All Aboard for Casual Day 2012: Friday 7 September

Hertex launches new Valley of the Vines collection

Hertex Fabrics director Coba Hermann

It's director Coba Herrmann's love for aloes that inspired Valley of the Vines, the latest collection from Hertex Fabrics. "I adore aloes. They are so sculptural in form with the blazing colours. With names like Aloe Africana, what can be more African?"

Valley of the Vines includes Cape floral prints and monochromatic designs with a Franschhoek vineyard flavour on a polished cotton base cloth, teamed with wide co-ordinating stripes. Matching plains in Studio H's contemporary canvas as well as flat woven novelty designs complete this beautiful, local collection.

The designs in Valley of the Vines were designed by Coba (she designed Aloe Africana and Overgrown), whilst designer Jay Smith was responsible for Verres du Cap, Crystal and Wine Route.

For Coba, who describes herself as a botanical artist, this debut work in fabric design illustrates her love for strong lines and sharp contrasts, rather than soft blending.

"As long as I remember, I was drawing – mostly the human figure and portraits. I see myself as a sketcher rather than a painter. I did sculpturing for twenty years and took part in a lot of exhibitions. The botanical side only emerged two years ago when I had to draw plants and butterflies to decorate our home," says Coba, wife of Hertex owner Peter Herrmann.

Aloe Africana - Traditional

All items in Valley of the Vines are locally designed, printed and woven and exclusive to the Stonehaus brand. "And if there is a demand for this work, who knows? I will gladly carry on and experiment with different subjects," says Coba.

To view more designs in the collection click here.

*Taken from the Hertex Fabrics Newsletter.

Pinotage on Tap

Ard Matthews Live @ Monaghan Farm

Kentridge, Goldblatt to headline Prince Albert Art Festival – PArt – End September 2012

Prince Albert Gallery Press Release

Die Hel Interior by David Goldblatt

To mark the town’s 250^th birthday celebration and the Prince Albert Gallery’s tenth anniversary, more than 30 of South Africa’s most renowned visual artists will be participating in the village’s first art festival.

The festival is scheduled for the weekend of the 28^th of September 2012 and interrogates the theme of The Vulnerable Landscape. Artists will explore all aspects of landscape: interiors, the mind, urban renewal and destruction, the veld and closer to home, the beautiful and vast landscapes of the Karoo.

In addition to the Gallery, housed in the historic Seven Arches Building, other venues around the architecturally acclaimed village will be in use. “We wanted to include as much of the town as possible” said Gallery owner Brent Phillips-White. “We’ll be offering lectures and workshop as well as the exhibitions in some of these venues.”

He said art lovers will find work by painters, photographers, ceramicists, print-makers, sculptors and land artists at the festival.

Prince Albert Gallery co-director, Mary-Anne Botha explained: “The arid Karoo is vulnerable to climate change and human intrusion. Water for food and settlement is scarce. Fossil water held in deep aquifers is irreplaceable.”

Cloud Shadows by Joshua Miles

New work will be on display by David Goldblatt, William Kentridge, Hylton Nel and Hermann Niebuhr. Other artists exhibiting include Standard Bank Artist of the Year 2012 Mikhael Subotzky, internationally celebrate Philip W. Badenhorst and land artist Strijdom van der Merwe.

An exhibition will be curated featuring Karoo artists’ response to the threat of fracking. Workshops will be on offer by photographer Louis Botha, Jill Trappler and reduction woodblock printmaker Joshua Miles. Art-related movies and lectures will be presented in the evenings. Artist JP Meyer and designer Jacques Erasmus will offer a cooking course at the town’s recreational cooking school. Restaurants around the village will host dinners with guest artists.

The Gallery will be updating its website regularly with additions to the programme.

For further information contact: Brent Phillips-White E: karoogallery@intekom.co.za | T: 023 541 1057 | C: 082 749 2128

Ditch the guilt and celebrate your passion at Hobby-X Midrand

Winner of Best Trade & Consumer Show 2011, Hobby-X heads to Midrand in September. Over 130 stands stocked with the best in crafting supplies and ideas are expected to pack the floors of Gallagher Convention Centre. So, whether you’re into hobbies and crafts for pleasure, passion or profit we suggest that you don’t miss Hobby-X.

For more info visit the Hobby-X website.

A World of Orchids at South African Orchid Council’s National Orchid Show

The Rustenburg Orchid Society is proud to be hosting the 15^th South African Orchid Council National Orchid Conference and Show from the 27– 30 September 2012. Orchid societies from across the country will showcase their beautiful blooms against the backdrop of elegant architecture that is the Rustenburg Civic Centre. Local and international vendors will also be selling their wares, with stalls located in City Hall and for the foodies there will be a yummy deli to satisfy their tummies.

When: 27 – 30 September 2012

Open Thurs – Sat: 9am - 6pm | Open Sun: 8am – 4pm

Where: Civic Centre, Kloof Road, Rustenburg

How much: Adults R20, Pensioners R10, School Children FREE

Set aside 10 Days in September for the Johannesburg Arts Alive International Festival

Johannesburg is set to undergo an incredible transformation during the first ten days of September, becoming a canvas and/or stage on which the country’s artists, actors, directors and musicians can display their remarkable talents. This visually enticing extravaganza will provide audiences with the best in South African arts and culture. There’ll be dancing and music, poetry and puppetry. And that’s just the start. To find out more about what’s on the go where visit the Arts Alive website.

Best-selling authors and literary gems feature in local book festivals.

It will not to find, let alone get lost in, a good book with these fab festivals on the cards.

The Briza Publications / SANBI Book Festival will be held at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens from 30 August to 01 September 2012. With a focus on floral world the festival will feature talks by well-known authors/speakers Helen Lachenicht, Frits van Oudtshoorn, Pieter Bester, Tinus Oberholzer and more. Succulents, orchids, etc. will also be available to purchase from stalls present at the festival.

A R15 entrance fee for each talk session will be charged in addition to the Gardens’ normal entrance costs. Booking is essential as space is limited. Contact Elsa Hendry on 012 329 3896 or elsa@briza.co.za for more info on talk sessions or to book your seat.

 

The Mail and Guardian in association with The Market Theatre presents the third annual The Mail & Guardian Literary Festival from 28 August – 2 September 2012. Bringing together authors and their audience this literary debate “aims to survey what is being written in and about South Africa, its society and people.” Sessions will be chaired by and feature some of the country’s top editors, publishers, authors, activists and academics. For more info on this event visit The Mail and Guardian online.

 

The city of Cape Town plays host to yet another Open Book Festival and by city we mean CITY. Not content to stay in one place the five day festival will hold 150 events though out the Mother City including The District 6 Museum, The Homecoming Centre, the Townhouse Hotel, The National Gallery, Lobby Books and more. The festival will feature readings from around 100 authors, 25 of whom are top international writers. For more info on the event visit the Open Book Festival website.

The Wedding Expo: 25 – 26 August at the Coca-Cola Dome

Plascon Colour Forecast 2013

Paint powerhouse Plascon officially announced their Colour Forecast for 2013 at Decorex SA this year.

“Colour trends are influenced by the mood of society; we are drawn to colours that reflect how we feel. When stressed, we are drawn to gentle blues, greens and neutral colours and when we need a bit of motivation and energy, we crave more energetic reds and oranges. Our uncertain and changing environment has us seeking some balance and harmony in our lives and this led to the forecast theme being called “Balance”.

The forecast consists of four palettes – Simplicity, Contrast, Pause and Dare. The colours in these palettes are designed to help you bring balance and harmony in your home.

Simplicity

SIMPLICITY

This is an honest palette. A base of chalky whites and neutrals appeals to our desire for calm and an uncluttered space – a space where we can relax and refresh our soul. The addition of green links us to nature and the metallics provide a lift and add to the sophistication of this palette.

Key Influences: Everyday escape, understated elegance, raw textures, copper, antique gold and silver, safari chic, modern sanctuary spaces.

Contrast

CONTRAST

This palette sees the continuation of deep blues and greys that have been so popular this year. Light and dark denim blues are also included in the palette. This palette is given an energy boost with the inclusion of high-contrast optimistic, bright yellow and fuchsia pink.

Key influences: 50s urban chic, colour defined spaces, vintage brights, sophisticated energy, optimism.

Pause

PAUSE

Pastel colours have been a highlight of many designer collections on the catwalk, including Ralph Lauren (inspired by The Great Gatsby), Louis Vuitton, Prada and Fendi. These soft washes of colour look as beautiful on walls as they do on the catwalk. This palette of pastels is calming and uplifting and can be easily introduced to a scheme, as they work well with neutrals and greys.

Key Influences: Icy tones, Great Gatsby, 1920s, shimmer and sparkle, nostalgia, soft and subtle.

Dare

DARE

Time for us to shift gears and move out of our comfort zones! These zinc toned brights are energy-boosting, without being manic and are great for colour-blocking and feature walls.

Key Influences: Afro-chic, colour-blocked geometrics, folk-inspired art and craft, retro brights, bold minimalism”

Get your hands on a 2013 Plascon Forecast brochure from your nearest Plascon stockist. More inspiration and information on the forecast is also available in the new issue of Plascon Spaces magazine and the Plascon website.

Hopefield Fynbos Show: 23 – 29 August 2012

During the last weekend of August each year the provincial town of Hopefield in the Cape becomes the staging ground for one of South Africa’s best loved flower shows: the Hopfield Fynbos Show.

The fields and hills surrounding Hopefield are home to 4 botanical zones, resulting for a unique and beautiful display of fynbos flowers every spring. To mark the occasion the organisers of the Hopefield Fynbos Show transform the Hopefield Sports Club into a ‘Flower Hall’, painstakingly arranging fynbos indeginous to the region in a display that is as naturally authentic as possible. Visitors to the event are also able to take a tractor ride into the fields and see the splendour of Hopefield’s flowers. 

There will also be plenty of entertainment from local talent for those not of the horticultural persuasion, including an animal petting area, a beer garden and a delicious array of food stalls specialising in local dishes like waterblommetjiebredie.

When: 23 – 29 August 2012 | 10h00 – 17h00

Where: Hopefield Sports Club

Contact Lizelle at Hopefield Toursim on 022 723 1720 or 022 783 0856 for more details.

Ignite your creative spark at the CORE Mixed Media Exhibition.

The exhibition runs from 6 – 28 September 2012. For more information contact the Museum Gallery on 083 325 3322 or greg@museum-gallery.co.za, or visit the exhibitions official Facebook page. 

Sunday Tribune Garden & Leisure Show 2012

The 37^th Sunday Tribune Garden & Leisure Show will take place at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg from 21 to 24 September. Although the Show traditionally runs for three days, it has been decided to extend the event to include the Heritage Day public holiday on the Monday following the weekend.

Acknowledged to be the largest horticultural event of its kind – modelled on the Chelsea concept – in the southern hemisphere; the Show includes up to 50 designer gardens, the quality (of most) ranking with the best in the world.

The theme in 2012 is ‘Out of my Paintbox’ and whilst being largely non-restrictive; it is anticipated that designers will include consequential elements of colour.

With an emphasis on inspirational show gardens, visitors are exposed to the latest landscaping techniques, innovative design features and displays of indigenous and exotic plant material.

Aside from a number of corporate participants, the occasion is the showpiece for the Parks Departments of many of South Africa’s municipalities. Amongst others, these include Tshwane (Pretoria), Ethekwini (Durban), Msunduzi (Pietermaritzburg), Cape Town, Mbombela (Nelspruit), Mogale City (Krugersdorp), Sol Plaatje (Kimberley), Kwadukuza (Stanger), uMhlathuze (Richards Bay) and Khara Hais (Upington).

One of the many highlights of the occasion is the Hall of Orchids and with an international array of exhibitors, this is a must-see for anyone who is interested in what is sometimes referred to as the ‘perfect blossom’.

For the enthusiastic gardener who does not aspire to being a technical expert, the Show caters for the design of 4 square metre gardens for individuals or groups, interested in displaying their talent in a relaxed but moderately competitive format.

2012 will see the inclusion of a new component focused on sustainability, this to be choreographed under the banner of the Happy Earth Hall.

Internationally the ‘green conscience’ continues to evolve and by way of initiation in the formative years, the Show will again focus extensively on youth development via the inclusion of mini horticultural exhibits by school-going youngsters, many from rural areas, spanning grades 4 to 12.

To complement horticultural design, the Show is also a base for numerous nurseries and specialist growers, who utilise the opportunity to display the latest plant material available.

The Sunday Tribune Garden Show has long been renowned for hosting the premier floral cake icing competition in the country and this, together with a meaningful participation of leisure-type exhibits will afford any visitor an all-encompassing experience.*

When: 21 – 24 September 2012 | 09h00 – 17h00 daily

Cost: Adults R 50 | Children U12 and pensioners R 35 | Pre-school children enter free of charge

For more information please visit the Sunday Tribune Garden and Leisure Show website.

*Press release issued by the Office of the CEO – Royal Agricultural Society (10 July 2012)

Local design showcase Southern Guild 2012 at Everard Read Gallery in August

The extremely successful Southern Guild is in its fourth year and will take place from 2 August to 9 September 2012 at the legendary Everard Read Gallery in Johannesburg. A showcase of the best in South African contemporary art and design this year’s collection is said to be “the most significant yet”. Work from a record number of 109 participants, including some of the country’s top artists, designers and architects, will be featured in this year’s event. 2012 also marks the introduction of a section dedicated to South African Ceramicists and this year’s event will include a series of interactive events like the Southern Guild Talks programme and guided gallery tours for the public and schools.

For more information on Southern Guild 2012 visit the Southern Guild and Everard Read Gallery websites, or contact Lezanne Van Heerden on Lezanne@southernguild.co.za.

Easy as pie… tuna pie that is.

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 3 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Oven temperature: 180 °C

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bread, crusts removed
• 30ml butter
• 250ml milk
• 1 can tuna in brine, drained
• 300ml Cheddar, grated
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large onion, grated
• 5ml baking powder

1.    Break up the slices of bread into small pieces. Reserve a quarter of the cheese and then mix together the remaining ingredients in a saucepan, except the baking powder.

2.      Cook the mixture over a low heat for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.

3.   Stir in the baking powder and then pour into a greased baking dish or into individual dishes. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over and bake in a preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with potato wedges and salad.

This recipe is from Ideas.

Looking to the future – Le Creuset launches new Junior range.

If you’re lucky enough to have a little chef in the kitchen then you’ll be eager to hear all about Le Creuset’s new Junior Gift Sets. Designed especially for little chefs, the sets have everything they need to prepare, cook and serve their yummy creations, including handy recipe cards and silicone utensils.

“There is something for every little Cobalt Blue boy and Pale Rose girl aged 3 to 12.”

The gift sets range from R350 to R480 and can be purchased from Le Creuset stores or via their online shop. 

Indian Government, the Wrong Decision

Pictures: Sunette Fourie

The news has broken that the Indian Government is far down the tracks with legislation that will ban tourism from their parks.

I should be overjoyed, because all that tourism now becomes available to Tiger Canyons. However, I'm not, I'm bitterly disappointed.

Already professional and amateur photographers are streaming into Tiger Canyons because their last trip to India has been hugely disappointing.

One group waited for a decent shot of a tiger for three weeks and got none. Another group found a tiger in tall grass surrounded by seventeen cars. After 15 minutes, without ever seeing the tiger, a rude government official told them to leave.

Infuriated, they cancelled their Indian Safari, came to Tiger Canyons and shot 4 000 images in three days.

Unless you are Ted Turner, Richard Branson or Lakshmi Mittal, you cannot think of trying to save an animal like a tiger unless you have a reliable and extensive source of income. That income comes from tourism.

The original Mother Leopard at Londolozi who spurned the leopard industry in the Sabi Sand, was photographed over a million times. I personally shot two million feet of film of her and her nineteen cubs.

Tigress Julie has starred in three TV series which have reached a global audience in 180 countries worldwide.

The simple fact is that Mother Leopard and Tigress Julie are ambassador, icon cats. They are highly viewable and are renewable resources being photographed time and again throughout their lives.

If a balance sheet was constructed, they would surely sit under the asset column at millions of dollars.

So why would the Indian Government take a decision which cuts off the income that is crucial for saving the wild tiger.

This excellent article throws some light on why this extraordinary decision is pending.

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Tourism ban will not help the Big Cat

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/article3687215.ece

Ninad D Sheth

The Supreme Court’s decision banning tourism in core areas of tiger habitats overlooks several critical considerations. It will harm, rather then help, the cause of tiger conservation.

For a start, it gives way too much power to the forest department. The ban will mean only one agency will both implement the tiger protection agenda, and audit that process.

The various forest and environment officials at the Centre and at the State level have a terrible record of tiger protection. They had held up the absurd number of 5,000 wild tigers in India till recently when it was already clear to every one (including the much maligned lodge owners) that there are only about 1,500 tigers left in India.

Tellingly, the two parks from where the tiger completely disappeared due to poaching were Panna and Sariska and both were not in the top ten most visited by tourists. In contrast, parks with the highest tiger density, such as Ranthambhore and Corbett, are amongst the most visited In India.

In both Panna and Sariska, the forest officers went to great lengths to deny that the parks were without a single big cat. The unscientific relocation in Sariska has been a double disaster. These are the very people who will run tiger parks across India, if the new order is implemented in its current form.

Tourism isn’t the villain

Tourism allows for ample outside scrutiny of the forest and thus aids tiger preservation. Tourism brings in its wake assessment by lodge owners, guides, photographers and other stake-holders whose survival depends on robust tiger numbers.

Breeding of tigers has been observed with regularity by experts even when the tourism season is in full swing. What is more, no tiger deaths due to tourism have been reported. Forest officer vehicles have, however, caused at least three tiger deaths in national parks of Madhya Pradesh in the recent past.

Poaching for skin and bones and poisoning by nearby villagers remain the two main causes of tiger deaths in India. Incidentally a majority of the poaching incidents, including the latest one in Corbett last fortnight, have happened during the monsoon, when Parks are closed to the tourists.

The Minister of Environment and Forests has proposed dismantling of tourism infrastructure in and near parks within a five-year framework.

Instead, this is the time for the tourism industry as well as the MoEF to draw up a regulatory framework. And hotels that violate norms need to go.

Price it for rarity

At the same time, India needs to understand that the tiger is the rarest of the rare, and access to it should be priced accordingly. The African model offers some lessons. A one-week visit to the Masai Mara, Kenya, during the great migrations costs $3,000 while a week in Ranthambhore or Corbett costs a measly $400 - and the Masai Mara is far cheaper than reserves in places such as Okavango in Botswana.

Raising access fee to national park core area will not only regulate tourist numbers but also provide for far greater revenues for the upkeep of parks and sharing with the local population. This is the one measure that will achieve the desired ends and is also easy to implement on the ground.

To deny future generations that heart-stopping moment - when one sights a tiger in the wild - is no solution. The State’s job is to facilitate this majestic experience through a regulatory approach.

Each park in India has unique issues and will need different solutions. A thought-out policy framework - not an “off with the tourist's head” diktat - is the way forward. 

For more information on the amazing Tiger Canyon project visit John Varty's website, or you can Email him at info@jvbigcats.co.za 

2012 Cape Homemakers Expo

Your home is just a house until you ‘Home-it’.

The multi-award winning home improvement and lifestyle exhibition the Cape Homemakers Expo is in its 17^th year and what a year it promises to be. The expo will feature 300 stands showcasing over 80 product categories. Not to be missed are the décor & accessories exhibition highlighting the latest trends in interior design, the d’VINE Life, a collection of the Cape’s finest wines and gourmet foods for you to sample and the DIY workshop with the experts.

When: 23 – 26 August 2012

Thurs – Sat: 10:00 to 20:00

Sun: 10:00 to 18:00

Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre

Cost: R60 for adults | R40 for pensioners | Children U12 FREE

For more information call 021 511 2800 or Email expocape@homemakers-sa.co.za.

Stars in the Grass

New to the Everything for the Home directory is Stars in the Grass, a collection of detailed pencil sketches, appealing watercolours and life-like oils from local artist Judith Malan.

Born in Botswana, raised in Zimbabwe and now living in South Africa, it’s not surprising that Judith’s artwork conveys a deep love of Africa. She sees it as her privilege to capture the passion, healing prejudices and astounding compassion of her adopted nation and countrymen.

Judith started painting before she reached her teens and rarely goes a week without holding a brush. Despite her pint-sized stature, she is often described as fearless, undaunted by a large “canvas”. In fact, the bigger the better is her motto, with larger-than-life murals being a particular penchant.

To find out more about Judith or to take a gander at her portfolio visit her blog .

Grab a glass & join the party at the Johannesburg Cap Classique & Champagne Celebration.

Image source: www.wine-style.co.za

An honored guest at almost any party, Champagne and celebrating seem to go hand in hand. Perhaps that is why the Johannesburg Cap Classique and Champagne Celebration has proven to be such a success. Only in its third year, the event is already the highlight of every wine enthusiast’s calendar, showcasing the best bubbly on the local and international market.

In what promises to be a ‘sparkling’ event, visitors will have the opportunity to sample Cap Classiques from some of South Africa’s greatest wine estates including Backsberg, Colmart, Graham Beck Wines Krone, La Motte, Môreson, Pierre Jourdan, Simonsig, Steenberg, Topiary Wines and Villiera. World renowned Champagnes from the likes of Billecart Salmon, Tribaut and Veuve Clicquot will all so be on show. And that’s not all. The wines will be on sale to visitors at exceptional prices.

Tickets cost R 250.00 per person and can be purchased via www.webtickets.co.za. The cost includes access to the event, a complementary glass and a MasterCard contactless card loaded with 10 electronic ‘coupons’, to be used to purchase tastings. If you’re thinking of letting your taste buds run wild then not to worry, additional tasting coupons will be available for purchase at the festival.

When: 18 & 19 August 2012 | 12h00 to 17h00

Where: Johannesburg Country Club, Auckland Park

Partake in the sport of kings with the BMW International Polo Series

Held in August every year, the BMW International Polo Series pits the best polo players in South Africa against an international team. This year the South African Polo Association is delighted to announce that the Indian Polo Association has accepted their invitation and will be sending their national side to participate in the 2012 BMW International Polo Series. This will be the second meeting between the two sides, who faced each other back in 2005 whenIndialost toSouth Africaduring that year’s International Series. This year’s game will be played out over two tests, the first being played in Shongweni, near Durban and the second at the Waterfall Polo Park in Sunninghill, Johannesburg.

The Shongweni match-up will take place on 19 August and will start with the BMW Development Trophy Curtain Raiser at 11h30. The main match of the day, the BMW International between South Africa vs India, will start at 14h30. A similar programme is set for Waterfall on 26 August. For a full programme of events and ticket prices visit the South African Polo Association website.

Taste buds tingle as the Good Food & Wine Show heads for the East Coast.

An annual extravaganza on the foodie calendar for over a decade, the Good Food and Wine Show is South Africa’s premier food, wine and lifestyle exhibition. As the show moves on to the East Coast, Durbanites are preparing to have the taste buds tantalized as they wine and dine with some of the greatest chefs in the world. On the bill for this year’s event are MasterChef Australia judge and chef George Calombaris, Masterchef SA winner Deena Naidoo, Masterchef SA judge Benny Masekwameng and BBC celebrity chefs Antonio Carlucci, Cyrus Todiwal and Reza Mohammad. If you’re worried about the little ones, bring them along to be entertained by celebrity children’s TV presenter Sid Sloane. For more information on what’s on when and take a trip to the Good Food and Wine Show website.

When: 23 – 26 August

Where: Durban Exhibition Centre

Prepare your garden for spring

by Janice Anderssen

As we move into August, there’s no better time to get out into the garden and start preparing beds for spring planting. Even if you have an established garden, there are going to be tasks and projects that need to be done before the days start hotting up.

I might not be a gardening expert but I do have a garden and have been flexing my green fingers and thumbs for many years. This time of the year is one of my favourites, as it allows me to walk around a blank slate and decide where I want annual colour and foliage. And a bed or border full of beautiful colour does so much for a garden!

Pruning trees and shrubs

If you haven’t yet pruned trees and shrubs, or cut back straggly growth, you need to do this before it warms up. Cold weather reduces the risk of infection by giving cuts time to heal. It is always better to prune in the colder months of the year.

You don’t need to be a landscape designer to cut back a few branches, think about how you want the shrub to be shaped, or where excess growth needs to be removed and then use a pair of sharp secateurs or trimmers to cut.

Always cut about half to one centimetre away from a leaf node. This leaf node will eventually sprout new growth, so it’s important to pick a leaf node that faces in the right direction. A leaf node pointing up will obviously sprout up, whereas a leaf node pointing down will grow down. If you are shaping a tree or shrub prune at the right spot. If you are unsure about how to prune a particular shrub or tree, ask your local garden centre or nursery for professional advice.

Annual pruning is essential for removing dead wood, cutting back overgrowth and giving trees and shrubs a healthy start for the flowering season. Pruning shrubs not only beautifies them, but in some cases helps in increasing their flowering and stimulating the production of new flower buds or a second round of colour.

Don’t throw away larger branches, you will find plenty of recycling and DIY projects for putting cut branches to good use!

Weed-free garden

Although it’s not possible to have a completely weed-free garden, by taking the time to remove weeds as and when they appear you can control the amount of weeds that pop up here and there. If you don’t give weeds time to seed or spread they can be contained and controlled. During the winter months, when most bedding plants have died down or are resting you have a better chance of spotting and pulling out persistent weeds.

Use a trowel or garden fork to loosen the soil around weeds so that you can pull out the weeds and their roots. If you leave the roots behind the weeds will just grow again.

Enrich the soil

I have mentioned previously that I like to incorporate leaf-fall into my garden beds. It not only cuts down on the amount of work that I have to do, but also enriches the soil with nutrients. I suppose you can say this is my way of going organic without having a compost heap.

If you have been clever enough to establish a compost heap, now is the time to check if it’s ready to be added to borders and beds. During the summer months your plants absorb all the nutrients they need from the soil and it is essential to put back those missing nutrients if you want a good show of flowers for the following summer. Adding your own homemade compost is an easy and affordable way to ensure that your garden soil is rich and healthy without using chemical fertilizers.

And don’t forget the worms – great for flower beds. As they tunnel through the earth, worms are a great aid in keeping the soil light and soft and allow water to reach down through the top layer into the root system below.

If you are based in KZN, Worms4Africa is a supplier of Eisenia Foetida (Red Wrigger) worms, earthworm systems (home and agricultural). They run worming demonstrations to the public over weekends and provide support and advice for worm enthusiasts.

Divide and multiply

Last weekend I decided it was time to divide up my Agapanthus. There are many plants that benefit from being divided up when a clump grows too big and August is the best time for this.

Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the plant, making sure that you dig deep enough to loosen around the root system as well. Some clumping plants can be pulled away from the parent plant without pulling out the entire clump, but some, like Agapanthus, need to be removed whole and then divided up.

A serrated knife or sharp pair of cutters are used to break apart the clump by splitting the roots apart. From one clump of Agapathus you could end up with 4 to 6 new, smaller plants that can be added to the garden.

When planting the new plants, dig in some organic compost to replenish the soil and give them a good watering.

Lawn maintenance

I am happy to say that I don’t have to worry about lawn maintenance, lawn caterpillars, mole crickets or the like.

It’s been about 5 years since I put down artificial turf in my small garden, and it still continues to amaze me how good it looks.

Through the winter months when most gardens are dry and brown, mine is still fresh and green looking.

For those who still have to worry about lawn maintenance, it’s time to rake the lawn to remove dead growth and winter debris. Scarifying or raking the grass helps bring light and air to the soil level, and encourages lush, green growth. Any bare patches in the lawn can be re-seeded by loosening the soil surface with you rake and sprinkling the seeds over this. Keep well-watered until seeds germinate and the new grass establishes.

Now you’re almost ready to pop into your local garden centre or nursery to fill up your beds and borders with glorious summer colour seedlings and plants. Wait until all chances of frost have passed before planting and be sure to keep well-watered until the rains arrive.

This article first appeared on Home-Dzine, South Africa’s online source of ideas and inspiration.