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Esti du Plessis<br />

Blooming from<br />

the heart<br />

The importance<br />

of wetland<br />

conservation<br />

Win a case of<br />

marvellous<br />

Muscato<br />

Bee- and butterflyfriendly<br />

gardening<br />

Fun, sizzling & saucy<br />

… it’s braai time!<br />

Celebrating Spring<br />

in style!<br />

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD<br />

september 20<strong>24</strong>


contents<br />

GET IT<br />

Editorial++<br />

Phone 013 754 1600<br />

<strong>Lowveld</strong> Media<br />

12 Stinkhout Crescent, Mbombela<br />

Facebook Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong><br />

Instagram Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong><br />

Website getitmagazine.co.za/lowveld/<br />

Editor<br />

Mellissa Bushby<br />

mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za 084 319 2101<br />

Photographer<br />

Belinda Erasmus 082 567 0596<br />

Layout<br />

Wessel Cöhrs 074 801 4477<br />

Subeditors<br />

Wahl Lessing<br />

Ida de Wet<br />

Annica Fourie<br />

May Nel<br />

Sales<br />

Colletha Noppé Rattray<br />

colletha@lowvelder.co.za 082 745 2387<br />

GET IT NATIONAL<br />

National Group Editor and<br />

National Sales<br />

Kym Argo<br />

kyma@caxton.co.za 082 785 9230<br />

Facebook and Instagram:<br />

Get It National Magazines<br />

Distribution<br />

Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> is distributed free of charge.<br />

For a full list of where to find a copy,<br />

phone Monya Burger on 083 555 4992<br />

Published by CTP Limited<br />

Competition rules<br />

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be<br />

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions<br />

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton<br />

employees or their families. Get It Magazine<br />

reserves the right to publish the names of<br />

winners, who will be contacted telephonically<br />

and need to collect their prizes from Get It<br />

<strong>Lowveld</strong> within 10 days or they will be forfeited.<br />

Prizewinners names are published on our<br />

Facebook page monthly.<br />

Why don’t you ...<br />

02 Attend a wine show, walk your dog, or enjoy<br />

a market on the village green<br />

04 Revel in love stories, murder and revenge,<br />

washed down with great wine<br />

WISH LIST<br />

06 Warm days, green shoots, birds and bees.<br />

Everything is blooming!<br />

SOCIALS<br />

08 Music, great food and coffee galore<br />

at the <strong>Lowveld</strong> Coffee Festival<br />

09 An excellent array of wine at the<br />

WineX Mpumalanga Wine Show<br />

people<br />

10 Esti du Plessis is living life<br />

in full bloom<br />

12 The importance of wetland<br />

conservation<br />

BEAUTY<br />

14 Colour me beautiful<br />

FOOD<br />

16 A taste of Italy in Mbombela<br />

20 Light up the fire for a sizzling <strong>Sep</strong>tember<br />

... it’s braai time!<br />

GARDENING<br />

28 Make your Spring garden beeand<br />

butterfly-friendly<br />

Win<br />

32 The snazziest suitcase covers ever.<br />

Case closed!<br />

COVER LOOK<br />

Esti du Plessis.<br />

Photographer: Belinda Erasmus - Belle Grace Photography.<br />

Make-up: Zuandri Jonker - Edge Beauty.<br />

september 20<strong>24</strong><br />

<strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong> Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> 01


A hot date!<br />

Pencil these events into your <strong>Sep</strong>tember diary right now.<br />

1It’s time for the White River Animal<br />

Hospital Annual Dog Walk, held at<br />

The Plantsman Eatery. There are loads of<br />

fun things to do, and best of all, the event<br />

raises funds for the welfare fund that is<br />

used throughout the year to help animals<br />

in need. The event starts at 7:30am and<br />

continues to 2pm. Details: 013 751 3866<br />

Get ready for the unforgettable<br />

5-7experience that is the<br />

Mpumalanga Show. Explore the wonders<br />

of agriculture, wildlife, forestry, mining and<br />

tourism all in one place. Don’t miss Dinosaur<br />

World, life-size animatronic dinosaurs,<br />

including the colossal tyrannosaurus rex<br />

and Austrolotitan. Enjoy live entertainment,<br />

delicious food stalls and so much more.<br />

There is something for everyone, so bring<br />

the whole family for a day filled with fun<br />

and excitement. Details: www.facebook.com/<br />

mpushow<br />

7Get ready for a day of medieval-themed<br />

fun at the unforgettable Spring Frenzy<br />

Picnic, held at Castle Rock, Sabie. Expect<br />

thrilling activities, amazing food and<br />

feasting, and great fun with loved ones in<br />

a unique and festive setting. Tickets will be<br />

sold at the gate, so mark your calendars and<br />

get ready to join the frenzy!<br />

7<br />

Calling all wine lovers! It’s time for the Unwined Local Food<br />

& Wine Show, held at the Mbombela Golf Club. There is a<br />

great line-up of well-known estates, live bands, artinasal treats,<br />

gourmet foods and an amazing vibe. Tickets cost R250 and are<br />

available from tickets@un-wined.co.za. Details: 082 789 4401


It’s almost time for the<br />

14Mpumalanga Marathon!<br />

Tickets start at R650 for South<br />

Africans and the distance is 42.2km.<br />

The starting point is Dayizenza<br />

Plaza and the end point is the<br />

Riverside Mall. Entries are capped at<br />

16 000 and there are plenty of prizes<br />

to be won!<br />

Bring the whole family for a<br />

28wonderful day in Kaapsehoop<br />

at the Spring into Summer Fair.<br />

There will be amazing food stall, crafts<br />

galore, homemade lemonade, boozy<br />

fudge and much more. Be sure to<br />

bring along a basket! The fair starts<br />

at 9am till 2pm on the village green.<br />

Details: 082 883 6192<br />

If you have a date for our diary, email the info at least a month in advance to mellissa@getitlowveld.co.za<br />

5 October<br />

Ignite the passion and put White River on the map at this year’s Water<br />

Fest @ Klipkopjes Dam. There will be something for everyone from<br />

incredible food, amazing products, handmade goods and crafts, a<br />

Makro potjiekos challenge, and much, much more! This is an incredible<br />

opportunity for the White River community to show the world what<br />

it’s made of, so come and join in the celebration! Details: Mantoine on<br />

072 278 4526, info@waterfest.co.za, www.waterfest.co.za


Book club<br />

Love stories and murders and revenge! And a great wine.<br />

Every great love story deserves a great ending. And how, exactly, will Amy Neff’s debut<br />

novel, The Days I Loved You Most, play out? It’s the story of a couple who’ve known and<br />

loved each other for more than sixty years, who gather their three children to tell them of<br />

their plans. One has a severe case of rapidly worsening Parkinson’s, and the other won’t<br />

live without her. They are, they tell the children, in a year’s time going to end their lives<br />

together on their own terms ... this final year is for the family to make new memories. A<br />

keep-the-tissues-handy love story. Bloomsbury Publishing • The school run can be murder.<br />

Things aren’t going well for Beth. Her husband left her. The other school mums judge<br />

her for swearing. Now she’s stuck in A&E on the first day of school. Plus ... her best friend<br />

Charlotte - the only person to ever run an interesting PTA meeting, was hit by a car when<br />

out jogging and died. But was that really an accident? Beth thinks perhaps not ... and with<br />

a newfound purpose and a glass of wine in hand, she sets out to discover what really<br />

happened to Charlotte. Once she’s put the kids to bed, obvs. The Dead Friend Project by<br />

Joanna Wallace ... a dark, funny murder mystery! Viper • A modern day fairytale. Jenny is not<br />

looking forward to her Class of 2007 reunion. Everyone’s done brilliantly ... except her. It’s<br />

as if she didn’t get the memo. As it turns out, she didn’t. But now back at the university for<br />

the dreaded union, she’s given the memo she missed the first time around, and a second<br />

chance. One to rewrite her past and fix her life. But at what price? The Memo by Lauren<br />

Mechling and Rachel Dodes ... funny, quirky, relatable. Little Brown<br />

04 Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> <strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong><br />

Lanner falcons gracefully soar over Fairview. And 50 years after Cyril<br />

Back bottled his first Shiraz under the Fairview label, this new cool<br />

climate Lanner Hill Syrah has been launched as part of the Fairview<br />

Single Vineyard range. Dark red with a bright red rim in the glass, it’s all<br />

wonderfully aromatic ... generous red berries, herbal notes of rosemary,<br />

lavender and hints of cracked black pepper. Serve with cheese, pâté,<br />

charcuterie and freshly baked bread, grilled lamb with herb sauce or<br />

earthy flavoured veggies. R500 from fairviewmarketplace.co.za


Five couples. Two weeks. A luxury,<br />

albeit isolated, resort on an Indian<br />

Ocean Island. It’s the latest reality<br />

TV show - One Perfect Couple. All<br />

the couples have to do is survive<br />

the week. All sun, sea, and flirting.<br />

Until the storm arrives ... cutting<br />

them off from everything. Tension<br />

runs high, water runs low ... and one<br />

person is playing this game for real,<br />

and will stop at nothing to win. Ruth<br />

Ware’s books are always massively<br />

entertaining, and this one doesn’t<br />

disappoint. Simon & Schuster<br />

How well do you really know your<br />

husband? Not very well indeed, in<br />

Martha’s case. All’s lovey dovey, until<br />

her new husband’s mask slips ... and<br />

she’s suspicious that the conferences<br />

he travels the country to attend may<br />

be a cover for something far more<br />

sinister. There’s the string of dead<br />

women she discovers, and the dark<br />

side of the friend she enlists to help<br />

her discover if her lovely husband is, in<br />

fact, a serial killer. Cat and mouse stuff<br />

... Peter Swanson’s A Talent For Murder<br />

is all thrills and twists and chills. Faber<br />

Detective Inspector Helen Grace is<br />

back in M.J. Arlidge’s Forget Me Not.<br />

In this 15th novel to feature DI Grace,<br />

(each one more thrilling than the<br />

last) she’s helping a woman trying<br />

to find her missing daughter, Naomi.<br />

However, with the police force under<br />

fire from all sides as a gang war grips<br />

the city, Helen will have to defy direct<br />

orders to search for the missing girl.<br />

Her secret investigation takes her<br />

down a dark path, one where she<br />

uncovers more people disappearing<br />

from the city streets. Orion<br />

If you’ve read Sarah Pearse’s The<br />

Sanatorium and The Retreat, you’ll<br />

know that with this third novel, The<br />

Wilds, you’re in for a rollercoaster of<br />

suspense. A woman escapes her dark<br />

and scarred childhood to live her life<br />

on the road. But she and her twin<br />

have never lost contact. Until on a trip<br />

in a national park, she disappears. A<br />

detective, visiting the park at the same<br />

time, hears about the disappearance,<br />

and discovers a disturbing map she left<br />

behind. The few strangers at the camp<br />

close ranks against her questions, and<br />

the park’s wild beauty turns sinister. “A<br />

one-sitting read,” says Jeffery Deaver,<br />

and who are we to argue! Sphere<br />

All books available at<br />

Exclusive Books<br />

A man released from jail after eleven<br />

years, served for causing the death<br />

of a young boy in a hit and run. The<br />

boy’s mother. Out for revenge. The<br />

boy’s father, who knows what is wife is<br />

planning, and is determined to save her<br />

from herself, even if it means protecting<br />

the man who killed their son. Jack<br />

Jordan’s Redemption ... a heartbreaking<br />

thriller. Simon and Schuster<br />

Compiled by: Kym Argo<br />

<strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong> Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> 05


Wish list<br />

Warm days, green shoots, everything’s blooming!<br />

Change is great. It presents new opportunities, exciting ventures.<br />

And the De Krans team are no strangers to change. From when they<br />

first launched the Premium White Moscato Perlé in South Africa in<br />

2012 (instant popularity!), to changing the name from Die Krans<br />

to De Krans, they’ve stayed open to new innovations. The latest<br />

... brand-new De Krans Premium Moscato Perlé labels. It’s more<br />

modern, fresh, sophisticated. The wine itself hasn’t changed (thank<br />

heavens) ... great quality, delicious fruit flavours, a slight fizz, and<br />

affordable pricing, these are fabulous everyday wines for weekend<br />

brunch with the girls, a romantic date night, Monday evening just<br />

because ... Monday. For newbies, the De Krans Premium White<br />

Moscato Perlé has delicious fruit flavours of muscat, litchi, apricots<br />

and hints of honey and exotic spice, the Premium Red Moscato<br />

Perlé has 15 per cent Pinotage added to give it the red colour,<br />

which changes the fruit profile considerably to flavours of berries,<br />

litchi, soft prunes and muscat, with strawberries, blackcurrants<br />

and exotic spice on the palate, while the De Krans Premium Rosé<br />

Moscato Perlé dazzles with a beautiful, pink blush colour – a result<br />

of a touch of Pinotage added to the Muscadel and Hanepoot ... this<br />

natural sweet wine is packed with fresh tropical fruit, strawberry<br />

and candy floss flavours, with exotic spice and muscat aromas and<br />

a balanced, fresh acidity. R90 a bottle from your local wine stockist<br />

or from dekrans.co.za. We’ve a case to give away ... pop over to<br />

@getitnationalmagazines on Instagram and follow the prompts.<br />

06 Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> <strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong><br />

Patrick Watson is arguably South Africa’s most innovative and<br />

versatile landscape architect ... with a pioneering approach<br />

the restoration of degraded land and his use of indigenous<br />

species, he’s created hundreds of gardens, from glorious small<br />

private home gardens to quiet spaces for restoration such<br />

as at the Apartheid Museum in Joburg to extensive megasites<br />

like The Lost City at Sun City ... even an entire Indian<br />

Ocean Island! With incredible photographs by Elsa Young and<br />

specially commissioned artwork by Heidi Fourie, the book is<br />

just page after page of extraordinary gardens ... of North Island<br />

in the Seycheles, Nirox Estate in the Cradle of Humankind, the<br />

astonishing Clivia House in Khyber Rock, Peninsula House in<br />

Llandudno. There’s a marvellous biographical sketch where<br />

author Gareth van Niekerk chats to Patrick about this childhood,<br />

career and legacy projects, and about his own garden in<br />

Greenside, as well as a full plant list of seven of the projects<br />

showcased in the book. Veld - The Gardens and Landscapes<br />

of Patrick Watson features 23 of his gardens and landscapes,<br />

and is an amazingly beautiful book ... a tribute to a talent who<br />

has had a profound influence on his profession. Penguin, R650


The Bordallo Pinheiro’s Flora<br />

collection is a joyful celebration of<br />

nature ... vibrant pops of colour with<br />

plant and insect designs to bring<br />

the outdoors into your dining areas.<br />

With handcrafted plates and bowls<br />

and platters and jugs, it’s best to mix<br />

for a riot of colour and texture ... just<br />

marvellous! Look for bowls like this<br />

Flora small yellow bowl (R310). You’ll<br />

find the range on vidabela.co.za<br />

We are obsessed - OBSESSED -<br />

with the Birds and Botanical range<br />

from Hannah Claire Creations. A<br />

riot of nature’s feathered friends<br />

and lush botanicals ... all intricate<br />

patterns and vibrant colors and<br />

luxurious velvet coin purses, vanity<br />

and cosmetic bags, stationery<br />

bags and really eye-catching sling<br />

bags. Quirky, locally made, female<br />

owned (ticking all the right boxes)<br />

there are a dozen or so other<br />

ranges to look at too ... equally<br />

as desirable! Buy online from<br />

hannahclairecreations.com<br />

Compiled by: Kym Argo<br />

<strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong> Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> 07


Lastborn and Lindo Mvubu<br />

Event organisers Coetzee Smit and Wynand le Roux<br />

Celebrating<br />

coffee in style<br />

The <strong>Lowveld</strong> Coffee Festival was a great success, with guests<br />

enjoying interesting workshops, a great vibe, amazing food and,<br />

of course, coffee in abundance!<br />

JP le Grange and Isabelle Bach<br />

Back: Chanelle de Kock, Ann-Marie Rutherford and<br />

Jacques de Kock. Front: Jacques’s brother, Henk<br />

Carin Badenhorst, Robert Snyders and Johan van der Merwe<br />

Ninette Cilliers, Hanlie Lombard and Martin Cilliers<br />

Magdaleen and Hendrik Louw and Nandia van Heerden<br />

behind the counter<br />

08 Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> <strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong>


Tasty tipples<br />

at WineX<br />

From bubbles to delicious reds, a large variety of beautifully<br />

crafted wines were on offer at the WineX Mpumalanga Wine<br />

Show, which was held at the Emnotweni Arena.<br />

Erin van der Vyver and Bea Haumann<br />

Ilana Hattingh, Lianda Wells, Jenny de Klerk and Natasha Kleynhans<br />

Michael and Janice Fridjhon


From a young age, Esti<br />

du Plessis knew she<br />

wanted to work with<br />

people and make a<br />

difference in their lives.<br />

Esti says being a pastor’s daughter<br />

gave her some insight into valuable<br />

life lessons and people skills, which<br />

stood her in good stead for her chosen<br />

profession, occupational therapy. “I love<br />

uplifting people, developing skills and<br />

being a part of someone’s journey in<br />

life,” she smiles, “making occupational<br />

therapy the perfect choice for me. I<br />

graduated from the University of the<br />

Free State in 2005 and didn’t look back.”<br />

Esti’s journey in the <strong>Lowveld</strong> started<br />

in 2006, after she was placed at<br />

Tonga Hospital near Malalane for<br />

her community service year. “That is<br />

where I met my amazing husband,<br />

HJ, and we got married in 2007. I<br />

worked as an occupational therapist at<br />

Flamboyant School in White River for<br />

many years before I started my own<br />

private practice in Malalane. I loved<br />

empowering and nurturing the skills I<br />

recognised in my young clients; it was<br />

so rewarding,” she says.<br />

In 2011, beautiful Leilah was born,<br />

but it wasn’t plain sailing from then<br />

on, as the couple found themselves<br />

struggling with infertility. “We went<br />

through a line of fertility treatments,<br />

and had two miscarriages,” Esti explains.<br />

“And then, in 2014, we received the<br />

best news - we were pregnant again!<br />

With twins! Identical twin boys. We<br />

were so happy, we named them Henk<br />

and Ruben.” Unfortunately, at thirteen<br />

weeks, Esti’s doctor told her he had<br />

concerns about Henk, that he didn’t<br />

seem to be growing as he should.<br />

The couple were referred to a line<br />

of specialists in Pretoria and Cape<br />

Town to try and figure out what the<br />

problem was. “At 27 weeks we got the<br />

devastating news that Henk’s umbilical<br />

cord was no longer functioning<br />

correctly, and he was in great danger<br />

of dying in utero. We only had one<br />

choice; the boys had to be born. Their<br />

best chance was to survive outside<br />

of the womb. We were scared and<br />

10 Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> <strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong><br />

Where<br />

FLOWERS<br />

bloom


Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY. Photographer: BELINDA Erasmus<br />

uncertain of what would happen<br />

next, but we put our trust in the Lord.<br />

Our tiny babies were born, with Henk<br />

weighing only 790g and Ruben 1.1kg.<br />

We braved the long journey in the<br />

NICU with determination and hope,<br />

but also not really knowing what<br />

would happen next.”<br />

Having recently moved from Malalane<br />

to Mbombela, the family didn’t have<br />

a lot of time to settle in and find their<br />

feet. Leilah was only three. “It was a<br />

very stressful and traumatic time for<br />

us as a young family,” Esti remembers.<br />

“Thirteen days after their birth, Henk<br />

was in trouble. He suffered heart<br />

failure and had bleeding on his<br />

brain, his life support was switched<br />

off. It felt like a bad dream, or rather<br />

a nightmare. The only time I got to<br />

hold my precious boy was in his dying<br />

moments, cradled in my neck. I sang to<br />

him, prayed for him and held him. He<br />

was gone. I will cherish those moments<br />

with him for always.”<br />

Esti and HJ didn’t have much time to<br />

grieve or to work through their trauma.<br />

They had to carry on for Ruben, who<br />

was still fighting for his life in the room<br />

next door. They also had to care for<br />

Leilah, who didn’t understand much<br />

of what was going on at that time.<br />

When Ruben was discharged after<br />

65 days in ICU, they tried to get their<br />

lives back together and carry on. “I was<br />

heartbroken and overwhelmed,” says<br />

Esti. “Our faith carried us through.”<br />

As time went on, Esti found she had<br />

an intense urge to pour her heart and<br />

emotions into something tangible<br />

and to create beauty. “God led me to<br />

flowers,” she smiles. “I have always loved<br />

arranging flowers for my home and for<br />

friends. In 2016, I attended a wedding<br />

arrangement course at Zavion Kotze,<br />

which equipped me with so many<br />

skills. I discovered flowers made me so,<br />

so happy.”<br />

Five years down the line, in 2021,<br />

Hartsblom was born. “My flower design<br />

business rooted deeply in my heart,<br />

hence the name ‘Hartsblom’. I could<br />

pour my absolute heartache and grief<br />

into beautiful arrangements, each<br />

one meaning something special to<br />

someone. Flowers create happiness;<br />

they carry emotions, either happy<br />

or sad. I love creating these feelings<br />

in arrangements and being part<br />

of it, especially when it comes to<br />

Leilah, Esti, HJ and Ruben<br />

weddings and special occasions. Each<br />

arrangement is a unique opportunity<br />

to create beauty and memories. I just<br />

love doing that.”<br />

Esti’s love of flowers is evident in the<br />

way she describes her work with them,<br />

the exciting and beautiful colours,<br />

aromas and textures. “Each one is so<br />

unique in its own way,” she smiles, “but<br />

if I have to choose a favourite flower,<br />

it will have to be the peony. This<br />

delicate flower only blooms for a<br />

month or two every year and changes<br />

colour from the time it opens to when<br />

it eventually dies.”<br />

The family is a close-knit one, and they<br />

love spending as much time together<br />

as possible. Esti says she has been<br />

blessed with the most wonderful inlaws.<br />

Life consists mainly of arranging<br />

flowers in her Mbombela studio and<br />

afternoons with the kids, then winding<br />

down with a glass of wine in front of<br />

Birthday celebration with friends<br />

the fireplace.<br />

“My husband is my very best friend in<br />

the world,” she laughs. “We love to go<br />

camping. One of my absolute favourite<br />

things in life is to wake up in nature,<br />

cook on the open fire and laugh with<br />

my family. Given a whole day to do<br />

absolutely anything or go anywhere,<br />

I would choose to stay at home. Our<br />

home is our happy place, our haven.<br />

We have so much fun just relaxing and<br />

being there.”<br />

This year marks the 10th anniversary<br />

of little Henk’s death. Esti faces the<br />

loss of her baby boy with the solace of<br />

knowing that so much has blossomed<br />

in that time. “I do believe there is light<br />

in the darkness,” she smiles. “There is<br />

hope when all seems hopeless and<br />

there is beauty in pain. My favourite<br />

motto is written by Gemma Troy: ‘Her<br />

heart bloomed sunflowers, so she<br />

would always face the light’.”<br />

<strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong> Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> 11


Colour me<br />

beautiful<br />

Just in time for spring, Revlon’s new<br />

Illuminance Gel Serum Blush ... an innovative<br />

blush that goes beyond ordinary makeup.<br />

It provides sheer colour while visibly<br />

plumping your cheeks with a<br />

healthy-looking glow.<br />

Lightweight and hydrating,<br />

it glides on evenly and gives a<br />

dewy, luminous flushed effect and<br />

comes in four happy shades<br />

- Enchanting Mauve,<br />

Striking Rose, Beaming<br />

Coral and Brilliant Berry.<br />

R2<strong>24</strong>.90 from Mopani.<br />

Baby Got Blush ...<br />

Essence is all about<br />

making beauty fun,<br />

and it is with these<br />

versatile liquid blush<br />

shades. Look out for Baby<br />

Got Glow highlighters, too.<br />

R69.90 from Mopani.<br />

All eyes on me!<br />

Give a wink to Revlon’s ColorStay<br />

Xtensionnaire Lengthening<br />

Mascara. Infused with serum and<br />

Pro Vitamin B5, which nourish and<br />

condition, the mascara promises<br />

extension-like length, bold<br />

definition, and intense durability. <strong>24</strong><br />

hours of smudge-proof, flake-proof<br />

gorgeousness! In Blackest Black,<br />

Black Brown and Waterproof Black,<br />

R229.90. Mopani.<br />

Compiled by: Kym Argo<br />

14 Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> <strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong><br />

There’s a straggler. Oh pluck it!<br />

The Precision Brow Tweezer<br />

by RefectoCil is a high-quality,<br />

professional tweezer made from<br />

stainless steel with an ergonomically<br />

perfect shape. The bevelled tip<br />

makes it easy to grip and remove<br />

even very short or fine hairs at the<br />

roots, which not only allows for the<br />

most precise work but also makes<br />

plucking faster and less painful.<br />

R440 from takealot.com<br />

Take inspiration, this month, from the Chanel 20<strong>24</strong><br />

Summer Collection - Jardine Imaginaire. It’s a fantasy<br />

portrayal of nature and an audacious collection in<br />

vibrant colours ... think flowers of summer gardens and<br />

the colourful fluttering wings of butterflies gathering<br />

nectar. All gold and peach, light and berry, sparkling<br />

shades with depth and warmth. Heading up our lust<br />

list is this Le Vernis Reveuse metallic golden green<br />

nail lacquer, but we’re also coveting the blush and<br />

highlighter duo. Very swanky!


<strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong> Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> 15


advertorial<br />

Buonissimo!<br />

Well-known restaurant Doppio Zero has stolen the hearts of discerning <strong>Lowveld</strong>ers with its freshlybaked<br />

artisanal breads and exceptional modern Mediterranean cuisine.<br />

Doppio Zero’s journey began with a<br />

passion for authentic artisanal breads<br />

and baked goods, and a desire to create<br />

a relaxed café experience. Founded<br />

in Greenside, Johannesburg in 2002, the<br />

restaurant was conceived as a bakerycafé<br />

that would serve high-quality<br />

breads, pastries and pizzas. The name<br />

‘Doppio Zero’ itself, meaning ‘double<br />

zero’ in Italian, refers to the finest grade<br />

of flour used in traditional pizzamaking,<br />

symbolising the restaurant’s<br />

commitment to quality and authenticity.<br />

The founders aimed to create a space<br />

where people could enjoy the simple<br />

pleasures of good food made from<br />

the finest ingredients. The initial vision<br />

was to offer not just food, but an entire<br />

experience rooted in the Mediterranean<br />

way of life - emphasising family, friends<br />

and the joy of sharing meals. Over the<br />

years, Doppio Zero has grown from its<br />

humble beginnings into a well-known<br />

brand with multiple locations across<br />

South Africa and beyond. The menu<br />

expanded to include a wide variety of<br />

Mediterranean-inspired dishes, catering<br />

to diverse tastes while maintaining the<br />

core values of quality and authenticity,<br />

with a flair for South African palates.<br />

The dream behind Doppio Zero was<br />

always to create more than just a<br />

restaurant - it was to build a community<br />

hub where people could connect over<br />

delicious food, experience warmth<br />

and hospitality, and feel at home. This<br />

vision has driven the brand’s growth<br />

and continues to inspire its evolution,<br />

staying true to its roots while embracing<br />

innovation and change.<br />

With a network of 28 restaurants, Doppio<br />

has flourished in a region where many<br />

restaurants struggle to sustain long-term<br />

success. Timothy Michael, the operating<br />

partner and general manager of Doppio<br />

Zero in i’langa Mall, explains that this is<br />

due to Doppio’s combination of quality,<br />

Gina Khumalo, Timothy Michael and Alfred Potgieter<br />

authenticity, adaptability and community<br />

focus, which is what helps it stand out<br />

and thrive.<br />

“Our menu, hospitality and what we offer<br />

compared to our fellow restaurateurs<br />

and competitors are what set us apart,”<br />

he smiles widely. “We pride ourselves<br />

on creating memorable experiences<br />

through our friendly service, good<br />

food and by offering our community<br />

something different, whether it be our<br />

freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes and<br />

our speciality gelatos, or our wood-fired<br />

oven and coal grill that we use to prepare<br />

some of the tastiest pizzas and grills<br />

around town.”<br />

Doppio’s recent revamp has been a<br />

huge success, adding even more to the<br />

ambiance of the much-loved eatery. “We<br />

focused our attention on upgrading our<br />

furniture to create more comfort and<br />

an improved atmosphere,” explains Tim.


“We designed booths, some banquette<br />

seating and benches along our outside<br />

seating area, and we lowered our ceiling<br />

to create a warmer feel for our dinner<br />

service. We also added some new and<br />

exciting elements such as our gelato<br />

fridge and coal grill.”<br />

It is this blend of appealing features<br />

paired with incredible food that make<br />

Doppio such a popular choice among<br />

diners. Major drawcards are the<br />

authentic Mediterranean-inspired<br />

dishes, wood-fired pizzas and freshly<br />

made pastas, the coffee options and<br />

freshly made juices. Every dish is<br />

prepared fresh and with care, from<br />

presentation to flavour, ensuring a<br />

memorable dining experience. The<br />

menu is regularly updated, keeping<br />

the dining experience exciting, and the<br />

carefully selected range of wines and<br />

creative cocktails perfectly complement<br />

the menu.<br />

Doppio’s staff are attentive, friendly<br />

and well trained, and provides prompt,<br />

courteous and knowledgeable service.<br />

“We focus on ensuring that every guest<br />

leaves satisfied, enhancing the overall<br />

dining experience, and our diverse menu<br />

caters to all tastes, including vegetarian<br />

and vegan options. The cosy yet stylish<br />

setting makes it perfect for both casual<br />

and special occasions,” Tim says, adding<br />

that whether indoors or on the patio,<br />

the seating arrangements are designed<br />

for comfort and relaxation. There is also<br />

a Doppio loyalty and customer rewards<br />

program that offers promotions and<br />

discounts to encourage regular visits.<br />

If you’re looking for a place where<br />

every meal is crafted with care, where<br />

you can experience the warmth of true<br />

hospitality, and where every visit feels<br />

like coming home, then Doppio Zero is<br />

where you need to be.<br />

“Come for the food, stay for the<br />

experience, and leave with a new<br />

favourite place to dine,” Tim smiles.<br />

“Doppio Zero isn’t just a restaurant; it’s<br />

an experience that blends the best of the<br />

Mediterranean with the heart of South<br />

Africa. Once you step through our doors,<br />

you’ll understand why our guests keep<br />

coming back time and time again.”


Revelling in our<br />

cultural tapestry<br />

Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> caught up with well-known local<br />

dad, businessman and entrepreneur Marius Nel<br />

to pick up a few braai tips and find out what<br />

Heritage Day means in his household.<br />

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY<br />

Get It (GI): Tell us a bit about yourself?<br />

Marius Nel (MN): My name is Marius Nel, and although my roots are in chartered<br />

accountancy, I’ve branched out into a diverse range of ventures. From property<br />

management to co-owning a vibrant restaurant, and even involvement in a<br />

record company, my career is anything but conventional. These pursuits not<br />

only keep me busy, but also reflect the many facets of my personality, as do the<br />

various boards I serve on.<br />

GI: Do you think Heritage Day is important?<br />

MN: Absolutely! Heritage Day is a celebration of South Africa’s incredible cultural<br />

tapestry - a chance for each unique thread to shine brightly while allowing others<br />

to marvel at and participate in the rich traditions that define us.<br />

Marius Nel<br />

20 Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> <strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong>


GI: What does Heritage Day mean to you?<br />

MN: For me, Heritage Day is more<br />

than just a date on the calendar; it’s a<br />

vibrant celebration of who we are and<br />

where we come from. I’m passionate<br />

about preserving our cultural heritage,<br />

and this day gives us the perfect<br />

excuse to dive deep into our traditions.<br />

Yet there’s something profoundly<br />

beautiful about stepping outside our<br />

own culture to embrace and enjoy<br />

the festivities of others. It’s a reminder<br />

that beneath our differences lie shared<br />

experiences and values - only if we<br />

take the time to explore them.<br />

GI: How often do you have a braai?<br />

MN: In a perfect world, where work and<br />

social commitments didn’t exist, we’d<br />

be braaiing every day! But realistically,<br />

we make sure to fire up the grill at least<br />

twice a week, indulging in that smoky<br />

goodness as often as we can.<br />

GI: Do you normally have a braai on<br />

Heritage/Braai Day?<br />

MN: Without a doubt! Heritage Day<br />

wouldn’t be complete without a braai.<br />

We like to get creative, experimenting<br />

with new recipes and techniques to<br />

make the day extra special. And if we<br />

can gather family and friends around<br />

the fire, it becomes a true celebration.<br />

GI: Do you prefer gas, wood or charcoal?<br />

MN: The traditionalist and true purist<br />

in me will always lean towards wood,<br />

particularly the kind you find in the<br />

bushveld - there’s just something<br />

mesmerising and magical about it.<br />

That said, I’ve embraced the art of<br />

Weber (charcoal) braaiing, and when<br />

time is short on a weeknight, I’m not<br />

above firing up the Weber gas braai for<br />

a quick and tasty meal.<br />

Marius Nel with his friend Zirk Spruyt<br />

GI: What is your speciality on the braai?<br />

MN: If you ask my family, they’d<br />

probably tell you that I’m known for my<br />

perfectly cooked fillet and steak. And<br />

then there’s my bread, lovingly baked<br />

in my ‘varkie’ - it’s become something<br />

of a legend in our household.<br />

GI: Favourite spices or spice mix?<br />

MN: I’m a firm believer that sometimes<br />

simplicity is best, so I often stick to just<br />

salt and pepper. But when I’m in the<br />

mood to mix things up, Worcestershire<br />

spice is my go-to, especially for chops.<br />

And I have to mention Rooibaard<br />

sauces and spices - they add a little<br />

something extra that really elevates<br />

the dish.<br />

GI: In your opinion, what are the most<br />

crucial accompaniments to a braai?<br />

MN: It’s all about the atmosphere.<br />

You could have the finest prime cuts<br />

of meat and the most delicious side<br />

dishes, but without good music and<br />

great company, it just doesn’t feel the<br />

same. A braai without homemade<br />

potato salad and braaibroodjies can<br />

very easily be termed half a braai ...<br />

I still remember my very first braai like<br />

it was yesterday. I was in Grade Two,<br />

and a friend and I pooled our measly<br />

pocket money to buy a packet of<br />

boerewors from the local butcher. We<br />

snuck behind their garage to braai<br />

it on a makeshift grid balanced on<br />

stones, and let me tell you, that was the<br />

best-tasting wors I’ve ever had, all the<br />

better because I shared the experience<br />

with my best friend at the time.<br />

GI: Do you have a favourite braai recipe?<br />

MN: I do have a few tricks up my sleeve,<br />

but I’ll let you in on one: I’m a big fan<br />

of using sous vide to prepare my steak<br />

and fillet before they hit the braai. It’s<br />

practically foolproof - the meat comes<br />

out tender and perfectly medium-rare<br />

every single time. It’s a game changer.


Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY<br />

Braaibroodjies<br />

Ingredients<br />

• 1 panini, sliced lengthwise<br />

• 200g brown mushrooms,<br />

sliced • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 garlic<br />

clove, minced • Salt and pepper<br />

to taste • 1 cup cheese, grated<br />

(e.g. mozzarella or cheddar)<br />

• Fresh thyme<br />

Method<br />

In a pan, heat the olive oil over<br />

medium heat. Add the minced<br />

garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes<br />

until fragrant. Add the sliced<br />

mushrooms, season with salt<br />

and pepper, and cook until the<br />

mushrooms are soft and slightly<br />

browned about 5-7 minutes.<br />

Set aside. Spread the sautéed<br />

mushrooms evenly over the<br />

cut sides of the panini. Sprinkle<br />

the grated cheese over the<br />

mushrooms. Place the panini<br />

halves on a grill over the fire,<br />

cheese side up. Toast for about<br />

5-7 minutes, or until the cheese<br />

melts and the panini is crispy<br />

and slightly charred. Remove<br />

from the fire, sprinkle with fresh<br />

herbs, and serve hot.<br />

celebrating<br />

flavour!


National Braai Day is more than just a public holiday;<br />

it’s a vibrant celebration of our diverse heritage and<br />

culture, with the braai taking centre stage.<br />

Just about every South African loves nothing more than lighting a fire, cracking<br />

open a beer and relaxing in the great outdoors. You can opt for a gas braai, which<br />

is convenient and easy to use. If space and/or time is limited, this is the way<br />

to go. The wood braai is the most traditional and beloved method. It involves<br />

using wood as fuel, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavour to the food and<br />

the crackling of the fire is what makes this the favourite way to braai. Charcoal<br />

is somewhere between the two, and most <strong>Lowveld</strong>ers use a mix of wood and<br />

charcoal to make a fire.<br />

A braai is about more than just cooking food over a fire; it’s a social event that<br />

brings family and friends together to share stories, laugh and generally have a<br />

good time, whether it’s watching the rugby or keeping an eye on the kids in the<br />

pool on Saturday afternoons.<br />

The braai is also versatile when it comes to what you can cook over the coals.<br />

From fruit (charred pineapple marinated in rum and caramel sugar is to die for),<br />

to vegetables to meat. Char-grilled peppers, courgette and aubergine, chicken<br />

sosaties with mushroom and cherry tomatoes, fish marinated in apricot jam, and<br />

the ubiquitous steak, burgers, boerewors and chops are a few examples, not<br />

to mention everyone’s favourite - potatoes wrapped up in foil and cooked to<br />

perfection in the coals, and of course braaibroodjies.<br />

The amazing thing about the braai culture is that it transcends race, ethnicity and<br />

socio-economic status, making it a unifying force in the <strong>Lowveld</strong> and in South<br />

Africa. It’s a place where people stand shoulder to shoulder; sharing in the joy of<br />

good food and good company in the beautiful place we call home.<br />

Black bean & beetroot burgers<br />

Ingredients<br />

• 1 x 410g can black beans, drained<br />

and rinsed • 1 large beetroot, peeled<br />

and grated • ½ cup breadcrumbs<br />

• ½ cup rolled oats • ½ cup grated<br />

carrots • ¼ cup finely chopped onion<br />

• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 tbsp<br />

chopped fresh cilantro or parsley<br />

• 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp paprika<br />

• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional) • ½ tsp<br />

salt • ¼ tsp black pepper • 1 tbsp soy<br />

sauce • Olive oil for brushing • Burger<br />

rolls and toppings of your choice<br />

Method<br />

In a large bowl, mash the black beans<br />

with a fork or potato masher until<br />

mostly smooth. Add the beetroot,<br />

breadcrumbs, oats, grated carrots,<br />

chopped onion, minced garlic,<br />

chopped cilantro or parsley, cumin,<br />

paprika, salt, black pepper and soy<br />

sauce. Mix until well combined.<br />

Using your hands, form the mixture<br />

into patties. You should get about<br />

6-8 patties, depending on the size.<br />

Brush each patty with a little olive oil<br />

to prevent sticking. Grill the patties<br />

for about 5-7 minutes on each side,<br />

until they are heated through and<br />

have nice grill marks. Serve the quinoa<br />

burgers on burger rolls topped with<br />

toppings of your choice, such as<br />

guacamole, rocket, sun-dried tomato,<br />

red onion or gherkins.


Chargrilled peppers on the fire<br />

Ingredients<br />

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow,<br />

orange, or green) • 2 tbsp olive oil<br />

• 1 tsp sea salt • ½ tsp black pepper<br />

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)<br />

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish<br />

(optional)<br />

Method<br />

Wash and dry the bell peppers. Cut<br />

the peppers in half lengthwise and<br />

remove the seeds and membranes.<br />

Toss the pepper halves in olive oil, sea<br />

salt, and black pepper until evenly<br />

coated. Place the pepper halves on<br />

the braai, skin-side down. Grill for<br />

about 8-10 minutes, or until the<br />

skins are charred and blistered. Turn<br />

the peppers over and grill for an<br />

additional 2-3 minutes until tender.<br />

Once the peppers are grilled, drizzle<br />

them with a little balsamic vinegar<br />

for added flavour. Transfer the chargrilled<br />

peppers to a serving platter<br />

and garnish with fresh basil leaves.<br />

Tips: These can be served as a side dish,<br />

added to salads, or used as toppings<br />

for burgers and sandwiches.<br />

You can also marinate the peppers in<br />

olive oil, garlic and herbs after grilling<br />

for an extra layer of flavour.<br />

Homemade braai spice<br />

Ingredients<br />

• 2 tbsp paprika • 1 tbsp garlic powder<br />

• 1 tbsp onion powder • 1 tbsp dried<br />

oregano • 1 tbsp dried thyme • 1 tbsp<br />

ground coriander • 1 tbsp ground<br />

cumin • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp black pepper<br />

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for<br />

extra heat)<br />

Method<br />

Combine all the ingredients in a small<br />

bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight<br />

container. Use this spice blend to<br />

season your meats, vegetables, or<br />

sprinkle it on your quinoa burgers<br />

and chicken kebabs for an extra burst<br />

of flavour.<br />

Marinated chicken kebabs<br />

Ingredients<br />

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into<br />

cubes • ¼ cup olive oil • ¼ cup soy sauce<br />

• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 2 cloves garlic, minced<br />

• 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme<br />

• ½ tsp black pepper • Wooden or metal skewers<br />

Method<br />

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy<br />

sauce, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme and<br />

black pepper. Add the chicken cubes to the<br />

marinade, making sure they are well coated.<br />

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably<br />

overnight. Preheat your braai to medium-high<br />

heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes<br />

onto the skewers, alternating with veggies of<br />

your choice such as chunks of peppers, onion,<br />

mushrooms or cherry tomatoes. Grill the kebabs<br />

for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until<br />

the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred<br />

on the edges. Serve hot with your favourite sides.<br />

<strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong> Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> 25


advertorial<br />

Revel in a Front-Row Seat to<br />

<strong>Lowveld</strong> living<br />

From the veranda of this unparalleled five-bedroom residence, you can hear the whispers of the nearby<br />

dam while watching a duiker rest under the shade of a fever tree.<br />

Situated on a hectare and adjoined by the<br />

estate’s varied terrain - including open<br />

savannas, wetlands, wooded areas and<br />

dense thickets - this is <strong>Lowveld</strong> Living<br />

at its finest. Set against the backdrop<br />

of the prestigious Brightside Eco and<br />

Aero Estate, renowned for its squash and<br />

tennis court and exceptional lifestyle, this<br />

home captures the essence of elegant,<br />

secure and nature-integrated living.<br />

Here, residents enjoy a serene<br />

environment where children can play<br />

freely and families can explore scenic<br />

trails along the dam with complete<br />

peace of mind. The estate’s emphasis<br />

on safety and community allows for<br />

an unparalleled quality of life, where<br />

the natural beauty of the surroundings<br />

complements a secure and welcoming<br />

atmosphere.<br />

Situated just 12km from Uplands, one<br />

of the <strong>Lowveld</strong>’s top schools, a stone’s<br />

throw from White River Country Estate<br />

and only 40 minutes from the iconic<br />

Kruger National Park, this property offers<br />

the perfect blend of convenience and<br />

natural beauty.<br />

Many Artists, One Masterpiece<br />

At the core of this stunning residence is<br />

the architectural genius of Reiner Förtsch<br />

of Förtsch and Associates Architects.<br />

Commissioned by the homeowners to<br />

design a space that seamlessly blends<br />

security with sophistication, Förtsch<br />

crafted a home that exudes elegance<br />

and charm. The design features sash<br />

windows with protective shutters,<br />

enhancing both safety and style, while<br />

a wrap-around veranda, inspired by<br />

traditional farmhouses, invites the serene<br />

beauty of the outdoors inside. Positioned<br />

to take full advantage of its elevated,<br />

north-facing location, the house offers<br />

sweeping views over the expansive<br />

100-hectare White River Estate, making<br />

it a true reflection of <strong>Lowveld</strong> Living at<br />

its finest.


Complementing Förtsch’s architectural<br />

vision is the artistic legacy of renowned<br />

<strong>Lowveld</strong> ceramists and others. In the<br />

kitchen, a combination of tiles from the<br />

Bosch Studio and other ceramists creates<br />

a harmonious blend of contemporary<br />

artistry. Throughout the rest of the home,<br />

bold and unique floor tiles add a touch<br />

of functional art, each piece meticulously<br />

handcrafted to reflect the rich heritage of<br />

the region’s ceramic tradition. Together<br />

the architecture and the art transform<br />

this residence into a masterpiece of<br />

design and craftsmanship.<br />

A Lifestyle Beyond Compare<br />

Living in Brightside Eco and Aero<br />

Estate extends beyond the walls of this<br />

exquisite home. Inside, you’ll find elegant<br />

living areas perfect for entertaining,<br />

complemented by a well-appointed<br />

kitchen. The residence also boasts three<br />

spacious garages and a beautifully<br />

landscaped garden that enhances the<br />

outdoor living experience. The estate’s<br />

expansive grounds offer a lifestyle rich<br />

in natural beauty and outdoor activities.<br />

Residents can enjoy serene walks along<br />

the estate’s well-maintained trails, take<br />

leisurely strolls around the large dam,<br />

or engage in friendly matches on the<br />

tennis and squash courts. For aviation<br />

enthusiasts, the private 450m grassed<br />

runway provides a unique feature of<br />

allowing easy access for light aircraft.<br />

The home itself spans an impressive<br />

964m² on a 10 000m² stand, featuring<br />

beautifully landscaped gardens with<br />

indigenous trees that attract local birdlife.<br />

The residence includes five spacious<br />

bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, providing<br />

ample space for family and guests.<br />

Eco-friendly features, including a solar<br />

system and efficient grey and black<br />

water management systems, align with<br />

sustainable living practices. Picture yourself<br />

enjoying the large patio, perfect for<br />

entertaining and taking in the breathtaking<br />

views of the surrounding hills.<br />

From Dream Home to Your<br />

<strong>Lowveld</strong> Living<br />

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own<br />

a piece of the <strong>Lowveld</strong>’s magic. For more<br />

information or to schedule a viewing,<br />

please contact Eduan van der Walt at<br />

Century 21 Nelspruit/White River. You can<br />

reach Eduan on 083 652 3095 or via email<br />

at eduan.vanderwalt@century21.co.za.<br />

Experience the allure of this exceptional<br />

home and the tranquil lifestyle it offers.


BEE SPRING<br />

BUTTERFLY-READY<br />

As Winter fades and Spring returns to the<br />

<strong>Lowveld</strong>, it’s time to prepare your garden for a<br />

burst of new life.<br />

<strong>Sep</strong>tember is the perfect opportunity<br />

to cultivate a garden that is not only<br />

visually appealing, but also beneficial<br />

for local wildlife, which includes bees<br />

and butterflies. Additionally, with water<br />

scarcity being a common issue in<br />

many parts of South Africa, embracing<br />

water-wise gardening practices is<br />

essential.<br />

Start by planning your garden layout<br />

and cleaning up the remnants of<br />

winter. Remove dead plants, fallen<br />

leaves and debris to give your garden a<br />

fresh start. This clean-up helps prevent<br />

diseases and pests from overwintering<br />

in your garden. Evaluate your garden<br />

space, considering areas that receive<br />

the most sunlight and those that are<br />

shaded, to decide where to plant<br />

various species.<br />

A thriving garden relies on healthy<br />

soil. Test your soil’s pH levels and<br />

nutrient content to determine if<br />

any amendments are needed. Add<br />

compost or well-rotted manure to<br />

enrich the soil with organic matter,<br />

improving its texture and fertility. If<br />

you have soil that is sandy or clayey,<br />

incorporating organic matter helps<br />

retain moisture and provides essential<br />

nutrients for plant growth.<br />

Sustainability in gardening involves<br />

minimising environmental impact<br />

and promoting biodiversity. Use<br />

organic fertilisers and avoid chemical<br />

pesticides. Compost kitchen scraps<br />

and garden waste to create a nutrientrich<br />

amendment for your soil. Regular<br />

maintenance is key to a flourishing<br />

garden. Prune dead or damaged<br />

branches, deadhead spent flowers<br />

to encourage new blooms, and keep<br />

an eye out for pests and diseases.<br />

Regularly inspect your irrigation system<br />

to ensure it’s functioning efficiently.<br />

Creating a garden that attracts<br />

bees and butterflies is beneficial<br />

for pollination and biodiversity and<br />

always looks beautiful! Also encourage<br />

beneficial insects like ladybugs and<br />

predatory wasps to take up residence<br />

in your garden. These insects control<br />

pests naturally, negating the need<br />

for chemical pesticides (which are<br />

not good for the earth and animals).<br />

Planting herbs such as dill, fennel and<br />

parsley attract these helpful insects.<br />

There is also a large variety of plants<br />

that you can incorporate into your<br />

garden that will entice both.<br />

Water conservation is crucial in South<br />

Africa, where droughts can be a<br />

significant concern. Implementing<br />

water-wise gardening practices<br />

ensures your garden remains lush<br />

and healthy without wasting precious<br />

resources. There are a number of<br />

ways that you can reduce water<br />

consumption while still maintaining a<br />

healthy and lush garden. These include:<br />

Mulching<br />

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as<br />

bark chips or straw, around your plants.<br />

Mulch retains moisture in the soil,<br />

suppresses weeds and regulates soil<br />

temperature.


Drip irrigation<br />

Install a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly<br />

to the roots of your plants. This method reduces water<br />

wastage through evaporation and run-off.<br />

Rainwater harvesting<br />

Collect rainwater in barrels or tanks to use for garden<br />

irrigation. Free of chemicals, rainwater is best for plants.<br />

Drought-tolerant plants<br />

Choose native and drought-resistant plants that can thrive<br />

with minimal water. Succulents, such as crassulas and<br />

agaves, are excellent options.<br />

Preparing your garden for spring involves thoughtful<br />

planning and sustainable practices, but doesn’t need to<br />

be a high-maintenance affair. By focusing on bee- and<br />

butterfly-friendly plants and implementing water-wise<br />

gardening techniques, you can create a vibrant, ecofriendly<br />

garden that both supports sustainability and<br />

conserves water.<br />

Text: MELLISSA BUSHBY<br />

Bee and butterfly-enticing plants<br />

Aloe<br />

Aloes are hardy, drought-resistant plants that<br />

produce nectar-rich flowers, attracting both bees and<br />

butterflies. Varieties like Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii<br />

are particularly effective.<br />

Lavender<br />

Known for its aromatic scent and beautiful purple<br />

flowers, lavender is a magnet for bees and butterflies. It<br />

thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.<br />

Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis)<br />

This fast-growing, evergreen shrub produces vibrant<br />

orange-red flowers that are highly attractive to<br />

sunbirds, bees and butterflies.<br />

Wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus)<br />

Also known as lion’s tail, this plant produces bright<br />

orange flowers that are a favourite among pollinators.<br />

It’s drought-tolerant and easy to grow.<br />

African daisy (Arctotis)<br />

These cheerful, colourful daisies are not only beautiful,<br />

but also resilient and water-wise. They attract a variety<br />

of pollinators, including birds, bees and butterflies.<br />

Plumbago<br />

Adored by birds, butterflies and bees, plumbago is a<br />

magnificent blue indigenous scrambling shrub (there<br />

is also a white variety). It’s drought-resistant and grows<br />

well in full sun or semi-shade.<br />

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Spoil<br />

<strong>Sep</strong>tember<br />

Celebrate the many joys of Spring<br />

with Bruce Jack Bumble Bee Moscato<br />

All enticing<br />

aromas of an<br />

exotic flower<br />

garden, Bruce<br />

Jack Bumble<br />

Bee Moscato<br />

is a light, low<br />

alcohol and truly wonderfully<br />

refreshing sparkling wine ... a<br />

harmonious blend of peaches and<br />

cream, tangy tangerine and sweet<br />

honey, perfectly complemented by a<br />

refreshing acidity. Made from Muscat<br />

d’Alexandrie grapes - also known as<br />

Hanepoot in South Africa - it’s the perfect<br />

drink for an easy going get together. Light,<br />

refreshing, bubbly and fun ... this is a very easy<br />

wine to love. Love the bumble bee too ... this choice<br />

as this Moscato’s namesake highlights Bruce Jack’s<br />

commitment to biodiversity and the essential role of bees<br />

in the ecosystem. Serve this well chilled on its own as a<br />

sundowner ... but it’s also fabulously food-friendly. Try it with<br />

oysters, mussels and grilled fish or spicy Asian cuisine, and it’s a<br />

sensational partner to creamy desserts. For a special treat, whip up<br />

your own cocktail by adding a touch of grenadine, a sprig of fresh thyme<br />

to Bumble Bee and garnish with sliced strawberries. Or opt for a simpler option<br />

with fresh orange juice topped with a slice of orange. You’ll find it at your local<br />

Tops at SPAR, or buy online for R90 a bottle from brucejack.com.<br />

Follow on Instagram and Facebook @brucejackwines<br />

For a proper Spring celebration, you’ll need a<br />

case. Luckily, that’s exactly what we’re giving<br />

a reader this month. For a chance to win,<br />

pop over to @getitnationalmagzines on<br />

Instagram or Facebook, where you’ll<br />

find our Bruce Jack Spoil, and<br />

follow the prompts. Entries<br />

close <strong>Sep</strong>tember 25.<br />

32 Get It <strong>Lowveld</strong> <strong>Sep</strong>tember 20<strong>24</strong>

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