium gold foil cushion cover, R555, Esque. 10. Three-tier cart, R6 900, Cécile & Boyd. SOURCES Cécile & Boyd cecileandboyds.com Esque esque.co.za HAUS hertex.co.za/homeware H&M Home hm.com/za Mr Price Home mrphome.com SHF shf.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za

DECEMBER 2018 | 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.

TEXT AND SHOPPING LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS JP URIZAR/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU/ MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA AND SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

INSPIRATIONS

THE HOLIDAYS Home for Create a festive welcome by dressing up your front door

Soften Christmas decor with feathers. Glass bauble filled with white feathers, R29, @home.

Bling the tree with gold. Gold frosted glass bauble, R39, @home.

Create festive ambience with candlelight. Round cut glass jar with candle, R149, @home.

EXPERT TIPS Suné Fick, Senior Decor Buyer at @home, has these tips for festive decor The trend this season is mixing old and new and adding a bit of nostalgia. We’re seeing a lot of sparkle, detail and texture. Layer festive decorations with botanicals and plants. Invest in pieces that have longevity and buy a few each year for your collection. Play with light by twisting rice or fairy lights through real or faux greenery. Baubles aren’t just for the tree: hang them on a wreath or fill a large vase with a mix of baubles and run fairy lights in between them to add sparkle.

Light up the dinner table with soft light. Mercury glass LED Christmas tree, R199, @home.

Glam up the season with stylish metallics. Star decorations, R59,95 for a pack of four, Woolworths.

Add a touch of the formal with square planters on each side of the front door. Concrete planter, R950, Vasco Stone.

Reflect the abundance of summer with a full foliage wreath. Fine foliage wreath, R169, @home.

Create a festive atmosphere with outdoor lighting. Hamlet outdoor wall lantern, R1 322,50, Eurolux.

A green and white wreath looks very effective on a dark door. Handmade wreath in white, R650, Andrea’s Topiary Creations.

Consider a real tree that you can plant in the garden after the festive season. Small Christmas tree in a pot, R129, Woolworths.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Andrea’s Topiary Creations topiary.co.za Eurolux eurolux.co.za Vasco Stone vascostone.co.za Woolworths woolworths.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

An urban

TEXT DEBORAH RUDMAN STYLING JULIETTE ARRIGHI DE CASANOVA PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

BARN

This Constantia home has been given new contemporary life through judicious and thoughtful decorating

CAPE HOME REFRESH

successful house makeover requires a few essential ingredients: a measure of imagination, plenty of expertise and a little luck. When the owners of this property in Constantia, Cape Town, wanted to give their house a refresh, they called on Cape-based interior designer Lesley Arnot to provide guidance and oversee the project. It was a happy choice. Her experience is wide-ranging and her approach attentive. “My brief,” says Lesley, “was to work with much of what was already there – cherished family pieces – but also to give it all a new edge.” The challenge was to bring focus to the disparate elements and combine them into a cohesive whole. Some of the changes were subtle, others were substantial, but the result is unequivocally dramatic and yet still inviting. The central living room was barn-like: it was long and large, with a pitchedbeam ceiling. It stretched from a kitchen space at the rear, past a dining section and feature bar, to an informal living area. Although no major structural changes were made to its footprint, Lesley’s first inspirational move was LEFT: The topiary feature gives the

garden a formal look.

WHO LIVES HERE A professional Cape Town couple whose children have left home.

THE HOUSE A renovated two-bedroom house with an open-plan living area, bar and kitchen, a patio and a pool.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

to install two 3m-high, black steelframed windows on either side of the fireplace to ground the far end of the long room and allow the abundant north light in. Walls were enlivened with a striking new colour, carpets were updated and sofas custom made. Harmony between these various elements had to be

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

achieved. “I tried to make every part of the house stylish as well as comfortable – a space that’s relaxing and where you feel you can read a book,” she observes. Leading off this room, forming a connection with the topiaried garden, is a covered patio. Weather screens enable it to be used as an outside room, with decor that reflects understated

European glam with a nod to African rustic. Lesley used rush matting, camping stools and touches of pecanbrown leather juxtaposed with a white linen sofa and potted fig trees. At the owner’s request, a deft conversion of two bedrooms with one shared bathroom created two en suite bedrooms, which flow into a brand-new

The patio has a rustic African feel with comfortable textures, thick-weave bamboo, rush matting, a sofa upholstered in fabric from Mavromac & Gatehouse and fiddle-back fig trees. The bar separating the kitchendining area from the informal sitting room was existing and given a new black varnish to update it. The chandeliers were also retained. The sofas were made to the ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; specs by Leon at CCXIX. The colour on the wall is Borrie from Midas Paints Tygervalley. THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

shower room. Privacy is ensured by using seamless glass screens for toilets and showers, creating the chic functionality of a boutique hotel bathroom. The bedrooms open up onto a wide veranda that overlooks the garden and swimming pool, creating a sense of tranquil privacy away from the livingspace wing.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

And that little bit of luck? Serendipity played a part one day when, on a visit to a city store and having used up her budget, Lesley managed to swap an existing carpet for one with the exact colour palette she was looking for to complete her mandate. In its new guise, this house has the presence both of a long-established home and a smart contemporary one – it’s well set to take the owners into the next chapter of their lives. In the dining area, the table and chairs are from Pierre Cronje. The eat-in kitchen area is demarcated and accentuated by tall black cabinets. The Itai Vangani painting was framed by In-Fin-Art in Wynberg. The rug was Lesley’s lucky find. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP:

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

Cushions in Kelim-look fabric from St Leger & Viney add vibrance to the main bedroom. The throw is from Moorgas & Waldron. A large mirror adds to the sense of space.

Get the look Recreate the ethnic-chic look of this bedroom

Aveiro vase, R349, Coricraft.

Patagonia Graphite fabric, R688/m, St Leger & Viney. Qashqai Kelim rug, R2Â 800/m2, Gonsenhausers Fine Rugs.

Celeste wooden lamp (excl. shade), R6 236, Mavromac & Gatehouse.

The cabinetry in the guest en suite bathroom was designed by Lesley. Lesley worked the existing curtains into the new scheme for the guest bedroom and added a throw from Moorgas & Waldron. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP:

Attius bedside table, R6 499, JVB Furniture Collection.

SOURCES Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za Gonsenhausers Fine Rugs finerugs.co.za In-Fin-Art infinart.co.za Itai Vangani instagram.com/itai_vangani JVB Furniture Collection j-v-b.co.za Leon at CCXIX leonat219.com Lesley Arnot lesleyarnot.com Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Midas Paints Tygervalley midaspaintstygervalley.co.za Moorgas & Waldron moorgasandwaldron.co.za Pierre Cronje pierrecronje.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

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

Kathy bedend, R4 895, Block & Chisel.

DESIGN • SER VICE • QUALIT Y Viewing Showrooms Only, K Light Import supplies only to Retailers and not to the public directly. Cape Town: 7 Kunene Circle, Omuramba Business Park, Milnerton, 021 552 4370 Johannesburg: Units 8 & 9, The Arena, Capital Hill Business Park, Halfway House, Midrand, 011 312 1247 info@klight.co.za I www.klight.co.za I Facebook.com/klightimport

HOLIDAY HOME RENOVATION

On top of

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHS LUCIA PINTO AND SUPPLIED

THE WORLD

Thanks to a major overhaul, a tired family holiday home in Plett is now set to make more happy memories

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

BEFORE

A WHO LIVES HERE A professional couple who live in Jo’burg and holiday here with their grown-up children and grandchildren.

THE HOUSE A recently renovated split-level, three-bedroom holiday home in Plettenberg Bay with open-plan living areas and kitchen, a study and a deck and pool area with views over Lookout Beach, the lagoon and the mountains beyond.

fter 20 years of holidaying in this house, the owners, who have a large extended family, decided it was time to modernise. The house had hosted many happy family holidays, but was now showing signs of wear and, as their lifestyles had changed and their children had left home and had families of their own, the layout no longer worked for them. In June 2016 they called in architect Tickey Klawansky and Meg Fasanelli of Meg Vaun Interiors (who had decorated their Jo’burg home) and together they came up with a plan to bring the house up to date. The architect’s aim was to simplify and minimise the details and

THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Stacking glass doors that open up completely make the dining area feel like a covered patio. The practical wood-look tiles from Italtile blend with the deck. Rustic doors from Amatuli invite you into the streamlined courtyard. A large new door gives a glimpse of the ocean view.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

BEFORE

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The small rooms of the original house were opened up to create a large living, dining and cooking area. The cushion fabrics are from St Leger & Viney. As the owners are great cooks and like to cook together, Meg specified that the kitchen have a 3m-long island with a prep bowl, pop-up power docks and a Zip Hydrotap. The pendant lights are from Weylandts. The bar stools are from @home. The kitchen was designed by Meg Vaun Interiors and manufactured by KCT Kitchens. The cabinets have Caesarstone countertops and all the appliances were integrated to keep it uncluttered.

streamline the finishes. Arches were squared off in the bedrooms, shadow lines replaced the traditional cornicing throughout and instead of curtains, shutters were installed on the windows that required privacy. Strangely enough, for a house with an amazing outlook, the living area faced inwards, away from the view. A major part of the new design was to open up the traditional series of rooms and create one large living, dining and cooking space with huge windows and doors so that wherever you are, you can appreciate the beauty of the setting. The entrance to the courtyard was fitted with rustic doors from Amatuli and through these, a large window now draws the eye through the living room to the pool deck and ocean beyond. “We love the idea that you experience the view from the front door and it gets better as you proceed through the house,” say the owners. Walls between the various rooms were removed and the rooms gutted. Even the traditional fireplace was replaced with a freestanding wood-burning stove. But the biggest difference came with the installation of bigger windows and frameless glass sliding doors, which link the house to the pool deck. “One of the most effective changes

was raising the pool,” explains Meg Fasanelli. “Previously, there was a small pool on a lower level accessed by a set of steps. By installing a new pool on the same level as the house and surrounding it with decking, it now becomes an extension of the living areas. We further emphasised this connection by laying similar wood-look tiles throughout the living rooms.” THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: The TV room is an extension of the living areas but can be closed off with metal-framed glass doors that slide into the wall. The built-in unit was custom made.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

As the owners love to cook, the kitchen was designed accordingly. “Because the family tends to socialise here, we made the island over three metres long and fitted it with a prep bowl, an instant hot water tap and popup plugs so that it works for more than one cook,” explains Meg. “We kept the cabinets neutral and integrated the appliances so the kitchen forms a subtle backdrop to the living areas.” Part of the streamlining process involved incorporating an exterior staircase into the house and adding another bathroom. This meant that the house went from having four bedrooms to having three. However, all are now en suite and large enough for daybeds that can also be used for sleeping. In addition, the existing bathrooms underwent much-needed rejuvenation. “To simplify things, we used the same pale blue mosaic tile in all the bathrooms to highlight certain walls.

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: As the old pool was on a lower level, it was filled in and a new pool built on the same level as the living areas. The furniture is from Plaisir du Jardin. In the main en suite bathroom, the owner wanted a shower seat so, for visual continuity, Meg extended this under the vanity with storage space inside. There’s more storage behind the mirrors. For all the bedrooms including the main one, Meg designed double headboards that extend on either side. “This way, you can use two single beds with a bedside table in the middle if you prefer.” The headboard in the guest room is covered in Duralee fabric from Halogen International.

We installed a freestanding bath in the main bathroom, but in the others, we built them in and clad them with Caesarstone, which, because there are no grout lines, has a very clean effect,” says Meg. As the furnishings needed replacing, Meg designed new pieces, which were custom made for the different rooms. “We sourced all the furniture and accessories in Jo’burg, even the kitchen cabinets, and then transported everything down here,” she explains. “We wanted a light, fresh holiday feel so we chose practical neutrals for the large pieces like the sofas and introduced colour through the scatter cushions. We also kept it simple in the bedrooms, upholstering the headboards in vibrant fabrics and using the same white linen and quilts in all the rooms,” explains Meg. “You don’t want to have to fuss with furnishings when you’re on holiday.”

The renovations took around 18 months to complete, but the owners are thrilled with the results. “The new pool and its proximity to the house has given us so much more living space where we can sit outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and the views,” say the owners who are looking forward to spending their first summer holiday here.

BEFORE

Get the look Recreate the relaxed holiday look of this living area

Christopher Farr Rick Rack in Orange fabric, POR, St Leger & Viney.

Large clear glass cone pendant, R4 774, K. Light Import. Maison coffee table, R3Â 849, Mobelli Furniture + Living. Laurelle rattan platter with handle, R770, La Grange Interiors.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: To simplify the renovations, the same aqua mosaic tile was used in all the bathrooms. The bath was clad with Caesarstone, which was also used for the vanity shelf extending over the bath. The taps and shower fittings are by Hansgrohe. Although the house lost a bedroom in the renovation, the remaining ones, like this guest room, are large enough to accommodate a daybed, which can be used for relaxing or as an extra bed. In the bedrooms, the dressing tables can double as computer desks.

Osaka Berry scatter, 60 x 90cm, R890, Hertex.

White Forum chair, R859, KARE.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Amatuli amatuli.co.za Caesarstone caesarstone.co.za Halogen International halogen.co.za Hansgrohe hansgrohe.co.za Hertex hertex.co.za Italtile italtile.co.za JVB Furniture Collection j-v-b.co.za K. Light Import klight.co.za KARE kare-design.com/za KCT Kitchens 084 877 3279 La Grange Interiors lagrangeinteriors.co.za Meg Vaun Interiors megvaun.co.za or 082 560 1678 Mobelli Furniture + Living mobelli.co.za Plaisir du Jardin plaisirdujardin.co.za St Leger & Viney stleger.co.za Tickey Klawansky Associates-Architects 011 728 1319 Weylandts weylandts.co.za

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

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

New Yorker all-seater sofa, from R18 895, JVB Furniture Collection.

. / ! - !) 0 1 - Fully Waterproof (IP66) - Flush/ Surface Mounted - Easy & Simple to install - Available with Plastic/GRP flap - Padlockable 2 )) 2, - # + , ( # ! " # #

* NO CUTTING REQUIRED FOR SURFACE MOUNTING

- # + ! " # $ % % & ' &

* + , ) & you with a modern finish PLUS all the benefits of the original plug box you know and have trusted for 40 years!

KZN NEW BUILD

The perfect

BALANCE

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SALLY CHANCE

This house was designed to capture natural light and link the indoors to out

WHO LIVES HERE A retired couple who downsized from a large farm.

THE HOUSE A double storey with three en suite bedrooms, a family living room, veranda, courtyard and swimming pool. Upstairs is a study and the main bedroom.

aving lived on farms for most of their lives, the owners of this house at Brettenwood Coastal Estate on the KZN North Coast wanted the illusion of lots of space. “We found the perfect site on the edge of a protected green belt with beautiful views,” they say. Their brief to architect Julia Rutherfoord and builder Karl Wang of KR Projects was to emphasise the views and allow for indooroutdoor living with as much natural light as possible. “The sea and wetland views are to the south, which is not great for light, so we designed courtyards on the north so that warm light illuminates the interiors. We positioned the house so that there’s a completely open feel but it’s private as it’s far down from the road, on a bank surrounded by a tropical garden,” says Julia. To enhance the setting, she THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Large pieces, like the antique armoire in the living room, were placed on the plan to ensure they would be focal points. “The soft greens and whites of the colour palette go a long way towards enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow,” notes interior designer Tessa Proudfoot. The patio on the protected side of the house is used for entertaining all year round and features a built-in braai and storage cabinets.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

incorporated lots of natural textures such as stone cladding and timber decking and screens in the architecture. Interior designer Tessa Proudfoot has worked on several of the owners’ homes over the years and they enlisted her expertise once again. “The architecture leans towards contemporary but in a subtle, easy-living way,” she says. “There’s nothing pretentious about any of the rooms and nothing that can be termed fashionable or trendy, which, in my opinion, is exactly what a house should be. Building is so expensive these days that styles need to last.” To enhance the timeless feel, Tessa included many of the owners’ treasured pieces, including an extensive collection of art and antiques. “From the first architectural drafts, we positioned the key pieces on the plan to ensure that they THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The courtyard is protected from the elements and allows natural light into the interiors. Natural textures and colours enhance the sense of space. “The beautiful copper bowl with the orchids in the entrance hall was used by my husband’s great aunt and then his mother to make guava jelly for the last 100 years or so,” says the owner. The dining room is often used for entertaining. The light fitting from Tessa Proudfoot and Associates is the perfect counterpoint to the classic furniture and Persian carpet. The carved mirror is from Cécile & Boyd.

The kitchen counterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s raw feel was a must-have for the owners and contrasts beautifully with the crisp look of the tiles from Union Tiles and pendant lights. Similar pendants are available from K. Light Import. The cabinetry is by Wood Creations.

THIS SPREAD, LEFT TO RIGHT: Displays of pot plants on the front veranda emphasise the connection to the green belt. The baskets are from Freerange Interiors & Clothing and the pots from Seed Store. Framed botanical prints above the bath make a focal point in the main bathroom.

Get the look Get the look of this stylish kitchen by mixing industrial elements with raw wood and copper accents

Indu iron bookshelf, R11 999, @home.

Copper vase, R495, Weylandts.

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

Copper crinkle bowl, R350, Woolworths.

would fit easily into the rooms rather than end up as white elephants taking up space,” she explains. “The interiors are in traditional old Natal style. Colours are cool and calm to counteract summer heat and humidity and the furniture is classic. There’s a mix of textures (dark and light woods, rattan and cane) and potted palms and plants abound!” As the owner didn’t want the house to feel too oldfashioned, she and Tessa chose baskets, glassware and mirrors as well as contemporary planters in monochromatic patterns to add some modern touches. “To avoid turning our home into a museum, we also updated the chairs and sofas with loose covers in an off-white fabric,” explains the owner. “The house needed to be a place where they could entertain their large extended family and wide circle of friends in comfort and style, but equally be a cosy spot for when it’s just the two of them,” says Tessa. The most frequent guests are the couple’s grandchildren so practical elements like the slipcovers, guest bedrooms on a different level and a TV lounge were essential. It’s this careful consideration of the owners’ lifestyle that has resulted in a home that ticks all the boxes and finds a balance between intimate and inviting and classic and contemporary.

Hammered copper cup, R199, @home.

Pendant light, R700, Eurolux.

Industrial counter stool with wooden seat, R2 020, Weylandts.

Pavimento Bulgary glazed ceramic tiles, R399/m2, Italtile.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Cécile & Boyd cecileandboyds.com Eurolux eurolux.co.za Freerange Interiors & Clothing freerangeclothing.co.za Italtile italtile.co.za Julia Rutherfoord rutherfoordarchitect.co.za K. Light Import klight.co.za KR Projects 082 301 1981 Seed Store seedstore.co.za Tessa Proudfoot and Associates tessaproudfoot.co.za Union Tiles uniontiles.co.za Weylandts weylandts.co.za Wood Creations mdebwood@gmail.com Woolworths woolworths.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

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gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

TABLE SETTINGS

Celebrate the

The best way to make your family and friends feel special at this time of the year is by taking the time to set a stunning festive table

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS

SEASON

You could be forgiven for thinking that Cape Town designer Danela Conti celebrates Christmas all year round. Her bold choice of turquoise walls and red and white striped chairs sets a festive vibe every day, but at Christmas she gilds the lily. “Inspired by the slipcovers, I decided on a theme of whimsical stripes. To appeal to children of all ages, I found dancing elves in striped sweaters, which I placed on the plates and arranged red and white roses in striped grass cupholders,” she explains. To give the table height, she placed mirrored boxes in the centre on which she placed gold and white ornaments. “I like traditional place settings with linen napkins and cutlery for each course – this year I used gold.” A combination of gold-edged white plates, red floral ones and ruby glasses enhances the luxe look. Forming a stunning backdrop to the setting is Danela’s unusual fawn Christmas tree. “I had it made 20 years ago and I never tire of it. Every year I add to the decorations with pieces I’ve found on my travels and special family trinkets. My children and I also love to shop for fun Christmas goodies,” says Danela who usually hosts a big family affair on Christmas Day.

The striped slipcovers were the starting point for the theme. Striped grass containers and elves in striped sweaters add a fun element to the place settings. For a centrepiece, Danela used mirrored boxes, which display a collection of ornaments in gold, white and red. White plates with gold bamboo details were combined with a floral design. Adding a luxurious touch is the gold cutlery from Resort Lifestyle. THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

SOURCES Danela Conti danelaconti.com Resort Lifestyle danela@danelaconti.com

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

As the French-style dining room in her Jo’burg house features natural materials such as raw brick and wood, and cream furnishings, interior decorator Yvette Wheatley decided on a calming mix of neutrals and greenery for her table. “I started with a linen tablecloth on which I placed matt black crockery and gold cutlery for glamour,” she explains. “The foliage, which includes penny gum, brings the table to life and offsets the vases of white flowers.” Adding height to the setting are white candles in elegant glass candleholders, which, together with fairy lights wound through the greenery, gold reindeer ornaments and bowls of gold chocolates, add to the magical atmosphere. Yvette made name tags for each setting with black cardstock and a gold pen and placed sprigs of foliage on them. “I love creating a sense of occasion,” she says. “This year, we’ll be hosting Christmas Eve dinner here and spending Christmas Day relaxing by the pool.”

The exposed beams and brick fireplace set the scene for an elegant French-style setting. The wreath is from Andrea’s Topiary Creations. Crystal glassware, glittering reindeer and fairy lights add to the festive mood. The neutral scheme was enhanced with foliage and white flowers. Glassware and the candleholders reflect the twinkling light of candles and fairy lights. Drinks and festive treats are displayed on the server. THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

SOURCES Andrea’s Topiary Creations topiary.co.za Yvette Wheatley Interiors 082 330 0066

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

GET MORE ONLINE To find more festive table inspiration, visit gardenandhome.co.za

TEXT CANDICE BOTHA PHOTOGRAPHS SALLY CHANCE

The chequerboard floor, black and white striped wallpaper and ornate chandelier enhance the delicate pink and white scheme.

In the pink “I love antiques and I’ve furnished my home with special pieces that all have a history,” says Durban textile and accessories designer Lou Harvey, referring to the Georgian dining chairs and crystal chandelier in her dining room. These were the starting point for the feminine pink, white and aqua theme, which complements the formal nature of the black and white chequerboard floor. Lou loves all things pink, pretty and girly and combined all three in her table setting. Assisted by Tailor My Table, she mixed a ‘tree’ made from tulle with fragrant lilies in crystal vases while glass baubles and silver candelabra add to the sense of abundance. “Christmas is the perfect excuse to bring out the heirloom china, good silverware and crystal glasses,” says Lou. “For each setting, I included a snowflake decoration, which offsets the pink and white napery, and a jewelled pomegranate.” Highlighted against a wall covered in Lou’s new wallpaper, a white Christmas tree decorated in shades of pink and silver is flanked by jars of baubles and marshmallows. “Candles add to the romantic atmosphere and I light those in the candelabra on the table just before the guests arrive for Christmas Eve dinner,” says Lou. Patterned china and a jewelled pomegranate make each place setting extra special. A white tree decorated in shades of pink is surrounded by decorations including jars of marshmallows and baubles. “I love all things pink, pretty and girly,” says Lou, who has combined all three in her Christmas decor. The grand proportions of the room are echoed in the symmetrical design of the table. A tulle tree from Snowflake Creations is paired with an abundance of pink and turquoise baubles, crystal vases and candles. The wallpaper is from Lou’s new collection. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

SOURCES Lou Harvey louharvey.co.za Snowflake Creations 076 992 4769 Tailor My Table 082 379 9912

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

FESTIVE WREATHS

Flower designer Louise Eichner shares her stepby-step guides on how to make three gorgeous wreaths

GOING GREEN

Deck the

HALLS 50

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

HOW TO DO IT: 1. Using pot tape, attach the dry floral foam to the wire wreath base. 2. Push two skewers into the base of each artificial apple. 3. Insert the apples into the floral foam until it’s completely covered. 4. Fill any gaps with ivy or any longlasting greenery. 5. Make a large bow from the ribbon and attach at the bottom with wire. 6. Use the oil to shine the apples.

NATURE’S BOUNTY

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Floral foam base soaked in water (float it on water and once it sinks, it’s ready to use) Greenery: succulents, aloe, ivy, ferns and any other garden foliage Wooden skewers Florist’s wire

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY WREATHS LOUISE EICHNER PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Pot tape (available from florist’s suppliers) Floral foam Wire wreath base (available from most florist’s suppliers) Wooden skewers cut into 10cm pieces Artificial green apples Fresh ivy or any other long-lasting foliage Ribbon for a large bow Floral wire for the bow Oil to make the apples shine

2 HOW TO DO IT: 1. Working clockwise, insert garden greenery around the floral foam wreath, making sure you fill the sides both inside and out. 2. Cut the stems of the succulents and garden aloes to 7cm. 3. Insert a skewer into the bottom of the stems. 4. Insert the succulents and aloes evenly around the wreath, securing with wire. 5. Finish with ivy and ferns, letting them hang down. 6. Keep adding foliage and succulents until the wreath is full.

IVY LEAGUE

WHAT YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LL NEED: Ivy or other greenery cut into equal lengths of about 60cm A soaked floral foam wreath base Twine or floristâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wire A large fabric bow Artificial red berries (optional)

HOW TO DO IT: 1. Place small bunches of ivy leaves against the flat wreath base and use the twine to attach them to it.

TIPS If using real plant material, once a day place the wreath on the lawn and give it a good watering before hanging it up again. To hang the wreath, tie a ribbon to the top and tie a knot, then hang on a nail or hook. Shine apples and berries by painting them with oil using a pastry brush. You can also make the greenery shine with leaf shine spray available from florists and nurseries.

2. Work in a clockwise direction and keep adding the bunches, tying them to the base tightly with twine as you go. 3. Repeat until the wreath is full. 4. Fill the gaps with strands of ivy or greenery.

5. Add the fabric bow and place artificial red berries over it.

SOURCE Louise Eichner lceichner@gmail.com Follow Louise on Instagram instagram.com/louiseeichner

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

There’s nothing like the romantic glow of candles to give your home a festive sparkle. And it’s so easy to do

TEXT MARY JANE HARRIS STYLING JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN SHOT ON LOCATION AT ABBEY GUESTHOUSE, 7 ABBEY DRIVE, CRAIGHALL PARK, JO’BURG. CALL 011 447 0568 OR VISIT ABBEYGUESTHOUSE.CO.ZA

FESTIVE DECOR

Get

GLOWING

GOLDEN GLOW

When decorating your home, don’t forget the veranda as that’s where you’ll spend most of your time. Create a warm, inviting atmosphere with scatters in rich shades of green and gold and accentuate them with gold lanterns. For the finishing touch, include a wreath made from dried leaves. Lanterns, Coricraft, plain scatters, Exquisite Cuts, botanical scatters, @home, similar wreaths, Andrea’s Topiary Creations.

TREE CHEERS

Light up your garden with clusters of glass jars filled with candles. Tie string or wire around the tops and hang from a branch or hook.

MAKE AN ENTRANCE

Greet guests with a collection of glasses filled with candles set on a silver tray. They don’t have to match but make sure that the glass is thick enough to take the heat of a candle. If you use a tray with a metal surface, the reflection will double the effect. Gold candleholders, @home and Mr Price Home.

STARRY NIGHTS

Instead of a single candelabra in the centre of the table, personalise each place setting with a collection of candleholders in different materials and sizes. The effect is much more glamorous. Candleholders, @home and Mr Price Home.

3 4

TRAY CHIC

For a quick and easy centrepiece for a coffee table or server, arrange candles of different heights on a tray and surround them with floristâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moss. Bamboo tray, Mr Price Home.

LANTERN LIGHT

Metal lanterns are right on trend this season so cluster a couple on mantelpieces, at the front door and on table surfaces. Lanterns, Coricraft.

PURE AND SIMPLE

Turn ordinary household items into stylish decor. Pour coarse salt into glass jars and place a candle in them. Lift them out of the ordinary by tying raffia or twine around the tops. SOURCES @home home.co.za Andreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Topiary Creations topiary.co.za Coricraft coricraft.co.za Exquisite Cuts exquisitecuts.co.za Mr Price Home mrphome.com

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

6 7

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GIFT GUIDE

Present

Personalised dressing gown with piping, R699,95, NetFlorist.

COMPANY This year, we’ve got all your gifts sorted

TO BUY ONLINE

Mindfulness plate with paint, brush and instructions, R180, SANTOS.

Hydroponic herb garden, R1 199, Yuppiechef.

WIN! SANTOS

Gin Tribe Do It In Style Mule Box, R899, Gift Tribe.

Rose gold drinks bottle, R299,99, Typo. Key tracking device, R599, iStore.

Set of two Le Creuset tealight candleholders, R299, Yuppiechef.

Kuzuia woven basket, from R288, Bespoke. Carrol Boyes recipe book stand, R1 299, Yuppiechef.

SOURCES Bespoke bespokehome.co.za Gift Tribe gifttribe.co.za iStore myistore.co.za NetFlorist netflorist.co.za SANTOS santos.co.za Typo cottonon.com/ZA/typo Yuppiechef yuppiechef.com To enter, SMS the keyword to 48406. SMSes cost R1,50, errors will be billed and free SMSes don’t apply. For Ts&Cs, turn to page 87.

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

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

KEYWORD

Raw wood candleholder, R129,99, Sheet Street.

WIN!

Cheeseboard and knife set, R399, Woolworths.

R250 VOUCHER KEYWORD

SHEET

SPOIL YOUR HOSTESS

WIN! SET OF 2 KEYWORD

COTTONCO

Foreva Straws, R79 each, or R249 for a pack of four, Adams Discount Centre.

Confetti wine glass and champagne flute, R89,95 each, Woolworths.

WIN! KEYWORD

FOREVA Herringbone cotton hand towel, R165, The Cotton Company.

Honey rock candy in rose gold tin, R49,99, Woolworths. Ceramic diffuser, 100ml, Orchid Tea and Berry, R179, @home.

Set of three votive candleholders, R129, @home.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Adams Discount Centre adamsdiscount.co.za Sheet Street sheetstreet.com The Cotton Company thecottoncompany.co.za Woolworths woolworths.co.za To enter, SMS the keyword to 48406. SMSes cost R1,50, errors will be billed and free SMSes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t apply. For Ts&Cs, turn to page 87.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

Country Road men’s socks, R349 for a pack of four, Woolworths.

FORGOT SOMEONE?

Printed tea towel, R150, Owl in the Moss.

Spirit of Rooibos aperitif, R359, Yuppiechef. Embroidered purse, R395, Woven Green.

Bush bandits cotton napkins, R400 for a set of two, Esque. Belvoir elderflower cordial, R99, Poetry.

Handbag lotions, 100ml, in Wild Fig, Moroccan Rose and Lemon Verbena, R129 each, Rain.

Caribbean salt or pepper mill, 30cm, R690, Le Creuset.

WIN! KEYWORD

LECREUSET Shortbread in tin, R109,99, Woolworths.

SOURCES Esque esque.co.za Le Creuset lecreuset.co.za Owl in the Moss owlinthemoss.co.za Poetry poetrystores.co.za Rain rainafrica.com Woolworths woolworths.co.za Woven Green woven-green.com Yuppiechef yuppiechef.com To enter, SMS the keyword to 48406. SMSes cost R1,50, errors will be billed and free SMSes don’t apply. For Ts&Cs, turn to page 87.

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

Men’s all-in-one hair and body wash, R269, Rain.

Set of cosmetic bags, R299, Typo.

WHEN YOU’RE IN A RUSH WIN! Cardholder phone cover, R299,99, Typo.

KEYWORD

RAIN

Floral notebook, R59,99, Woolworths.

Fig and pecan biscuits in jar, R139,99, Woolworths.

Caramel coffee candle in tin, R450, SANTOS.

Let’s celebrate scented sachet, R75, Poetry.

Seashell mug, R149,99, Typo.

Glass angel decoration, R169, @home.

WIN! KEYWORD

LOVEMILO Set of three ant snack bowls with tray, R505, Love Milo.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Love Milo lovemilo.com Poetry poetrystores.co.za Rain rainafrica.com SANTOS santos.co.za Typo cottonon.com/ZA/typo Woolworths woolworths.co.za To enter, SMS the keyword to 48406. SMSes cost R1,50, errors will be billed and free SMSes don’t apply. For Ts&Cs, turn to page 87.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

Moon leather dog lead, R290, Benji + Moon.

Treats jar, R519, Bespoke.

Dog house, R1 990, Keter.

WIN! KEYWORD

BESPOKE

DON’T FORGET FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

WIN! KEYWORD

KETER

Alien walkie talkie giggaball, from R190, Dog’s Life. Petstages nature track cat toy, R450, Yuppiepet.

WIN! KEYWORD

DOGSLIFE

‘Santa loves me’ tee, from R170, Dog’s Life.

WIN! Cat bed, R590, Dog’s Life.

KEYWORD

Pipps by Pippa silver lining dog collar, R250, Hello Pretty.

CATBED

Keep an eye on your pet and dispense a treat using a smartphone. Furbo dog camera, R3 999, The Gadget Shop.

Coolaroo pet bed in four sizes, from R625, Builders, Makro and online at Coolaroo.

GET MORE ONLINE Treats cat bowl, R225, Bespoke.

Shop for gifts according to your budget at gardenandhome.co.za

SOURCES Benji + Moon benjiandmoon.co.za Bespoke bespokehome.co.za Builders builders.co.za Coolaroo coolaroo.co.za Dog’s Life dogslife.co.za Hello Pretty hellopretty.co.za Keter za.keter.com/en Makro makro.co.za The Gadget Shop thegadgetshop.co.za Yuppiepet yuppiepet.co.za To enter, SMS the keyword to 48406. SMSes cost R1,50, errors will be billed and free SMSes don’t apply. For Ts&Cs, turn to page 87.

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

THE GARDEN AND HOME 12-MONTH GARDENING GUIDE HAS ARRIVED! GET SET FOR A YEAR OF GARDENING SUCCESS WITH CONTRIBUTING GARDENING EDITOR MARIANNE ALEXANDER’S PRACTICAL AND INSPIRING 12-MONTH GARDENING GUIDE It’s packed with expert advice on the best time to do everything from sowing seeds to pruning shrubs. Buy one for yourself and one for a friend – it makes the ideal Christmas gift – and it’s only R60!

ON SHELF 19 NOVEMBER

GR E AT GI F T I D EA

R60

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Available at most leading supermarkets and newsagents

KITCHEN GADGETS

Spoil your

KITCHEN Improve the heart of the home with the latest appliances and gadgets and up your cooking game at the same time

RECYCLING MADE EASY

EASY MINCING

The Microplane garlic mincer grates up to three cloves of garlic at a time using a simple back-and-forth motion. R349 from Yuppiechef.

NEW UTENSILS

Why not invest in a new set of utensils? The Foodie Gadget set by Joseph Joseph includes ergonomicallydesigned tongs, a grater, draining spoon and multifunctional peeler, all in their signature lime green. R899 from Yuppiechef.

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA CALDWELL AND SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

Make recycling part of everyday life. The Brabantia Bo Trio touch bin from Yuppiechef lets you separate waste into plastic, metal and organic. The bin opens and closes with a soft touch mechanism and the elegant design and range of colours means itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll fit into any kitchen scheme. R4 999 from Yuppiechef.

BARISTA-QUALITY COFFEE AT HOME

Save money by investing in a professional bean-to-cup machine, like Siemens’ EQ.6 Plus s500. It offers a constant brewing temperature, ensuring a high-quality shot of espresso every time. Milk options are fully automatic as well, which means you can make the perfect cappuccino, latte, flat white and cortado at the touch of a button. R11 599,99 from Hirsch’s.

GUILT-FREE FRIES

Make fat-free veggie crisps, fried chicken, spring rolls and French fries with the Vitae air fryer. The highpowered fan cooks food using hot air as opposed to deep frying. The result is that the outside of the food is extra crispy while the inside is tender. R1 699 from @home.

IS IT A SPOON?

The Spadle by Dreamfarm takes two essential kitchen tools and combines them into one nifty gadget. It has a squeegee tip to make scraping pots a breeze and, when you need a ladle, just give the handle two twists. It’s also dishwasher safe. R299 from Yuppiechef.

COOK THE PERFECT STEAK

NO MORE TEARS

SMART COOKER

The Instant Pot smart cooker is seven appliances in one: a slow cooker, saute pan, steamer, warmer, pressure cooker, rice maker and even a yoghurt maker. With 14 built-in programmes, you can set the cooker to a range of settings from slow cooking and pressure cooking, to pasteurising and stewing. R1 999 from @home.

Skip the tears with the Oxo chopper. Just fill it with onions or anything you want to chop fast, screw on the top and push down. It dismantles so it’s easy to wash. R419,99 from Hirsch’s.

To ensure the centre of the meat is the correct temperature, you need a good thermometer. The Grill Right smart thermometer takes things a step further with a touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity. Load the app, set the timer to the required temperature and keep an eye on the meat from your phone. R995 from Mantality.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

RETRO STYLE

HEIRLOOM COOKWARE

The retro look for appliances is here to stay, so invest in a new kettle in a funky design like this Smeg model in black. Though it takes its design inspiration from the ’50s, it’s anything but old-fashioned. With its variable temperature feature, you can set it to one of seven options, ranging from 50–100oC. It’s also available in white and pastel green. R2 699 from Takealot.com

Known for their durability and timeless style, Le Creuset’s cast-iron casseroles are something you can pass down to your children. They distribute heat evenly and the solid, flat bottom means no warping on the stove or in the oven. Signature Buffet Casserole in Kale, R3 690 for 30cm, from Le Creuset.

JUST DESSERTS

Summer is synonymous with ice cream. Make your own with the Russell Hobbs ice cream maker, which lets you choose the desired consistency (hard or soft serve) at the touch of a button. It takes only two hours to make a litre of ice cream and it comes with a book of delicious recipes. R2 299 from Yuppiechef.

HEALTHY NEW YOU

The legendary Nutribullet produces juices and smoothies in minutes. Soups, nut butters and sauces are a breeze, too. Available in red or silver. R1 999 from @home.

BANTING PASTA MADE EASY

The Morphy Richards spiraliser makes pasta and noodles from carrots, courgettes and other veggies quickly and easily with interchangeable blades. Featuring a sturdy stainless steel design, it’s electric too, so no need to crank a handle. R1 299 from @home.

SOURCES @home home.co.za Hirsch’s hirschs.co.za Le Creuset lecreuset.co.za Mantality mantality.co.za Takealot.com takealot.com Yuppiechef yuppiechef.com

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

EXPERT TIPS Juanita Birkwood, appliance buyer for @home, has these tips on what to buy for your kitchen this season We’re seeing a demand for convenience products that cut down on cooking time. My favourite, the 7-in-1 Instant Pot, is the hot new appliance. Coffee is always trending and more people are looking for the full barista experience at home. If you’re a coffee lover, there are really good coffee machines on the market that are well priced. Everyone is looking for innovative ways to store food and cut down on using plastic. The Stasher, a food storage bag, can be used 3 000 times and is dishwasher safe. Health has become a priority, which is why juicing is so popular. There are some really affordable juicers on the market so there’s no need to buy an expensive one.

Blurring the

BOUNDARIES

TEXT AND STYLING DINA VENTER PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

No matter the weather, this comfortable conservatory makes a stylish indooroutdoor living area

SUMMER LIVING

e wanted an indoor living area that had the feeling of being outside,” recalls Jo’burg artist Sue Martin. “I envisioned a conservatorystyle structure that could be used all year round. Fortunately, there was a paved area under a huge old oak tree where we often sat in the shade in summer but rarely used in winter. As it’s directly off the dining room, it proved to be the perfect spot.” The dining room was extended with glass sliding doors and a glass roof and beams shaded by Luxaflex® blinds. “We wanted to be able to open the area completely on hot summer days when being outside is preferable,” she explains. As an artist, Sue loves to decorate. “I had a modern take on a traditional English conservatory in mind, with lots of greenery and light,” she says. She started with white sofas from Mavromac & Gatehouse, which she layered with scatter cushions from Ardmore, which add an African feel. “I studied Fine

Art alongside Fee Halsted (founder of Ardmore) in the ’70s, so I treasure and respect anything they design.” She wallpapered the walls with a contemporary botanical print and placed a console table against it filled with indoor plants and orchids. “The conservatory is perfect on a cold winter’s day, but also lovely in summer when all the doors are open. The shade from the tree keeps it cool and being able to see the moon and stars at night is heavenly.” THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Light streams into the conservatory all year round. Sue is a great collector of fabric and was delighted to be able to cover the ottomans with a leopard print she’s had for years. A mirror from Mavromac & Gatehouse reflects the greenery from the garden. Sue opted for a contemporary botanical design from Sasi Wallpaper to create a connection with the outdoors. The console table was an auction find.

SOURCES Ardmore ardmore-design.com Luxaflex® luxaflex.co.za Mavromac & Gatehouse mavromacandthegatehouse.co.za Sasi Wallpaper sasiwallpaper.co.za Sue Martin suemartinfineart.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

MAKEOVER

BEFORE

Thanks to a new fresh decor scheme, this Bedfordview living room is now the social hub of the house “THIS LIVING ROOM WAS RATHER DARK AND DATED,” recalls Candice Koller of CW Interiors. “Although there was an existing dark wood bar in one corner, it wasn’t appealing and didn’t lend itself to socialising.”

HOW IT WENT FROM DRAB TO FAB “As the room worked well in terms of layout, we decided to concentrate on

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

updating the decor and making the bar area more user-friendly,” says Candice. Taking her cue from the existing stone cladding on the chimney and the sage green wallpaper, she decided on a grey and green scheme. The dark blinds were replaced with white shutters, which instantly lightened and modernised the area. “The existing sofas were in good

NOW THE LIVING AREA IS bright, fresh and welcoming. “With the updated bar, it lends itself to entertaining and we love inviting friends around,” say the owners. THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Shutters by Windovert lightened the whole room. The sofas were reupholstered in Monterey from Home Fabrics and the scatters are from CW Interiors. The occasional chairs can be moved around when entertaining. The bar was painted the same colour as the new built-in shelving and storage unit designed and installed by CW Interiors. To update the coffee table, it was given a distressed paint finish.

SOURCES CW Interiors cwinteriors.co.za Hertex hertex.co.za Home Fabrics hf.co.za Windovert windovert.co.za

TEXT JO TRAPPITT PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

That’s ENTERTAINING

condition, so we just reupholstered them in neutral tones and brought in interest and colour with the scatter cushions,” explains Candice. Other pieces of furniture, such as the coffee table, were refreshed with a paint effect. Candice also designed new mirror-backed shelving and a storage unit for the bar area and painted this and the counter the same light shade for continuity. Pulling the scheme together is an abstract design rug from Hertex, which, with new throws and on-trend accessories, contributes to the warm, inviting atmosphere.

HOME PROJECT

crackers

Crackers are part of the fun at Christmas. Here are two simple ways to make your own

TIPS Don’t tie the ribbons too tightly, as this will damage the cracker. The snaps need to be well secured to the inside of the cracker so that they don’t fall out. Avoid using things like chocolates as gifts, as they tend to melt in the heat. Add decorations like bells, name tags or even sprigs of greenery to make the crackers extra festive. Need to wrap something small? A cracker makes a fun gift box. Create an Advent calendar for the

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

kids with 24 numbered crackers. Get the kids involved by having them decorate the craft board crackers with paint or crayons. Add fun ribbons in coordinating colours. Store-bought crackers usually contain cheap gifts that get tossed by Boxing Day. Choose something recipients will actually use such as a pretty keyring, travel-size beauty products, or even a voucher for coffee at a local café. Puff up the ends of the crackers to make them look fuller.

What you’ll need: A pack of pre-cut crackers (available in a pack of six from Merrypak) Cracker snaps (included in the set from Merrypak) Sticky tape Ribbon or string (for ribbon, use about 30cm for each side. You can use a shorter piece of string as it’s easier to tie into bows) Gifts Scissors

How to do it: 1. With the pattern on the outside, lay the cut-out down and place the cracker snap in the middle. Use a small piece of sticky tape to hold it in place. 2. Roll the cracker into a tube and connect the two sides with the three tabs. Secure with sticky tape. 3. Give the folded parts a small squeeze to create a crease where the ribbon will be tied. 4. Tie the ribbon or string around one end of the cracker and pull tight. Tie a bow. 5. Before doing the same on the other end, drop the gift into the cracker. 6. Then tie the second ribbon.

TEXT AND CRACKERS LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS PETER WHITFIELD

MAKE YOUR OWN

USING A KIT

GET MORE ONLINE

Watch the step-by-step video guide at gardenandhome.co.za

USING HOUSEHOLD ITEMS What you’ll need:

Empty toilet paper rolls Wrapping paper or tissue paper (30 x 30cm for each cracker, double that for tissue paper) Cracker snaps (these can be purchased from party and craft shops) Sticky tape Ribbon or string (for ribbon, use about 30cm for each side of a cracker, for string, you can use a shorter piece as it’s easier to tie into bows) Gifts Scissors

How to do it: 1. Place the toilet paper roll at the edge of the chosen paper. Stick the cracker snap to the inside of the roll using a small piece of sticky tape. Secure the one side of the paper to the toilet paper roll with a piece of tape. 2. Wrap the paper around the toilet paper roll. When you’re near the end, fold over the end of the paper by about a centimetre to create a neat edge. 3. Secure the end of the paper to the toilet paper roll with sticky tape. 4. Follow steps four to six from the kit instructions to complete.

3 SOURCE Merrypak merrypak.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

SHOPPING MANDY BUCHHOLZ MAIN PHOTOGRAPH ANSON SMART/BAUERSYNDICATION.COM. AU/MAGAZINEFEATURES.CO.ZA PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

THE GREEN ROOM

GET MORE ONLINE

JUST chilling

Visit gardenandhome.co.za for more loungers and outdoor chairs

What better way to while away the hours than relaxing on a lounger. We can feel a snooze coming on

EXPERT TIPS Bello sun lounger, R16 999, Mobelli Furniture + Living.

The Surf sun lounger, R20 515, Core Furniture Online.

Dedon Mbrace daybed, POR, Cane Time.

Mia Delport, marketing manager of Patio Warehouse, shares her tips for purchasing a lounger Consider the space before deciding on a particular shape; some models are bigger than others and you don’t want to crowd the deck or patio. If you want to leave it out all year round, choose one made from long-lasting aluminium or good quality branded artificial wicker. Look out for new technology loungers. The fabric is UV resistant and the cushions are made from quickdrying foam, which if out in the rain, dries completely within half an hour. Choose a style in keeping with your existing outdoor furniture. If you already have artificial wicker furniture it makes sense to choose a lounger in the same material. Make sure the lounger or sunbed is comfortable. Try it out in the store first. If you need to move the loungers on a regular basis, choose ones that are lightweight. On the other hand, if your outdoor living area experiences strong winds, it may be better to choose models that can’t be blown over easily. Xanadu daybed, POR, Mobelli Furniture + Living.

Cayman sun lounger, (incl. cushion), R2 990, MØN exteriors.

Grace lounger, R3 990, Patio Warehouse.

Juno foldable lounger, R3 995, Block & Chisel. Lily lounger, R4 990, Patio Warehouse.

SOURCES Block & Chisel blockandchisel.co.za Cane Time canetime.com Core Furniture Online corefurniture.co.za Mobelli Furniture + Living mobelli.co.za MØN exteriors monexteriors.com Patio Warehouse patiowarehouse.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

CAPE TOWN GARDEN

This Constantia Hills garden cleverly combines formal French and wild indigenous styles

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS MARIANNE ALEXANDER

Practice MAKES PERFECT

WHO LIVES HERE Tom and Sheila Boardman with their family and dogs.

THE GARDEN A formal garden with colonnaded allées and clipped hedges which merges into an informal landscape.

heila Boardman is more than just a talented gardener. She has a remarkable eye for perspective and spent hours working on the design of their new garden on the old Soetvlei farm in Constantia Hills. Additional help came from landscape architect Patrick Watson, who designed the indigenous parts of the garden and oversaw the merging of the wilder elements with the more formal areas. Sheila also has a penchant for formal

French gardens and is adept at using allées to lead the eye through the garden and frame the extraordinary vistas. Different levels and hedging add interest and compartmentalise the garden. For the hedges, Sheila used plumbago, Solanum ‘Deep Purple’, escallonia, Searsia crenata (previously known as Rhus crenata), Freylinia tropica and myrtle. A simple elliptical lawn with a gravel surround in front of the house

A circular fountain forms the centre of the ‘fanlight garden’ which, when viewed from above, resembles a tapestry. Plants include yellow columbines, Shasta daisies, lavenders and tall deep-blue sage. The fanlight window of their thatched home is a copy of one at nearby historic homestead, Nova Constantia. White salvia with purple heliotrope in the foreground are backed by tall blue salvia and white Queen Anne’s lace. THIS SPREAD, FROM LEFT:

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

Above the allées, a series of metal arches creates a cathedrallike effect. Self-seeded annuals are left in places to grow through the gravel. Climbing roses including fragrant ‘Stormy Weather’, ‘Gühlilah’, ‘Club Camif’, ‘Pink Cloud’, ‘Comtesse Panarosa’ and ‘Sceptr’d Isle’ were trained up the pillars. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP:

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

initially commands attention. However, the eye is soon drawn to the long main garden, the heart of which is Sheila’s formal ‘fanlight garden’. Clipped myrtle hedges reflect the design of the fanlight window above the front door of their thatched home. After years of working with shady gardens, Sheila finds it exciting gardening with sun-loving plants and has planted a parade of perennials in purples and white with the occasional shocking pink. On either side of the ‘fanlight garden’ are wide allées where annuals are allowed to pop up through the gravel. Heavily scented climbing roses, such as ‘Stormy Weather’, ‘Gühlilah’, ‘Club Camif’, ‘Pink Cloud’, ‘Comtesse Panarosa’, and ‘Sceptr’d Isle’, two per column, have been wound like garlands around the the pillars. Linking the walkways is a crab apple walk that borders the modern ‘wind garden’ in the middle of which is a series of 3m-high obelisk topiaries. Influenced by Le Jardin de Plume in Normandy,

‘Figaro Panarosa’. Rhus and balls of the white-flowered, indigenous Freylinia tropica give way to the steps leading up to one of the allées on the upper terrace. Sheila planted a mass of sun-loving perennials such as bright purple-pink oriental poppy and Salvia leucantha, white Penstemon digitalis and blue S. guaranitica. Tall 3m-high topiaries reflect the French style Sheila wanted. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

COPING WITH THE DROUGHT The borehole is used on a needs-only basis. Indigenous beds are mulched with wood or bark chips. Perennial beds are mulched with compost as this helps reduce evaporation, especially on windy days. Caroline Magowan, the head gardener, replaces underperforming plants with something hardier and more disease resistant. Perennial plants are usually lifted, divided and replanted in winter. “But with the drought this year we’ve decided not to lift them. This way, their roots aren’t disturbed and the plants don’t have to re-establish themselves during the hot dry summer months,” says Caroline.

It wasn’t all plain sailing. “There was a stage I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew,” says Sheila. This was when they discovered the formal garden was underlaid by an impervious clay layer and an underground stream. To prevent waterlogging, a multitude of drains were installed in a herringbone pattern, and following environmental regulations, the run-off has to be dispersed, slowly over a wide area and through many outlets into the wetland. There is no run-off from paths, which are covered with permeable bark chips or gravel. France, and the geometric designs of the Spanish landscaper, Fernando Caruncho, bold rectangles set in the lawn are planted with purple and white perennials, which sway in the wind. A long, narrow vegetable garden adjoins the alleé on the east side. Catching the sun on the west-facing slope is a small vineyard, a reference to the original Soetvlei farm. The vineyard becomes a meadow garden in spring when annuals like poppies, Namaqualand daisies and lupins pop up among the vines. This is the interface with the informal side where Patrick Watson’s advice on blending the wild and cultivated parts can be seen. He also helped with contouring the landscape to create a grassed amphitheatre and farm dam. As the property borders a wetland, the Boardmans had to follow stringent environmental regulations, such as planting only endemic varieties. Although it has been an exercise in patience to find out which are best suited to their particular soil and aspect, this area has become a link between the more structured landscape and the wilder wetland. Sheila started to propagate plants well before the building of the house commenced. These were cared for in a dedicated working area by Cleanwell Kanyingi and Adiel Mtshali who are responsible for maintaining the garden.

Searsia crenata (previously known as Rhus crenata) hedges form the framework of the ‘fanlight garden’. Yellow-billed ducks have made themselves at home in the plant filter of the swimming pool. As the use of chemicals is restricted so close to a wetland, the Boardmans chose an eco-swimming pool and use no fertilisers or pesticides. THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

SOURCES Caroline Magowan 079 880 2358 or customcarol@gmail.com Patrick Watson 011 646 8970

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

GROWING OLD ROSES The famous rose arbour at Mottisfont Abbey in Hampshire in the UK. The soft purple rose is ‘Veilchenblau’ (1909), an almost thornless rambler.

Old-world BEAUTIES Heirloom roses are making a comeback worldwide as a result of their heavenly perfume and disease and drought resistance

ost gardeners grow popular modern roses for their exhibition blooms and aren’t aware of their resilient, highly fragrant ancestors. These heirloom or old garden roses (OGRs as they are referred to) are easier to grow than you think. They’re drought and disease resistant and usually grow into huge bushes without a lot of care. They require no spraying, minimal pruning, have interesting foliage and beautiful and fragrant flowers. They also sport juicy hips in autumn and most of them have serious thorns, making them

good for security hedges. Although many only bloom once a year in spring, this flush is so generous and the plants so big that they are spectacular. Even one or two placed between modern roses will add their magical perfume. Some old roses have single blooms and big hips in autumn, others have quartered flowers with many petals and groups of small fragrant flowers. The tea roses smell appropriately like tea, while ‘Meg Merrilies’ has apple-scented leaves. Rose hips can be used to make jams and preserves. The petals of fragrant old

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS LIZETTE JONKER

‘Blanc Double de Coubert’, a Rugosa (1893).

The world’s first hybrid tea, ‘La France’.

roses make wonderful pot-pourris, jams, sauces and ice cream. Archaeologists have found evidence that roses have been in existence for 35 million years. In the Middle Ages, the apothecary rose (Rosa gallica officinalis) was one of the first medicinal plants used by monks for its antibacterial properties. Well-known species roses including Rosa rugosa, originated in China, Japan, Central Asia, Northern Africa, Europe and North America. Natural crosspollination and cultivation throughout the centuries has resulted in different classes. In Europe, the Gallicas, Centifolias, Damasks and Musks only flowered once a year. China had two classes that flowered all through the year – the Chinas and Tea Roses. These were brought to Europe where they were cross-pollinated, resulting in the Bourbons, Hybrid Musks, Polyanthas, Noisettes, Portlands and Hybrid Perpetuals. The very first Hybrid Tea, ‘La France’, was a cross between a Hybrid Perpetual and a Tea Rose. Empress Josephine did a lot of hybridising in her garden at the Château de Malmaison using roses brought home by her husband, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

Himalayan musk rose

‘Madame Hardy’

‘Schoener’s Nutkana’

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

‘Belle sans flatterie’, a Gallica rose (before 1806).

‘Quatre Saisons’ (1899), a Damask, is the oldest repeatflowering rose in the world.

‘Mme Isaac Pereire’ (1841), a bourbon rose that is often described as the most fragrant rose of all time. ‘Bleu Magenta’ rambling rose (1933) and the light pink ‘Debutante’ rambling rose (1862) rub shoulders at Mottisfont Abbey.

Most sources classify all roses before ‘La France’ (created in 1867) as OGRs or heritage roses. However, rosarians have argued that this date should be moved to 1900. At the last World Rose convention, the ‘Peace’ rose, bred in 1945 to mark the end of WWII, was classified as an OGR. Jan van Riebeeck introduced roses

to the Cape in 1652, as did the French Huguenots in 1688. As people moved inland, so did the roses and many beautiful old varieties can still be found on farms and in cemeteries. The need to preserve these beauties is recognised worldwide. In the UK, the national collection of old roses is displayed at Mottisfont Abbey, in South Africa at The South African Rosarium in Bedford, Eastern Cape, and in the Midlands Rose Society Heritage Garden at Garlington Estate in KwaZulu-Natal.

CARING FOR OGRS Choose a sunny spot. Leave ample space as they grow tall. As their canes can be as long as 20m, ramblers require a big tree or support. “Although some old roses grow in poor soil, proper soil preparation produces better results,” says rose breeder Ludwig Taschner. Dig a hole of 1 x 1 x 1m keeping the top soil separate. Return the rest of the soil to the hole and mix in compost and peanut shells. Do the same with the topsoil, adding organic plant food pellets. This aerates the soil so that oxygen can reach the roots and also ensures good drainage. Don’t prune severely – remove only dead wood. Shape lightly to neaten the plant, if necessary. Old roses bloom on the previous year’s wood so severe pruning will result in no flowers. Those that bloom once a year in spring should be pruned lightly to shape them after they have flowered. Repeat-flowering roses can be pruned lightly in winter (cut out old wood only and side shoots to shape). Repeat-bloomers such as ‘Mme Isaac Pereire’ can be pruned in the same way you prune any hybrid tea.

SOURCES Ludwig’s Roses ludwigsroses.co.za The South African Rosarium rosariumsouthafrica.com The Heritage Rose Society of South Africa has members across the country. Join them at rosesocietysa.co.za/societies/ heritage-rose-society and help them locate and identify old roses.

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

COMPETITION

WORTH R14 000

WINNING IS EASY – ENTER NOW!

hy worry about watering and mowing your lawn this summer when you can kick back and relax with Nouwens Carpets’ top of the range artificial lawn? Enter and you could be one of three winners to receive artificial turf worth R14 000 including installation. This is approximately 20m2. Artificial turf is a hot trend for homeowners who are both stylish and eco-conscious. Thanks to advances in UV-resistant materials

To enter, SMS NOUWENS, your name, and e-mail and postal addresses to 48406. Each SMS costs R1,50. Free SMSes don’t apply.

and manufacturing techniques, you no longer need to choose between a beautiful, lush green lawn and being water wise. Nouwens Carpets offers a number of durable and high-quality designs to suit your garden that come

with an eight-year UV warranty. Learn more at nouwenscarpets.co.za

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. The first three 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 aren’t transferrable and can’t be exchanged for cash. 4. Employees of Nouwens Carpets, CTP Caxton, their advertising agencies and immediate families may not enter the competition. 5. Installation will be done by a Nouwens Carpets contractor. The prizes include labour and installation but not the subfloor preparation. The prizes must be installed in a residential property and cannot be delivered without installation. The winners must be the legal owners of the property or have explicit permission to modify the property. 6. Entries close on 31 December 2018. 7. The competition is only open to South African residents over the age of 18. 8. The winners will be notified telephonically. 9. 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. 10. E-mail addresses are not mandatory. 11. By entering the competition, you give Caxton Magazines the right to present other Caxton offers to you.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

IN FLIGHT Created by renowned bird sculptor Dietmar Wiening, this work, Blueskies, was placed so it could be viewed from the dining room and give the impression of geese landing in the pond. The water feature is on a slope so the background of tall trees adds to the illusion. “I didn’t use any plants in the water because it was too small and I felt that they’d detract from the sculpture,” explains landscape architect Arthur Mennigke. “This is a common mistake. Try not to crowd the surrounding space; let the piece speak for itself.”

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS CONNALL OOSTERBROEK

FACTS

Using sculpture in your garden takes some planning. Here’s how some of South Africa’s top landscapers have gone about it

SCULPTURE IN THE GARDEN

GOING WILD This sculpture by Malcolm Solomon was custom-made for the branch. “After walking around the garden, I thought, if I was a leopard then that’s the spot I’d pick,” explains Malcolm. Returning to his studio with a mould, he made a copy so the bronze cast would fit perfectly in its new home. “Placing a sculpture in a tree may seem unusual, but it can be particularly effective when used well,” explains landscape architect Arthur Mennigke. “It draws the eye off the beds and up into the trees, encouraging you to view the garden as a whole.”

KEEPING AHEAD “I knew that this piece had to come home with me when I visited Pots for the Nation,” says Debbie Smit of Foxgloves Landscape Design. She placed it on a simple raised concrete pedestal to lift it to the level of the surrounding Acanthus mollis. “To make a conversation piece, I planted small-leafed ivy in the cavity in the head to give the impression of hair and it thrives in the dappled shade.”

FREE REIN When local nurseryman Leon Scholtz of Bristlecone Nursery travelled to the Indonesian island of Sumba, he fell in love with the horse sculptures that were prominent at most trading stalls. “Sumba is famous for its ponies and these were made by youngsters – possibly why the lines are so clean and simple – by mixing volcanic ash with cement,” says Leon. He engaged Amatuli to import them for him and gave them a home in his garden. “I love bamboo and placed this group of three so that they seemed to be almost floating in the planting.”

POINT OF VIEW “Choosing which way to face this piece was tricky,” says garden designer Charlotte Butler. “We decided to place it so that it was visible from the master bedroom, patio door and swimming pool. Viewed from the doorway, you’d

only get a glimpse of the profile and this will hopefully entice you to get a better look.” Although the garden is largely indigenous, Charlotte framed it with evergreen carex grass with a water-filled, traditional grinding stone at its feet to complete the picture.

ARTHUR MENNIGKE’S TIPS Choose one good piece rather than several smaller ones and buy the best that you can afford. Let the sculpture speak for itself. Don’t overcrowd it. If appropriate, light it up softly at night. Plant according to the sculpture. For example, if it’s a fish you could use Euphorbia tirucalli to simulate coral; if it’s an elephant, choose large leafed, indigenous plants to place around it rather than plants such as roses. Place a sculpture in the foreground to create depth in the garden.

SOURCES Amatuli amatuli.co.za Arthur Mennigke The Naked Gardener nakedg@mweb.co.za Charlotte Butler charlottebutler@telkomsa.net Debbie Smit Foxgloves Landscape Design 083 449 7048 Dietmar Wiening dietmarwiening.com Leon Scholtz Bristlecone Nursery bristlecone.co.za Malcolm Solomon malcolmsolomon.com Pots for the Nation facebook.com/potsandplantsforthenation

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

FABULOUS FREEBIES

We’re GIVING AWAY…

To stand a chance to win these great prizes, SMS the entry code, your name and e-mail address to 48406. An SMS costs R1,50. Errors will be billed. Free SMSes don’t apply. A THREE-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO AT THE CAPE MILNER WORTH R20 000 Take in the perfect balance of natural beauty and urban luxury at The Cape Milner boutique hotel. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain in trendy Tamboerskloof, Cape Town, the hotel has a sophisticated and contemporary ambience matched with excellent service and hospitality. Relax and enjoy sundowners on the pool deck, indulge in delicious food at The Glass Lounge cocktail and tapas bar, or take advantage of The Cape Milner’s proximity to Cape Town’s cultural and entertainment hotspots. Enter, and you could win a three-night stay for two, including breakfast and dinner, all worth R20 000. Even if you’re not a winner, The Cape Milner is offering readers a 20% discount on bookings until 31 March 2019. For reservations, call 021 426 1101 or e-mail reserve@capemilner.com For more information, visit capemilner.com ENTRY CODE: MILNER

A THREE-NIGHT LUXURY CAMPING EXPERIENCE FOR TWO AT PAFURI WORTH R27 570 What better way to break away from hectic daily life than escaping to luxury tented accommodation? Set on the bank of the Luvuvhu River in the far north of the Kruger National Park, Pafuri Luxury Tented Camp is surrounded by mountains, gorges, baobabs and fever trees – a rich landscape perfect for encountering the best of South Africa’s wildlife. One lucky winner will receive three nights’ accommodation for two in a luxury double tent at Pafuri. Pick up and drop off at their private airstrip is included along with breakfast, high tea and dinner, and twice-daily game drives. When you’re not out and about taking in the natural beauty, laze on your private deck with views of the river and fall asleep to the sounds of the wild. Learn more at returnafrica.com ENTRY CODE: PAFURI 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 aren’t transferable and can’t be exchanged for cash. 4. Employees of Pafuri Luxury Tented Camp, The Cape Milner, 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 Cape Milner prize is valid for six months from the date of notification. The Pafuri Luxury Tented Camp prize is valid from the date of notification until 16 December 2019. 6. Travel costs to the venues are for the winners’ own accounts. 7. The prizes exclude costs not mentioned, such as alcoholic beverages, additional meals, activities, conservation fees, gratuities, etc. 8. Entries close on 31 December 2018. 9. The giveaways are only open to South African residents over the age of 18. 10. The winners will be notified telephonically. 11. 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. 12. E-mail addresses are not mandatory. 13. By entering the competition, you give Caxton Magazines the right to present other Caxton offers to you.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

GARDEN MAKEOVER

A meadow

mood

This gracious Jo’burg property got a new lease on life when the owners gave it a colourful makeover

BEFORE

A translator and avid gardener who works from home, her husband and son, their Australian shepherd, Joey, and golden retriever, Sam.

THE GARDEN A large garden in Westcliff, Jo’burg, with a shade garden and paved area on the lower level and a colourful section surrounding the house.

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS LIZETTE JONKER

WHO LIVES HERE

hen the present owners of this gracious old property first moved in, the garden was rather bare and somewhat neglected. As the property they had just sold was going to be flattened for a new office block, they were able to bring loads of plants from their old garden to give it the established look they wanted. The wife, an avid gardener, organised extra help to prepare beds for the

THIS SPREAD, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

With its colourful annuals such as Namaqualand daisies, larkspurs and linaria, the meadow garden, which replaced the swimming pool, is a bee and butterfly haven. On the top terrace, the bed edging the retaining wall is brimming with a cheerful mix of pelargoniums, mimulus, daisies and linaria. The steps to the front door are lined with terracotta pots overflowing with pelargoniums and pansies.

new arrivals, which included her prize hydrangeas grown from slips given to her by her mother. “Fortunately, they all survived,” she recalls. Although she had an initial plan for the garden, she admits that she abandoned it and went by instinct, putting plants where she thought they should go. “It all worked out well in the end,” she says. A number of trees were removed and replaced with Japanese maples and

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

magnolias. The lower level was dug out to create a shade garden. “We discovered building rubble under the soil, which proved to be a challenge,” she recalls. But, once sorted, this area is now home to shade-lovers like clivias and arums. The meadow garden came about when they discovered that the swimming pool was cracked. “As it was going to be extremely costly to repair, we decided to fill it in.” The concrete floor was removed to facilitate drainage,

but the walls and the coping remain. The pool was filled with new enriched soil and the wife started planting and sowing earlier this year. She included linaria, wallflowers, spring bulbs such as daffodils, ranunculus, Dutch irises and anemones, and sowed lots of Namaqualand daisies. She even included a couple of roses. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE

The secluded shade garden on the lower level features clivias and arums, a sandstone fountain and a bench. The Iceland poppies, wallflowers and Namaqualand daisies were all grown from seed. Sam the golden retriever playing on the lawn. LEFT:

“I love seeds and sow flowers, herbs and vegetables all over. It is much cheaper than seedlings and more fun too!” she says. As a result, self-seeders such as nasturtium, aquilegia and pink primrose come up year after year. The veggie garden situated at the back of the house, provides organically grown broad beans, peas, rocket, cherry tomatoes, lettuces, basil, dill and coriander, also grown from seed. No pesticides are used, only organic sprays which encourages insects and in turn attracts many different kinds of birds.

“Fortunately, we have a borehole, but I also mulch regularly to retain moisture and conserve water,” she says. Her advice to new gardeners is to get the soil right first, then the irrigation and only then start thinking of planting. “It saves a lot of time, money and effort in the long run,” she says. A mixed border hugs the pathway leading from the steps to the upper level. A basket containing a cascading ivy-leafed pelargonium screens a downpipe. This winding pathway leads past the shaded hydrangea patch to a secret flower garden next to the house. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE LEFT:

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

The best plant FOR THE JOB Plantswoman Leoné Williams suggests these lovely unusual plants for different situations 92

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

lways on the lookout for unusual plants, Leoné Williams of Petal Faire Nursery recommends these plants, because they perform well and stand out from the rest.

FOR SHADY SPOTS Fuchsia arborescens is a fast-growing evergreen shrub with bright-pink flowers for most of the year. It can grow up to 2m high and wide, but can be pruned to a lower height. Dark blue berries appear after flowering. It does best in cool areas that receive filtered sun and are sheltered from frost. Growing tips: Like all fuchsias, it should be planted in fertile soil that drains well and kept evenly moist. It should not be exposed to afternoon sun. What Leoné likes: The contrast between the large shiny leaves and delicate flowers. In her garden, it has grown about 1m tall.

TEXT ALICE SPENSER-HIGGS PHOTOGRAPHS LEONÉ WILLIAMS PETAL FAIRE NURSERY

UNCOMMON PLANTS

ATTRACTING BIRDS, BEES AND BUTTERFLIES Leonotis ‘Golden Velvet’ (wild dagga) is a miniature variety that grows up to 70cm high and has spikes of creamypeach coloured flowers. These produce abundant nectar, which attracts pollinator insects and sunbirds. It flowers from autumn to spring, when nectar from other plants is in short supply. An evergreen shrub, it’s frost hardy and wind and drought tolerant. Growing tips: It’s an excellent plant for coastal gardens because it tolerates sandy soil and windy conditions. Elsewhere, it grows in well-composted ordinary garden soil that drains well. Plants are happy in sun or light shade. Prune back hard after flowering. What Leoné likes: The way this neat, unobtrusive shrub fits into any spot in the garden and produces lovely sprays of flowers. “What a delight when I found this miniature version many years ago.”

GET MORE ONLINE Find more plant recommendations at gardenandhome.co.za

INTRODUCING FRAGRANCE Brugmansia (moonflower) emits its heady perfume in the evening. Its multitude of 25cm-long, trumpet-shaped blooms, although poisonous, are breathtaking. It’s a quickgrowing shrub, reaching up to 3m high with a 2m spread, and with the right care, flowers from early summer through to autumn. It’s native to the Andes regions of South America. Growing tips: Plant in light, fertile well-drained soil in a position that receives early morning sun and shade for the rest of the day. It needs to be sheltered from the wind. It should be fertilised or composted regularly during the growing season. Water regularly and deeply, especially when flowering and in hot weather. It can be trimmed to grow as a dense, round shrub. It grows best in frost-free areas or where there is only light frost. In very cold areas, grow it in a container that can be sheltered in winter. What Leoné likes: “If you plant them near windows, a patio or a pathway you can enjoy the heavenly scent and gorgeous flowers.” As they feel the heat, she plants hers in semishade and waters those in the sun more often.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

FOR GROUNDCOVER Oenothera fruticosa ‘Sundrops’ is a spreading, yellow primrose that only flowers in daylight. An upright, clump-forming perennial (20–30cm high) it flowers in late spring to early summer. Vigorous roots enable the plant to spread quickly and easily. It’s water wise and needs very little care. Growing tips: It thrives in sun or light shade in ordinary garden soil. Once established, it’s drought tolerant, but performs better with some watering. Don’t overwater or it will develop leaves at the expense of flowers. What Leoné likes: “It’s a great pioneer plant in newly established gardens as it adds colour and foliage while other plants are still growing. It combines well with grasses and other self-seeding flowers in meadow-style plantings, in rocky areas and as a companion for succulents.”

BRIGHT COLOUR Cantua buxifolia (Inca bells) is a showstopper in spring with its dazzling clusters of tubular orange to magenta flowers that attract nectar-seeking birds. Growing to around 1,5m high and wide, it has small, grey-green leaves. After the spring flush, it flowers sporadically during summer and autumn. Growing tips: It can be planted in sun or light shade in well-drained fertile soil. Water it regularly. Cut back hard after flowering, otherwise it gets lanky. Flowers are produced on the previous season’s wood so trimming should only be done after flowering. What Leoné likes: “Its loose growth habit adds a new dimension to a mixed border.” Plant it among summer-flowering shrubs that will support it.

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

COLOURFUL FOLIAGE Euphorbia cotinifolia (Caribbean copper bush) is a tropical shrub with brightred young leaves that mature to a coppery reddish purple, making it an excellent contrast shrub. It grows up to 3m tall, has purplish grey stems and bears small, creamy-coloured flowers from late spring to midsummer that stand out against the red foliage. In colder areas, the leaves drop off in winter. Growing tips: Plant in full sun or semi-shade in well-composted, well-draining soil. Water regularly. The plant has a milky sap that can cause skin irritation and cutting back should be done early in the morning while the sap is still cool. What Leoné likes: “It creates a beautiful contrast to silvery-leafed foliage and tall begonias in semi-shade.” SOURCE Leoné Williams Petal Faire Nursery 131 Allcock Street, Colbyn, Pretoria 082 482 0257 or petalfaire.co.za

GARDEN

notes

GARDEN NEWS & DEBUTS

Summer is all about outdoor living – enjoy it to the full

must-dos this month

Contributing gardening editor Marianne Alexander’s handy checklist of essential chores to do in December

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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Continue to deadhead, feed and water bedding plants. If you’re buying new plants, look for heat-loving annuals such as zinnias, gomphrena, celosia, marigolds, hollyhocks and salvias that will cope with dry periods. Nip out flower buds of foliage plants like sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas), the polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya), and coleus (now known as plectranthus). Feed with a high-nitrogen fertiliser. Cut back old flower stems of delphiniums and feed and mulch with compost for a further flush of flowers. Feed repeat-flowering perennials like gaura, Shasta daisies, penstemons, perennial phlox, Inca and day lilies and dahlias with granular 2:3:4 or 3:1:5 or liquid manure. Stake dahlias and nip out the first buds. Cut back old leaves and flower stems of wild rhubarb (Acanthus), then mulch. Prune roses that only flower once at the beginning of summer. These include banksias, Dorothy Perkins and old-fashioned species or heritage roses like the moss and Galicia roses, Albertine and New Dawn. Top up mulches where necessary. Use organic mulches which also improve the soil such as coarse weed-free compost, mushroom compost, husks, pips, nut shells, pine bark nuggets, straw, shredded leaves and bark chips. Keep hydrangeas moist and mulch. When picking for the vase, choose those flower heads where the centre of each bract is fully open. Cut into the woody sections of the stem and stand in water overnight before arranging. Green up lawns for the festive season in summer-rainfall Hydrangea areas by feeding with a high-nitrogen fertiliser, for example LAN or 4:1:1, and water well. In dry areas, or if you are going away, hold back on feeding or use a high-potash fertiliser like 2:3:4; only water when necessary. Water gardens in areas suffering from drought, in the morning or on cool afternoons, keeping to the water restrictions in your area. Rather than sprinkling the whole garden, target only those plants that are in dire need. Pull out old dry leaves from clumps of red-hot pokers, spring-flowering watsonias, wild iris (Dietes spp.), fairy fishing rods (dieramas), cordylines and New Zealand flax. Look out for new Inca and day lilies. Trim hedges and topiary. Give autumn-flowering subshrubs like indigenous wild ginger (Tetradenia riparia), salvias and Orthosiphon and Syncolostemon species a light prune; this will encourage new growth and more flowers. Cut back wisteria by about a third.

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We’re PLANTING… COREOPSIS UPTICK Why: The ‘Gold and Bronze’ hybrid has vivid golden-yellow flowers with a bronze-red eye and blooms from spring to autumn. Easy growing with compact growth, this perennial has mildewresistant foliage and is ideal for beginner and time-pressed gardeners, plus the flowers attract pollinators. Where: Sun-loving and drought tolerant, it stands out in beds and borders and isn’t fussy about soil. How: Plant in full sun and water regularly. Cut the stems back after flowering to encourage a second flush. For more information, call 011 794 2316 or visit ballstraathof.co.za

THIS WEEKEND Brighten up patio pots for the holiday season with cheerful annuals like portulacas, zinnias, celosia, marigolds and petunias. Or for a more relaxing look, use the cool whites of lobelia and petunias and cream marigolds.

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

Unwanted GUESTS

This revised edition of Problem Plants and Alien Weeds of Southern Africa by Clive Bromilow, R425, Briza, clearly explains why these legislated plants are invasive and the effect they have on the environment. With over 900 colour photographs, the book makes it easy to know what plants to look out for. Order online at orders@briza.co.za WIN! We’re giving away a copy. To enter, SMS the word PROBLEM, your name and postal and e-mail addresses to 48406. An SMS costs R1,50 and free SMSes do not apply. For full WIN! Ts&Cs, see page 87.

Green matters Green Street Organics’ Pure Organic Fertiliser, R115 for 10kg, produced from a mixture of chicken litter and sawdust, is slow release, free from additives and nontoxic. Contact Gary on 072 749 6029 or gary@gsorganics.co.za or Michelle on 061 531 1869 or michelle@gsorganics.co.za

The VEGGIE garden

Mulch strawberries with compost once the fruit has been harvested; feed with 2:3:2 or 2:3:4 to stimulate growth. Feed citrus trees with 3:1:5 or similar fertiliser. If the leaves are yellowing, sprinkle Epsom salts around the drip line and foliar feed with trace elements. Harvest beans every few days to stimulate production. Feed with 6:3:4 fertiliser. Sow seeds of another batch of bush beans. If shop-bought sweet potatoes have started growing shoots (pictured), plant them out in a sunny spot, or container where they can spread. Water tomatoes early in the morning so they can dry off before nightfall to minimise outbreaks of blight. This also reduces the risk of mildew on cucumbers, squash and pumpkins. Once the flowers on potatoes have faded, harvest baby potatoes or leave them a while longer if you want large tubers. To catch fruit flies on cucumbers, marrows, melons, pumpkins and fruit trees, place half a glass of apple cider vinegar mixed with two drops of green dishwashing liquid among the leaves. Keep grapes well-watered as the fruit swells.

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

THREE INDIGENOUS SHRUBS WITH WHITE FLOWERS

Gardenia thunbergia (forest gardenia) The strongly scented flowers of these small trees or shrubs keep appearing in 1 summer and are followed by greyskinned fruit. The lowdown: Plant in light shade or full sun in loam or sandy soil. Good in containers, they’re half-hardy. Rothmannia globosa (September bells) Large shrubs or small trees, they’re dotted with fragrant flowers with speckled 2 throats in midsummer. They’re frostand droughtresistant once established. The lowdown: They take light shade or full sun and prefer light soils. Pavetta lanceolata and P. revoluta (bride’s and Christmas bush) Small, neat trees, their clusters of scented flowers attract insects and 3 birds. The lowdown: Plant in semi-shade; established plants can take full sun and some drought.

WASTE NOT Creative COVER-UP Wall Art Studios has a variety of decorative stickers, vinyls and decals in different colours, which can be used to make a feature out of your rainwater tank. Designs include Dainty Blossoms (pictured), from R980. wallartstudios.com

Fit this flexible Aqua Trim plastic funnel to an outlet pipe, attach a hose connector to the other end, clip in your hose and direct the grey water to where it’s needed. Call 076 423 1755 or e-mail info@aquafunnel.com

Furry friends

Make sure the four-legged members of the family are ready for guests. Proguard Natura Herbal Dog Shampoo, R76,95 for 250ml, is pH balanced for animal skin, free of harmful chemicals and effective for flea control. It’s suitable for dogs of all ages. Call 021 557 7192, e-mail info@proguardnatura.co.za or visit proguardnatura.co.za

Gifts for GARDENERS

Splashing OUT

Herb Gardens by David Squire and Allan Haschick, Struik Lifestyle, R150. penguinrandomhouse.co.za

Fleur water feature in sandstone or cement grey, R17 200, WilsonStone. wilsonstone.co.za.

Moonbloom food planting calendar, R150, Faithful to Nature. faithful-to-nature.co.za Portable mosaic self-contained fountain with electric pump, from R12 600, Moroccan Lifestyle, Lifestyle Home Garden Centre. moroccanlifestyle.co.za

Shweshwe planting pot includes a fabric pot, seed tape, fertiliser sticks, soil disks and drip tray, R140, Reel Gardening. reelgardening.co.za

WHAT’S ON 14 – 30 DECEMBER Durban Botanic Gardens’ ‘Festive Trail of Lights’ Taking place over two weeks, the paths through the trees and the gardens are lit in a dazzling display that will delight the whole family. Proceeds from the event will go towards the upkeep of the gardens. Tickets, R50, are available at webtickets.co.za and local Pick n Pay Stores, children under two are free. There’ll be limited tickets, R70, each night at the door. Call 031 322 4021 or trailoflights.co.za

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

The locally manufactured Modular Vertical Garden system can be mounted on a wall or a frame. Hexagonal feltlined containers (see below) are added one at a time, so you can customise the design. This system can be professionally fitted, or you can do it yourself. “It’s really simple,” says Ricardo da Nova of Green Hive, who stock and install the product. “It only takes three tools and we deliver everything to you.” The irrigation system works by means of a tank and pump. Once the tank is filled, water is pumped through the structure, and when the correct pressure is reached, drips down, saturating each row. Where to use it: On a wall exposed to the correct amount of sunlight for the chosen plants. It can also be installed indoors. However, in this case, Ricardo advises having this done professionally as some plants may require grow lights. What to plant: You can plant anything in the bags, including foliage and vegetables. The team at Green Hive can also design a layout for you using your choice of plants.

Way to

GROW Vertical gardens are very on-trend. Here are four versatile and clever options that can be adapted to suit different spaces and requirements 98

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

TEXT LAUREN DELARGY PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREA CALDWELL, STEPHEN SHILLER, JANE GRIFFITHS AND SUPPLIED PRODUCTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICES WERE CHECKED AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT. SEE PAGE 2.

MODERN AND MODULAR

VERTICAL GARDENS

WALL FLOWERS “I wanted to create a window box effect, but on walls,” says Debbie le Roux of PatioScapes™, who designed this vertical garden for Garden World. “We wanted something that took up little space and was safe for the environment.” It’s made with the PatioScapes™ GrowBagZ™ system of individual pouches and has a built-in reservoir and drainage. If planting annuals and perennials, they should be first planted in the GrowBagZ™ and then placed in the pockets. For evergreens, you can just plant them directly into the pockets. Where to use it: On exterior walls, in a courtyard or on a patio. Just make sure the plants get enough sun. What to plant: Herbs, veggies, groundcovers, foliage plants and annuals.

SIMPLE AND SLEEK “Wonderwall is easy to install,” says Nick Christy of Plantr. “It comes as a kit and can be used both indoors and outside.” It consists of four panels and the modern, simple design complements most decor styles. The self-watering system means that you only need to fill the reservoir every couple of months. Where to use it: Its sleek design means it’s perfect for an indoor vertical garden, but it can also be used outdoors as it has a five-year UV-protection warranty. What to plant: Any plants can be used, as long as they’re appropriate for the available light.

Get the vertical effect with these products 9-pocket panel, R540, PatioScapes™.

GrowBagZ™, R20, PatioScapes™. 40-pot living wall, R11 499, including rails, pots, irrigation kit, plants, soil and installation, Green Hive.

15-pocket vertical panel, R799, Vertical Veg.

POCKETS OF GOODNESS “My aim was to find an easy way to green up urban environments,” explains Marcelle Warner, who started Vertical Veg four years ago. “I wanted those who lacked space to be able to grow their own food.” Her system consists of pockets in which veggies and herbs can be grown. The panels come in a variety of sizes and are ideal for balcony and townhouse gardens. They can also be

custom-made to suit your space. They’re made of a felt-like material that’s lightweight, tough and durable. Drip irrigation can also be added, if necessary. The system is easy to install yourself. Where to use it: Balconies, patios, boundary walls or to disguise a rainwater tank. What to plant: Anything can be planted in the pockets, but ideally herbs and veggies.

Wonderwall indoor vertical garden kit, R3 999, Plantr.

SOURCES Garden World gardenworld.co.za Green Hive greenhive.co.za PatioScapes™ patio-scapes.co.za Plantr plantr.co.za Vertical Veg verticalveg.co.za

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DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

GROWING POPCORN The tassels on a popcorn plant.

Heirloom popcorn

opcorn is a fun crop to grow in smaller gardens. It’s shorter than regular maize and doesn’t require as much space. It’s also a great way to encourage children to become involved in gardening.

TEXT JANE GRIFFITHS PHOTOGRAPHS JANE GRIFFITHS, KEITH KNOWLTON AND LIVINGSEEDS

VARIETIES TO TRY

with FLAVOUR No space for mealies in your garden? Try popcorn says Jane Griffiths

There are delicious heirloom varieties of popcorn maize available from Livingseeds. These have a much nuttier and more complex flavour than regular popcorn. Strawberry is a striking variety. When mature, the small cobs are about 5–8cm long and look like fat red strawberries. It’s also one of the tastiest ones you can grow, bursting into small white popcorn, with red flecks at the base. It grows just over a metre high and each stalk bears two to four ears. It takes about 100 days to reach maturity. Dakota Black grows up to 1,8m high and produces 10–15cm-long cobs with dark black kernels that have a ruby-red hue. The flavour is nutty and crunchy. It reaches maturity after 95 days. Glass Gem is possibly the most beautiful and unusual vegetable you can grow. Each Glass Gem cob is unique, with translucent, brightly coloured

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

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Red Strawberry

Dakota Black

kernels that resemble jewels. These make firm titbits when popped. Glass Gem grows to just over a metre tall, but can reach over 2m high. It is ready to harvest after 110–120 days. Store-bought yellow popcorn can also be planted, but sometimes the kernels are too old or have been heated to kill weevils. Do a germination test before planting by soaking the seeds overnight then covering with layers of damp paper towel. Place in a well-lit area and keep moist. If they haven’t germinated after 10 days, try another variety.

GROWING

Glass Gem

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Soak the seeds overnight before planting. Direct sow seeds about 20–25cm apart in rich, fertile soil in full sun. Add Talborne Organics Vita Veg (6:3:4) to the soil at 80g/m² before planting. Because popcorn is wind-pollinated, sow the seeds in blocks rather than long single rows. This allows for better pollen distribution. When the stalks are about half a metre high, heap the soil up around the bases of their stems to give them extra support. Keep the area weed free. Sunflowers grow well with popcorn, but tomatoes are not good companions.

THREE SISTERS Maize, beans and squash are a classic planting combination. Called the ‘three sisters’, this grouping has been used by Native Americans for centuries as each of these plants helps the others. The maize provides support for the beans. The beans provide nitrogen. The large squash leaves sprawling on the ground create a living mulch, smothering weeds and keeping the soil moist. The prickly leaves of the squash also keep many destructive pests away. With popcorn, this planting mixture can be achieved using a miniature pumpkin such as ‘Jack Be Little’. Plant the popcorn seeds first, and when seedlings are about 12cm high, plant climbing beans at their base. About a week later, plant the squash seeds around the edges of the block of popcorn and encourage the rambling squash to grow underneath it.

Glass Gem

FEEDING AND WATERING Rapid growth depends on plenty of moisture, at least 2–3cm a week. Keep the ground thickly mulched and water well during hot dry spells.

PESTS AND DISEASES Cutworms love young seedlings. Adding bonemeal to the soil when planting helps deter them. Various beetles eat different parts – from newly planted seeds to stalks and leaves. Control these with Biogrow Pyrol. Only use this after sunset so it won’t affect bees and other pollinators.

HARVESTING AND EATING Leave the ears on the plant until the husks have dried and turned a creamy colour. After harvesting, leave the ears in their husks and store in a well-aired spot. There are two ways to make popcorn. You can either remove the

Planting popcorn in a block assists pollination.

kernels by rubbing two ears together over a large bucket (the kernels will go flying so hold the ears inside the bucket when rubbing) and make it the usual way. Or you can leave them on the cob. Take the outer husk off and place the whole ear inside a loosely closed, brown paper bag. Cook in the microwave on high until all the kernels have popped. Add salt and enjoy.

SAVING SEED Like all maize, popcorn will crosspollinate. To keep the seed ‘pure’, the different varieties need to be more than 10m apart. A large crop of at least 100 plants is required to keep the seed strong from year to year. Leave the ears to mature and dry on the plant before harvesting. Pull the husks off and leave to dry completely.

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

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HOLIDAY MAINTENANCE

Cutting back on fertiliser slows down lawn growth.

Holiday

DON’T Plant new plants. Fertilise your lawn as this will promote new growth. DO Check the germination time before sowing seeds and make sure they’ll only pop up after your return. Collect plastic bottles to make selfwatering funnels.

CHECK LIST

Worried about your garden while you’re away on holiday? Here’s what to do before you leave to ensure it survives until you return 104

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Funnels made from plastic bottles will direct rainwater to plants’ roots.

TEXT DIANE PEACOCK MAIN PHOTOGRAPH GREATSTOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK OTHERS SALLY CHANCE, LOREN SHIRLEY-CARR, LIZETTE JONKER AND CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

PLAN AHEAD

Mulch well with an organic product.

Dig water-retaining or soil-enhancing additives into the soil. Give the garden a thorough watering. Order in mulch, for example, compost, bark chips or straw, which will keep the soil moist and prevent weeds growing. Check that the irrigation system is working. If you have a rainwater tank, attach a soaker hose to it and run this through your garden. The water will seep out slowly and saturate the ground.

Run through your full pool maintenance routine before going away.

If you have a pool, buy a shock treatment (superchlorinator), chlorine floater and an algaecide. Ask a friend or neighbour who is not going away to check on your plants and water them, if necessary.

JUST BEFORE YOU GO AWAY Pick all fruit and vegetables and deadhead flowering plants. Mow the lawn a little shorter

GET MORE ONLINE Discover more holiday garden care tips at gardenandhome.co.za

Place pot plants where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be watered by the sprinklers.

than usual. Water the whole garden and apply mulch to beds and plants in containers. Fit a timer to the irrigation system and set it before you leave. Move pots to a shady or protected area in flower beds to slow down evaporation and where rainfall and the sprinkler system can reach them. Cut off the bottom of a few plastic bottles to make funnels. Punch holes in the caps and press the bottles into the soil around the garden with the necks a few centimetres under the ground. Fill with water (which will hopefully be topped up with rainwater). This will seep slowly into the soil. Stand indoor plants next to a large bowl of water, cut an absorbent cloth into strips and put one end of each strip in the bowl and the other in the plant so that they draw water while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re away. Clear debris from the pool weir and pump baskets, and clean the pool surrounds. Shock treat, vacuum and backwash the pool. Check the pH balance and adjust accordingly. Top up and put in a chlorine floater and algaecide. Set the timer so that the filter runs for several hours a day. Clean the surface of water features and ponds.

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PERFUME BALMS

Scents Long-lasting perfume balms make ideal gifts. Jane Griffiths demonstrates how to make and personalise them

ynthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions, plus they sometimes contain harmful ingredients. By making your own solid perfume balms, you can ensure they’re totally natural. Simply rub the balm on your neck and wrists for a natural scent that lasts for hours.

Infused oil: Use home-grown herbs infused in a carrier oil for a truly homemade product. Strongly scented herbs such as rose pelargonium, clary sage, lavender, lemon verbena and even citrus peels work well. Essential oils: A personalised blend of your choice. (See page 108 for ideas.) Carrier oil: Jojoba, grapeseed, baobab or sweet almond are good choices. Beeswax: Solid at room temperature, it melts into warm skin. Containers: You can use any lip balm container – even the stick ones. Or browse antique stores for unusual tins, old fob watch cases and lockets. THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Use lavender and herbs to scent infused oil. Rose pelargonium.

TEXT JANE GRIFFITHS MAIN PHOTOGRAPH GREATSTOCK/MASTERFILE OTHERS JANE GRIFFITHS AND KEITH KNOWLTON

What you’ll need

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT:

Clary sage. Making infused oil with rosemary, borage and lavender. Pour the mixture into containers as soon as it’s melted.

Step-by-step

Infuse the herbs (this is optional as you can use plain carrier oil). Chop 1 cup of herbs finely, place in a slow cooker and cover with carrier oil. Simmer for 3–4 hours, then strain. (You can keep leftover infused oil in a sealed jar for up to a year in the fridge.) Blend the essential oils. Use about 40–45 drops of essential oil per 4t of

2 3

base. Bear in mind it won’t be as strong once mixed. Place equal amounts of infused oil (or plain carrier oil) and grated beeswax in the top of a double boiler (or a glass bowl set over a simmering pot of water). A 10g lip balm container will need about 2t beeswax and 2t carrier oil. As soon as it has melted, remove from the heat and stir in the essential oil

4 5

mixture. Quickly pour it into containers. If it hardens before you’ve finished pouring, place it back over the simmering water until it melts – don’t leave it as the essential oils will evaporate.

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BLENDING ESSENTIAL OILS Tahnia Hook of Pure Indigenous creates fragrance blends using South African essential oils. “Making your own perfume balms allows you to select fragrances that appeal to you, plus you benefit from their healing properties.” She recommends blending oils that include a top note, a middle note and a bottom note. Top note oils such as helichrysum (odoratissimum), clary sage, basil, grapefruit and verbena are light and fresh. They also evaporate more quickly. Most essential oils, including rose pelargonium, chamomile, rosemary and lavender fall into the middle note group, take a little longer to melt and are warmer and softer. Base notes like cedar, artemisia, ginger, vanilla, rose and ylang-ylang last the longest and slow down the evaporation of the other oils. They change over time and are more complex, intense and heady. Depending on their aroma, essential oils can be categorised into seven groups: floral (lavender, rose pelargonium, jasmine); spicy (clove, nutmeg); earthy (vetiver, artemisia); herbaceous (basil, helichrysum, marjoram); woody (cedar, pine, and buchu); minty (peppermint, spearmint) and citrus (grapefruit, orange). “Floral oils work well with spicy, citrus and woody ones. Woody oils blend with all groups and minty oils work well with citrus, woody, herbaceous and earthy oils. Generally it’s better to mix no more than three oils in one blend; often just two work fine,” says Tahnia. Some suggestions are: vanilla, neroli and grapefruit; rose, lime and vetiver; ylang-ylang, orange and sandalwood.

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Growing the ingredients Rose pelargonium It likes a sunny position with well-drained soil. In spring, trim it back to encourage new leafy growth. It’s drought tolerant but won’t endure severe frosts. To ensure its survival, take cuttings towards the end of summer and pot them up. Clary sage This perennial, native to the Mediterranean, grows about a metre tall. It likes well-drained soil and plenty of sun. It often dies back after flowering, but is easily propagated from saved seed. Lavender This hardy perennial likes full sun and is drought tolerant. It flowers nearly all year round, attracting many beneficial insects with its fragrant

purple spears. Prune in early spring and cut flowers regularly to keep it producing. Lemon verbena Planted in full sun it easily grows up to two metres tall in one season. For a bushier shrub, cut off the top of the main stem to encourage side sprouting. It likes well-drained soil and is quite drought resistant. Semi-hardy, it can die back in frost spells. Give it a severe pruning in early spring after the last danger of frost has passed. THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:

Lavender, from which a mid note oil can be made, is calming and soothing. Lemon verbena’s citrus scent provides an uplifting top note.

WIN! We’re giving away two hampers each worth R1 500, of Pure Indigenous products for making your own balms. Each hamper includes: 100ml Baobab Carrier Oil and the following 10ml Indigenous Essential Oils: Wormwood (Artemisia afra), Cape Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), Cape Snowbush (Eriocephalus africanus), African Bluegrass (Cymbopogon validus), Cape Buchu (Agathosma betulina), African Lemon Bush (Lippia javanica), African Helichrysum (Helichrysum odoratissimum) and Happiness blend lip balm 10g. To enter, SMS the word PURE, your name and postal and e-mail addresses to 48406. An SMS costs R1,50 and free SMSes do not apply. For full Ts&Cs, see page 87.

WIN!

SOURCES Jane’s Delicious Herbs by Jane Griffiths (Sunbird Publishers, jonathanball.co.za) janesdeliciousgarden.com Pure Indigenous pureindigenous.co.za

Passonthegoodnessbynominating afriendtoalsowin.

Terms & conditions apply. d w

TEXT DIANA WEMYSS PHOTOGRAPHS KARL ROGERS THESE RECIPES ARE SUPPLIED BY THE ENTERTAINER, AND WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE THEY ARE CORRECT, THEY HAVENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T BEEN TESTED BY GARDEN AND HOME

ENTERTAINING

Festive FLAVOURS

Cape Town food writer and publisher Nicky Stubbs celebrates Christmas with traditions handed down through generations

John Butler, Vicky Mayer, Nicky Stubbs, Sophia van der Schijff, Philippa Hetherington, Jessica Butler, Tom van der Schijff, Ben Rycroft, Bev Rycroft and Aphiwe Skoti

entral to Nicky Stubbs’s Christmas feast is what her family call the ‘snowball’ – a white furry, round, clothcovered container held by bright ribbons and filled with gifts for each guest. The idea, passed down from her late mother, Diana, is just one of the traditions that make Christmas celebrations special for Nicky. Nicky’s cookbook, For Family & Friends, recently published by NB Publishers, is a tribute to grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who have nurtured her love and knowledge of food. “I really started the book in recognition of my late parents whom I was missing dreadfully,” she explains. She relates the story of her father’s obsessive search in Paris for the perfect onion soup, memories of Uncle Pete, a dab hand at Sunday lunches, who stirred his coq au vin with one hand, a gin and tonic in the other. She describes a friend’s recollection of lemon curd that led to the discovery of a recipe that produced the envisaged result.

GAZPACHO PAELLA CAPRESE SALAD WITH BASIL PESTO GREEN SALAD WITH FENNEL AND ORANGE DRESSING QUICK AND EASY CHRISTMAS ICE CREAM BOMBE

The book reflects Nicky’s Christmas feasts which involve getting together to enjoy simple, classic dishes. “I was born into a farming family in East Griqualand,” she says. “Food was nourishment, it wasn’t bragged about, or something to show off with, it was simply the reason for meeting.” This uncomplicated philosophy translates into the food she loves to cook – simple and wholesome. Nicky’s Christmas lunch in the pretty Victorian home of friends Vicky Mayer and John Butler in Newlands is a scrumptious affair. The table, nostalgic in red and decorated by Vicky’s daughter Jessica Butler, has a vaguely French feel, but with a local twist. Guests include Bev Rycroft, winner of the Ingrid Jonker prize for poetry, Nicky’s nephew Ben, and

Nicky Stubbs

sister Philippa Hetherington, who is studying photography in New York, Nicky’s children Sophia and Tom and close friend Aphiwe Skoti. The lunch preparation in Vicky’s spacious kitchen is a shared affair with plenty of space around the central island for everyone to chop, peel and dice, followed by chilled bubbly served under bunting in the courtyard. “I think that we should adapt our food to suit the climate,” says Nicky, “which is why I like to make paella rather than a hot roast, and although I love traditional Christmas pud, an ice cream bombe is a better crowd pleaser on a hot day.”

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Nicky Stubbs, Sophia van der Schijff, Philippa Hetherington, Tom van der Schijff and Ben Rycroft

Anna Butler, Nicky Stubbs, John Butler and Vicky Mayer

QUICK CHAT WITH THE COOK My cooking style is easy, breezy and based on good, simple seasonal ingredients. The kitchen gadget I couldn’t live without is my wire whisk. My favourite recipe book is Cook with Ina Paarman as all the recipes are excellent. My store cupboard staples are tinned tomatoes, butter and good quality olive oil. The first thing to consider when entertaining is the guests and how to serve them the food they love most. My family’s favourite food is macaroni cheese and self-saucing chocolate pudding. My tip for making Christmas entertaining simple is to prepare a meal that you love eating, that you can make easily and that works for a hot Christmas. A well-made sandwich with good ingredients is better than a complicated flop.

GAZPACHO (Serves 6–8) 2 x 410g tins Italian chopped tomatoes, chilled 1 small red or yellow pepper, finely diced 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced 1 onion, quartered 3 stalks celery, chopped 15ml finely chopped fresh parsley

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1 small clove garlic 1ℓ chicken stock, chilled 15ml red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar 45–60ml extra virgin olive oil 2 x 200ml tins tomato cocktail, chilled 10ml Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper, to taste TO SERVE flat-leafed parsley or coriander (optional) cheese straws, focaccia or other bread

1. Blend all the ingredients together in batches. Don’t blend too smooth as gazpacho is better with a bit

DECEMBER 2018 | gardenandhome.co.za

of texture and crunch. 2. Chill for at least 4 hours. 3. Place in chilled soup bowls or glasses, garnish with the herbs, if using, and serve with cheese straws or fresh bread.

PAELLA (Serves 8–10) 15ml butter 30ml olive oil 300g chorizo, sliced 12 chicken pieces chicken stock powder, for sprinkling salt and pepper, to taste 60ml water 3 onions (red ones if possible),

thinly sliced 3–4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 x 410g tins Italian chopped tomatoes 3 mixed peppers (red and yellow), sliced pinch brown sugar 2,5ml cayenne pepper 10ml paprika pinch saffron or turmeric 500g white rice (risotto, paella or regular white rice) 250ml white wine (or substitute with extra chicken stock) 500–750ml warm chicken stock, kept on one side in a jug 250ml pitted black olives handful frozen peas 500g mixed seafood (mussels,

John Butler

calamari, fish) – use the best you can afford, and if frozen, defrost before cooking 12–16 defrosted prawns, deveined (if preferred, use 750g frozen prawn meat) 125ml chopped fresh parsley TO SERVE 1–2 lemons, quartered

1. In a large stovetop-to-oven casserole dish, frying pan with a lid, or skottel, melt the butter and olive oil. 2. Add the chorizo and fry gently for a couple of minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside. 3. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with the chicken stock powder, salt and pepper and brown all over in batches. 4. Once all the pieces are browned, return them all to the dish. Add the water, cover with a lid and cook through for 20–25 minutes. Remove the chicken from the dish and set aside. 5. Add the onions and garlic to the dish and fry gently until transparent. 6. Add the tomatoes and peppers and fry gently until wilted. Season with sugar,

Sophia van der Schijff and Nicky Stubbs

cayenne pepper, paprika and saffron or turmeric. 7. Mix in the rice with a wooden spoon, making sure all the grains are well covered with the tomato and onion mixture. 8. Turn up the heat and add the wine or chicken stock. Allow the wine to cook off for 5–10 minutes. 9. Add the warm chicken stock, chicken pieces and chorizo, mix well, turn down the heat and cover. 10. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is just cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Don’t overcook as the rice will become mushy. 11. If not using a skottel, preheat the oven to 180°C. 12. Once the rice is cooked and plumped up, scatter over the olives, peas and seafood. 13. Replace the lid and cook through (in the oven or on the skottel) for another 5–10 minutes. The prawns should just turn pink, the peas should be defrosted and the rice plumped up and cooked through. 14. Reduce the heat, fork the

Bev Rycroft, Sophia van der Schijff, Anna Butler, Ben Rycroft and Aphiwe Skoti

chopped parsley through the rice and serve immediately with lemon wedges. COOK’S NOTE If finishing in the oven in a covered casserole dish, much of the

work can be done ahead of time. Try to have all the ingredients washed and sliced or diced in advance. If you’re using a skottel, the process takes about 1½ hours.

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Jessica Butler, Nicky Stubbs, Vicky Mayer and Anna Butler

Tom van der Schijff and Jessica Butler

CAPRESE SALAD WITH BASIL PESTO (Serves 8–10 ) 8–10 ripe Roma

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tomatoes, sliced 1 packet medium-size tomatoes, sliced 150g fior di latte or buffalo mozzarella, drained salt and pepper and drizzle of

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olive oil, to taste FOR THE PESTO 500ml fresh basil leaves 80ml pine nuts 1–4 cloves garlic, to taste 125ml good quality grated Parmesan cheese 125ml olive oil salt and black pepper, to taste

6. Serve at room temperature for the best flavour. COOK’S NOTE The pesto will keep in the fridge in a glass jar with a lid for up to two weeks.

1. To make the pesto, blend the basil, pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan cheese until mixed but not smooth using a food processor or blender. 2. With the blade running, gradually pour in the olive oil until the mixture thickens. 3. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 4. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top of the pesto once it’s in the jar, to seal it and prevent the basil from turning black. 5. Arrange the sliced tomatoes attractively on a large flat serving plate. Tear the fior di latte or mozzarella in generous shreds and place on the tomatoes, drizzle over the pesto and olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

(Serves 8–10)

GREEN SALAD WITH FENNEL AND ORANGE DRESSING 200g lettuce (iceberg, cos or butter, or a combination) 1 cucumber, sliced 1 fennel bulb, sliced 2 oranges, peeled and sliced handful rocket, watercress and baby spinach handful walnuts FOR THE DRESSING 80ml balsamic or other vinegar salt and white pepper, to taste 5ml Dijon mustard (optional) 1 clove garlic, crushed (optional) pinch sugar (optional) 250ml olive oil

1. Wash the greens carefully. Place in a sink of cold water

FIND IT ONLINE For Nicky’s ice cream bombe recipe, visit gardenandhome.co.za

Anna Butler, Ben Rycroft, Aphiwe Skoti, Nicky Stubbs, John Butler, Vicky Mayer and Philippa Hetherington

softened slightly 100g slivered almonds, toasted (on a baking tray in the oven until nicely browned) 1 x 420g tin black cherries, drained TO SERVE Christmas decorations (optional) and fresh berries

and swirl around gently to loosen any dirt. 2. Spin the lettuce in a salad spinner or dry in a tea towel or colander. 3. To make the dressing, mix together the vinegar, salt and pepper, mustard, garlic and sugar with a wire whisk. In a slow, steady stream, add the oil, whisking all the time. 4. Store in a sealed container (a jam jar works well) in the fridge and shake well before pouring over the salad. 5. To serve, tear the bigger lettuce leaves into pieces (never cut lettuce). 6. Toss in the cucumber and arrange the fennel, walnuts and orange slices and any

other leaves you’re using attractively on a platter. Just before serving, pour over the salad dressing and toss lightly. COOK’S NOTE If the salad greens need to be stored before eating, place them in a covered bowl in the fridge. They can be kept like this for up to three days.

QUICK AND EASY CHRISTMAS ICE CREAM BOMBE (Serves 16) 1 x 2ℓ tub good quality vanilla ice cream, softened slightly 1 x 2ℓ tub good quality chocolate ice cream,

1. Spray a large, attractive mixing bowl with non-stick cooking spray. 2. In order of your choice, layer the ice cream, nuts and cherries, alternating the layers of ice cream to achieve a marbled effect. Cover and freeze. 3. Before serving, run the bowl under lukewarm water, run a knife around the inside and turn out on a large serving plate.

ONLINE EXTRA For Nicky’s fudge recipe, visit gardenandhome.co.za

4. Decorate with Christmas decorations, if desired, and fresh berries.

WIN We’re giving away two copies of For Friends & Family by Nicky Stubbs (NB Publishers nb.co.za) worth R385 each. To enter, SMS the word FRIENDS, your name and postal and e-mail addresses to 48406. Standard rates apply. An SMS costs R1,50 and free SMSes do not apply For full Ts&Cs, see page 87.

WIN!

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FOOD AND WINE

A COOL YULE

Festive Fizz

Local is lekker with the awardwinning Domaine des Dieux Claudia Brut 2012, R220. Bottega Gold, R495, is an eye-catching Italian Prosecco. The Nicolas Feuillatte Graphic Ice, R615, is a fruity, gently sweet demi-sec French Champagne. They’re all available at selected bottle stores nationwide.

Twinings Infuso fruit, spice and herbal infusions are caffeine-free and come in a selection of flavours. Available at leading retailers nationwide, from R69,99, add them to delicious iced lollies and non-alcoholic cocktails, or try this Ruby Red Smoothie. For the recipe, visit gardenandhome.co.za

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

Take it easy

The Lazy Makoti’s Guide to the Kitchen by Mogau Seshoene, R340, Quivertree Publications, is for those who want simple, delicious and visually appealing dishes without the stress. You’ll find South African favourites, tips and clever uses for leftovers. Find the recipe for Banana Mandazi (pictured) on our website gardenandhome.co.za

’Tis the season

TO INDULGE

Treat yourself and your family with Woolworths’ Selection of Crunchies, R79,99 for a 390g tin. They also make ideal hostess gifts. woolworths.co.za

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WHAT’S ON 1 – 2 DECEMBER Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival Don your most stylish black and white attire, head to The Magic of Bubbles festival and sample a wide range of local Cap Classique bubblies and French Champagnes. Tickets cost R395 pp at webtickets.co.za and include MCC tasting coupons. For details, visit franschhoekmcc.co.za 12 DECEMBER Stellenbosch Street Soirée Happening in Drostdy Street, the heart of Stellenbosch, there’ll be local wines, street foods and cool music. Entry, R100 pp, includes a glass and 12 tasting coupons. For details, visit wineroute.co.za 16 DECEMBER Groote Post’s Christmas Country Market Stock up on gifts and all things Christmas at this country market, while enjoying a selection of gourmet produce and well-known wines. For more info, visit grootepostcountrymarket.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.

Give your festive leftovers the wow factor with Clover’s Cream O’Naise, from R19,99, SA’s only mayonnaise with added dairy cream. Use it in summer salads, sandwiches and on all occasions. It comes in an easy-to-scoop tub that fits neatly into the fridge door. clover.co.za

THE EYES Treat your guests to something special with these easy dishes bursting with colour and flavour

(Serves 4) 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry, defrosted 1 egg, lightly beaten FOR THE FILLING 250g ricotta cheese 60ml cream 45g Parmesan cheese 45ml fresh herbs, finely chopped 30ml basil pesto salt and milled black pepper, to taste FOR THE TOPPING 1 corn cob, parboiled 150g cherry tomatoes 15ml olive oil, plus extra for drizzling salt and milled black pepper, to taste 1 small fennel bulb, shaved 1 carrot, peeled and sliced into ribbons 2 medium baby marrows, sliced into ribbons TO SERVE few fresh herbs or micro leaves

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with baking paper. 2. Roll out the pastry and, using a dinner plate as a template, cut out a large circle and transfer it to the baking sheet. Brush some of the beaten egg around a 1cm rim on the edge of the pastry. 3. Slice the pastry off-cuts into 1cm strips and place along the top edge of the pastry to form a raised rim; brush the edge with the remaining beaten egg. 4. Prick the centre of the pastry case with a fork and bake in a hot oven for 18–25 minutes, or until cooked and well risen. 5. Place the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl and combine. Set aside. 6. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C and place the corn cob and tomatoes on an oven tray. 7. Drizzle with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. 8. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut the corn from the cob.

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RECIPES AND STYLING LYN WOODWARD PHOTOGRAPHS CHRISTOPH HOFFMANN

Feast for

VEGETABLE AND RICOTTA FREE-FORM TART

EFFORTLESS ENTERTAINING 9. Spoon the reserved filling into the baked pastry case and heat in the oven for 8–10 minutes. 10. Arrange the corn, tomatoes, fennel and baby marrow and carrot ribbons over the tart. Top with herbs or micro leaves, an additional drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper. Serve with the leftover filling on the side. COOK’S NOTE Double up the ingredients and make a large tart to feed a crowd.

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

THAI-MARINATED CHICKEN FILLETS WITH CREAMY RICE AND ROASTED CARROTS WITH ORANGE, CUMIN AND HONEY (Serves 4–6) 4–6 chicken fillets or deboned thighs 30ml Thai green curry paste 1 lime, finely grated zest and juice 30ml olive oil 30ml fresh basil leaves, chopped 30ml fresh coriander leaves, chopped salt and milled black pepper, to taste FOR THE CREAMY RICE 2 cups raw parboiled white rice 1 x 410g tin coconut milk 1 x 410g cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup 2 garlic cloves, crushed 45g Parmesan cheese, finely grated salt and milled black pepper, to taste FOR THE ROASTED CARROTS WITH ORANGE, CUMIN AND HONEY 300g whole small carrots, cleaned 30ml olive oil 1 orange, juice and finely grated zest 15ml cumin seeds 30ml honey salt and milled black pepper, to taste TO SERVE fresh limes fresh basil leaves fresh coriander leaves

1. To make the marinated chicken, cut the chicken into 2–3cm cubes. 2. Mix the remaining ingredients well in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and

toss well to coat. Cover and place in the fridge for an hour or overnight. 3. To make the creamy rice, place all the ingredients in a pan and stir well. 4. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to a simmer. 5. Cover and cook for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or water, if needed, until the rice is just tender. 6. To make the roasted carrots, preheat the oven to 180°C. Arrange the carrots

in a roasting pan. 7. Mix the remaining ingredients together and pour over the carrots, coating them well. 8. Roast the carrots for 25–35 minutes, or until just tender. 9. Thread the chicken onto skewers and either braai or grill until cooked, but tender. 10. Serve with the creamy rice, lime halves or wedges and the fresh basil and coriander leaves.

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DESTINATIONS

French toast Dotted with medieval towns, the French countryside east of Bordeaux offers more than just superb wine, writes Tess Paterson

A 14th-century pigeonnier overlooks the vineyards at Château Puyfromage.

roughly half way between Bergerac and Bordeaux. It’s flatter here, levelling out towards the Atlantic and those hallowed wine regions that flank the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. We’re four wine novices, three of whom were born in the Karoo, and after months of anticipation, are tantalisingly close to legends like Latour, Pétrus and Lafite Rothschild. The much-fêted Saint-Émilion is just an hour away; if you’re after a good red blend this is pretty much the place to be. On the first day we head to Duras – our nearest ‘big’ village and a medieval gem. Few things make me happier than arriving at a weekly market in the French countryside. We get there early – that peaceful pre-tourist interlude when all you’ll see are locals with woven shopping bags and wellmannered dogs. Set against the town’s mellow stone ramparts,

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS TESS PATERSON

e’ve settled in at our self-catering gîte near the town of Margueron in south-west France. It’s a restored barn with a cherry orchard for a garden and the sort of bucolic farmy surrounds that would have put Cézanne in a tizz. This is my kind of getaway, not so much a village as a hamlet, where a tractor trundling past is a notable event. Shutters are painted lilac; courtyards are gravel covered and clematis trails effortlessly over stone walls. More importantly, there’s duck confit on the menu at the local bistro. Using the gîte as a base, we’re intent on discovering some ‘new’ territory. A few years back we’d explored the chateau country – the Dordogne and its attendant bastide towns that lie to the east of Bergerac. This time we’re on the west,

The garden of our gîte in Margueron.

it’s a seasonal marvel of apricots, massive beef-heart tomatoes, minivans of colourful seedlings. There’s local honey, ham hocks, surprisingly cool bits of crochet. And my breakfast must-have, tray upon tray of canelés. A few years back Wallpaper magazine declared canelés as the next cult cake, devoting an entire front cover to these crenelated beauties. I still have that recipe, though the reality is a two-day palaver involving 16 exorbitantly priced copper moulds coated with pure beeswax and clarified butter. It’s only fitting, I feel, to savour my first one in France. Slightly rubbery in texture, it’s all rum-custard sweetness with a caramelised, bronzy exterior. While the in-laws hover around the charcuterie stalls, I buy a substantial patisserie stash to keep me going. By midday, the vineyards are calling and we head for Monbazillac – a serene setting overlooking Bergerac with an extraordinary past. During the Hundred Years’ War, the hillsides and vines to the north had been utterly decimated. Post-war, in around 1500, the unspoilt southern slopes were planted with vines; the antecedent of today’s AOC Monbazillac. With a Rapunzel-like appeal, the chateau itself dates to around 1550. The moat, parapets and

The picturesque rooftops of Saint-Émilion.

TESS’S TRAVEL TIPS GOOD TO KNOW If your trip starts in Paris, taking the TGV to Bordeaux is really worthwhile. Trains leave from Montparnasse Station and the journey takes under 2,5 hours. raileurope.co.za MUST-SEE SIGHT The mirror pool opposite Bordeaux’s Place de la Bourse. Just 2cm of water covers a vast granite slab creating a visual and sensory delight. FAVOURITE BITE A five-course duck-centric blowout at the laid-back Famille Moutier restaurant near Thénac. famillemoutier.com

Market day in the medieval town of Duras.

Stone houses on the banks of the Dropt River.

Bordeaux’s mirror pool opposite the Place de la Bourse.

Seasonal apricots grown in Roussillon.

machicolation (nifty gaps used for pouring boiling oil onto invaders) are pure medieval defensive style. Interminable feuding aside, Monbazillac is renowned for its dessert wines – by all accounts a worthy competitor to the prestigious Sauternes. Jamie Oliver enthused about the 2011 vintage, declaring “honeyed notes offset with a tinge of grapefruit and elderflower”. Well quite. We decide on a bottle of the Chateau St Christophe, and later on our patio, savour this golden nectar chilled. With a wedge of velvety foie gras and a country baguette from the Duras market, it’s a little moment of heaven. The next day we come across Château Puyfromage, an attractive winery that’s easily spotted by its sizeable pigeonnier. As outré as it might seem today, pigeons were a hot topic in the Middle Ages – not only as a delicacy, but for the droppings which made excellent fertiliser. Owning a structure of this magnitude was a seigneurial privilege – up there with a healthy

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Canelés for sale at St Émilion.

La Madeleine, part of the troglodyte village above the Vézère River.

stash of Apple or Alibaba shares today. Ewa Bobet, who takes us on a tour of the estate, explains that the pigeonnier would have housed around 4 000 birds. The interior is a marvel, with ancient chestnut beams, towering walls lined with 1 000 compartments or boulins, and an ingenious rotating ladder. For a memorable week we roam about, sustained by regular intakes of pain au raisin and icy Jupiler beer. Christopher, the mohair farming brother-in-law, is in his element. On day one, he pulls over and leaps out of the car to admire a breed of taupe-coloured cattle. We lose him regularly throughout the trip, as he hives off into barns to photograph machinery or gazes intensely at pristine fields of wheat. Most gratifying are his lengthy chats with bemused Bordeaux farmers who genuinely don’t speak a word of English. The medieval village of Issigeac is all meandering smalltown charm and full-blown roses. We find a tiny café selling ice cream cones and later settle in for a beer beneath the

Bordeaux’s Cité du Vin on the banks of the Garonne River.

The vineyards surrounding our gîte near Margueron.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP WHERE TO STAY We spent a week at La Grange Cerise near Margueron, a stunning location with kind, helpful hosts. lagrangecerise.com CURRENCY The currency is the Euro. At the time of going to print €1:R16,56. A beer or a cup of coffee averaged about €3–€4 each (around R50–R67). VISAS South Africans need a Schengen visa to visit France. France-visas.gouv.fr

Coasting down the peaceful Vézère River.

shadow of the Gothic church. At La Sauvetat du Dropt nearby, we shoot the breeze with a lovely old gent in a flat cap who’s fishing off a bridge just metres from his house. In Pellegrue, a town of around 1 000 people, there’s an electric car-charging station opposite the immaculate small cemetery. It’s utterly peaceful and a moving memorial to countless lives lost, notably at Dunkirk. Nearby, the 12th-century church overlooks a private garden bathed in dappled summer light – a million miles from our electric-fenced city life. Saint-Émilion proves to be a good morning out – it’s hilly and beautifully maintained and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s definitely a touristy feel, but then viticulture’s been thriving here since Roman times. Today the appellation is one of the biggest wine producing regions in Bordeaux. After several tastings and a must-do meander around the edge of the town, we round up Christopher from a nearby field and head on our way.

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The in-laws are keen to give canoeing a bash, so we opt for an outing on the Vézère River, about 100km away. After getting spectacularly lost we arrive at Les Eyzies, kit up and climb into a minibus. We’re dropped off 10km upstream, with a serene two-hour paddle back down. A worthwhile alternative is to canoe the Dordogne, with its stunning views of the monolithic Beynac Castle and Castelnaud. Either way, being water-bound on a still summer’s day is wonderfully relaxing. Bordeaux is our last stop – a port city of remarkable elegance and well worth a few days’ exploring. Short on time we start with a few key attractions – the vast reflecting pool (brilliant), the Place des Quinconces with its effusive, overblown statuary and La Cité du Vin – a bulbous shimmering homage to an industry forever synonymous with France. It’s a fitting end to a fabulous tour. Cheers!

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF TOFFEE TINS

VINTAGE TOFFEE TINS

with Frits van Ryneveld and Hentie van der Merwe After starting their handmade toffee company Darling Sweet four years ago, these confectioners fell in love with vintage sweet tins 126

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ith his passion for art and food, it was no surprise that Frits van Ryneveld (right) came up with the idea of producing oldfashioned handcrafted toffee. It didn’t take long for friend, artist, lecturer and trained chef Hentie van der Merwe (left) to become equally inspired, and thus THIS PAGE: 1 Hentie treasures this Edward

Sharps Super-Kreem mid-1950’s bucket. 2 This rare Mackintosh’s Ragtime Candy tin from the 1930s is a favourite of Frits.

TEXT DERICK KIRK PHOTOGRAPHS SUPPLIED

Collecting

A mixture of caramelised brown sugar and butter, toffee had been enjoyed for many years before The Oxford English Dictionary published the word in 1825 and identified it as ‘taffy’. In the 1830s, when it was discovered that food could be safely stored in metal packaging, cookies and chocolate were sold in tins. By the late 1800s, British toffee makers started offering their products in tins as were notable early manufacturers such as Mackintosh (1866) in Halifax, Yorkshire, and Walker’s Nonsuch in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, England, founded in 1894. From the early 20th century, toffee makers brought out collectable tins with sentimental imagery such as vintage cars, puppy dogs and royalty. Famous South African brands include Sharps, Wilson’s and Kilty’s Toffees. Most of these small private manufacturers are no longer around, or in some cases have been bought out by international food brands.

COLLECTABLES 5

TIPS FOR ASPIRING COLLECTORS Novice collectors can pick up vintage toffee tins in fair condition from as little as R50 at flea markets and online auction sites like Bidorbuy and eBay. “Large shop display tins with paper labels intact are the rarest and hardest to come by. Tins like these in good condition can fetch over R1 000. Corrosion-free tins are difficult to find at the coast and the best are usually found in dry climates like Jo’burg and the Free State,” says Tony Popplestone from Kalk Bay Trading Post. New speciality tins in unusual shapes like cars and treasure chests are also collectable and should increase in value in a few years. Large department stores often bring out special edition confectionery tins at Christmas.

Darling Sweet was born in that quaint Swartland farming town. “We sold my antiques’ business and even my beloved Morris Minor to raise funds and establish the factory in my old shop,” explains Frits. “Shortly afterwards, knowing that I love collecting old things, Hentie bought me the first of many toffee tins. I have great pleasure researching their history. Most of us have fond memories of the toffee tins our parents and grandparents had in their homes.” With Hentie’s background in photography and Frits’ passion for

history, the two make a great archival team, photographing and cataloguing each tin. They both have their favourites. “Mine are an Edwardian counter display tin and a Mackintosh’s ‘Ragtime’ tin with a 1930’s minstrel and dancer,” says Frits. “Hentie’s is the midcentury, retro-looking bucket by local maker Edward Sharp.” Their ever-growing collection, which now numbers close to 200, is housed in their shop. To see the collection yourself, take a scenic drive to this picturesque town, or view the collection online.

CARING FOR YOUR COLLECTION Toffee tins weren’t meant to last forever and aren’t the hardiest. A wipe with a moist cloth and some mild detergent is all that’s needed to keep tins in good condition. Dry thoroughly after cleaning and never immerse them in water. Collecting any form of tin, whether a toffee or tea tin, or tin toy isn’t ideal if you live in a humid climate. Rust will inevitably win.

THIS PAGE: 3 Tins with sentimental

imagery, in this case, The Red Boy by Sir Thomas Lawrence were typical in the 20th century. 4 Tartan pattern lithoprinted tin by local manufacturer Kilty, c. 1940. 5 Uitspan tin from the 1950s, used by Hentie’s father as a school lunchbox. 6 Royalist tin depicting a young Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. 7 Prestige carnival-themed tin from the early 1960s. SOURCES Darling Sweet darlingsweet.co.za or 083 235 4002 Kalk Bay Trading Post 021 788 9571

gardenandhome.co.za | DECEMBER 2018

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ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES

Treasure chest What are your collectables worth?

FIND OF THE MONTH

Ingrid Aron of Kalk Bay Antiques Centre says the mark on the underside, although not very clear, seems to be Spode Pottery, England. “The image is a transfer depiction of Joan of Arc, amazing in its detail. If original, it would be Georgian, dating around 1810–15, and pretty valuable. The dark red glaze and gilt paint is also typical of the period and it looks old enough, though this can be emulated in a reproduction. It would probably retail at about R15 000 in South Africa; in England, possibly quite a bit more. I’d suggest a more accurate appraisal as it’s difficult to tell from a photograph.”

We received this coffee set as a wedding present some 45 years ago. Can you give me some information on it and a possible value? Gayle Webster Ingrid Aron of Kalk Bay Antiques Centre says, “This coffee set is typical of designs done in the early 1960s in Scandinavia and Germany, where Hutchenreuter, part of Arzberg in Bavaria, made ornamental animals, which have far more collectable value; their functional ware is less in demand right now. Your set is of good quality, and if complete with no damage, I’d estimate it to be worth around R2 500.”

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EXPERT TIP “IN THE LATE 19TH CENTURY, SMALL WORK TABLES LIKE THIS WERE OFTEN VENEERED IN THE MOST EXPENSIVE WOODS OF THE DAY,” SAYS IAN PRETORIUS THANKS TO OUR SPECIALISTS Ingrid Aron Kalk Bay Antiques Centre 021 788 8882 Ian Pretorius Obelisk Antiques 083 718 1984

This small wooden table was apparently used to store sewing utensils such as scissors, pins and darning needles. I was told that it originally came from Italy more than 100 years ago. Can you verify this and if it has any value? Hilde Zimmermann “This is indeed a sewing table,” says Ian Pretorius of Obelisk Antiques. “These small work tables were popular in the late 19th century for ladies to store their sewing materials in. The majority had silk bags underneath designed to pull out. This example, however, has a hinged marquetry top and platform stretcher inlaid with a floral motif and contrasting border bands of veneer. It opens to reveal an arrangement of small divisions and has unusually curvy, ebonised (wood stained black to resemble ebony) cabriolet legs. It would be hard to confirm its Italian origin as similar examples were also made in Britain. It should fetch between R3 000 – R4 500 at auction.”

WRITE IN AND WIN EVERY MONTH we give away a *prize for the most valuable or interesting item sent in. This month Georgie Walker has won two cases of Van Loveren’s Almost Zero Wonderful White worth R1 000. Made from Sauvignon blanc grapes, it contains less than 0,5% alcohol and 75% less kilojoules per serving than regular wines. To order, call 023 615 1505 or e-mail winehub@vanloveren.co.za E-mail clear photographs and relevant information about your collectable item to gardenhome@caxton.co.za with Treasure Chest in the subject line. Due to the volume of mail we are unable to respond personally. Pictures must be sent as separate attachments at a size between 1MB – 2MB. Only one submission per reader will be accepted. For guidelines on the best way to take your photos for Treasure Chest, visit gardenandhome.co.za

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

I inherited this vase from a great aunt. Can you give me any information about it? I think it depicts Joan of Arc. Georgie Walker

LAST WORD ON STYLE 1

1 COUNTRY ROAD’S BLACK EARRINGS These make a statement, but they also go with everything. 2 THE ANDY WARHOL DIARIES (Simon and Schuster) It’s a fascinating account of this artist’s life at the height of his fame. 3 KITCHENAID MIXER from @home. I would love this for my kitchen. 4 BOSCHENDAL MCC BRUT ROSÉ This easy-drinking bubbly is perfect for all occasions. 5 DESIGNS BY MAXHOSA They make beautiful clothing and products that represent South African culture. 6 CF SUNSCREEN A good sunscreen is essential and I wear this every day. 7 MABONENG SUNSHINE SALAD I developed this recipe for the Country Road international blog. It’s fresh, healthy, and easy to make.

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Nthabiseng RAMABOA

The chef and owner of Maboneng’s Taste Kitchen shares a few of her favourite things

can’t remember a time when I wasn’t running my own business,” says Nthabiseng Ramaboa, chef at Taste Kitchen. Inspired by her single mother, Nti (as she’s called) became an entrepreneur at 16. “I worked hard from a young age, and opened my first retail fashion business when I was 21,” she recalls. “Fashion was always a hobby, but then it turned into three retail stores for Bello Couture and my flagship store opened in Melrose shopping centre in 2009.” Nti ran four businesses before

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devoting herself to what she truly loves – food. “In 2014, I moved to LA to do culinary research.” On her return to South Africa, she attended cookery school, and while scouting for a bigger kitchen for a food campaign, found a space in Maboneng. “It was too beautiful to use as an office or kitchen, so I decided to turn it into a restaurant.” Taste Kitchen isn’t a walk-in restaurant; they offer unique dining events two to three times a week. “We celebrate our South African culinary heritage with nostalgic food that’s

reminiscent of home,” she explains. Nti is also passionate about making a difference and the first meals prepared at Taste Kitchen were given to the homeless. She was recently announced the BBC Lifestyle channel 174 ambassador. To unwind, Nti goes to the park with a book and her two dogs, Rocky and Bahati, and attends two or three boxing classes a week to keep the blood pumping. SOURCES @home home.co.za Boschendal boschendal.com CF Sunscreen cfproducts.co.za Country Road woolworths.co.za Maxhosa maxhosa.co.za Simon and Schuster jonathanball.co.za Taste Kitchen 073 833 0460

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