South Africans are no strangers to overcoming adversity and challenges, with the ability to rise from whatever is thrown their way, often becoming global role models. Just three years ago the nation was on the verge of the Day Zero water crisis, but through rapid interventions were able to change the way our resources were handled and make the most of a dire situation. What … [Read more...]
Eco pools may help save endangered toads
Who would have thought a suburban swimming pool could save lives? William and Lisa Macdonald, of Sun Valley, near Fish Hoek in the Western Cape, may have found a way to help save the endangered western leopard toad (Schlerophrys pantherinus) from extinction in their area. “We settled here eight years ago and found the greenery of the dune belt, nestled at the foot of Table … [Read more...]
Happy days when your rainwater tanks are full
During last summer's drought, the price of rainwater tanks shot up. Business was booming. You could see trucks full of tanks all over the place. Good for a green heart who’s been promoting rainwater harvesting forever. We reached for second hand tanks, reconditioned oil drums – looking for the best value for money. Then a newby arrived on the market. A portable tank, … [Read more...]
Drought adaptation DIY style: steps to save water
January was not for chickens in the Cape – extreme drought and fires saw the gardens shrivel up and die. So sad to witness and feel the distress all round. Once our veggie plants got stressed the diseases followed. Watching your water consumption with Stage 3 water restrictions and growing food without the farmer’s concessions calls for innovation. How to capture each … [Read more...]
Vergelegen shares seeds from ancient yellowwood tree
South Africa celebrated Arbor Week during the first week of September, and Vergelegen Estate in Somerset West continued its tradition of offering visitors free seeds from its ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood. Vergelegen’s arboreal specimen of Podocarpaceae, the country’s national tree, is estimated to be 150-400 years old. Some 500 packets of seeds are sourced from it every … [Read more...]
Say ‘no’ to food waste this festive season
The festive season, with all its glorious food is with us! The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) calls on all residents to be mindful of their food spend this time of year and gives some tips on composting organic waste. 9.04 million tonnes of food waste per year South Africa generates a staggering amount of approximately 9.04 million tonnes of food … [Read more...]
Vertroetel jou plantjies nou
Die reën wat weerhaan verlede week sien kom, is maar swakkerig in die suide en suidwestelike gebiede van die land. Mens kan maar net hoop die bietjie bietjie wat aan die Natalse kus kan uitsak, verhang die krieketbordjies daar. Die huidige toestand in die bolug is na mening, tipies van die onstabiliteit wat met die vermeende klimaatsverandering gepaard gaan. Dit bevestig … [Read more...]
No more barefoot walks in Roundup-riddled Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, in Cape Town is a great place, not just for tourists, but also for the locals, as a place where generational memories are shared. The mountain, the streams have been a perennial witness to centuries of change that took place on the slopes of the great Table Mountain. From the days of the San people to where we are now the mountain has … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 6: Dune Spinach
Dune Spinach is a spreading shrub with dark green, sessile, glistening succulent leaves. Its family name is Aizoaceae (carpetweed family) and name Tetragonia decumbens. The sheen is caused by small, shiny, water-storage cells that cover the surface of the leaf (similar to the ice plant). The small, 4-petalled, yellow flowers are situated in groups of 3-5 in the upper leaf … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 5: Mustard Family
The Mustard Family or Brassicaceae is one of the easiest groups of plants to identify in the wild and all members of this family are edible, though whilst none will poison you, there are those that taste better than others. There are however, one or two suspect agricultural modifications to be mindful of. Easy ID tip: all you need to remember is "4 petals with 6 stamens - 4 … [Read more...]
Green living with style
Environment Response Architecture (ERA Architects) were approached by a client with a very exciting and challenging request. The client wanted a Johannesburg home that has a unique and intriguing look, but most importantly could also function if the Johannesburg municipality should fail completely; a luxury home that offered comfortable living no matter what the … [Read more...]
Wild About Weeds Part 3: Dandelion
Dandelion reminds us of the abundance that life holds. The seed head is symbolic of this - since it was believed that if you make a wish or focus on your dearest dream and then blow the seeds. These little messenger seeds will carry your wishes to the heavens - thereby making your dreams come true. Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) Habitat: Found in a very wide variety … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Part 8: Spring bugs and new plans
Spring is here and the trees are in full bud. It seems a bit early since we haven't really had that much of a winter. And there are big changes afoot here to boot. Firstly, we are moving to a farm of our own near Baardskeerdersbos at the end of September. It's a huge step and we are very excited about the change. I won't talk about how sad we are to leave this lovely place, … [Read more...]
