The Sunday Tribune Garden & Leisure Show

The Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg will once again play host to the annual Sunday Tribune Garden & Leisure Show. This is the 36th year the show is being held, and with over 24 000 visitors (at least 5000 of whom are from beyond the borders of KZN, this event has grown into a horticultural happening of note.

The Garden and Leisure Show is the largest horticultural event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and has even been nicknamed "South Africa’s Chelsea". With an inspiring line up, this year's show promises not to disappoint.

The theme in 2011 is Circles.

Inspirational show gardens are the focus, and visitors will be treated to the latest landscaping techniques, innovative design features, and displays of indigenous and exotic plants.  The show also incorporates a garden equipment and accessories component.

Some of the magnificent gardens on display include displays by the parks departments of Durban (EThekwini), Pietermaritzburg (Msunduzi), Nelspruit (Mbombela), Pretoria (Tshwane), Bloemfontein (Mangaung), Cape Town, Kempton Park (Ekhuruleni), Krugersdorp (Mogale) and Kimberley (Sol Plaatje).

All designer gardens are subject to the scrutiny of the invited Chelsea Flower Show-mentored judges, whose brief it is to adjudicate displays in accordance with the best of international criteria; this process being complemented with an invitation to the public to vote for their favourite garden.

In addition to horticulture, the show has for much of its history hosted the Illovo Floral Cake Icing display and 2011 will be no exception.  This is indisputably the largest and most prestigious expo of icing expertise in the country and in its own right is a major attraction.  

To complement a comprehensive display of products and services, Mayfords will be hosting In Tune with Nature, a one and a half hour light classical concert, arranged by Richard Cock with soloists from the KZN Opera School and Christopher Duigan on piano.  This event will be compéred by Tanya Visser, the Editor of The Gardener and Die Tuinier and will take place on Saturday morning 1 October.

Only 45 minutes from greater Durban, and a leisurely four and a half hour drive from Gauteng, the show is conveniently located in KZN’s capital, just one kilometre from the N3 in the heart of the scenic midlands.

Visit http://royalshow.co.za/gardenshow/ for further information.

Matric Dance Season

Remember that feeling? Nerves. Jitters. Excitement. Did your hair look perfect? Were you wearing too much make up? Would your date get the right tie to match your dress? How would you attach a corsage? (And what was one of those, anyway?). A Matric Dance is a rite of passage and should be a glamorous, fun night to remember.

Sadly, for too many young ladies today, it's a dream that is far out of reach. Or it was, until now. Meet the Princess Project. The Princess Project promotes self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses and accessories to high school girls who cannot otherwise afford them.

And best of all: you can be involved! Donate a dress or your time, or make a financial contribution to this inspiring charity, and change a young princess-to-be's life forever.

We're inspired!

We LOVE Merewyn's original Chandelier designs - especially the blue! Can you resist these? We certainly can't. Take a look at their range of handmade jewellery, gifts & stationery, ceramics, homeware and lighting ~ all proudly made by the women of sunny South Africa! http://www.hellooow.co.za

Three months to Christmas

Why not make this Christmas count with Santa's Shoebox: an inspiring community initiative that co-ordinates the donation, collection and distribution of personalized Christmas gifts to underprivileged children; while at the same time helping parents teach their own children about the joys of giving.

It' simple: find a shoebox. Fill it. Wrap it. Share it. Easy, huh?

Find out more at http://www.santashoebox.co.za/

A world of lifestyle opportunities this weekend in Ballito

FNB Joburg Art Fair

FNB is hosting another of its popular Joburg Art Fairs at the Sandton Convention Centre from the 23rd to the 25th of September. Don't miss this showcase of current talent in SA. Find out more and buy tickets at http://www.joburgartfair.co.za/

The Good Food and Wine Show

Renowned UK Chef Gordon Ramsay at the Good Food & Wine Show

GAUTENG 22 -25 September, Coca-Cola Dome 10h00-21h00 (except Sunday 10h00-18h00).

The first leg of the national Good Food & Wine Show kicked off in Cape Town with a record-breaking  55 753 visitors, followed by an exceptional second leg at the Durban Show. Visitors, exhibitors and organisers are calling both Shows an unprecedented success and that trend is expected to continue for the Gauteng (22-25 September) Show.

Tickets are available at the door, or in advance at Computicket.

Sophie Michell at the Good Food & Wine Show.

Pretty Little Things

Childhood innocence

Creativity knows no bounds. We're enjoying the trend that's making itself known on the fashion scene, with a "return-to-innocence" take on children's clothes. SewShellz is Designers on Displays latest little secret, and we can't wait to share it with you.

We stumbled across this little piece of vintage gorgeousness during our regular forays into the wonderful world of online shopping. Get to their site as soon as you can to take advantage of the "win-a-dress" competition running until the SewShellz Facebook page reaches 100 likes. With pretty pieces like these, that won't take long at all, so make sure you don't miss it.

Just picturing your little girl in these delightful outfits is enough to make a mommy's heart pop!

Made, NOT Manufactured

"Made, not manufactured". That's the warcry of Origin – The Contemporary Craft Fair. Teaming up this year with Liberty at the Old Spitalfields Market in the creative East End of London, Origin offers a rare opportunity to see and buy a diverse range of high quality, original craft from over 200 makers in one convenient location. Disciplines range from ceramics, furniture, metalwork and glass, to fashion accessories, jewellery and knitwear.. Read more on the website www.originuk.org

Celebrate Heritage Day the Heritage Way

Celebrate Heritage Day the Heritage Market way with fun, FREE activities in the Rose Garden on Saturday 24th September from 10am to 2pm.

Spring Rare Plant Faire

Petal Faire Nursery hosts a Rare Plant Fair in spring and autumn every year.

SPRING RARE PLANT FAIR 2011

The Spring Rare Plant Fair will take place from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 September at Petal Faire Nursery, 131 Allcock Street, Colbyn, Pretoria.  Specialist growers share their passion with other collectors and gardeners and sell a variety of plants that aren’t readily available at garden centres.

If you have interesting plants to sell please give me a call.

When: Friday 23 to Sunday 25 September, Friday and Saturday from  10h00 – 17h00 and on Sunday from 9h00 – 14h00.
Entrance fee:  R5.00
Tea garden: Tea and scones will be served.
Contact: Leoné Williams at 082 482 0257 or leone@petalfaire.co.za.

Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival 2011

Wednesday 21st September & Thursday 22nd September
17h30 - 21h00
Wanderer's Club
21 North Street
Illovo, JHB

(Tickets available at webtickets.co.za)

2011 will showcase old and traditional as well as introducing new innovations and approaches to give our guests that trademark "Wow factor" and offer an experience to remember.

60 handpicked, icon Cape wineries offering traditional, innovative and rare wines can be sipped in the unique wooden cellar environment created by Riverwoods. Wines can be bought through the Makro Sip & Shop at show prices, Pick n Pay will treat us to their imported deli foods and Spiegelau and Rastal glasses and decanters wil be showcasing their exclusive glassware

Capture and buy the essence of the Cape vintage in a wine glass.

The festival organisers are delighted to showcase an impressive line-up of the finest icon South African wineries:

Alkmaar Boutique Vineyard, Avondale, Bouchard Finlayson, Bosman Family Vineyards,
Chamonix, Constantia Glen, Creation Wines, Darling Cellars, DeMorgenzon, De Toren,
De Wetshof, Durbanville Hills, Fleur du Cap, Glenelly, Grande Provence, Jean Daneel, Jordan, Kaapzicht, KWV The Mentors, Kyburg Wine Estate, Lomond, Neethlingshof, Nitida, Tamboerskloof Wines, Middelvlei, Mont du Toit, Mount Vernon, Muratie, Neil Ellis, Ormonde, Raka, Rustenberg, Saronsberg, Strandveld, Thelema / Sutherland, Villiera, Vrede en Lust, Withington and Zevenwacht

On the international front you can sample wines from
Great Domaines, Domaine Grier &
Wines of the World

Tickets cost R130 per person if booked online, and R150 at the door.

This includes a wine glass, catalogue, and an evening of unlimited tastings.

100% Design at Earls Court

For exciting and cutting-edge contemporary interior design, look no further than the event that started it all, 100% Design.

The UK’s first and leading contemporary design show is a hub of creative talent from the UK and around the world and a key event for interior designers and architects in the international calendar.

It brings together three inspiring exhibitions under one roof: world-class interiors show 100% Design, innovative surfaces at 100% Materials plus emerging talent showcase 100% Futures.

100% Design at Earls Court is THE high Profile event of the London Design Festival. Don't miss it – www.100percentdesign.co.uk

Animal Farmyard at the Heritage Market

This Spring, give your children the opportunity to experience a somewhat tamer variation on "The Great Outdoors" while you relax with a cup of coffee an perhaps even a sneaky slice of cake at the Heritage Market in Hillcrest. Meet bunnies, billy goats, baah sheep, baby cats and many other animals as the Heritage Market in Hillcrest celebrates Spring with their very own Animal Farmyard on the 18th of September.

If you're travelling abroad, or living in lively London already, don't miss the London Design Festival, on between the 17th and 25th of September 2011. Now in its ninth year, The London Design Festival 2011 is the largest and most significant yet, with over 200 partners and more than 280 events across 25 design disciplines, celebrating the world’s creative capital. Find out more on the website: http://www.londondesignfestival.com

Enver Morning at Green With Envy

Join us at Green With Envy…

An informative talk on Sustainable Spring Planting

By Enver Buckas

Date:                     Saturday, 17th  September 2011

Time:                    10am 

Venue:                 Green With Envy Function Venue

ENTRANCE FREE - Booking Essential!

To Book e-mail Clair at venue@greenwithenvy.co.za or call 072 626 2208

Exhibitors include…

• Wizzard Worms Wormery
• Neutrog Organic Fertilisers 
• Organics for Africa Growing Medium  
• Richard Pockock on maintenance of your grey water, gel stove and self watering containers

Cultivate your own crops!            Get down and dirty!               Help Mother Earth!

Gardens of Delight this weekend

This weekend (10 - 11 September) sees two popular Garden Events.

In KZN, residents of the Upper Highway, Durban, PMB and surrounds can enjoy the Kloof Rotary Anns' annual Open Gardens between 9:30 and 16:30 on both days. The R40 entry fee includes tea, and is well worth it for the beautiful inspiration you're sure to find as you visit the homes of accomplished gardens and see first hand why gardening is some people's pride and joy. To find out more, call Wendy on 083 661 7337.

On the same days, you can visit Gardens of the Golden City in Northcliff. Three private gardens are open to the public in aid of Parkcare and Highveld Horse Care Unit in Northcliff. Entrance is R15 per person and the show runs from 10:00 - 17:00 on both days.

To find out more visit www.gardensofthegoldencity.co.za. (Warning: the site can be slow to load on certain internet connections).

RMB WineX– Capetown

WineX in the City. Drink Wine. Be Fabulous.

DON’T miss this year’s WineX: 8 - 9 September @ the Cape Town ICC. Come and meet local and international winemakers, taste their current releases and learn about the latest trends in winemaking, glassware, coolers (home storage) and wine racks.

Sponsored by Rand Merchant Bank, WineX is the premier public event on South Africa's national wine calendar and draws thousands of wine enthusiasts every year.

Call Alex Mason-Gordon or Janice Fridjhon on 011 482 5934/5/6 or email winex@outsorceress.co.za .

Research shows that, taken in moderation, wine is good for your health.
RMB WineX and Designers on Display support responsible alcohol consumption.

Mt Edgecombe Country Club Ladies' Open Day

Unplugged at Heritage Theatre

For just three weeks, some of the most talented performers in Durban will be joining their creative forces to bring an original, honest collection of unplugged hits. Join the gang in the Heritage Theatre lounge between 6 and 25 September 2011. Call 031 765 4197 or visit http://www.heritagetheatre.co.za to book.

Toffie Food Festival & Conference

 The first Toffie food festival and conference takes place in the Cape Town city hall from 3-4 September 2011. Toffie food is a 2-day food festival and conference, including 5 meals, tastings, workshops, food exhibitions, a piñata exhibition, a cookbook shop and a food market.

Talks include local and international food experts: Julie Powell (USA) from the movie Julie & Julia, ex-managing editor of id magazine and now cookbook specialist Eloise Alemany (Argentina), Tung-Yuan Lin (Taiwan) coffee alchemist and world barista champion, rockstar chef and foodblogger Kobus van der Merwe (Sa), gourmand world cookbook award winner Renata Coetzee (sa) and Anna Trapido (SA) presenting a tasting lunch on the story of food in the life of Nelson Mandela.

TICKET PRICES (EXCL VAT):
All-access pass includes access to the conference, exhibitions and markets (except workshops): R1500 for both days.

Day pass: Access to exhibitions and markets: R50 per day
Sunday braai plus access to exhibitions and markets: R150

For more information visit http://www.toffie.co.za/

O Magazine's Deidre Donnelly intervied Julie Powell during her visit to Cape Town for this event. Read the interview here: http://www.oprahmag.co.za/view/478/meet-julie-from-julie-julia

Kzn - Botanical Society Indigenous Plant Fair

September certainly is the month to celebrate the garden, and nature at large. Between plant faires and animal farmyards there's more than enough to satisfy your craving for some Great Outdoors after the freezing months cooped up inside that constituted this past winter.

First up we have the KZN Botanical Society's Indigeous Plant Faire, celebrating the diversity and beauty of our country's natural plant resources.

2011 is the International Year of Forests, with the theme of Celebrating Forests for People.   Forests still cover 31% of the total global land area, and are home to 80% of our terrestrial biodiversity.

This event is taking place this weekend, 3rd and 4th September, at Munies Sports Field (below Botanic Gardens), John Zikhali (Sydenham) Road, Durban, between 9am and 4pm. Don't miss it! Visit http://www.indigenousplantfair.org.za/ for more.

If you're in Cape Town, get to the Cape Horticultural Society Flower and Garden Show at Alphen Centre, Main rd, Constantia. From 12:00 – 17:00 on Saturday and 10:00 – 16:00 on Sunday. For more, have a look at http://www.capehorticulturalsociety.co.za/, email info@capehorticulturalsociety.co.za or call 021 531 5713.