Nestled between the Franschhoek and N Wemmershoek mountains lies a gem of a garden so striking, that it manages to shine brightly despite being surrounded by spectacular scenery on all sides.
The La Cotte Farm dates back to 1698 when it was one of the eleven original farms ceded to the Huguenots and over the intervening years has had many owners. By the beginning of the century, when the current owners purchased it had sadly fallen into disrepair. "La Cotte was a wonderfully dilapidated, derelict homestead that had stood empty and unloved for at least 20 years," reminisces landscape and interior designer Dominic Touwen. "It was a perfect time capsule with face brick stoep pillars, Flintstone's fireplaces, Rocky Horror garden walls and a kidney-shaped fibreglass pool.
But underneath this dodgy facade lay a sleeping beauty; a delightfully simple, modest Cape Dutch manor house dating back to the late 18th century, along with its own barns and Langhuis (long house). Better yet, they were all shaded by a grove of ancient gnarled oak trees and overlooked the iconic Franschhoek Valley. So special are the views from the property that old master Hugo Naudé chose to paint the view from the manor house on more than one occasion.
Bu hikaye The Gardener dergisinin May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Gardener dergisinin May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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.