Nestled in the heart of Durbanville, lies a garden that is a testament to the love and dedication of its owners and the meticulous care provided by the horticultural team.
Avondale's journey began with the original owners Jack and Julie Grieves. Ardent gardeners, they were responsible for planting many of the mature trees that grace the landscape today. In 2000, the property changed hands, and the new owners embarked on a revitalisation project. For the next 22 years the garden underwent a transformation: from a smallholding with stables and grazing for horses, to a landscaped, cultivated garden. For many years it delighted visitors with its colourful beds in an English garden style.
The owners acquired neighbouring properties, expanding the garden and transforming it into a magnificent oasis. As time went on, drier conditions and changing interests in indigenous species worked its magic and today, the focus is wholly on indigenous species and the conservation of the disappearing natural habitat of our country's natural flora and fauna. It is now a haven for many bird species that were displaced by the habitat destruction caused by the many housing developments surrounding Durbanville.
A year ago, Tania Fouche arrived at Avondale and undertook the daunting task of being the next custodian of the garden. Tania believes that a garden, regardless of its size, should always be an integral part of one's home. She views gardening as a form of stress relief and a way to appreciate the intricate beauty of nature. With each labour of love, she witnesses the results of her efforts, further fuelling her desire to invest more time and care into the garden.
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FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.
