A Work of Heart
South African Garden and Home|Garden&Home; November2022
Although some say that to create a garden, you should work with nature, not against it, Nellie van Aardt says she didn't just grow flowers to do so, she had to fight nature...
Nellie van Aardt
A Work of Heart

The challenge of creating and keeping a garden going in the Eastern Cape can be daunting for even the most knowledgeable and determined gardeners. Rocky, shallow and impoverished soil, severe droughts - these are just a couple of the factors that could make one throw up one's hands and just be done with it.

Securing plant cover that is ornamental, edible and at the same time hardy enough to deal with the climactic conditions, let alone the lack of depth of soil for them to root in, can be a struggle. In an area where camel thorn trees, low scrubland and termite mounds stretch out seemingly endlessly, this farm is a green oasis sandwiched in a transition zone between various ecosystems, with a predominant sedimentary rock type consisting of compacted grains of sand and stones from ancient rivers and lakes that have petrified into rock. Not the best earth to be working with.

However, after four generations of a family that has been farming Baviaanskrans since 1859, which had decided a 'pretty' garden was just going to be something that would never happen there, Nellie decided to work hard at creating one. And succeeded.

Her ongoing battle to work against nature to get what she wanted worked, despite all the obstacles nature kept throwing at her, has culminated in a glorious garden with a magical, lush combination of plants and flowers hidden behind a landscape dominated by endemic acacias and aloes. Although it would have been easiest to emulate the landscape, and just go for a variety of succulents that would connect with the bigger picture, Nellie took up the challenge to create a work of heart and soft beauty.

Esta historia es de la edición Garden&Home; November2022 de South African Garden and Home.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición Garden&Home; November2022 de South African Garden and Home.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE SOUTH AFRICAN GARDEN AND HOMEVer todo
Winter Warmer
South African Garden and Home

Winter Warmer

Properly insulated homes are the next frontier for South Africa in a world of higher energy costs and a harsher climate

time-read
3 minutos  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
Carved in MARBLE
South African Garden and Home

Carved in MARBLE

Use marble around your home to create an instantly luxurious feel

time-read
2 minutos  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom
South African Garden and Home

A Lesson From The Animal Kingdom

Not all of us are graceful ballet dancers or stylish fashion followers, but we can still stake a claim to elegance

time-read
2 minutos  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
Nature's Hidden Harvest
South African Garden and Home

Nature's Hidden Harvest

Clutching a bovine bolete deep inside a pine forest, Ryan Enslin discovers nature's bounty as he unearths her hidden gems and edible treasures

time-read
7 minutos  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
PAPER BRIQUETTES
South African Garden and Home

PAPER BRIQUETTES

Fuel your winter fire with these home-made briquettes made from recycled paper that you would otherwise throw away. Each brick burns for up to 1.5 hours

time-read
1 min  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS
South African Garden and Home

WINTER DOS AND DON'TS HOUSEPLANTS

Winter houseplant care is not complicated, but there are a few essential tips to follow to keep your plants alive until spring arrives

time-read
3 minutos  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
In The Garden
South African Garden and Home

In The Garden

July Garden To-dos

time-read
3 minutos  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
ELEGANT AGAVES
South African Garden and Home

ELEGANT AGAVES

Low-maintenance and always looking their best, you can't ask for much more from these showstoppers

time-read
2 minutos  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
MIRROR UPDATE
South African Garden and Home

MIRROR UPDATE

Turn any old or plain rectangular mirror into luxe home decor with this simple and beginner-friendly DIY

time-read
1 min  |
Garden&Home; July 2024
LOFT LUXE
South African Garden and Home

LOFT LUXE

This Cape Town loft remodel, inspired by Balinese living, shows how much of an impact minimalist design can make in small spaces

time-read
4 minutos  |
Garden&Home; July 2024