Innholdsfortegnelse for February - March 2021 i Home

I believe in synchronicity – that wonderful, unexpected confluence of circumstances when the puzzle pieces fall into place and life is a pleasant surprise. It’s something I’ve experienced many times in my life. And every time it happens, I hear my mom in the background saying: “Things happen for a reason, my child” or “Time will tell”. One thing’s for sure, especially now: we actually have no control over anything. Not long ago, the consensus was that you can at least have a five-year plan for your life, but not anymore – technology and the world’s rhythm are changing so quickly that there’s no way of knowing what the future holds. These days, maybe it’s one year at a time? Or are we already at that day-by-day stage? ‘Keep the…

In the tropics This tropical wallpaper (opposite) from Groen Bespoke Wallpaper immediately caught the attention of Carla van der Merwe of Boschenmeer Estate in Paarl when she was looking for something to freshen up her bedroom. “I love the outdoors, so I wanted something that creates a sense of being in nature,” she explains. “Although the design is quite dramatic, it isn’t ‘heavy’ and it brightens up the space. It creates a lovely tranquil atmosphere in the bedroom.” BOTANICALS REMAIN POPULAR “Botanical and floral designs are like the ‘little black dress’ of wallpaper,” says Alana Groenewald, the designer behind Groen Bespoke Wallpaper’s creations. “They will always be relevant, even if the composition, colour and illustration medium (the manner in which it’s created) change from time to time.” Alana says these…

Q: Where can I find dining chairs like the ones on page 17 of your April 2020 edition? – Johanna Masango, Pretoria A: These Eames-inspired chairs with armrests are a popular design; similar styles are available from homeware retailers with various options for the legs in either wood or metal.Try Esque (esque.co.za), @home (home.co.za), Elevenpast (elevenpast.co.za), Chair Crazy (chaircrazy.co.za) or Mad Chair Company (madchaircompany.co.za). Q: What paint colours were used on the boundary wall and structures in the garden on page 94 of your February 2020 edition? – Liesl Cousins, Cape Town A: The colour on the walls was a custom mix from Paint Master (paint-master.co.za) called Mystic. The structures were painted with Tjhoko Paint (tjhokopaint.co.za) in the colour Asgat. Q: I’ve been looking for a small wood-burning oven for…

WHO LIVES HERE? Albert van Niekerk and his dog, Benji WHERE The farm Varsfontein between Caledon and Greyton in the Western Cape SIZE 95m² Albert van Niekerk, a winemaker, grew up in the Overberg and his family has been farming in this region for six generations. About 60 years ago, his grandfather bought a neighbouring farm which had two houses and a barn on the property. The older house dates back to the 1880s; the other one was built higher up the hill in the 1920s. Both were rented out for a short time before falling into disuse. Yet the property has always held sentimental value for the Van Niekerks. “From an early age, all our uncles, aunts and cousins would have picnics with my grandparents here under the oak…

Little wonders Tiny plants are the sweetest little solutions for gardeners with limited space. The advantage of going small, other than tiny plants being simply adorable, is that they are fast-growing and will still look lovely as they get bigger. Save space by going vertical or start a mini veggie garden and experiment with microgreens – they’re delicious! Microgreens are also a great choice for beginner gardeners who are still finding their green fingers. Micro gardens Raised beds and edible pots are great space-savers and good for growing beginner veggie gardens. Sow pot peppers, mini tomatoes, and compactly-sown microgreens for a tasty patch of nutrition. To give your microgreens the best head start, use special vegetable compost, available at your garden centre. Did you know? Microgreens are the seedlings of…

Avo damage Ann Redloff of Vredendal writes We were hit hard with very little seasonal rain for about 2–3 years. We only watered when allowed, concentrating on the citrus and avocado trees in our garden. The avo tree bears huge fruits which, when cut open, are edible but this year they had lots of dark marks on the outside. What could be causing this? JJ replies The most common problem in avocados is anthracnose, a black blotch fungal disease. Unfortunately, this can affect the fruit as well as the leaves. The dark spots on the flesh of your avos looks like anthracnose, but the outside looks like fruit fly damage. The only way to treat anthracnose is to use either Mycogard or Odeon. A good fruit fly insecticide is Spray-Kill…

WHERE Newlands, Cape Town SIZE OF GARDEN 120m2 TYPE OF SOIL Loam Having previously had a large tropical garden in KwaZulu-Natal, these homeowners wanted their much smaller garden on their new Cape Town property to still have as much greenery as possible. “My clients still wanted a lush green garden, despite its limited size,” says Petro Jacobs of Petro Landscaping, who designed the garden. “They also wanted to utilise as much of the space as possible for the garden and to create privacy using plants. The trampoline had to be kept for their son and the pool loungers needed a dedicated spot.” The garden lies between the main house and a newly built cottage, with a pool in the middle. The biggest challenges facing Petro were the limited space and…

Baby marrow tartlets with mint salad These tartlets make a lovely starter, or they can be served as a side dish with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. A well-made salad must have a certain uniformity; it should make perfect sense for those ingredients to share a bowl.– Yotam Ottolenghi, chef Makes 8 tartlets Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes • 1–2 baby marrows, thinly sliced • zest of 1 lemon • 15ml olive oil • salt and pepper to taste • 1 roll (400g) puff pastry • 60ml cream cheese • a little beaten egg (optional) SALAD • 125ml edamame beans, blanched • 125ml peas, blanched • 60ml fresh mint • 5ml olive oil • 5ml garlic flowers (optional) 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C. Mix the baby marrow…

Our treasured lockdown project Alistair Michaels of Cape Town writes My wife Ruth and I are avid fans of your magazine, and every month it’s atussle to see who gets to read it first. When lockdown started last year, we embarked on a fire pit project in our back garden. We started off by using some leftover building blocks and a broken-down garden wall, a huge cost saving as we only had to buy cement, sand and stone. But then we ran out of supplies because hardware stores weren’t open – and our seating was only built halfway. By the time we were able to buy more supplies, the Cape winter had arrived, and we returned to work. We tried to continue with our fire pit over weekends, but it…

WHO LIVES HERE? Vicky Zigras WHERE Cape Town SIZE 42m² After living in London’s “permagrey” environment for 17 years, Vicky Zigras was more than ready for blue skies and sunshine when she returned home to South Africa in 2019. She found the perfect little studio in an apartment block in Cape Town’s city centre, complete with leafy gardens, abundant birdlife, a spring-fed swimming pool and beautiful views. “I took up residence in December 2019 and I’ve really enjoyed living here – even during lockdown!” says Vicky with a smile. “Built in the 1960s by Bauhaus-trained German architect Pius Pahl, the building might look a bit austere from the outside but I love the thoughtful design with its lush central courtyard, pool and plenty of light and privacy.” While Vicky’s one-bedroom…

QUICK PROJECT GUIDE Hard labour 4/10 Skill level 7/10 Time needed 1 to 2 hours Do it yourself for ± R660: wood R550, screws R50, glue R40, sandpaper R20 You will need SHOPPING LIST • 21mm plywood, cut to: nine 400 x 210mm pieces (legs) sixty-three 210 x 60mm pieces (tops)• two packets 6mm x 50mm chipboard screws• one packet 8mm x 30mm chipboard screws• Alcolin Fast Set Glue• 150-grit sandpaper• wood filler TOOLS • cordless drill and 3mm drill bit• pencil• tape measure• circular or hand saw• plane PROJECT NOTES • Ask your timber merchant to cut the vertical edges of the rectangular planks at an angle of 30°. Note that the inside and outer edge of the legs slope downwards. • The tops consist of rectangular planks screwed…

Copycat Lyn Nance of Port Elizabeth writes I’d like to know more about this Copie d’ancien Sevres bowl; the dimensions are 8cm (H) x 30cm (L; including metal ornamentation) x 18cm (W). It clearlw announces itself as a copw, but I’d still like to find out what it’s worth. Can wou help? Ainslew Tawlor of Stephan Welz & Co. replies In 18th century Europe, Chinese porcelain was one of the most highly prized commodities in the Western world, and vast quantities were shipped at great expense to Europe to meet the demands of the wealthy aristocracy. Aware of the potential fortune to be made if this ‘white gold’ could be produced locally, Augustus the Strong, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony, financed several scientists and alchemists with the sole…

All in a day’s work Thuli helps with Waaldo’s schoolwork. – Mercia Nieuwenhuyse, Kidd’s Beach, Eastern Cape Close for comfort Rescue cats Sprinkels and Nr. 7 are inseparable. – Janneke Bester, Excelsior, Free State Double vision Sisters Coco and Sia do everything together. – Charmoné Oosthuizen, Riversdale Dog-tired! Coco joins Carlené for a nap after a birthday party. – Carmi van der Merwe, Klipheuwel Brotherly love Liam-Visser and his cat Grey. – Ilana van Rensburg, Brackenfell Sharing is caring Chaos and Tao share everything – even their snacks! – Roshane Tedder, Hilton, KZN Hot product Store your pet’s food and treats in a stylish Oreo food-holder from Petsville (from R599, petsville.co.za). Made from birch plywood that’s been treated to prevent moisture from penetrating the laminated edges, the food-holders will keep…

Bambino ficus Love indoor plants but running out of space? Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’ is a mini version of the popular and unusual fiddle leaf fig. While the larger variety grows into a substantial indoor specimen, this remains compact, only growing 1m tall, but offering the same interesting leaf shape. Besides being a feature, the leathery, deep-green leaves also help to purify the air. Place in a position that receives bright indirect light. It can tolerate limited morning sun. Water when the surface of the soil becomes slightly dry. Overwatering or insufficient light may cause brown spots on the leaves or leaf drop. The plant will appreciate a misting of the leaves in very hot and dry weather. Feed with liquid fertiliser at half strength once a month during its growing…

Pretty in pink ‘Pink Shimmer’ is a petite mounded Cuphea variety with small pink and white fan-shaped flowers that cover the plant from early spring onwards. It grows in full sun or partial sun, is heat tolerant and doesn’t need deadheading, even under hot conditions. Use it as a low-growing (25cm high) neat border or edging plant, as well as in mixed containers. Space plants 20–30cm apart to allow them to grow into a well-branched, naturally compact plant, 30–45cm wide. CONTACT ballstraathof.co.za…

WHO LIVES HERE? Ian and Mariaan van Zyl and Elle the African Grey WHERE Paarl, Western Cape SIZE OF GARDEN 300m² TYPE OF SOIL A mixture of clay and loam In May 2017, Ian and Mariaan van Zyl moved to a corner property in a new housing development in Paarl, which had no garden. And the space to create a garden was limited: between the house and boundary line there was scarcely more than 5m, in some parts just 2m. But now, when the large doors on the stoep slide away into the walls, it feels as if you’re right in the garden, even though you’re sitting indoors. “Other than the trees on the pavement, there was nothing around the house,” says Mariaan. She and Ian love a beautiful garden…

Noodle stir-fry with crispy pork Under R140 • Serves 4 •Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes • 4 pork schnitwels • 600g fresh mixed stir-fry vegetables • about 60ml hoisin or teriyaki sauce • 400g stir-fry noodles (cooked according to the instructions on the packet) • 30ml sesame seeds 1 Heat a little oil in a hot pan and fry the schnitzels until golden-brown and crispy on both sides. Set aside. 2 Stir-fry the vegetables in the same pan over high heat for 3–5 minutes or until cooked to your preference. Stir in the hoisin sauce and noodles and fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. 3 Divide the stir-fry mixture between bowls or plates, cut the schnitzels into strips and spoon on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and…

O is for olives Situated just minutes from the charming Karoo town of Prince Albert in the Western Cape and boasting a sweeping view of the Swartberg Mountains, Swartrivier Farm is home to beautiful olive orchards and a popular restaurant. This 668ha sheep farm has a proud tradition of growing olives and producing its own extra virgin olive oil sold under the O for Olive brand. Their boutique range of products is available at various retail outlets around the country or at the farm shop. Go to oforolive.co.za. PASS THE (LACTOSE-FREE) MILK, PLEASE Thanks to new Clover Nolac, those who suffer from lactose intolerance can enjoy dairy once again – without the horrible side effects! Nolac milk is treated with the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk…

CREATE, INNOVATE! WHO Chrismarié Barnardt WHERE Cape Town BUSINESS Kindbrush HER WORK As a dental hygienist and nature lover living in Sea Point, Chrismarié is deeply concerned about the impact of traditional oral care products on the ever-growing plastic pollution crisis. Her solution was to create a competitive, ecofriendly alternative to plastic oral care. “The philosophy behind Kindbrush is ‘kindfulness’ – being kind and mindful about one’s own wellbeing, that of others and of the planet,” she says. Chrismarié’s products are made from biodegradable, recyclable elements such as bamboo and glass and include toothbrushes, floss and lip balm. See more at thekindbrush.com. Sea & Shore’s goodies are handcrafted in Kommetjie, using locally sourced botanical and ocean treasures set in high-quality resin. Their new range includes cubes made with up to…

• Live in the house first before renovating or restoring it, because what you think will work or look good initially is not necessarily true after you’ve lived in it for a few months (or even through all the seasons). • Get good advice from experts – from neighbours who have done restorations to architects, builders and agents. You want to add value but not spend more than you’ll get back when you sell later. • Make sure you and the contractor understand each other 100%. We made sure about everything before construction started, and were involved throughout. Unplanned issues always pop up, so it’s vital to be able to communicate effectively with your contractor. You also need to trust that you are getting the best advice. • Decide where…

Successful sleep Jana van der Merwe of Bellville writes With the ‘new normal’ of working from home, I need to reclaim my bedroom as a no-work zone ‘after hours’. What can I do to make this space more relaxing and beneficial for good sleep? Greg Smart, CEO of Vencasa, replies If you also use your bedroom to work from, start turning it back into your sleep sanctuary at sunset. Try these tips: Reduce bright light Complete darkness throughout the night is recommended. Dim the lights and keep your room gadget-free at night. Reduce the time you spend in front of screens, or install an app that ‘filters’ the harmful blue light on your cell phone, tablet or laptop. Apps such as Night Shift, Twilight, Darker, Night Owl or Blue Light…

What to do when you shop till you drop only to find that all your beautiful buys won’t fit into the bus that got you to the mall? You hire an extra-large van, of course! And that’s exactly what happened when the 13 attendees at the very first Tuis | Home Décor School left the Mr Price Home Canal Walk flagship store with no less than 13 shopping trolleys, dragging the odd side table, ottoman, room divider and rug along with them. But let’s start at the beginning. When news broke early in 2020 that Tuis | Home would host its first three-day Décor School, the response was overwhelming. In true Tuis | Home style, creative editor Marian van Wyk recommended a beautiful manor house in Cape Town as the…

Home’s creative editor, Marian van Wyk of Sea Point, writes My rescue cat Nebukatneser had the most beautiful belly fur – a blend of white, grey, brown and ginger. In March last year, she had to undergo a battery of tests for a bladder infection that kept reoccurring and the hair on her tummy was shaved off. To our (and I think her) dismay, it still hasn’t grown back. Any advice? Veterinary surgeon Analize Theron of Fourways Veterinary Hospital replies Hair follicles undergo a growth cycle consisting of several phases: a growth phase, a regression phase, a dormant phase and then a shedding phase. What happened to Nebukatneser is what we call hair follicle stasis. We suspect it happens when the hair is shaved off in the regression or dormant…

Beat the heat Geraldine van Wyk of Bloemfontein writes My ‘Thuli Madonsela’ roses are suffering in the heat, in spite of regular watering. How can I keep them looking fresh? Ludwig replies Roses, like people, appreciate a cooling shower when it is very hot. Put on the sprinkler for about 10 minutes during the hottest part of the day or spray lightly with a hand-held hose. This cools down the plants and the immediate environment. Roses don’t mind their leaves getting wet and in hot weather they dry off so quickly there’s no danger of fungal disease. Roses need 15–20L of water a week (including grey water) during the hot months if there is no rainfall. Also make sure that the water is getting to the roots of the rose.…

The shape and look of the pots complements the architecture of the house – modern and elegant. – Helia [FAVOURITES] Our garden is actually part of the house, no matter where you sit. It feels like we’re living in the garden. – Mariaan • The rare quiver tree (Aloidendron dichotomum) is Ian’s favourite. “He’s always wanted one in his garden,” says Mariaan. (Note, you need a permit to grow them.) • The variety of roses in their many different hues. • The sago palms (Cycas revoluta). “These come from our previous garden and made new cones within two years after being transplanted here.” • The tree aloes (Aloidendron barberae) add height and attract sunbirds. • Rock roses (Echeveria hybrids) with their perfect shapes make lovely groundcovers. “The guinea fowl like…

Makes about 500ml • Preparation time: 20 minutes in the kitchen • Fermentation time: about 4 days • 1kg Chinese cabbage • 2 large carrots • 60ml fine salt • 1 small garlic clove (or to taste) • 2cm fresh ginger (or to taste) • 30ml fish sauce • 1 tablespoon gochujang or 15–30ml Korean chilli flakes (see tip) • 15ml sugar • 3 spring onions 1 Rinse the cabbage leaves and shred them finely. Peel the carrots and cut into julienne strips. 2 Place the cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl, mix the salt through and cover with water. Weigh down the vegetables using an inverted plate to keep them submerged in the brine; soak for 12–24 hours. The veggies are ready when the carrot strips can…

Why do angels have wings, I asked my mother one day. Why not roller skates or surfboards or magic carpets. And won’t their long robes lift up when they fly? I mean, people would see their broeks and stuff. Ma was crouching by my side, safety pins in her mouth, busy pinning the seam of a new dress for me. She sighed and wiped a fine spray of sweat from her high forehead with the back of her hand. “Angels,” she said and took one of the pins from her mouth, “always have to move super-fast. And for that they need wings.” “But roller skates are also fast.” Ma gave the seam a sharp pull and I shifted a leg to hold firm. She inserted the next pin and smoothed…