BLISSFUL THINGS ...

Eggs with a conscience

2012-01-29T08:04:00.011+02:00

From beasts we scorn as soulless,
In forest, field and den,
The cry goes up to witness
The soullessness of men.
~M. Frida Hartley

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W&N watercolour on Bockingford 300gsm . Kiep's nest

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Free-range eggs are laid by happy hens that roam freely around outdoors in the day and snuggle up in their barn at night. They are fed a vegetarian diet of grains and pulses with no animal by-products or fishmeal. You can buy them in large, extra-large and jumbo sizes.

The diet of omega-3 free-range chickens is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Omega-3 fatty acids are not naturally produced by the human body so it's essential for us to include them as a part of a balanced diet. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that also protects the omega-3 fats.

Organic free-range eggs are produced in conditions regularly inspected by Ecocert, an international monitoring body, to ensure that organic faming practices are followed.
These hens feed freely on an organically certified wheat-based vegetarian diet that contains no animal by-products or fishmeal. the yolks of organic eggs are naturally paler due to the wheat-based diet.

In the battery cage system (the dominant form of egg farming in the world), the hens are confined in cages with a sloping floor so that their eggs roll away in order to prevent faecal contamination of the eggs.

The cages are normally stacked on top of each other in houses with no access to natural
light. The houses use various automated conveyor belt systems to bring the hens food, capture their waste and take away their eggs.

Because of the cramped conditions (*sometimes less than an A4 sheet of paper per hen – for life!* which I just CANNOT show here, it's so painful!)), alternative farming methods for eggs have increased in popularity. These include barn, free-range and organic (also free range, but with the additional requirement of organically produced feed).

“Freedom to behave naturally” (one of the 5 freedoms that all animals should receive according to the Farm Animal Welfare Council in the UK) is one of the greatest welfare concerns for the world’s egg laying chickens.

Research has shown that hens have a strong preference for laying their eggs in a nest and are highly motivated to perform nesting behaviour. Hens also show a strong preference for a littered floor both for pecking and scratching and for dust-bathing, and a preference to perch, especially at night.

Battery caging prevents all of this as the hens are kept in barren cages without perches or litter, and are so confined for most of their lives that they cannot even flap their wings.

Barn chickens are kept loose in huge warehouses. These chickens have the freedom to move about inside the barn on littered floors, and are provided with perches and nests. However space is usually quite limited. Free range systems allow hens to express natural behaviours to a much greater extent. Free range chickens have daily access to large outdoor areas. This enables them to dust bath, forage for food, flap their wings and move freely.

Organic systems are similar to free range systems but in addition the hens are fed on organic feed (grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides).

Free-range egg production in South Africa is regulated by the Agricultural Product Standards Act. Woolworths free-range egg supplier farmers are fully compliant with the regulatory requirements and the requirements for free-range production as stipulated by the South African Poultry Association.
Taken from "Woolworths TasteMag"

The question is not, "Can they reason?" nor, "Can they talk?" but rather, "Can they suffer?"
~Jeremy Bentham

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When all else fails...

2012-01-28T11:24:00.004+02:00

... take a bath. A nice hot bath always makes me feel better

It's total luxury . all that water . all that warmth

All those bubbles . candles

Soft towels

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indigenous grasses . a basket filled with fresh towels . found shells . a vintage powder dish
Textured back-ground by "Kim Klassen":http://www.kimklassencafe.com/

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blue glass pebbles . candles to soak by . bliss

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Philodendron Syngonium Cultivar keeping me company

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I came upon this bathroom at Roses and Rust - absolute bliss!

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Green Tip #25 : How to store cheese

2012-01-27T07:29:00.005+02:00

Store cheese

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Store cheese in your refrigerator, which approximates the temperature of ageing rooms. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic, away from air (which helps mold grow on cheese).

If you get a little mold on the outside, just cut it off. The English say that if mold won't eat your Cheddar it can't taste very good!

Most ripened or aged cheese is low in moisture content and can be frozen without drastic flavour and texture changes. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator for 24 hours or more.

If frozen for several months, the cheese may dry out somewhat and become crumbly when thawed.
From Woolworths TasteMag

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Nature's rebirth

2012-01-26T08:29:00.003+02:00

I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature's rebirth?
~Edward Giobbi

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My Irises badly needed thinning out and transplanting, so that's a job I tackled this week. Started yesterday and couldn't finish it all in one day, so some of them stayed over-night in a bucket of water.

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Passage of time...

2012-01-25T10:27:00.003+02:00

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To live in this world

you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it

against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.
- Mary Oliver

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A vintage watch face and glass jewels handcrafted into a bracelet . from my jewellery range "Afrika Street Jewellery"

Textured back-ground by Kim Klassen

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I belive in the imagination...

2012-01-24T07:59:00.001+02:00

... what I cannot see is infinitely more important than what I can see.”
- Duane Michals

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In April 2010 I took a couple of watercolour classes with Angela Eidelman and she gave us a project to do - painting straight onto the paper with no sketching beforehand. I panicked! Sketching first was my life, it was ingrained deep into me, how would I know where to start the colour?! How would I define objects?!

She gave us a couple of photographs to choose from and said go! Well, it opened up a whole new world for me! With guidance from Angela my painting turned out perfect! Thereafter I practised it often, growing in confidence and now I hardly ever sketch at all - except when it's a very detailed painting like a bird or a botanical flower, but I can assure you, give it a try and you'll be amazed and be liberated for ever!

W&N watercolour on Amedeo 200gsm - from my imagination, no preliminary sketching

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Green Tip #24 : How to make French scrambled eggs

2012-01-23T07:49:00.003+02:00

Make French scrambled eggs

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The making of scrambled eggs is something of an art form in France.

First, the eggs are separated and the whites heated gently in a dollop of butter in a heavy-based saucepan until just "snow-flecked".

The yolks are then added and the eggs very gently cooked, stirring all the while, until they are thick and creamy.

Seasoning is added and another dollop of butter stirred through before the eggs are ready for serving.
Taken from "Woolworths TasteMag"

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Do what you love

2012-01-22T16:34:00.005+02:00

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Nothing is of more importance than our mental and physical health - if you're not well, you are of no use to those around you. In fact, you might be a burden.

I have this special little corner set up in my dining room where I can disappear into my own little world, doing the things I love - journaling, sketching, making notes of new birds visiting my garden and where I keep some seeds ready for sowing. Here I often also plan my week, it seems to bring order to my life and reminds me to not fill my day with too many things and to leave some moments for just being quiet...

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Doing what you love is one of the most important steps to mental and physical health. It has been proven scientifically that people that feel passionate about, and enjoy, what they're doing, live a longer, happier and healthier life than someone who struggles to get up in the morning because they hate their job, or what they're doing.

Put a spring in your walk, get your skin glowing and exude vibrancy - by doing what you love! And if you want to make a difference in the world, the single most important thing you can do is consciously and deliberately choose to do work that you are passionate about.

When you follow your bliss, it seems like the rest of the world orchestrates things so that your life is easy. It becomes effortless.

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Short-cut over the hillock

2012-01-21T17:09:00.002+02:00

In a flat country a hillock thinks itself a mountain.
~ Turkish Proverb

W&N watercolour on X-pressit 300gsm

A hillock in Tarlton on the way to Magaliesburg (Gauteng, South Africa). The pathway across the top is the short-cut the local kids take on their way to school.

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It reminds me of the days when I was a kid - we walked 3 miles, that's almost 5km, me and my two sisters, to (primary) school and we left at about 6 in the morning to be there just after 7am. The first stretch was through the country-side and over a little stream where we often stopped to play a bit, especially in the afternoons, then entering town and doing a few blocks up quite a steep hill. Thank heavens it was down-hill in the afternoon heat and we always looked forward to cooling off in the little stream, regardless of my parents' warning that were not allowed to.

Safe days, those were... rather than be afraid of strangers, a stranger was someone who would help you out of a tight spot, like when my sister fell into the stream at the deep end and a gentleman passing by on his bicycle stopped and rushed to our aid. Yes, safe days those were...

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Green Tip #23 : How to store Basil

2012-01-21T05:08:00.006+02:00

Store basil

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Store freshly cut basil on your kitchen counter in a glass with the water level covering only the stems. Change the water occasionally.

It will keep for weeks this way, even develop roots! Basil hates to be cold, so never put it in the refrigerator.

Keep some fresh Basil growing on your kitchen windowsill for instantly-fresh Basil to add to your dish

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Egging on

2012-01-17T09:28:00.011+02:00

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egg on - verb

To stir to action or feeling: excite . foment . galvanize . goad . impel . incite . inflame, inspire . instigate . motivate . move . pique . prick . prod . prompt . propel . provoke . set off . spur . stimulate . touch off . trigger . work up

That's how I feel about my free range eggs! I have eight (free range) hens and two roosters and every day I get 5 or 6 freshly laid eggs - utter bliss!

Missy, one of my hens, wandering through the garden

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Artemis, King of the Roost, proclaiming his territory

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Eggs packed for a friend

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I just love scrambled eggs and they have become an ever-popular breakfast dish around here. I only have them about three times a week but have had to think long and hard to make it more interesting than usual. With a bit of imagination, I've managed to cook up a storm around eggs!

I have found that scrambled eggs must never be cooked at a high temperature, otherwise the egg turns dry and crumbly and I serve them from the pan while still moist. The heat in the egg continues the cooking process. Eggs must always be cooked at a medium to low temperature and for just the right period of time to ensure best results.

The right ratio of egg to liquid is important. Too much liquid prevents the eggs from congealing and the liquid separates.

A basic scrambled egg is made from two eggs to which 25ml of milk or water has been added and seasoning. Whisk with a fork to mix the whites and yolks. Heat 10ml of butter in a pan until it sizzles and bubbles and add the egg mixture. When the mixture starts to congeal, stir lightly with an egg-lifter. Do not stir continuously. Cook until the mixture is firm but not dry.

Well prepared scrambled eggs consist of big, soft, chunks and not finely-textured mixture. For variety, fry tomato and onions, left-over meat or vegetables, pasta or rice in the pan before adding the egg mixture.

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Camera : Kodak EasyShare C195

I go to nature...

2012-01-15T09:31:00.002+02:00

... to be soothed and healed . and to have my senses put in order

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Earrings from my 'Earth' range of jewellery . Rhus viminalis leaf and seedpod earrings

Hand-crafted from copper and silver solder . the copper assists in energy flowing more freely

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Photograph of earrings on a textured back-ground by Kim Klassen
Earrings displayed on a large Rose Quartz crystal

Camera: FujiFinepix 2800Zoom

Green Tip #22 : How to use Mint in new ways

2012-01-14T08:43:00.006+02:00

Use mint in new ways

• Add chopped mint leaves to scrambled egg or an omelette towards the end of the cooking process.

• Shred mint into thick Greek yoghurt and drizzle with honey.

• Liven up a fresh beetroot and red-onion salsa with chopped mint leaves.

• Pound sugar crystals and a handful of fresh mint leaves, and use to coat the rim of a mint-julep glass.

• Crush mint and combine with softened butter. Slather over caramelised mango slices and top with crème fraîche.

• In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in a little olive oil then add chopped mint and generously drizzle over fine green beans and snap peas.

• For the sweetest mint candies, bring granulated sugar and water to a boil then add a few drops of peppermint extract and powdered sugar. Spoon droplets onto wax paper and allow to set.

• Freeze fresh mint leaves with water in an ice tray and serve in funky cocktails.

Today is such a day...

2012-01-12T12:34:00.002+02:00

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On a day when the wind is perfect,

the sail just needs to open

and the world is full of beauty.

Today is such a day.
- Rumi

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Green Tip #21 : Papaya pulp

2012-01-10T12:33:00.004+02:00

Apply papaya pulp to your skin - it will polish your skin and make it blemish free and glowing

The ripe papaya fruit contains large quantities of carotene. Papayas are high in ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) and the flesh is very high in vitamin A. There are also small amounts of calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin present in papaya.

Papaya benefits the skin and it is an effective fruit facial. Papaya not only cleanses the skin but it is also known for glowing the skin as it contains papain which promotes skin renewal and cell turnover. Papain in papaya benefits skin by exfoliating it to reveal new cells and soften at the same time.

Take two teaspoons of papaya pulp and honey, apply this pack on the face and wash after 15 minutes, this increases the glow on the face.

Make a Cleansing Papaya Mask:
Mash two large pieces of ripe papaya and apply it evenly on your face. Rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water. After doing this take a small piece of cotton moist it with butter milk and apply on the face using outward strokes for 5 minutes and then wash with cold water.

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Coffee with a conscience

2012-01-08T07:43:00.004+02:00

W&N watercolour on Amedeo 200gsm

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The next time you're ordering your favourite morning cuppaccino, spare a thought for the planet. Here's why.

Most of us are aware of climate change, but don’t always understand its far-reaching effects. Woolworths set out to change this when it undertook an expedition to Kilimanjaro in January.

"Climate change is one of the four pillars of our Good Business Journey," explains Woolworths Good Business Journey manager, Justin Smith. "Global warming results in increasing average air and ocean temperatures, and melting snow and ice. In Africa, Kilimanjaro’s melting ice cap is one of the most visible indicators of global warming."

The aim of the expedition, which was led and filmed by respected guide Sean Wisedale, was to raise awareness of climate change and its effect on coffee farmers in Tanzania – the farmers who grow the organic coffee Woolworths sells in its cafés.

Smith explains: "Kilimanjaro's melting ice cap is directly threatening Tanzania's coffee farmers, who are reliant on the glacier melt for water. These organic farmers grow their coffee under the shady forest canopies on the slopes of the mountain, which means that once the ice disappears, there will be less water for their crops."

Climatologist and 50:50 presenter Simon Gear joined the expedition, along with South African Champion Barista, Ishan Natalie, and a team of passionate coffee and environmental enthusiasts. When the team reached the summit, they used water from the melting glacier to make a symbolic iced coffee drink.

The drink – minus the glacier water – was launched in Woolworths Cafés on 18 January 2011. It costs R16.
Taken from "Woolworths TasteMag"

A mystery wrapped in brown,
A fragile enigma,
Enveloping the senses,
With the earthy steam
Of a bean.
The mind wrapped in warmth,
The essence of dark roast,
Heating from within,
The senses thrill,
With every lingering
Sniff of the aroma
In the mug
- by Drew K.

Green Tip #20 : Skin astringent

2012-01-06T10:56:00.004+02:00

Tomato juice mixed with honey acts as an astringent and clears your skin.

Get glowing skin with tomato juice and honey
Blend tomatoes in blender until smooth. Strain if desired but not necessary to remove seeds. Mix honey and tomato juice and apply to your face and neck. Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Your skin will be smooth and glowing!

Another method :
Rub your face with tomato juice. Wait for half an hour for it to soak in and then wash.
Tomatoes are rich in anti-oxidants and so they counter the ageing effects on the skin, by cutting out the number of free radicals in your body. Free radicals break down the support system for your hair and skin.

Big pores? Shrink Them
Big pores provide easy access to dirt and grime thus increasing the chances of infecting the pore. Take a tablespoon of fresh tomato juice. Add two to four drops of fresh lime juice to this. Use a cotton ball to apply this mixture on your face. Massage it in circular motions. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash off with cool water. Regular application will shrink pores greatly.

01/01/2012 - My life wants me to hurry...

2012-01-01T10:36:00.002+02:00

...but my heart

keeps saying

slow down.

As the year closes I am reminded of how rushed I sometimes was over the past year - many times not stopping to enjoy the moment, rushing on to the next appointment, the next painting, the next blog to up-date. I never make New year's resolutions, but for 2012 I set myself the intention to slow down, sit for a few moments longer enjoying my early morning coffee, stopping at each plant in the garden just a bit longer in stead of just rushing through, making notes of what has to be done and to listen more intently to the sound of the birds, the sound of life happening outside my studio.

So ...

in stillness and motion . embrace this day

listen to whispers on the wind ...

become ever resourceful
remain ever reflective
continue ever reaching
stay ever amazed
- Unknown

May your 2012 be reflective and ever amazing.

One of my watercolour paintings and Inspirational words on a textured back-ground by Kim Klassen

Go confidently...

2011-12-31T10:28:00.006+02:00

...in the direction of your dreams . live the life you have imagined.
- Henry David Thoreau

My wish for you for 2012 - may your year be filled with JOY, LOVE and INSPIRATION.

Photograph of one of my vintage teacups on a textured back-ground by Kim Klassen

Merry Christmas and A Joyous 2012!

2011-12-24T07:43:00.003+02:00

In the Northern Hemisphere over the Christmas season, all is delighted by blankets of snow. Here in South Africa we have the odd snowfall, but during winter, which is in July. We yet have to see a White Christmas, and the way the weather patterns are changing world-wide, that may still be a possibility! In the meantime, we revel in our sunshine, enjoying Christmas on the beach or having a braai with family and friends!

So here's wishing you a great festive season and may your 2012 be filled with JOY, LOVE and INSPIRATION!

Journal of a Season

2011-12-12T09:58:00.009+02:00

“I am enamoured of my journal!”
- Sir Walter Scott

Pic from an old 1970's 'Victoria' magazine

For half the year my garden lives a life of it's own. Then it's Spring and I can savour the blooms of successes - and cut my losses. Anything that gets killed by Winter doesn't get re-planted, I'm not a sucker for punishment!

I try and record most of everything that goes on in the garden from new plantings to removing dead items, which birds are new or just visiting or nesting, deaths and births, what the chickens or hedgehogs are up to and I also do sketches of new lay-outs in my Gardening Journal or new features I might want to add.

This way I get a preview of how it might look and also scribble reminders of when the Bougainvillea or Clematis has to be trimmed back. It's really a scrapbook-in-progress of my house and garden combined, also containing new building and decorating projects as well as (on-going!) renovations.

Insects play a large role in my garden and I have quite a collection of beetles, moths, butterflies and scorpions. And something some people find a bit weird - I have a large collection of skeletons and skulls of rats, birds and lizards. Whenever I find something dead, I place it in a bucket, wait for it to decay and then pick out the skeleton, wash and clean it up and leave it in bleach for a couple of days. Voila! A perfect specimen, which I showcase in plastic boxes.

A dead scorpion I found that had dried out.

A few skulls from my collection - the left one is that of a Kestrel, the two top right ones are from rats and the bottom one on the right is from a Laughing Dove.

My journal also serves as inspiration for some of my sketches and watercolours, like the White Eye that frequents my garden on a regular basis.

Pen and ink sketch with colour wash in my Moleskine 'Nature' Journal

My favourite pencil for jotting down notes is made of a twig with lead inserted into the front.

Writing things down not only acts as a 'release', reducing stress but also allows for a moment of contemplation that allows a clearer perspective on events to emerge. In high school my friends would make fun of me - you're doing your man diary again! So I was always trying to translate experience into words.

The Bliss of Lavender

2011-11-28T14:00:00.002+02:00

Said to bring protection to the household if planted at the front gate, Lavender has long been a favourite in the garden, in herb lore, and in the medicine chest. Its Latin origin “lavare” to wash, bears testimony not only to it’s refreshing smell but also to antiseptic qualities.

Much fuss is made in some books about ensuring that only the flower of English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is used as a healing herb but in this (as in many things), I follow Yvette van Wyk, one of our best-know South African gurus on herbs. Yvette suggests that all major species, including the French (Lavandula dentata) are fine, and that all aerial parts are usable.

Lavender is perhaps best known as a headache cure. (Always remember of course that the cause of a headache should be investigated especially if headaches persist. Many headaches are simply the result of mild dehydration, and can thus be best dealt with by drinking a tall glass of clean water.

Other common causes of headaches are constipation, neck tension, allergens, and bad lighting.) Lavender is particularly effective as a relief from tension headaches. Make a strong cup of lavender tea (officially called an infusion - see box on making infusions). Sip the tea, and inhale the wonderful smell for (almost) instant soothing.

Lavender is also fantastic for insomnia. Drink a cup of tea just before bedtime, or sleep with a sprig between your pillow and pillowcase. Also good for calming the nerves, lifting the spirits, and curing sore throats (gargle with a warm infusion) and bad breath (due not only to its sweet smell but also its antiseptic qualities).

As an antiseptic, I find the essential oil the most convenient and never travel without it. (It is essential to use organic essential oils, as there are no pesticide or fungicide residues. The distillation process is also done slowly, with as little heat and pressure as possible. This ensures the therapeutic value of the oil.) It is mild enough to be used straight on the skin if necessary and is great for insect bites and small injuries. Ideally it should be combined with warm water to clean out grazes, small cuts, and the like, and can also be used like this as a gargle (add about 5 drops to a glass of warm water). Apply a drop to each temple for headache relief.

Lavender oil is one of the best treatments for minor burns. (Apply only after the burn has cooled.) Add a few drops of essential oil to the bath to relieve tension, and to take the sting out of sunburn. Lavender is one of the essential oils that is mild enough to be safe for children.

LAVENDER LINEN WATER
Mix 100 drops (5 ml) of lavender essential oil and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil with ¼ cup vodka. (Use the good stuff. You can buy 50 ml "nip" bottle of high test at the liquor store. It will be enough.) Stir into 3 cups of distilled, spring or well water. It will turn cloudy, but it won't stain cloth. Store in a glass container and shake before using. Add a quarter cup to rinse water with your bed linens for a comforting scent that will soothe you to sleep.
Recipe from 'Homestead.com'

Green Tip #19 : How to boil the perfect egg

2011-11-08T10:10:00.003+02:00

Boil the perfect egg

Place room temperature eggs in a saucepan and fill with cold water, covering the eggs by two centimetres. On a medium to high heat bring to a boil. Turn the heat down. Proceed as follows:

• For soft-boiled eggs, leave the eggs to stand in hot water for one to two minutes.

• For medium-boiled eggs, leave the eggs to stand in hot water for two to three minutes.

• For hard-boiled eggs, leave the eggs to boil for seven minutes. Remove and place in bowl of ice water to prevent the yolk discolouring.
Taken from Woolworths "TasteMag"

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Virtual Journaling

2011-11-07T10:07:00.008+02:00

It's going on for 3 years since I started blogging here on "Blissful Things" and my other blogs. I have met so many, TOTALLY inspiring, wonderful people and artists and it still amazes me that one can build up such friendship and camaraderie in this virtual medium, friends that become a silent part of your life, yet sharing many intimacies like birthdays, heartaches and joys.

Apart from the obvious benefits of blogging, or Journaling on-line as I like to call it, it's a great creative outlet, whether you're an artist, writer, photographer, great cook, gardener or whatever. It has also proven to be a great confidence booster and learning platform for me and has opened doors to many opportunities, like earning money on-line, doing on-line art courses and marketing our business related items.

The Waterman fountain pen which I found at an Antiques fair

I've always kept a Journal of some sorts ever since a very young age - my father gave me a Parker fountain pen for my seventh birthday - I was beside myself with delight! - and it set off a life-long affair with writing and journaling. This became an annual birthday institution and I couldn't wait to see what my next pen would be.

My first journal consisted of the daily "Dear Diary" entries, but soon progressed to sketches being added (I've also been sketching ever since I can remember) and before long I had a daily journal; a nature journal - pages filled with sketches of leaves, bugs and grasses and bulging thick with pressed flowers, pieces of bark and feathers; a dream journal; a to-do-list journal and a sketching journal, which I carried with me wherever I went.

A sketch from one of my Nature journals

There was no money for pretty and expensive journals (this was also added to my Christmas and birthday wish-lists), so I made my own - sheets of paper stapled together and old school book covers cut to size and pasted with pretty pictures - they did the job just fine, but one of the first things I did with my first pay check after leaving school, was to treat myself to proper watercolour paints and some great paper.

I think the necessity of having to create something from nothing is a habit that has stuck with me through adulthood - if I need something, say like shelving for instance, I would much rather put it together by placing some old chipboard, painted a nice colour, on some bricks against the wall than buying new ready-made shelving options. And it has long since got nothing to do with money, it's purely the satisfaction of creating something pretty and useful.

And that brings me to the subject of hoarding - I'm a great hoarder of boxes, wooden boards, pebbles, feathers, pretty paper, used envelopes, toilet roll insides, wire, pieces of ribbon, string and twine - everything, just in case I need it! Even chipped or earless cups get given a second life as pencil or paint brush holders after being revamped and decorated and chipped plates and saucers are great for mixing watercolours, oil or acrylic paints.

Some collections of my hoarded 'stuff'

And my virtual hoarding far exceeds my physical hoarding - I have several hundred Gigs of information, images, tips and useless information stored on my MAC - just in case I need it!

So thumbs-up to virtual journaling and I hope you will join me in exploring creativity, inspiration and the love of life in general!

A collection of pebbles

Cares melt when you kneel in your garden

2011-10-31T12:36:00.002+02:00

Soil . . . scoop up a handful of the magic stuff. Look at it closely. What wonders it holds as it lies there in your palm. Tiny sharp grains of sand, little faggots of wood and leaf fiber, infinitely small round pieces of marble, fragments of shell, specks of black carbon, a section of vertebrae from some minute creature. And mingling with it all the dust of countless generations of plants and flowers, trees, animals and – yes – our own, age-long forgotten forebears, gardeners of long ago. Can this incredible composition be the common soil?
- Stuart Maddox Masters, The Seasons Through

It's that magic stuff, the soil, that keeps me gardening, and then it is watching each little seedling I planted growing stronger and more beautiful every day, responding to my little chats and watering, feeding and touching - I am convinced that plants respond to attention and affection the same way we humans do, with radiance and a smile!

But then I seem to have this love/hate relationship with some plants, like Azaleas... I SO love their beautiful blooms and particularly like to sketch them, they're so curly and filled with colour! Time after time I have followed all the directions for planting Azaleas to the last letter - light to moderate shade, filtered sun to prolong the flowers, avoid planting under shallow-rooted trees, planted them in acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6, made sure the soil is
rich and well-drained, dug the hole to proper specifications and planted, watering well to eliminate air pockets in the soil. All to no avail! It's not long before they lose all their flowers, dropping all their leaves and slowly dying away right before my eyes!

My wooden garden barrow filled with Azaleas and two Terracotta pots, ready to be planted.

This time round, I'm planting some of the flowers I got from the nursery in Terracotta pots, and the other half into the garden, a sort of insurance policy and to see which methods are going to work this time, hopefully!

You just gotta love garden tools!

2011-10-18T08:54:00.001+02:00

Watercolour on Moleskine 200gsm - 8" x 6" - Maree©

I just absolutely love garden tools and garden sheds! I have about 17 watering cans and I just cannot by-pass a set of hand tools in the garden shops! I do have my favourites that I use, the rest are displayed on shelves and corners in my house together with baskets and garden gloves, another favourite of mine. Not that I use them often, who can use the hose pipe or dig in a piece of earth with gloves on?!

"Where, but in a garden, do summer hours pass so quickly?"

Some of my favourite garden tools are my Lasher spade and fork - petite and light-weight, they are ideal for the woman-gardener. I have had mine for many years now, and they're certainly showing wear, but they're still as sturdy as ever, taking pride of place in my garden shed. Nobody, not even Chrissie, my garden manager, is allowed to use them, she has her own set. Between the two of us, we make a mean team in the garden!

I prefer hand trowels with a wooden handle, they seem to have a better grip, especially when one's hands are wet.

Another shelf in my Garden Shed

2011-10-17T14:20:00.002+02:00

"The trouble with gardening is that is does not remain an avocation. It becomes an obsession."
-- Phyllis McGinley

Tools lined up in satisfying rows, scissors and twine within arm’s reach, a sink just for arranging flowers—the potting area ranks up there with the mudroom and flower room as the ultimate country fantasy. Don’t think you have space for one? You may want to think again.

My potting shed consists of an old carport, walled on two sides, with shelves on the walls and a couple of old tables and benches to make life comfortable. Wheelbarrows, hats, watering cans, terracotta pots and all sorts of paraphernalia to use in the garden is stored here. All you need is a little corner, partially protected from the elements, and Bob's your uncle!

Green Tip #18 : Old Wheelbarrows

2011-08-30T11:40:00.004+02:00

Ink and watercolour sketch in my Moleskine Gardening Journal - Maree©

Use old wheelbarrows to display some plants and watering cans in your garden. Seedlings all ready and waiting to be planted also make a nice display until you can get round to it! Gardening tools kept in or around the wheelbarrows also makes it easy to select the right tool for the right job.

Why Journal?

2011-04-10T08:57:00.000+02:00

Have you ever wondered why some people journal? Or what they journal about? But mostly WHY?

I started journaling at a very young age, around 7, mostly just because I loved writing (with my Parker fountain pen!) and started by making homework lists for the week, or 'To-do-lists' as I called them, listing days with times and subjects and crossing them off as they were completed. (I'm still an avid list maker to this day!) Then in my teens my journaling took on a whole new meaning - with teenage hormones racing, my first love and the joys and sorrows thereof, which friend said and did what, my wishes, my dreams, my accomplishments, my failures - everything poured out onto the beautiful coloured paper embellished with hearts, feathers and flower petals.

That brings me to the first and probably most important reason as to why people journal :

Writing as a Form of Therapy

Writing down your thoughts and feelings is a therapeutic activity. Paper and pen are the tools for your creative expression, joys and sorrows alike. Journaling can be a healing process to help you get in touch with your deepest yearnings, find resolve for problems, and deal with personal issues. Whatever type of painful emotion you are experiencing (grief, sadness, fear, isolation, etc.) expressing yourself in writing can help ease your discomfort.

Another reason for Journaling is that Writing Drains the Brain of Mindless Clutter

Getting words down on paper can help clear your head of thoughts and ideas that are creating a mental swirl of confusion. Something as simple as keeping a grocery list can help free up the activity centre of your brain, making room for clearer thinking. Sometimes just allowing yourself to write down a stream of unrelated thoughts, as they pop into your head, can make you realise what it is that was cluttering up your vibration - concentrate on that aspect, explore it and soon it will be resolved or at least laid to rest, even if only for the time being.

Often we block our creative selves by not releasing our anger, our worries, our criticisms, etc. Things that block our creative juices flowing to the surface need an outlet. Writing can be a used as a venting tool to rid yourself of negative thinking.

A Shelf in my Garden Shed

2011-03-16T12:48:00.000+02:00

Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity.

- Lindley Karstens

I think the true gardener is a lover of his flowers, not a critic of them. I think the true gardener is the reverent servant of Nature, not her truculent, wife-beating master. I think the true gardener, the older she grows, should more and more develop a humble, grateful and uncertain spirit.

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides and my green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant's point of view! When one of my plants dies, I die a little inside, too.

On every stem, on every leaf,... and at the root of everything that grew, was a professional specialist in the shape of grub, caterpillar, aphid, or other expert, whose business it was to devour that particular part. Despite any gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. It takes a while to grasp that not all failures are self-imposed, the result of ignorance, carelessness or inexperience. It takes a while to grasp that a garden isn't a testing ground for character and to stop asking, what did I do wrong? Maybe nothing.

This sketch is of a shelf in my garden shed where I keep my collection of Terracotta pots and watering cans, seedling trays, egg shells to plant seedlings, tools, hats and all else a gardener needs to make her life easy! (W & N Watercolours on Bockingford 300gsm)

If you are interested in buying a Greeting card or other prints of this painting, go to RedBubble

My daily fix at Bistrot de Paris and Une Belle-Vous

2010-12-21T08:16:00.004+02:00

"Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like!"
~Author Unknown

Yesterday was my monthly appointment at my hairdresser Winnie, owner of "Une Belle-Vous" in Krugersdorp (Gauteng, South Africa), for a trim and, most importantly, some 'hilites', to lighten my hair.

I was born blond and spent all my life as a blonde, until my late fifties, when my hair inexplicably started getting darker and darker and the only solution was the hairdresser! All my life I've been the butt of blond jokes, but now I can quote Dolly Parton, "I'm not offended by all the dumb-blonde jokes because I know that I'm not dumb. I also know I'm not blonde!" (anymore!)

Isn't it amazing how our whole being of who we are is somehow tied up with what's ON our head (instead of what's IN it?) I mean, we all know 'blondes have more fun!', but how absurd can that be, it's like 'judging a book by its cover', isn't it? Then there's the down-turn of being blond - Anita Loos said, "Gentlemen prefer blondes... but gentlemen marry brunettes" - well, seeing as I'm married already, I think I'll settle for the blond!

Now that actually brings me to what this post is really about - having my daily fix of a Caffé Latté! 'Une Belle-Vous' sports a lovely little restaurant and coffee bar, "Bistrot de Paris", and they serve the most delectable meals and coffees in a gorgeous up-market setting with a lovely relaxing atmosphere. Nothing better than going blond and enjoying a Latté in the process!

Bistrot de Paris

Camera: Kodak EasyShare C195 Digital

Way too much coffee. But if it weren't for the coffee, I'd have no identifiable personality whatsoever.
~David Letterman

Last (night's) Supper

2010-11-10T13:16:00.003+02:00

Camera FujiFinepix 2800Zoom Digital - normal settings -Maree©

We've been having our first Spring rains and lots of cool weather. I think it might stem from my childhood, but for me rainy weather conjures up images of soup and lots of fresh, still warm, home-baked bread! But unlike my mother, who would be preparing the soup the night before already, by soaking whatever needed to be soaked, I'm one for quick-and-easy - I mean, we live in the age of fast internet, chatting to friends from other countries on the net in real time and disposable nappies! So I've got this real QUICK and easy Potato Soup recipe that I fall back onto whenever the need calls.

This was our supper last night, everything ready and served, including setting the table, within the hour!

This recipe is one that I've been using for years, and here I served the soup in two vintage tin plates from my collection.

POTATO SOUP

Peel and cut 5 potatoes into pieces
1 medium onion, cut into pieces
1 packet bacon, snipped into little pieces
1 chicken cub
1 punnet of cream optional)
finely chopped parsley
small amount oil/butter for sautéing
salt and pepper to taste

Sauté onions till transparent. Add bacon and sauté until bacon is cooked through (don't make the bacon crispy!)

Add the potatoes, salt and pepper and cover with water.

Add the chicken cube and simmer until the potatoes are cooked. Let it cool for a while and mash until smooth and creamy.

Re-heat soup to boiling point. If you are going to use the cream, mix in just before serving, but the soup must not boil again or else it will separate.

Test for salt and pepper and garnish with Parsley.
Serve with fresh, home-baked bread and ENJOY!

Green Tip #17 : Garlic

2010-10-30T08:57:00.005+02:00

To fight pimples, apply fresh garlic juice and lemon juice for quick relief. It will pinch but will show results.

Process the garlic cloves in a food processor or blender until puréed. In the absence of a food processor, you can simply crush with a garlic press, over a small bowl.

Pour garlic purée through the mesh strainer into a small bowl. Scrape the sides with a rubber spatula to retrieve all juices. Press the garlic through the strainer with the spatula. Discard pulp left in the strainer.

Refrigerate your home-made garlic juice in a glass container.

Mix some garlic juice with a couple of drops of lemon and apply to affected areas.

Green Tip #16 : Remove blemishes

2010-08-10T08:53:00.003+02:00

Fresh apricot juice helps in removing scars and blemishes.

Select well coloured, tender fruits that are neither greenish nor tending to shrivel. The perfect fruit will keep for only a day or so before becoming unfit to eat. Remove skin and pip and put through juice extractor. Apply to affected skin areas.

Green Tip #15 : Old ladders

2010-08-01T17:19:00.002+02:00

Don't throw away your old ladders - they provide wonderful display space for some pot plants on the patio or in an empty corner in the garden.

A fresh coat of paint is all that is needed, and maybe ensuring that the ladder rungs are sturdy enough to carry the plants. All the flowering blooms are great for luring butterflies into your space!

Green Tip #14 : Vinegar

2010-06-22T07:42:00.000+02:00

The power of vinegar

Add to dish water to cut grease. Also you can used as a furniture cleaner. Clean and disinfects wood cutting boards.

Detox your Hair

Here’s a beauty quickie you can do at home. I don’t know about you, but I’ve got about 5 different bottles of shampoo in my bathroom right now. I’m always trying something new and I just don’t want to throw out a perfectly good bottle of shampoo.

Vinegar is good for removing build up and closing up hair cuticles. The vinegar also helps remove scaly build up. If the scales on your hair cuticles lay flat, that gives your hair the chance to be shinier. Apple cider vinegar is a good choice for trying this out. You can also use plain white vinegar.

If you happen to run out of conditioner, vinegar is a wonderful hair softener and also eases tangles.

Just add a teaspoon of vinegar to one of your shampoo bottles, shake it up and voila! Use your homemade remedy shampoo once a week.

Become a food gardener!

2010-06-02T07:40:00.004+02:00

Set a trend in your area: join the food-growing culture - instead of a visit to the gym for muscle-toning and aerobic exercise, pick up your spade and a bucket, and head for the garden. An hour or so outdoors gives you plenty of fresh air, sunshine and exercise to boost your immune system and keep you trim!

There is no doubt that by being part of the process of growing our own food (even if you are just starting off with a simple herb garden or veggie patch) we heal ourselves and become more spiritually rooted in our bodies. Food gardening provides exercise, fresh air, sunshine and mental relaxation that are vitally important for boosting one’s defense system. If you haven’t already started your veggie and herb patch, get going and give yourself a break – in more ways than one. Don’t think for one minute though that if you don’t have a large plot of land that you cannot grow at least some of what you eat.

All that is required is a small piece of soil - set aside a space in your garden for planting some lettuce, carrots, cabbage, herbs or any of your favourite vegetables. Some of the vegetable plants are really beautiful and won't detract from the look of your garden unless it is very formal or you're going with a specific design. My favourite way of gardening is indigenous and cottage style, it gives me far more leeway to be creative, offer food and shelter for the birds.

Start an organic farm on your kitchen windowsill.
It will save you time, money and water. Sprouts are the easiest-to-grow, most power-packed, year-round food. They grow very quickly, are always fresh and are, uncontaminated by pesticides. You can eat them everyday in salads, stir fries and sandwiches, in soups and stews, or just as a snack. They are the most economical food and use very little water to grow. The rinsing water can be used in your garden, or added to the cooking pot.

Some seeds from your kitchen cupboard that you can sprout: Lentils, chickpeas, soya beans, peas, peanuts, mung beans, fenugreek, mustard, and alfalfa or Lucerne. You can even sprout onion and broccoli seeds, but make sure that you never eat the seeds from the packets that you buy for planting in your garden. They may have poison on them!

How to landscape with edibles
Like all plants used in the landscape, edible plants grow best in certain conditions. Many (but not all!) fruits and vegetables do best where they receive at least 6 hours of full sunlight a day. Most also like well-drained soil. Parts of your garden that satisfy these conditions are good places to start an edible landscape. To perform a complete makeover on these areas, consult the books recommended below for a full design process.

To start simply, consider a one-for-one substitution. Where you might have planted a shade tree, plant a fruit tree. Where you need a deciduous shrub, plant a currant or hazelnut. Edible plants come in nearly all shapes and sizes and can perform the same landscape functions as ornamental plants.

Why landscape with edibles?
There are many reasons to incorporate edible plants into the residential landscape. These include:

- To enjoy the freshness and flavor of home-grown, fully ripened fruits and vegetables
- To eliminate pesticides and herbicides used on the foods you consume
- To increase the food security of your household
- To save on grocery bills
- To grow unusual varieties not available in stores
- To get outside, interact with the natural world, and have fun

Info from Biophile

Green Tip #13 : Kitchen windowsill

2010-04-24T05:59:00.002+02:00

Start an organic farm on your kitchen windowsill.

It will save you time, money and water. Sprouts are the easiest-to-grow, most power-packed, year-round food. They grow very quickly, are always fresh and are, uncontaminated by pesticides. You can eat them everyday in salads, stir fries and sandwiches, in soups and stews, or just as a snack. They are the most economical food and use very little water to grow. The rinsing water can be used in your garden, or added to the cooking pot.

Some seeds from your kitchen cupboard that you can sprout: Lentils, chickpeas, soya beans, peas, peanuts, mung beans, fenugreek, mustard, and alfalfa or Lucerne. You can even sprout onion and broccoli seeds, but make sure that you never eat the seeds from the packets that you buy for planting in your garden. They may have poison on them!

Nasturtiums - smell and taste!

2010-04-20T12:39:00.004+02:00

"Just looking at nasturtiums can make you smile - eating them might even make you giggle!"

(Click on image to read)

Nasturtiums are a gardener's dream. They are virtually carefree once established. Snails don't seem to be interested in them. They will even self seed and come back the next year in mild climate. I look forward to their return each year; it signals that summer is here at last.

For Growing Nasturtiums I have found that sunny spots work best, (too much shade and you have a lot of greenery with only a few flowers) even though they might need more watering, especially if you have a quick-draining soil like ours in Tarlton, Gauteng, South Africa. Nasturtiums seed so prolifically that, after your first initial planting, you never have to buy seeds again. At the end of the flowering season I usually collect hundreds of seeds from the plants, a job in itself very enjoyable, as I sit picking out the round pea-like seeds amongst the leaves.

Sow Nasturtium seeds once the weather warms up, either in early spring or early summer depending on your location. Sow the seeds about 10 to 15 inches apart, and about 1 inch deep. Water immediately after planting. Then do not water for another 10 days. If you choose a climbing variety, make sure to provide a support for the plant and train it as it grows. Within a few weeks you should have healthy plants with flowers, and prolific flowers in due course!

Nasturtiums in a Terracotta pot

I just love Nasturtiums in containers of any sort, trailing over the rim to create a colourful display. And then of course there's the culinary aspect of this versatile plant. (If you intend using any part of the plant for cooking, remember to avoid using pesticides of any sort.)
Nasturtiums leaves have a slightly pepper taste. The flowers are also edible, but have a milder taste; it is their vibrant splash of colour that has appeal. Nasturtium seeds are also edible when they are young and green, being used in lieu of capers. The seeds can also be used in a pepper mill instead of black pepper. Nasturtiums have 10 times the vitamin C of lettuce, so a generous portion of leaves and flowers added to salads will appeal to the health conscious.

Try adding the blossoms to salads for a dramatic effect. Nasturtium's spiciness also spices up and brightens cheese spreads. Both the leaves and the blossoms are decorative additions to sandwiches. For a stunning look, pair orange nasturtium blossoms with violets on open-faced cucumber sandwiches on white bread. Adding a few nasturtium leaves to soups and garnishing the pureed soup with nasturtium blossoms is yet another way of utilizing nasturtiums.

(Look under the top menu tab "Blissful Housewife" for some recipes containing Nasturtiums.)

Green Tip #12 : Listen

2010-04-06T11:31:00.002+02:00

When last did you listen to your garden?

Stop what you're doing, move away from the keyboard and head outside into your garden. Can you hear it? Close your eyes if you need to focus and let the garden surround your senses. What's it saying to you?

So what should you be hearing? For starters; birds, bees, cicadas, crickets, frogs should all be chorusing the bounty of warm weather.

While we often advocate "taking time to smell the roses" as a way to slow down our fast-paced lives, taking some time to LISTEN to your garden may prove a helpful option in keeping it healthy, as well as yourself!

Green Tip 11 : Old Chairs

2010-03-29T17:31:00.002+02:00

Don't throw away old tables or chairs - they come in handy in the garden

Even if the seat has rotted away, you can put a couple of boards across, and place some pot plants on top, or place the chair over a large pot, basket or container filled with flowers.

Easter - Roast Leg of Lamb

2010-03-17T12:29:00.003+02:00

EASTER is just around the corner again, and besides Easter eggs and bunnies, how about serving up a scrumptious Easter Leg of Lamb for the family? This is delicious and easy enough to cook up even if you're on your own!

Easter Leg of Lamb
Serves 6-8

2,2 – 2,5kg leg of lamb, on the bone
45ml olive oil
15ml ground coriander
15ml ground cumin
15ml ground cinnamon
15ml allspice
3ml salt
3ml freshly ground black pepper
3 large onions, halved
3 small carrots
3 cloves of garlic, bruised
125g dried apricots
250ml lamb or chicken stock
15ml tomato paste
50g raisins
15ml white wine vinegar

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C. Lightly score the layer of fat on the leg of lamb.

2. Mix together the olive oil and dry spices to make a paste. Rub two thirds of the paste all over the leg of lamb.

3. Arrange onions, carrots, and garlic in the bottom of a deep roasting dish. Rest the lamb on top and roast uncovered for 30 minutes.

4. Remove from the oven and rub the remaining spice paste onto the lamb. Decrease the oven temperature to 160°C. Add the dried apricots which will bring extra flavour to the dish.

5. Mix together the stock, tomato paste, raisins and vinegar. Pour over the vegetables, not the lamb.

6.Roast the lamb for 15 minutes for every 500 grams of lamb. (2,2 kg = 66 minutes). The meat will be medium. If you prefer well done then roast 20 minutes for every 500 grams.

To make the gravy: Remove the lamb from the roasting dish and leave to rest covered while you make the gravy. Strain the leftover roasting liquid and vegetables through a sieve and skim off the excess fat. Reduce the liquid by a third. Add 150ml of cream or more to balance the flavours.

Green Tip #10 : Entrance feature

2010-03-10T10:19:00.001+02:00

Garden tools displayed at the back door make a nice arrangement as well as being on hand and quickly accessible.

There is nothing worse for me than, when I'm wandering through the garden and I see a branch or two that just needs a quick pruning, to have to go all the way to the garden shed, find the key, unlock the door, and fetch the pruning shears.

Why not just keep it all close and handy and at the same time make a beautiful feature at the back door? An old vintage coat rack with pegs makes an ideal place to keep your most used tools within easy reach, - even a piece of wood with nails hammered in will do the job.

Enjoy your ease and comfort and add a pretty feature to your entrance at the same time!

Canola Fields

2010-03-06T12:05:00.005+02:00

"Canola fields" watercolour by Maree©

In the South of the Republic of South Africa, Canola was planted for the first time in 1993 in the region called the Overberg near the town called Swellendam. Swellendam's farmer's Co-operative, SSK- Sentraal-Suid Koöperasie, started an oil refinery called Southern Oil Limited (Soill), according to the Afrikaans newspaper Die Burger's article on the 24/07/2009, it is the only Canola refinery in South Africa and refines about 3 500 ton per month.

Once considered a specialty crop in Canada, canola has become a major North American cash crop. Canada and the United States produce between 7 and 10 million tonnes of canola seed per year.

Canola was developed through conventional plant breeding from rapeseed, an oilseed plant already used in ancient civilization. The word "rape" in rapeseed comes from the Latin word "rapum," meaning turnip. Turnip, rutabaga, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, mustard and many other vegetables are related to the two canola varieties commonly grown, which are cultivars of Brassica napus and Brassica rapa. The negative associations due to the homophone "rape" resulted in creation of the more marketing-friendly name "Canola". The change in name also serves to distinguish it from regular rapeseed oil, which has much higher erucic acid content.

Canola oil is low in saturated fat, is high in monounsaturated fat, and has a beneficial omega-3 fatty acid profile. The Canola Council of Canada states that it is completely safe and is the "healthiest" of all commonly used cooking oils. It has well established heart health benefits and is recognized by many health professional organizations including the American Dietetic Association, and American Heart Association, among others. Canola oil has been authorized a qualified health claim from the US Food and Drug Administration based on its ability to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to its unsaturated fat content.

Urban legend
An e-mail was circulated that linked canola oil to a variety of false claims that it was harmful to human health. This is considered an email hoax making unsubstantiated claims.

Information from Wikipedia

The flower of the Canola plant is a major source of nectar for honeybees.

Green Tip #9 : Glowing Skin

2010-03-02T12:38:00.000+02:00

Tip for glowing and healthy skin:

Applying of almond oil on skin helps in removing itching and moisturises your face.

It is an excellent emollient (softening and soothing to the skin) and also helps the skin to balance water loss and absorption of moisture and is suitable for all skin types.

Almond oil can be applied neat to the skin, as it acts as a carrier medium when using essential oils. It is an excellent oil to use for both body and facial massage and helps to increase the health and vitality of the skin.

My New Garden: Progress 13 - Feb 2010

2010-03-01T12:47:00.010+02:00

"An addiction to gardening is not all bad when you consider all the other choices in life."

February in the garden has been a quiet month seeing as that Chrissie and I are on top of most chores (except the mowing of the lawn - with so much rain it needs to be cut twice a week!) and I've been spending some time tending to my Bonsai and pot plants in and around the house.

A Philodendron in my bathroom - can't make up my mind whether it needs trailing or should I just leave it hanging?

The English Ivy sprouting some lovely new growth

We don't mow the grass at the pond - leave it long for Torti, the tortoise and Molly, my resident mole snake. When it's longer in winter, it also provides cover for them from the cold of winter and frost.

Molly the Mole snake enjoying some sun at the pond

Having Molly around is a pleasure - she's beautiful, about 1.7m in length, a golden yellow-brown and, above all, a great deterrent to the rats plaguing the pond area. But Molly and the Brown House Snake is where I draw the line - In the past couple of weeks I have already rescued and evicted two Rankhalses (Spitting Cobras) from my garden (the pleasure of my garden only to be enjoyed by Mollie, my resident Mole Snake or the Brown House Snake - all others like the Rinkhals and the various Adders are summarily evicted!). Chrissie, my gardener, immediately takes a short-cut home when she sees I'm busy catching a snake for safe delivery to a dam nearby us.

Rinkhals - Hemachatus haemachatus

Torti, the Mountain tortoise, having her breakfast

The Kiepersol (Cabbage tree - Cussonia paniculata) has now fully recovered from last winter

In my bathroom court yard everything is lush and green and the sword ferns will need some trimming back, but I'll wait until after winter for that.

My Pachypodium looking lush and green - she will have to brought inside soon with winter looming just around the corner

I'm actually looking forward to Autumn - cooler but still warm days and a whole different colour palette in the garden.

Food from Trees : Lemon Tree

2010-02-27T10:31:00.010+02:00

The lemon is a small evergreen tree (Citrus limon) originally native to Asia, and is also the name of the tree's oval yellow fruit. The fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world – primarily for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used, mainly in cooking and baking.

Along with other citrus fruits, the lemon is one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world today. Apart from using the juice in all sorts of ways in the preparation of foods and cordials, lemon peels and the underlying white pith contain a number of health-giving substances.

Flower of the lemon tree

The lemon tree is perhaps one of the most valuable additions to the kitchen garden. The first lemon trees to arrive at the Cape were imported from St Helena and planted in the Company’s garden by Jan Van Riebeeck. These were the predecessors of the rough-skinned lemon that we grow today and which is frequently used as a rootstock onto which other citrus varieties are grafted.

An added benefit of having a lemon tree in your garden is that you will be visited by the magnificent Citrus Swallowtail butterfly – Papillio demodocus demodocus – which will not only feast on the nectar from the fragrant flowers, but use the leaves as the nursery and feeding grounds for its young.

We are all familiar with at least some of the uses of lemons in the kitchen and in the home:

• A drizzle of lemon juice over freshly cut fruits and vegetables stops the cut surfaces turning brown and unsightly in the presence of air. The juice contains ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and lycopene, amongst other important phytochemicals (phytonutrients), which are anti-oxidants.

• Lemon juice brings out flavours, adds tartness to titillate the taste buds and reduces the richness of meat and seafood dishes.

• Various drinks, iced teas, lemonade, punches and the like, wouldn’t be the same without a dash of lemon juice, or a sliver of the fruit.

• The acidity and the pectin contained in lemons is an integral part of the jam-making process.

• Lemon juice is a healthier addition to salad dressings, mayonnaise and marinades than vinegar as it has an alkalising effect on the blood. Many of us are wondering why we are feeling tired, have aching joints, are overweight and suffer from Candida. Doctors Robert Young and Shelly Redford explain in their book, The pH Miracle, the negative effects on one’s metabolism of having acidic body fluids.

• Lemon zest (peel) is used to flavour a variety of dishes (both sweet and savoury) and preserves. It is laden with aromatic oils which most of us have, at least once in our lives, squeezed into the flame of a candle for a mini fireworks display. It is the lemon peel which contains the highest concentration of phytochemicals (or phytonutrients).

• And, of course, lemon juice is a rich source of Vitamin C and, therefore, an important part of the diet. Hot lemon and honey served up to cold and flu patients is soothing and healing.

• A slice of lemon in a glass of water makes it that much easier to drink the daily ‘eight glasses’ recommended for good health.

• There is a whole host of other medicinal benefits of the lemon. Those important phytochemicals have been shown to play a part in fighting cancer through their anti-oxidant properties, to prevent, and repair, damage to DNA, to destroy cancer cells and to prevent the spreading of tumours.

• The white pit, below the zest, contains rutin which strengthens the walls of blood vessels and helps to prevent heart and circulatory problems.

• I haven’t mentioned the other uses of lemon juice as an astringent for the skin, as a bleach for nappies and perspiration stains, an addition to furniture polish, and a cleaner for brass and polish. It removes urine smells, makes hair shine, removes mildew and black ink and so the list goes on.

It makes you think that having your very own lemon tree would be a very good idea and that a lemon a day would do a lot for your health and well-being. Visit your local nursery once you have identified a protected spot in your garden. Lemon trees do not take kindly to strong, drying winds or frost, and prefer well-drained, light soils.

Green lemon

Lemons are used to make lemonade, and as a garnish for drinks. Lemon zest has many uses. Many mixed drinks, soft drinks, iced tea, and water are often served with a wedge or slice of lemon in the glass or on the rim. The average lemon contains approximately 3 tablespoons of juice. Allowing lemons to come to room temperature before squeezing (or heating briefly in a microwave) makes the juice easier to extract. Lemons left unrefrigerated for long periods of time are susceptible to mold.

Fish is marinated in lemon juice to neutralize the odor. The acid neutralizes the amines in fish by converting them into nonvolatile ammonium salts.

Yellow lemon

Lemon juice, alone or in combination with other ingredients, is used to marinate meat before cooking: the acid provided by the juice partially hydrolyzes the tough collagen fibers in the meat (tenderizing the meat), though the juice does not have any antibiotic effects.
Lemons, alone or with oranges, are used to make marmalade. The grated rind of the lemon, called lemon zest, is used to add flavor to baked goods, puddings, rice and other dishes. Pickled lemons are a Moroccan delicacy. Numerous lemon liqueurs are made from lemon rind.

All great cooks use lemons. Here are a few recipes to try out this summer.

Lemon Curd
The most delicious spread for hot toast, scones and muffins. It tastes so good that you can eat it by the spoonful straight out of the jar. Use other citrus fruit or granadillas to make a change.
100g organic butter
200g organic sugar
4 organic eggs
Juice and grated rind of 4 lemons,
or 3 oranges and 1 lemon
or 2 lemons and the pulp of 4 granadillas
1. Melt butter and sugar in double boiler
2. Add well beaten eggs and juice and rind of lemons (and/or oranges or granadilla pulp).
3. Continue heating, stirring occasionally until the mixture has thickened like custard.
4. Pour into clean, heated jam jars.
5. Seal and store in a cool cupboard, or refrigerate.
6. Eat within a month. (Freezes well)

Lemon Cordial
A deliciously refreshing drink served with water or soda.
Juice of 10 to 12 lemons
Grated rind of 3 – 4 lemons
2½ kg organic sugar
1 packet tartaric acid (15ml or 1 tablespoon)
1 packet citric acid (15ml or 1 tablespoon)
1 packet Epsom salts (15ml or 1 tablespoon)
2 litres boiling water
1. Dissolve the sugar, tartaric acid, citric acid and Epsom salts in the boiling water.
2. Add the grated lemon rind and lemon juice. Mix together and allow to cool.
3. Pour the cordial into sterilised glass or plastic bottles and store in a refrigerator.
4. Dilute with water (or soda water) to taste.
Add ice cubes and a sprig of mint for a refreshing summer drink or add boiling water and a slice of lemon for a winter drink.

Lemon and basil risotto
125g organic butter
300g Arborio rice
1 onion – finely chopped
1 celery head, finely chopped
1 bunch celery leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
150 ml dry white wine
6 tablespoon fresh organic basil
1 litre vegetable stock
Juice and zest of 4 organic lemons
100 g grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Heat the stock and check for seasoning.
2. Gently sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft and add the garlic and chopped celery leaves and stir.
3. Add the rice and lightly sauté.
4. Add the white wine and allow to reduce.
5. Add the stock ladle for ladle, stirring constantly. Allow each ladle of stock to be absorbed before adding the next.
6. Constantly stir until the rice is cooked but still al dente.
7. Stir in most of the basil, lemon juice, zest and half the parmesan. Season to taste.
8. The consistency should be very creamy and soft.
9. Serve with remaining basil leaves and Parmesan cheese.

Lemon shortbread
100 g organic butter
90 g castor sugar
1 organic egg yolk
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
155 g cake flour
1. Preheat an oven to 150°C.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and creamy.
3. Add the egg yolk, vanilla, lemon zest and lemon juice, and mix well.
4. Sift in the flour and gently fold into the mixture.
5. Knead gently until the dough starts to come together.
6. Cover the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 2hours.
7. Lightly grease a baking tray.
8. Roll the dough out between two sheets of baking paper and even thickness.
9. Cut biscuits from dough and bake for 12 to 14 minutes.
10. Dust with castor sugar while still hot.
11. Let them cool slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Preserved lemons
Delicious in salads, risottos, dressings, marinades and on sea food.
Fennel seeds
Coriander seeds
Cinnamon stick
Peppercorns
Bay leaves
Sea salt
Large fat lemons with the leaves still attached
1. In a bowl mix the spices into the sea salt.
2. Cut a cross into the lemons – almost to the base, but so that the quarters stay together.
3. Push the seasoned salt into the lemon segments and pack the lemons as tightly as possible into an airtight jar.
4. The less space there is between the lemons the more attractive it will look and you won’t need to use so much salt.
5. The lemons will be ready after one month of preserving, and will last for about 2 years.

When required, the lemons are removed from the jar and all the white pith should be cut from the yellow peel or zest and discarded. The zest is then shredded, thinly slices of finely chopped.
Recipes from Biophile Magazine (CopyLeft)

Pickled lemons, a Moroccan delicacy

Lemon marmalade on a slice of bread

Sources : Wikipedia and Biophile Magazine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon

Green Tip #8 : Wear a hat!

2010-02-26T12:18:00.002+02:00

Make sure you always wear a sun hat when going out into the garden

Age-old advice, and we've heard it all before! But good advice to follow - would you rather bear the discomfort now (I can't stand a hat!) or be sun-spot riddled when you're older?

What now?

2010-02-22T14:50:00.006+02:00

Redheaded Finch (Amadina erythrocephala) - watercolour in Moleskine - Maree
(Click on image to read the entry)

Everything in the garden is running smoothly - we're nearing the end of summer and I'm on top of most of the chores - lawns are mowed, edges are neat, leaves have been dug in to serve as compost, excess growth has been trimmed, trees have been neatened up and the pond is clean.

So what is there to do now while the rake and spade are enjoying a well-deserved rest?

It's obvious - watch the birds! They're enjoying everything the garden has to offer - seeds and fruit, bird baths and shelter for nesting. My binoculars, camera and sketch-books have been working overtime - the Redheaded Finches (pictured above) flocked to the Butterfly bush at the pond and for weeks on end there was constant chattering and fighting over the best vantage points. Some Bronze Mannikins (Spermestes cucullata) joined them, but the two groups occupied two different bushes, putting up a big show of territorial behaviour should anybody stray from one to the other.

Bronze Mannikin (Spermestes cucullata) (pic from Wikipedia)

The Red Bishops are a beautiful sight, their red flashing from tree to tree and their presence at the bird table is always a joy - they're very tolerant of everybody else, yet don't hesitate to defend their territory if necessary.

"Red Bishop" - sketch in an old soft-cover book - Maree

I was cleaning up earlier on and came upon some old books, so I carried them to the patio with a cup of tea and was busy going through them to decided which ones to throw out, when the Bishop in all his glory caught my eye. The male's buzzing song alerting the female to the nest he's building for her is always the first to alert me of their return. I was so excited to see them that I grabbed one of the books, opened it and started sketching him sitting on the fence post. I then rushed to get some paints and got his colours while he was flitting around, showing off to the female. So now none of the books are being thrown out - I've found a new use for them!

Once your garden is up-to-date and you are scrounging around for chores to do, take a moment and enjoy the fruits of your labour! Take a seat on a garden bench and let your eyes roam over all your hard work, noticing the beautiful flowers, the insects pollinating and ensuring future generations of blooms and the birds enjoying your gifts to them. That is what makes it all worth-while!

Green Tip #7 Protect your hands

2010-02-22T08:58:00.002+02:00

Always wear garden gloves to protect your nails and hands

I know nothing quite beats the feel of freshly turned earth between your fingers, and who can use the hosepipe wearing gloves? but wearing gloves out in the garden really makes a lot of sense. Not only can they protect your lovingly-tended nails, but can also prevent unsightly scratches, sore blisters and, as an added bonus, protect your hands from the rays of the sun, preventing those brown sunspots which show up when you're over 60!

The Bliss of Bonsai

2010-02-19T08:25:00.010+02:00

1982 Natal Fig (Ficus natalensis) - watercolour on Daler-Rowney 190gsm - Maree©
My bonsai at his peak in mid-summer.

Summer is here! and it's time for spring-cleaning - the garden, the house (curtains - I've only got 3!), and everything else in sight, including my Bonsai.

'Bonsai-ing' can be one of the most satisfying exercises if you're looking for some calm, peace and serenity. Nothing beats touching and tending to your Bonsai, chatting to him while you prune away unnecessary growth, deweeding his base or cleaning his leaves.

The Japanese word "bonsai" is translated to "tree in a bowl" and is an art form symbolising many things. To some it is considered the link between heaven and earth, to others it symbolises the balance between man and nature. Attending to Bonsai creates peace and tranquility and is a great stress reducer.

Ideally bonsai should be placed outdoors (in a Bonsai-en - a special place created for a bonsai with a slat roof to let in dappled shade) but they will grow indoors if there is sufficient light. Plants need sufficient UV rays in order to survive. The ideal would be to have them in a protected area outside, where they would receive good light and protection from frost and bright sunlight. If your bonsai are going to be inside, it is best to leave them on a windowsill. In order to protect the plant from frost, move it during the winter nights and make sure your plant never stands in a draft.

Plants that make ideal bonsai trees:

Acer - (Maples)
Celtis - (Stinkwoods)
Olea - (Olive)
Pyracantha - (Firethorn)
Cotoneaster
Serrisa
Ficus - (Fig)
Myrtus - (Myrtle)
Punica - (Pomergranite)
Ulmus - (Elm)
Acacias - (Thorn trees)
(only certain varieties)
Certain conifers
Podocarpus - (Yellowwood)

Watering is probably the most important aspect in the care of bonsai. When you first buy a bonsai, submerge it carefully in a basin of room temperature water. Let it stand to soak for a while. Remove it carefully and allow it to stand and drain for 5 minutes and then place it in its new position. This procedure should be followed every second week during the summer.

Every day your bonsai needs water and it should be watered from the top, taking care not to wash away the soil. This watering should take place in the morning. Afternoon watering should be avoided if at all possible. In the winter a bonsai will only need water every second day but make a habit of checking your bonsai daily.

A perfect Bonsai specimen, proof of years of loving care, attention and pruning.

The best food for bonsai is an organic food. Nitrosol is a tried and tested supplement that will not burn the plant. All the elements needed to sustain healthy growth are found in this product. In the summer months, feed every 2 weeks. In winter, the bonsai will only need to be fed once. Feeding should only be done after watering. Remember never to feed a sick or dry plant.

The ideal time to prune bonsai is in late winter, while the tree is dormant. All the unwanted growth is removed and the plant is shaped. During the growing season, any new, unwanted growth can be removed. This process is called leaf nipping. It is best to let at least three sets of leaves develop before you nip out the growing tip. This helps to shape the tree but also encourages the lower branches to grow stronger. It is possible to obtain branch cutters that are concave, producing a shallow indentation that ages to look natural.

Re-potting is carried out every 2 years. If possible the same container should be used and only in the second re-potting should a slightly larger container be used. Allow the bonsai to dry out slightly so the plant is easy to lift out of its container. Carefully remove some of the soil that is around the roots. Any dead or damaged roots should be cut away. Cut away about a third of the healthy roots. Make sure there is a mesh covering the drainage holes in the pot. Add a thin layer of gravel to aid drainage. Place a layer of bonsai soil on top of the gravel. Place the bonsai into the dish and pack fresh soil around the plant. Gently firm the soil down. The surface groundcover should now be planted. Water the plant thoroughly and leave it in a protected area for approximately one month. The feeding routine can
then resume as normal.

Companion plants are ideal “water indicators”. They will suffer before your tree does. Peace-in-the-home has a shallow root system, while Scripus (Cats Whiskers) has a deeper root system. if either plant dies - remedy your watering immediately.

I acquired my 1982 Natal Fig bonsai in 1984 as a baby with only a couple of branches and through the years he has been transplanted many times. Apart from the odd pruning to keep him in shape, I've mostly left him alone upon the advice of our local Bonsai Nursery, and he has turned into a magnificent tree with a fabulous trunk and exposed roots.

Natal Fig trunk January 2006

Natal Fig trunk in September 2009

My Natal Fig bonsai in January 2006

September 2009 - looking slightly worse for the wear after the Winter. He hasn't lost all his leaves but now comes the job of some major feeding. Am not going to do a transplant this year - just dug out some of the soil and replaced with some nice, fresh Bonsai Mix and watered him well.

Happy Bonsai Gardening!

This Ficus salicaria (F. salicifolia, nerifolia, neriifolia, Willow Leaf Ficus, etc.) is in the banyan style, depicting a beautiful forest. The banyan style is one in which the tree has aerial roots or trunks in addition to a "main trunk". Total care and dedication are depicted in this healthy specimen.

Green Tip #6 : Cut flowers

2010-02-13T09:02:00.002+02:00

Have a basket handy at the back door for putting your cut flowers in

Ever gone into the garden to get some cut flowers and ended up having to lay them somewhere on the grass, risking having them bruised, just because you can't carry it all? Keep a basket handy at the back door or close to where you will be cutting and collecting the flowers - this way they are carefully put together, also saving your hands from any thorn pricks and scratches.

Green Tip #5 : Let the light in!

2010-02-11T05:22:00.003+02:00

Why put up ugly blinds to darken your room and block out the light and the view? Why not plant a deciduous tree in the sun line outside your window? That way you can have shade and protection in the summer and sunlight in the winter and, at the same time, a stunning view!

Green Tip #4 : Coarse Salt

2010-02-08T11:27:00.001+02:00

Add coarse salt in water before bathing. It will relax you and remove all toxins.

Bath Salts have many benefits:
Salts, when added to bath water, change the chemical balance of the water. This change makes it so that less water is absorbed into the skin, reducing the "pruning" effect that prolonged exposure to fresh water can have on your skin.

High concentrations of salts increase the specific gravity of the water and increase buoyancy which makes the body feel lighter in the bath. Flotation therapy has extremely high concentrations of salts in the water.

A Coarse Salt Bath can not only soften dirt and supply salt and minerals in your body, but also lose weight. The reason of this weight loss way is that coarse salt has the effect of sweating, and can speed up the metabolism of the skin, remove the waste in your body, so Coarse Salt Bath can not only help lose your weight, but also can make your skin tender and tight.

My New Garden: Progress 12 - January 2010

2010-02-02T12:54:00.007+02:00

“Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.”

The new year has kicked off well - we've been having a tremendous amount of rain for the past 2 or 3 months and everything is growing like wildfire. The sword ferns below will soon need to be thinned out - luckily they can then be transplanted to some other empty corner.

The indigenous grass in between the Celtis africana and the Acacias is offering lovely cover for the tortoise and for Molly, my resident Mole snake.

The Hen & chickens is growing so prolifically, it seems to be pushing the log ahead of it!

The new Erigerons I planted a couple of weeks ago are spreading nicely and will soon be covering this empty area.

The fat, open florettes of these Echeverias attest to the great amount of rain we've been having.

Green Tip #3 : Honey & Lemon Juice

2010-01-23T08:49:00.002+02:00

Drink warm water mixed with honey and lemon juice. It will bring you in shape and clear your body and skin.

"The medicinal value of the lemon is as follows: It is an antiseptic, or is an agent that prevents sepsis [the presence of pathogenic bacteria] or putrefaction [decomposition of tissue]. It is also anti-scorbutic, a term meaning a remedy which will prevent disease and assist in cleansing the system of impurities."

Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently thus controlling constipation and diarrhea.

.

Green Tip #2 : Tea Stains

2010-01-19T08:11:00.002+02:00

Getting Out Tea Stains

Tea has been used as a dye, so obviously it can also stain fabric. If you ever need to remove tea stains from your clothing or linens, chlorine bleach remains the place to start. Add 1 tablespoon of bleach to 2 cups of cold water. It is best to test the colourfastness of the fabric in an inconspicuous spot. Wet the stained area with cold water. Position the stained area over a glass or bowl and put several drops of the bleach solution on the spot. Wait 5 minutes and repeat, several times if necessary. When the stain is gone, rinse well and then wash.

Green Tip #1 : Egg Shells

2010-01-12T09:42:00.005+02:00

Use egg shells to plant your seedlings

Don't just throw all your egg shells away! If you're not adding them to the compost heap, here's a neat and environmentally friendly way to plant your seeds or little seedlings. You can also place them back in the egg container to keep them close at hand for watering purposes while they are still very tiny and then place them straight in the ground, egg shell and all, as soon as they are ready to go outside.

Do not over water them, there aren't any holes for excess water to run off.

My New Garden: Progress 11 - Oct to Dec 2009

2009-12-31T09:15:00.014+02:00

Acts of creation are ordinarily reserved for gods and poets.
To plant a pine, one need only own a shovel.
- Aldo Leopold

2009 is coming to an end, and so soon will summer. We still have 3 or 4 months of blissful sunshine and birds frolicking in the garden to enjoy and I always revel in the thought of Autumn with its beautiful colours and then Winter with it's stark contrasts of bare branches and blue skies.

But for the moment my garden is at its peak and the Silky thread grass below will soon start releasing its thousands and thousands of salt-and-pepper-like seeds to the surrounding soil, ready to be transplanted as soon as they get big enough.

My little place in the African soil is providing me with endless hours pleasure, not only gardening, but watching the daily animal life going on between the plants and it is more and more becoming home to a great variety of animals, insects, reptiles and bird life.

Everything and everybody is welcome here - the termites, Mollie, the resident Mole snake, Mrs. Brown, the resident Brown House Snake, Rinkhals and Adders (only for passing through, otherwise they are relocated to the Blue gum bush across the road!), the resident Black Velvet spider (read more about Mrs. Black HERE), the frogs and the lizards, who often make their homes in our shoes in the house, the Scorpions, who are encouraged to stay outside!, the neighbour's chickens, the snails, which the Thrushes enjoy immensely, even the rats (the reason Mollie and Mrs. Brown are here).

Our term here on Mother Earth is short compared the insects and animals that have inhabited her for millions of years - doesn't it make sense to enjoy their presence and co-habit this planet with joy and peace?

October 2009 - Silky thread grass (Nassella tenuissima) also known as Mexican feather grass

The Kiss of Sun -
- for pardon -
the Song of the Birds -
- for Mirth -
One is Nearer God's Heart in a Garden
than Anywhere Else on Earth.

Nov 2009 - Sword Ferns at the base of the Acacia karroo and a bird bath, favourite spot of the Fiscal Shrike for her early morning bathing sessions.

Nov 2009 - The Echeveria planted in an old piece of concrete is just starting to flower

November 2009 - The Phormiums made a spectacular show this year

November 2009 - the indigenous trees I planted about 5 years ago now reaching heights of over 8 meters. On the left of the picture is the Acacia karroo with its spectacular thorns and home to all the weavers' nests, in the centre are a couple of Black Karees (Rhus lancea), which attract a vast array of birds and butterflies, and on the right a White Karee (Rhus viminalis). On the left right at the back, the White Stinkwoods (Celtis africana) provide shade in summer and sun for the Cycad in the winter.

I did have a set-back though - termites attacked my Restio grasses and this is all that is left over! I sat watching these hard-working little creatures for almost an hour as they steadily chomped off the stalks at the bottom, then cutting each stalk up into 2" long pieces and carrying them down their holes.

The remedy? I'm too scared to use termite poison, and I don't really want to kill the little fellas off, so I poured some diesel around the base of each plant, hoping this would encourage them to leave the area and move to somewhere on the other side of my garden wall.

December 2009 - The Restios did start recovering and the termites seem to be gone.

New Restio growth

The termites DID move! They are now in an old log next to the garden path across the way from the Restios.

December 2009 - Progress on the new Rain Garden : Haven't done much in the rain garden yet, but the Echeverias I planted have taken well and a stray Marigold decided to make it's home among them.

Season's Greetngs 2009!

2009-12-26T08:17:00.001+02:00

A very merry festive season to you and I hope 2010 gives you everything you've always wished for!

Grass Aloes in Tarlton

2009-12-14T13:42:00.003+02:00

Watercolour sketch of a Grass Aloe - Maree©

Grass Aloes are an appealing group of deciduous aloes. As the name implies, they grow mainly in grasslands subject to winter fires. Their leaves and colours resemble their habitat, making them difficult to find when not in flower. These largely miniature aloes have very attractive flowers, making them desirable, if difficult, plants to cultivate. Their growing pattern is closely related to the winter fire cycles of the veld, some species responding directly to burning and producing leaves, flowers and later seed after such events.

This interesting aloe belongs to a group of deciduous aloes known as the "Grass Aloes" which are adapted to grassland habitat and are able to survive both fire and frost during the cold dry months. They are often burned during winter and then re-sprout with the onset of spring.

This well known grass aloe is commonly found along rocky ridges and rocky slopes on the Witwatersrand and Magaliesberg as well as in mountainous areas of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga. In years gone by it was even more prolific, but numbers have been greatly reduced due to development on the ridges and from harvesting by succulent collectors. A number of different forms are found throughout its distribution range.

The plants form dense clumps up to about 30cm high. The narrow fleshy leaves usually form a fan-shape and are borne on very short stems which branch at ground level. The leaves may occasionally form a rosette in older specimens. They are dull green or bluish-green with the upper surface distinctly channelled and the lower surface bearing numerous tuberculate white spots towards the base. The margins of the leaves are armed with soft white teeth.

Aloe verecunda is deciduous and loses all its leaves in winter which only reappear after the first rains in Spring. The plant has thick fleshy roots in which it stores water during the dry winter months.

Attractive dense heads of up to 20 peach-red to scarlet flowers are borne in summer (November to February). A greenish-yellow form is also occasionally found. The individual flowers are tubular and up to 30mm in length, becoming pendulous when open. The flowers produce nectar which attracts nectar-feeding Sun birds which in turn act as pollinators for the plant.

The name Aloe is derived from Alloeh, the Arabic name for this genus and verecunda means modest/chaste (Latin).

Echeverias

2009-12-03T11:32:00.005+02:00

It is only when we are aware of the earth
and of the earth as poetry that we truly live.
- Henry Beston, 1935, Herbs and the Earth

My Echeveria corner

Echeverias are natives of Latin America—specifically Argentina and Mexico. For that reason, many of them can’t tolerate frost or cold weather. It takes them virtually all summer to recuperate from the winter, and then winter lashes out again.

Echeverias can be propagated from the pups taken from mature plants. I cut these off close to the mother plant, and stick them in a pot of their own. This method produces plants exactly like the original. Plants can also be propagated from leaf cuttings and cuttings of the flower stalk. If you attempt to grow cultivars from seed, the resulting seedlings may be slightly different in appearance.

Echeverias are noted for their striking foliage, arranged in picturesque rosettes. For some kinds, the rosettes are loose, while in others it is very tightly packed together.

Generalities Echeveria elegans
These plants are succulent . Echeveria elegans Is an evergreen; during spring, summer, autumn, winter it assumes a pink colouring; the adult specimens are small in size and reach 10 cm high. The Echeveria elegans has a panel-like development, therefore it tends to widen very much.

Fertilization Echeveria elegans
In this period of the year, let’s remember to enrich the soil of our succulent plants, using, every 15-20 days, a specific fertilizer; fertilizers for succulent plants must be poor in nitrogen to avoid them from producing too much vegetation which would be easily attacked by fungal diseases.

Watering Echeveria elegans
Let’s remember that the succulent plants can withhold water inside their materials, therefore they need to be watered only when the weather is hot. Let’s avoid watering the the Echeveria elegans excessively, always leaving the soil dry for a few days between one watering and the other, therefore let’s irrigate the substratum deeply every 4-5 weeks with 1-2 glasses of water.

Flowers of the Echeveria elegans (common name Mexican Gem)

Echeveria elegans - pencil sketch and watercolour in Moleskine Watercolour Notebook - Maree©

What we share

2009-11-27T07:18:00.001+02:00

Sharing is a difficult concept to understand. Does it mean sharing your money? Does it mean sharing a plate of food, sharing your clothes with your sister?

To me sharing also means giving. Giving of yourself, your time, your knowledge, your patience and compassion, your ideas, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on. Often times these things are more sorely needed than money or worldly gifts.

For the love of English Ivy

2009-11-18T14:07:00.005+02:00

The rugged trees are mingling
Their flowery sprays in love;
The ivy climbs the laurel
To clasp the boughs above.
Author: William Cullen Bryant

Hedera helix 'Hibernica', common ivy

I've always loved having Ivy in my garden, there's nothing like Hedera helix to quickly fill an empty spot or cover a fallen-down tree.

FOLKLORE AND FACTS
It is said that Ivy is the goddess who carries life through the winter. Holly was her god. Ivy was in high esteem among the ancients and its leaves formed the poet's crown. It was dedicated to the Roman god Bacchus, the God of Intoxication who is often depicted wearing a wreath of ivy and grapevines. He is also depicted holding a chalice and carrying a wand which was entwined with ivy and vine leaves. Wearing a wreath of ivy leaves around the brow is supposed to prevent intoxication.

Ivy has been regarded as the emblem of fidelity and Greek priests would present a wreath of ivy to newly married persons. Women carried ivy to aid fertility and bring good luck. They also carried it to ensure fidelity and from this came the custom of brides carrying ivy.

The custom of decorating houses and churches with ivy at Christmas is sometimes seen as the Christian Church adopting pagan associations.

"Ivy - Hedera helix" watercolour - Maree©

Ivy is not native in New Zealand and is, therefore, a problem in the same way that Japanese knotweed is in the UK. As a result, it is not permitted to be sold, propagated, distributed or commercially displayed. It is classified as a Regional Surveillance Plant Pest in Auckland. The objective is to prevent its further spread by humans.

Common names
Common English Ivy

Botanical name
Hedera helix

Poisonous parts
Leaves

Poisonous component
didehydrofalcarinol, falcarinol, hederasaponins

This vine is grown both as an indoor and outdoor ornamental and it has caused poisoning in cattle, dogs, sheep, and humans. Symptoms of ingestion are difficulty in breathing, convulsions, vomiting, paralysis and coma.

Dermatitis is rare but can be severe with weeping blisters which respond slowly to treatment. The berries are bitter so it's unlikely children will consume them in large quantities.

Hedera helix originates from Europe and in it's native habitat it is an important food source for a large number of insects and birds. English ivy is very popular as ornamental plant but this ivy is extremely invasive and is considered noxious in parts of the world where it has escaped into the wild. Ivy can become so dense as to exclude other native species creating ivy "deserts", even becoming so heavy as to topple trees - something which does not occur in its native habitat.

Summer! Home-made Iced Teas!

2009-11-11T09:48:00.005+02:00

Forget Lipton's in the tin - how about making your own iced tea this summer? There is nothing more refreshing than a glass of ice cold tea prepared the old-fashioned way.

First of all, here's the BASIC RECIPE for iced tea :

- Brew your tea in the teacup so that it is slightly stronger than what you usually drink.
- Add sugar or honey if you prefer a sweet tea.
- Pour the tea into the glass of ice and stir it with a spoon until it is chilled.
- Add more ice if the cubes melt completely.
- Add a slice of lemon or sprig of mint to the glass.

APPLE & HONEY ICED TEA
Ingredients:
• 3 cups water, boiling
• 4 tea bags
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 cups apple juice
Preparation:
Steep tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes. Strain out tea bags, and stir in honey and juice. Mix until honey is dissolved. Chill and serve over ice.
Serves 6-8

Iced tea with lemon

BOSTON ICED TEA
Ingredients:
• 4 quarts water
• 1 cup sugar
• 15 tea bags
• 12 oz frozen cranberry juice concentrate
Preparation:
Heat water to boiling, and add sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add tea bags, remove from heat and let steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove tea bags, and add cranberry juice concentrate.
Stir until melted and mixed, then allow to cool to room temperate before refrigerating. Serve over ice.
Serves 14

And just to add a bit of spice to life, here's a

COGNAC ICED TEA
Ingredients:
• 4 oz cold tea
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• 1 tsp sugar syrup (see below for recipe)
• 1 1/2 oz cognac
Preparation:
Mix ingredients and serve over ice, with a lemon slice.

And for those Latté lovers amongst us.... !

ICED CAFFE LATTÉ
Ingredients:
• 2 1/4 cups coffee, cold
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups crushed ice
Preparation:
Blend all ingredients until frothy. Serve over ice.

Lipton Iced Tea from the liquid kitchen mini book of Lipton

What you'll need:

(Makes 1.5 L or approximately 8 drinks)
4 bags of Lipton Quality Black Tea
1 tablespoon vanilla essence
4 tablespoons sugar
1 lime, juice
2L boiling hot water

What to do:
1. Add dry ingredients to jug.
2. Poor in hot water and allow ingredients to infuse for five to ten minutes. Stir occasionally to help dissolve sugar.
3. Remove tea bags and lime wheels before chilling.
4. Before serving add ice and garnish with fresh lemon wheels.

And for something really special -

ICED TEA LATTÉ
What you'll need:

(Serves 1)
3 quality Tea bags
6 ice cubes
Fresh boiling water
100ml cold milk
2 teaspoons raw sugar
Cinnamon sugar

What to do:
1. Place tea bags in a heatproof measuring jug and pour
in fresh boiling water to measure 75mL. Allow to infuse
for 2 minutes. Remove tea bags.
2. Add sugar. Sit until sugar is dissolved.
3. Add ice cubes and the milk. Strain tea into a glass and
sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
4. ENJOY!

Hint: Leave ice cubes in the tea for a really icy drink.

Earthworm interests...

2009-11-09T16:06:00.003+02:00

Collectively earthworms build the soil This makes them essential to all soil types used by man and animals. Very simply—no earthworms, no living environment. In nature, they will be found wherever there is decaying organic matter and uncontaminated soil.

How can we ensure that these valuable invertebrates continue to flourish?

* Providing conditions in which they will do well.
* Constantly feed our soils with humus
* Practice mulching with organic materials which will break down and enrich the soil.
* Create our own natural fertilisers by starting to practice vermiculture :

○ Set up own wormeries
○ Practice trenching with worms and vermicompost
○ Stop digging over the beds—rather add compost or mulch
○ Make use of organic waste rather than sending it to landfills
○ Join organisation like the EIGSA, to learn and to teach vermiculture

Did you know that there is an Earthworm Interest group in South Africa?

EIGSA was founded in November 2004 by Carmen Nottingham, Ken Reid and Allison Barkhuizen. EIGSA’s aims are to promote interest, knowledge and research on earthworms both in South Africa and worldwide. It is a volunteer organization, and membership is free.

Vintages - A Perfectly Mis-matched Life

2009-11-02T13:04:00.010+02:00

My mis-matched cups and side-plates

After spending half my life being utterly miserable, worrying about chipping or breaking my perfectly matched dinner service sets and cups and saucers, and not being able to replace a broken item and then the WHOLE set is spoiled, I now live a perfectly happy mis-matched life.

Three unmarked cups and saucers I found in the Vintage shop

It all started with three of the most beautiful cups and saucers I had ever seen, from a vintage crockery shop, and I just had to have them. Each one was different, yet they somehow went perfectly together. After that, every time I saw a beautiful vintage cup and saucer, a dinner or side plate, I would buy it, and so built up a beautiful, totally mis-matched set of crockery, which I enjoy using tremendously.

My mish-mash set of mis-matched cutlery

The same goes for cutlery - as long as it is vintage, has a bone handle or some silver in it, it goes into the pool of daily living.

Mis-matched dinner plates - some Woods Ware, some Blue Willow

I've had some weird looks and comments at dinner parties, but also some wonderful compliments, but it makes me happy - I'm no longer miserable about breaking or chipping anything - a broken cup simply gets replaced with anther beautiful cup, fitting snugly into an odd saucer.

Cup and saucer with lovely Violets - Bone China Made in England

Looking back at a Woman's Notebook

2009-10-24T12:52:00.009+02:00

"Use your time creatively (not necessarily constructively!)"

Every woman has (or should have!) a notebook where daily matters are recorded, private moments are noted or general thoughts are penned. I have a couple of journals, one for gratitude, one for business, one for gardening, one for dreams. My "Woman's Notebook" is my reality journal, mostly where day-to-day happenings and progress on tasks is recorded, with the odd musing or inspirational thought.

Some pages from my old reality journal "A Woman's Notebook"
(Click on all images to enlarge)

(An entry I made when we moved up to the new smallholding without a garden.)

'I'm dying to slip into an indigenous garden for some time alone - to sit and soak up the tranquility and solitude - to watch the birds and butterflies and tiny ants and other creatures that are out of sight most of the time... (Really miss my Robin...)'

Progress on the building of the house

Progress on the building and garden

Notes and inspirations...

Some progress on the garden - all entries after this were mostly garden-related.

A question I asked myself then in 2004 and answered with a couple of pointers. My progress report added in Sept 2009.
(Click on all images to enlarge)

Bubblewrap Compulsion

2009-10-15T07:07:00.005+02:00

Picture from Japan Trends

I think I have at least one Obsessive Compulsive behaviour trait - I LOVE popping Bubblewrap! I buy it by the meter, cut it up in manageable strips and then pop away for hours. I even carry it to the toilet. There's always some in my handbag in case of a traffic jam or getting stuck in long queues. And when I think it's finished, but that there might just be one more bubble left, I wring the life out of it!

I must say I TRY very hard not to do it in public places, I'm sure it's very annoying to non-participants, and even just holding onto it and not popping gives me some comfort - it's a great stress reliever. I was once told by a gentleman that it's a pity I couldn't claim it from my medical aid!

I thought I was only one of a few people with such manic behaviour, but found out that the internet is full of articles (and games!) regarding bubblewrap. I found THIS SITE where you can go on-line and pop to your heart's content!

Bubble wrap etiquette

• Don't pop someone else's bubble wrap without permission. This could lead to Bad Things Happening to your person.
•
• Don't pop bubble wrap in quiet public places (like libraries) unless you want it confiscated.

• Don't pop bubble wrap in a store if you haven't paid for it. They get cranky when their rolls of bubble wrap are all limp.

• It is always good form to offer to share your bubble wrap.

• Giving your bubble wrap to children is good for Karma points.

• Chicks dig bubble wrap. Always bring it along on a date.

My New Garden - Progress 10 - Sept 2009

2009-10-10T08:56:00.017+02:00

"If you're still hanging onto a dead dream of yesterday, laying flowers on its grave by the hour, you cannot be planting the seeds for a new dream to grow today."

- Joyce Chapman

Spring is such a magical time in the garden! When the days are still cool and the nights cold, plants already sense the lengthening of the days and below the soil growth is taking place. A close look at twigs and branches will reveal the thickenings that will become leaves and blossoms. All of a sudden flowers burst forth and trees are clothed in the palest of green leaves.

1st September 2009 - The peach tree blossoms - the green buds are already replacing the lovely pink flowers.

1st September 2009 - The Celtis africana (White Stinkwood) dressed in splendid green buds.

These three Trees of the Year, Acacia galpinii (Monkey Thorn), Halleria lucida (Tree Fuchsia) and Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Round-leaved Teak) can all be planted in Gauteng, depending on the micro-climate of the area where you live. I already have two of them, but won't be getting the Round Leaved Teak, as it grows mostly in KwaZulu-Natal in the south, through Swaziland, Mpumalanga, Limpopo (Northern Province) to the northern parts of North-West Province. It is also indigenous to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia. It grows in open bushveld and on rocky hillsides, often forming a colony. Too much frost for it here in Tarlton.

Acacia galpinii (Monkey thorn)

Halleria lucida (Tree fuchsia) - this is the size they can grow to.

Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Round-leaved Teak)

On the 1st September we had a veld fire rage through our property, ignoring all fire breaks - this is an annual winter occurrence and I thought we were done with that now.

The neighbour's property on the other side of the fence where I think the fire originated.

The veld recovers very quickly - this was taken exactly a week after the fire. Soon it will be standing waist high and have to be cut again. As soon as it has been cut, the Plover (standing in the middle of the pic) will be making her nest again.

10th September 2009 - Looks like our rains are on the way.

Cape Reed Grass - getting huge and covering half the walk-way

My favourite winter spot for sitting in the sun and watching the birds

September 2009 - The Aloes after the winter

Seeds on Aloe ferox (Bitter Aloe)- I've never noticed these before - it's amazing what the viewfinder of the camera can reveal!

Seeds on Aloe ferox

The Cape Reed Grass is taller than ever and seeding very well.

I'll only be doing my next garden up-date at the end of the year.

Having an open mind

2009-10-09T06:44:00.001+02:00

There is a common misconception that taking risks is … well, risky. But the truth is that taking risks is no more risky than playing it safe, or maintaining the status quo. In fact, often by failing to innovate, make changes and move forward in different areas of our lives, we open ourselves up to the possibility of stagnation and falling behind.

And often our perceptions of reality do not match the truth of reality. For example, statistically speaking, you are far less likely to be injured in an airplane than in an automobile, by almost 100 to one. Cars are far more dangerous. Think about it. How many people do you personally know that have been injured or killed in a plane crash? Not in newspaper reports you’ve read, but people you actually know. Now how many people do you know who have been injured or killed in a car accident? Point made. Yet many people feel apprehensive about taking a plane trip, and these same people feel no apprehension whatsoever about a car ride. Their perceptions and fears do not match the reality of the situation. This happens in our lives more than we would care to realize.

Everyone talks about how important having an open mind is. But what they don’t say is how much having an open mind can affect your potential. A lot of opportunities pass us by because we’re stuck in a limited pattern of thinking, or we’re afraid to take a risk.

If there’s no actual real (or perceived) danger, take the risk. The worse that can happen is you’ll look silly. Having an open mind is the first step to reaching your potential, because it gives you the willingness to take risks. We’ll never be the best we can be by playing it safe.

As the saying goes: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always be where you’ve always been.”

Simple Bath Pleasures

2009-10-03T14:09:00.006+02:00

"Solitude is not a luxury - it's a right and a necessity."

When last did you spend time in the bath? No, I don't mean bathing to clean yourself - I mean spending time in the bath with flower petals, floating candles (because who can wash while candles are floating around?), candles on the side of the bath and soaking in a luxurious bath crème or bath salts. Even just listening to some soothing music or reading a couple of chapters of a good book.

Spending time by and with ourselves is essential for a healthy mind and outlook on life. It brings things into perspective and allows us to connect with our inner strength that get's scattered by everyday life pressures.

Whenever I use an exquisite flower... whether it's roses, lavender or violas, I simply toss the entire contents into my bath and sit back to watch the gossamer petals float by.

Then I have another question: when last did you look at your bathroom - really look to see what you're surrounding yourself with? Has your bathroom become a sterile room of necessities? Towels (maybe a bit old and frayed because the good linen is for visitors), facecloths and toothbrushes?

Making your bathroom a pleasurable place to visit takes just a little bit of imagination and not much effort. Buy beautiful soaps in stead of the everyday bars. A small vase with some fresh flowers, candles and a beautiful bottle of perfume displayed on the wash basin or vanity goes a long way towards perking yourself up after washing your hands and splashing on some cool cologne. Display your best towels in a basket and have some luxurious scatter pillows nestling in a corner. Hand and body lotions can also be displayed within easy reach.

Hang out your best nightgown, ready to use as you step out of your luxury bathing session, wrapping yourself in soft white toweling or silky satin if you're getting ready for an evening of romance!

Spotless white towels and linens and some white roses make this small bath a pleasure to walk into.

Along the Herbal Path

2009-09-26T09:48:00.002+02:00

I've always found herb-strewn stone paths and terraces incredibly appealing. Herbs tucked amid the stones seem to give a path, no matter how new, a sense of history and romance. There are several plants that thrive in these restricted spaces, ignoring the trauma of being trod upon, and when the Slasto path was being laid, I asked the gardener to leave s space here and there where I could tuck in some creeping thyme.

I bought several different varieties at the local nursery, dug them in the small pockets that had been left, watered them well and waited. Before long, the path had lost its harsh, just-finished look, and tiny purple and white flowers covered the little clumps of thyme that grew here and there, releasing their fresh fragrance whenever anyone walked by. Soon other plants joined the thyme. A few springs of mint escaped from the culinary garden, chamomile seeded itself here and there and even savory, yarrow and fennel popped up between the cracks. I pulled out most of the trespassers, with the exception of the chamomile with its tiny white flowers.

Eventually, the thyme threatened to cover the entire path, so several times a year I must harden my heart and ruthlessly lift great mats of it off the stones and cut them back. For a day or two, the plants look ungainly, but shortly they begin to spread out again, the edges of the patches softening once more. Through it all, the bees continue to buzz joyously among the thyme flowers, relishing this herbal path as much as I do.

How we spend our lives...

2009-09-24T10:39:00.003+02:00

"Life is a joy filled with delightful surprises
My life is a joy filled with love, fun and friendship.
I choose love, joy and freedom, open my heart and allow wonderful things to flow into my life."
A Daily Affirmation

How DO we spend our days? Most of us are so busy working, watching TV, doing the laundry, playing taxi, shopping, visiting and whatever else it is that takes up our day, that we don't realise that, each day that has passed, each month and each year that has passed, designates the way we spend our whole life. And then we wonder where's the happiness? Where's the thrill? Where's the satisfaction?

It's up to us to create the happiness, the thrill, the satisfaction - if we spend our days creating these things, that is how we will spend the rest of our lives.

VINTAGES - A Brush with Silver

2009-09-22T12:37:00.019+02:00

Cutlery for daily use

I'm an avid collector of antique glass and silver accessories and am always on the lookout for anything with a silver handle, tableware, sewing tools, buttonhooks, powder jars, salts, trays, mirrors and brushes, even ink wells and handbags. I have a special weakness for silver cutlery with bone handles, which I use for everyday use. They do require slightly more care than stainless steel which can just be thrown into the kitchen sink, but the little effort is worth the pleasure.

Cutlery close-up

Vintage and antique accessories add a special touch to any room, no matter what your décor. Glass and silver on crisp white linen looks great on a table for a special dinner party or celebration, together with flowers in any vintage or antique vase.

A sketch of Hydrangeas on my dinner table arranged in my vintage Hollands pewter pitcher from the mid-1950's.

Out of my collection - A Fish knife on Cut glass knife rest - Sheffield 1899

Amid the cruets and crystal on a formal table, every proper Victorian hostess would have set out - to the right of each place - a gleaming knife rest: an artful little bar that handily propped up knives to keep the tablecloth spotless. Rendered in such rich materials as cut glass, silver and bone, rests came in a wonderful array of elegant and whimsical shapes. Whether newly minted or antique (now the province of collectors round the world), these charming accessories can still ad a note of festivity to any well-appointed table.

Some of my silver collection displayed on Cut glass knife rests. The knife on the left is a Silver Wedding cake knife - Sheffield 1921, all in daily use.

Dressers or vanity tables are another great place to use and display your silver and glass collection. Today's vanity tables, though less elaborate than those of a century ago, can be just as appealing - especially when enhanced by cosmetic brushes with antique silver handles that not only recall a luxurious era, but also impart a soft glow to the complexion.

At the turn of the century, a vanity table always included an assortment of jars, or cabochons for holding creams and salves, as well as hair, make-up and clothes brushes.

A fan-shaped brush is especially good for applying blush and highlighting cheek-bones. When you hold any of these brushes in your hand, you experience a sense of continuity and permanence - a link to the past.

My guestroom Vanity

Hallmarked Silver and Blue enamel brush set

Silver Hallmarked hand mirror - next to it is an antique Silver chain mail mesh purse (unlined) dating from the Edwardian era c1908. Specially for those evenings when you don't have pockets and don't want to carry a purse! It's just big enough for an ID and a lipstick and a couple of R100 notes.

Close-up of chain mail mesh purse

An old-fashioned Flower Room

2009-09-19T07:38:00.004+02:00

For the pleasure of puttering bouquets, any little alcove with a sink could turn out to be the happiest space in your house.

If you've ever trailed apple blossoms across the carpet as you hunted up the right vase, you might well have envied those grand Victorians who devoted one room exclusively to the arranging of flowers. Here, everything was at hand to shape beautiful bouquets - scissors, moss, pebbles, vases.

I like keeping all my flowering arrangement tools in one place and dedicated a cupboard wat glass doors to this task, so that I can see everything at a glance. Available vases, secateurs, scissors, string, oasis, baskets to put the flowers into while cutting them in the garden, plastic liners, vase flower food, and all the necessary display items like pebbles, marbles, etc.

Today, one might dedicate a pantry, wet bar, half bath, or even a plumbed shed to the same creative purpose. Imagine all your favourite containers lined up on open shelves, and drawers for tools, foam and wire. Efficiency, after all, is the mother of the muse.

Call it your flower nook and paint the walls apple green or sunshine yellow. An old ladder or laundry drying rack makes a great space for hanging dried bouquets of lavender, hydrangeas or rosemary. Then let the snippets fly.

Now, what to put with these tulips? Ivy, Ferns?

What every Guest Room needs

2009-09-16T13:32:00.004+02:00

Treat your weekend and holiday guests to bedside tables equipped with beautiful, thoughtful accessories, like a carafe of water to quench late-night thirsts; a shallow wicker
basket brimming with notepads, pencils, pens, stationery and stamps; and a small vase for flowers - always fragrant, invariably out of season.

Remember to stock your spare room with good books and magazines (biographies, histories, novels, and gardening tomes are always welcomes); a reading lamp with a 40-watt or brighter bulb; an alarm clock with an easy-to-read face and easy-to-set controls; an extra blanket or throw within reach in the middle of the night; plenty of close space, not to mention a dozen empty hangers for guests' clothing.

A perfectly cozy guest room - A mosquito net for peaceful summer sleep, books, cozy scatter cushions, some flowers and a comfortable armchair to while away the hours with an interesting book.

The Garden is a doorway...

2009-09-14T11:33:00.004+02:00

An entry and sketch in my Daily Garden Journal

To me, the garden is a doorway to other worlds; one of them, of course, is the world of birds. The garden is their dinner table, bursting with bugs and worms and succulent berries.

Farm Talk - Blissful Life

2009-09-10T14:21:00.005+02:00

STRAIGHT FROM (Daisy) THE COW'S MOUTH

Life on a farm or smallholding is certainly exciting and out-of-the-ordinary, to say the least. The thrill of having a big tract of land at one's disposal conjures up images of green fields, herds of cows, goats, sheep or whatever and neat, tidy and sturdy fences keeping everybody organised and in their place, sheds for lots of storage and the farm cat lazily strolling around on the look-out for those pesky rodents. The (old) tractor and trailer is loading and moving bales of food and the sprinklers are gently wetting the earth and getting everything to grow, grow, grow into MONEY!

For the lady of the farm, there are images of a rambling, yet comfortable, old farmhouse with chimneys and wrap-around porches, rolling green lawns and a herb garden close to the kitchen. Home-made butter, full cream Jersey milk, home-made bread and fresh garden vegetables are first on the list of things to do.

And of course, there have to be chickens (for Sunday lunch - except we can't slaughter Kentucky, the rooster because he's such a character, or his wife Hendrina, because she's so sweet) and eggs for breakfast, to go with the home-made bread. You might have a couple of pigs (for the bacon - just not Miss Piggy because we reared her with a bottle) and then the kids want some rabbits, because there will be lots of carrots to feed them.

So now the vegetable garden has become a priority (after all the pens for chickens, pigs, rabbits, goats and sheep have been erected). And after all the beds have been properly prepared, fertilised and planted, at great expense, the first seedlings start showing their heads. Your next priority is a scarecrow or SOMETHING to keep away all the birds destroying the seedlings (after you have put up bird feeders all over the garden to attract garden birds!).

The vegetables are ready to be harvested and suddenly you find that EVERYTHING is ready at the same time! You now have 20 bags of cabbages, thousands of carrots (the rabbits can't keep up! even though the original two have now become 11), enough beetroot for several restaurants (a business opportunity?), every shelf and drawer of the refrigerator is packed with tomatoes and you have enough green beans and peas for six months. And family and friends can't understand why they have to pay for "free" vegetables from your own garden.

You also have so much milk and butter and cream now, that you decide this is definitely worth the trouble of selling it. You spend your mornings in the 'bakkie' (LDV) delivering milk (which has to be in an utterly bacteria-free bottle otherwise it goes sour within a couple of hours, so you spent the whole of last night sterilising bottles and getting up early was a nightmare) ... and there's still so much to do when you get back ... The chickens and rabbits have to be fed (and there's a hole in the fence so the rabbits are all in the vegetable garden), the milk from the cows that were milked at dawn has to be de-creamed (for the butter), the butter has to be made and bottles sterilised once again - and some of the neighbours never left their bottles out, so you actually have to rush to town as well to buy a dozen more. And the local market where you established a contact for selling some of your vegetables expects their delivery before 7.30am. You suddenly remember that you also have to be back in time for the truck collecting the pigs you sold because everybody at home suddenly had an aversion to bacon and besides, nobody wanted the job of cleaning the pig sties ... besides, the tractor broke down last week, so the trailer couldn't be loaded with all the muck to be taken away - will have to wait a while now ...

You're sitting on your wrap-around porch, exhausted, having a well-deserved cup of tea, admiring your green fields and neat fences and your heart swells with pride and gratitude - this is ALL YOURS! No matter all the hard work and early mornings - you now have a steady income from the vegetable garden, which has grown to three times its size, and the milk and butter, and the kids are enjoying the new pony enormously. You have learnt what to cut down on (like rabbits, for instance) and everybody has fallen into a comfortable routine, knowing exactly what needs to be done and when.

Your thoughts stray to a new idea - how about a strawberry patch? Surely there's a big market for strawberries - and mushrooms, maybe ...?

"Whatever you put your attention on gets energy from you and grows."

A Daily Journal entry...

2009-09-07T09:01:00.005+02:00

IN MEMORIAM - 1991 - 2009

The practice of mindfulness in life and in insight meditation enables the individual to see into the nature of ones consciousness. As such ones recognises things like impermanence and our attachments.

"Pappa Goose" A sketch in my Daily Journal
(Click on image to read the post)

"Pappa Goose" watercolour on Visual 140gsm - 05/09/09 Maree©

Pappa Goose, an Egyptian Goose, was brought to me to take care of him in 1991 - don't know how old he was - he had one gammy foot as a result of fishing gut being entangled around his leg and severing the tendons and nerves, causing his foot to pull backwards. I was lucky to have the pleasure of his presence in my life for 18 years when, finally yesterday, I had to have him euthanized because his legs were riddled with arthritis and he could hardly stand up anymore. If there is a Goose Heaven, I'm sure that's where he is now.

Using Vintage ware

2009-09-05T22:02:00.003+02:00

Daily Journal entry sketch - 'Some Hydrangeas arranged in my vintage Hollands Pewter water jug

A page from my daily Journal - A friend gave me some Hydrangeas this week and I have this beautiful vintage Hollands Pewter water jug and the Hydrangeas fitted perfectly. Using vintage ware to display cut flowers has always been a favourite of mine. Doesn't matter what décor scheme you have in your house, the odd vintage piece only adds character.

Once the flower arranging mania starts, that's it! I went straight out to buy some more flowers - I wanted to do a loose cottage arrangement - and the price of flowers struck me as horrendous. It reminded me of this quote :

“A country where flowers are priced so as to make them a luxury has yet to learn the first principles of civilization.”
- Chinese Proverbs

Food from Trees: the Waterberry

2009-09-04T10:27:00.007+02:00

(Syzigium cordatum - a.k.a Umdoni)

Our indigenous trees in South Africa are a good source of food; they’re both beautiful, and bountiful.

Wild fruits have an exceptionally high vitamin C content – partly what makes them so acid – and sometimes a high protein, fat, carbohydrate or mineral content.

Global warming and climate change are topics that are repeatedly discussed in the media and amongst concerned citizens of Planet Earth. And so they should be. Yet too few people seem sufficiently motivated to make a lasting and positive impact on these disturbing trends by changing their lifestyles even a smidgen. It doesn’t have to be a drastic, life-altering change. It can be as simple and rewarding, as planting a tree, or two, or three?

Trees benefit the ecosystems of the world by providing habitats for many creatures that play significant roles in maintaining the balance of nature. They fertilise and look after the soils, absorb massive quantities of carbon dioxide, release life-giving oxygen, and absorb the rainfall and slowly release it back into the atmosphere or into ground water supplies.

They provide the magic, medicine and poison that minister to the mind and spirit of man; fuel, timber, shade and shelter and, not least of all, food provide for the physical body which is, perhaps, more important in the minds of many people.

Our indigenous trees are a source of all these things, but let’s take a look at trees as a potential source of nourishment. Over hundreds of years the wild trees in this country have provided sustenance – the difference between hunger and plenty, life and death, for people and their livestock, and for the wild animals which they hunted and on which they fed. Today, with our so-called sophisticated tastes, many of these tree foods are unappealing to the palate.

The Waterberry is also known as Waterbessie (Afrikaans), umdoni (Xhosa, Zulu), montlho (Northern Sotho) and (more technically) Syzigium cordatum. The fruits grow in profusion on these rather splendid trees.

The fruits are surprisingly sweet when ripe ones and sour and tangy before reaching their prime.

Syzigium cordatum – the Waterberry tree – belongs to the family Myrtaceae along with the various guavas, pomegranates and Australian gums. Most people are also familiar with the common Eugenia used as a hedging plant. We’ve all used allspice and cloves in the kitchen. These are the aromatic fruits and flower buds respectively of other members of this same family, and which have great commercial value in Asia.

The Waterberry is an evergreen, water-loving tree occurring fairly widely in South Africa and in a wide range of habitats ranging from forest margins, along water courses, in open bush and rocky outcrops, and from sea level to altitudes of 1 600 metres. It reaches heights of 12 to 18 metres, the larger specimens being found in swamp forests where they have been described as being ‘literally supported on top of quagmires by the tremendous spread of their roots’.

A large 200-year old Waterberry tree at the Waterberry Coffee Shop in Ballito, South Africa. Unfortunately this tree fell over a couple of years ago, crushing half the coffee shop in the process. The theory was that the water-logged ground it was growing in couldn't support its weight any longer.

Waterberries are dense with round or spreading canopies and are often more luxuriant at the coast where the air is more humid, and water tables may be higher.

In fact, it is believed that the presence of these trees in the wild indicates the presence of ground water. The blue-green leaves are thick and leathery, well able to tolerate the gale-force winds in the South-Western Cape and new foliage is bright red which adds to the aesthetic appeal of the tree. In the wild, browsing animals such as the Kudu eat the leaves and there are certainly birds such as the Crowned Hornbill which indirectly benefit by feeding off the hairy caterpillars of moths and butterflies that sometimes infest it occasionally.

In early spring and summer the clusters of sturdy buds at the ends of the branches burst into creamy-white or pink flowers which drop their petals very quickly leaving little puffs of stamens. The flowers have a delicate scent, produce large amounts of nectar and provide a good food source for bees and other insects. In late summer and autumn, the fleshy, deep pink to purple berries ripen, each one with one pip and these provide food for humans and a variety of animals including monkeys, birds, tortoises and mice.

This tree is perhaps one of the most useful in our arboreal anthology:

- It provides nesting sites and habitats for a variety of wild life.

- Its bark provides a reddish-brown or orange dye, is used as an emetic and to treat stomach complaints and diarrhoea.

- Powdered bark is also used as a fish poison. The leaves and roots are used for treating respiratory ailments and tuberculosis.

- The timber is heavy and hard, strong and elastic with a beautiful grain and, after seasoning in water, has been used for beams and rafters, furniture, boat building and fuel.

It is purportedly strongly fire-resistant: perhaps we should be planting more of it as fire-breaks in vulnerable areas.

Source Biophile Magazine Issue 16

The Bliss of life on a Smallholding

2009-09-03T07:40:00.006+02:00

"Flutterby, the Laughing Dove" water colour - Maree©

This Laughing Dove became a pet of mine after I found here as a baby, where the Fiscal Shrike had dropped her on the lawn, obviously intent on spiking her in his pantry for a later-in-the-day-snack. I have often watched, helplessly, as the Fiscal Shrike raids nests and carries off the newly hatched babies.

I named her Flutterby' and she lived with us in the house, only venturing out the door when she saw me going out, happily sitting on my shoulder as I tended to things in the garden. As she slowly gained more confidence, she spent more and more time outside, only coming in to roost at dusk, but eventually she started staying out at night, harassing me for seeds first thing in the morning as I left the house.

A sketch I did of Flutterby contentedly roosting on a rock and watching me digging in my new garden.

We sold that smallholding we were living on and I managed to catch her before we moved, bringing her up to our new property, where I kept her inside for a couple of days before allowing her to go outside. She now happily lives in my new garden and I've watched her and her new husband rear many babies.

Flutterby preening herself before settling down to roost.

The Laughing Doves are regular visitors to my feed tables, but gentle creatures that they are, they always seem to be the last allowed to feed, with the Weavers and Red Bishops leading the pack, making sure nobody gets close until they've had their fill.

I have now resorted to spreading the feeding tables all over the garden, as well as putting some seeds on the ground, out of the way where it's easy for the Laughing Doves to also get something.

The infamous but lovable Fiscal Shrike - watercolour on Bockingford 140gsm - Maree©

Spring Garden Ornaments

2009-09-02T11:08:00.016+02:00

Mirrors and CDs' reflective surfaces attract birds and are fun in the sunlight. Make mobiles and hang from tree limbs!

This year I've decided to add some interesting elements to my garden, and besides little features on the ground, using the trees to display garden ornaments is a great way to add interest to some dark corners.

Night-time brilliance - A metal mobile with glass jewels makes a lovely tinkling sound as it sways in the wind

Painting with glass stain on pieces of glass look very colourful as they sway in the breeze. You can, of course, also make real stained glass mobiles to hang from a tree.

Stained glass and wire mobile hanging from a tree

Broken mirrors can be found in the trash and snatched for use in your garden. Glue with mirror adhesive to fences, garden sheds, and anywhere you want to make a space look larger. Use the pieces in a loose mosaic form and you have a one of a kind piece of art! Here I have glued some broken pieces to a piece of string and they make little pools of light in the shade as the wind blows them to and fro.

Any broken lamps, light fittings and candle holders look great hanging from the trees or standing on old logs.

Old paraffin lamp - I light it when we sit outside on lovely warm summer evenings

Twisters look great at they swirl in the wind, creating flowing light patterns in darker corners

My New Garden - Progress 9 - August 2009

2009-08-31T17:06:00.026+02:00

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

-- Marcel Proust

August has arrived, with all the winds it brings, and hopefully Spring will show her face shortly. We've just had our first spring rains on the 1st August and within a week all the peach trees were dressed in their beautiful pink blossoms, but within 2 weeks, the August winds had all but blown all of them off.

August 2009: The Acacias at the pond are splendidly dressed in their white Winter thorns and provide a safe haven for many a bird trying to get out of the Fiscal Shrike's way, but also serves as her larder, where she spikes many insects on the thorns for later consumption.

The aloes putting on a beautiful show, as usual, throughout the Winter.

Beginning-August : These Butterfly bushes (Buddleia Salvifolia) will shortly be covered in dense white flowers, inviting all the butterflies in the area for a snack and safe egg hosting.

The pond still devoid of any greenery apart from the Eugenia on the left and the Butterfly bush on the right.

The tortoise spent most of the winter hibernating in her home-made nest at the pond.

The Tiger Grass hit by the frost, but luckily it springs back to life with the first rains although it does need to be cut back.

A new little water feature I added next to the pathway

My faithful gardener, Chrissie, who tends to it all

I planted these Black Karees and Celtises about 2 seasons ago in an empty corner next to the pond and they're starting to take shape. Need to start trimming and forming them into shape soon.

More of the Aloes - As with every winter, the Aloes were not a disappointment this year. I've never actually seen them so full of flowers.

Bees flitting around the Aloes caught my attention, and just before taking the close-up of these bees making full use of collecting the available nectar, I missed the Black Sunbird taking his fill. I've been waiting for them to enjoy this luscious smorgasbord.

I placed some logs next to the pathway in various spots.

The Cycad made it through the winter (Cycas transvenosus)

The beautiful Feather grass turns big and bushy every winter

My Secretary birds standing proud under the Black Karees - maybe they need a coat of varnish?

End-August : The Butterfly Bushes in full flower (Buddleia salvifolia) - all the grass around the pond is still yellow and dead

Butterfly bush flowers

The aloes are still lingering in their last glory

The patio desperately needs new varnish! Next on my list...

The area for the new rain garden now in progress. Will be adding compost, rocks, pebbles and water-loving plants.

Keep a Nature Journal

2009-08-31T08:50:00.012+02:00

The front cover of an old Nature Journal - the picture was decoupaged and antique crackled and then varnished.

Whether it is in the form of a note book journal or a blog, keeping a nature journal is a wonderful way to become spiritually centred. We are rewarded for the attention to detail and patience this practice requires with deepened understanding of what it means to be human and alive and a part of Creation.

Birdhouse - A page in my Nature Journal

A little bird to go with the birdhouse

Another little bird flying in to his friend

What you decide to put in your journal is a personal choice. Nature journals can be anything from field notes, which limit themselves to objective descriptions of what the writer has observed, to fully developed poems, stories, or essays in which the landscape is a major character.

A rabbit seen on our smallholding done in my Moleskine notebook

You may want to draw or paint in your journal as well as write in it or to fill its pages with photographs or pressed flowers. Experience the natural world through fresh eyes! Keeping a nature journal is your most powerful ally in crafting the kind of life you want. You build a scaffolding of choices and attitudes, forging affinities, discovering colours and places.

A page from my Nature Journal

You can experience a spirited yet tranquil exploration of the living world by creating your own nature journal. In any season, any weather, and any place, nature journaling compels us to slow down, observe, reflect, and once again embrace our connection to the living mosaic that is our environment.

A page from one of my Nature Journals

"Bird Sketch" - a page from my 'Feint' 6 Quire Journal

Another page from my Journal

Making a note of all the birds, insects and little mammals in your garden is a great way to learn about nature. I have found that, when I come upon an insect or bird I don't know, it leads to some research. You can also sketch or photograph animals you might see in the countryside, the zoo or in game reserves and add these to your journal.

Some pressed leaves in my Journal

Happy journaling!

Winter Wonder

2009-08-28T14:02:00.005+02:00

"Aloe" pencil sketch and watercolour - a page from my Journal - Maree©

I did this sketch of an Aloe in my garden last Friday (Aloe ferox (Bitter Aloe) after I had noticed that the Black Sunbirds were all visiting this one, and the reason was soon apparent - it was fairly dripping with nectar! The flowers always seem to produce the most nectar just as they're getting to the end of their life-span. It's their special gift to nature.

Detail of sketch

This hardy plant with it succulent leaves can survive the harshest conditions. When damaged by man or animal, the plant seals off any wound with a sticky, dark liquid that prevents infestation by virus, fungus or insect. This dark liquid has been successfully used by ancient inhabitants as a traditional remedy for many ailments.

The white inner gel of the leaf has the ability to hold and store moisture through hot, dry conditions and months of drought. Traditionally the local inhabitants use it to soothe burn wounds, cuts and abrasions. Today those same qualities are still the being used in a wide range of moisturizers and rejuvenating creams and gels.

Aloe ferox

The nutrient rich leaf is filled with the goodness of the earth and contains no herbicides or pesticide making it an ideal source of nutrients and helping your body to cope with modern day living in a gentle and natural way.

The bitter aloe is most famous for its medicinal qualities. In parts of South Africa, the bitter yellow juice found just below the skin has been harvested as a renewable resource for two hundred years. The hard, black, resinous product is known as Cape aloes or aloe lump and is used mainly for its laxative properties but is also taken for arthritis.

"Schwedenbitters" which is found in many pharmacies contains bitter aloe. The gel-like flesh from the inside of the leaves is used in cosmetic products and is reported to have wound healing properties. Interestingly Aloe ferox, along with Aloe broomii, is depicted in a rock painting which was painted over 250 years ago.

Flowers & Insects in My Garden

2009-08-24T23:37:00.032+02:00

"Those who labour in the earth are the chosen people of God."
-- Thomas Jefferson

Photographs I've taken in my garden.

(Praying Mantis on the Ivy (Hedera Helix)

The Plumbago (Forget-Me-Not) in full flower

Flower of the Periwinkle

A Blue Pansy

Nasturtium - got dozens of seeds from this lot.

Monkey tail cactus

A cluster of Ladybirds on the garden wall. A weird phenomena - there were thousands of these ladybirds clustered on the patio wall. I should have taken a photograph right at the beginning before they all dispersed again.

Pale lilac Iris

Red Geranium

Erigeron

Blue dragonfly on a rock at the pond

Cottage Rose

My Bromeliad's first flower - it feels like paper to the touch. Sad to say, but these plants that one buys from Woolworths only flower once or last one season and then die.

A bee in one of the Arum Lilies

A Bark spider under the thatch umbrella

The Arum lilies at night

Agapanthus

The Water scorpion in the pond feasting on a dead insect - this was taken while he's under water.

The Water scorpion at the edge of the water - the long tail at the back is actually his breathing tube.

The Water Irises at the pond

Vygie (Lampranthus) of the species of Mesembryanthemacae, a succulent ground cover

This Black Velvet Spider is a resident in my garden and lives in one of the dead logs I placed net to the pathway. She's very slow-moving and happily sits quite still and allows one to stroke her. She is velvety soft to the touch.

Mademoiselle slowly climbed up the tree stump after being stroked and disturbed by me.

Spirea Reevesiana

Sonbesie (Cicadidae a.k.a. Jar fly) 20-40mm - this cicadidae makes the most ear-piercing screech at the peak of the midday heat. This sound is made by 'clicking their hind legs together at a tremendous speed.

A large Shongololo (Millipede) - these are my Hedgehogs' favourite food

A Scarlet Dragonfly at the pond

The Scabiosa in full flower

Scabiosa

Rose "Johannesburg Gold"