Tuscan Treasure
The Gardener|November 2019
Two years ago Nolan and Lillian Antonie and their young son, Luke, moved into their dream house in Muldersdrift.
Tuscan Treasure
The architectural inspiration of the house was the Tuscan style of the estate, and the Antonies wanted a garden that would marry with this aesthetic. They turned to landscaper Debbie Smit of Foxgloves Landscape Design for help with the project.

1 A penny-farthing bicycle holding pots planted with succulents is a focal point on the patio as you enter the gate. The entrance is surrounded by ‘Margaret Roberts’ lavender, making it cozy and intimate.

2 Space in this garden was relatively tight so the lines of the garden were extended from the house to create geometric patterns for the lawn and beds. By designing this way, Debbie was able to create space, channel views and connect areas.

3 The entertainment area was divided into two different rooms. The larger of the areas connect with the kitchen and indoor dining area. A water feature, for background ambiance, and a builtin braai was incorporated along with a large open space for seating or dining. A wall separates this area from the veggie garden, which is also easily accessible from the kitchen. The floor of this area was paved for ease of use and maintenance, in colors that blend with the walls of the house.

4 A smaller entertainment area, separated from the main entertainment area by Nolan’s family grapes growing over a custom-designed trellis, has a cantilevered, built-in seating area that surrounds a portable braai/fire pit where the family enjoys spending quality time.

This story is from the November 2019 edition of The Gardener.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2019 edition of The Gardener.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GARDENERView All
FIRE AND Feathers!
The Gardener

FIRE AND Feathers!

On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!

time-read
2 mins  |
July/August 2024
GET THE ladies in!
The Gardener

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.

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2024
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
The Gardener

Vegetable Soups and dumplings

Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.

time-read
4 mins  |
July/August 2024
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
The Gardener

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
July/August 2024
Pretty and functional
The Gardener

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
Dried Seedheads & Pods
The Gardener

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
July/August 2024
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
The Gardener

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
July/August 2024
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
The Gardener

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...

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
What makes a garden sustainable?
The Gardener

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”.

time-read
4 mins  |
July/August 2024
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
The Gardener

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
July/August 2024