Jhb West - Oct 25
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JOBURG WEST
Sip. Spritz. Smile.
Pretty wines and a
scent-sational fragrance
LINDA VAN DER WALT
Life has a way of
blooming beautifully
GLORIOUS
GARDENING
Sow shades of colour. Serve up
home-grown herbs and edible flowers
straight from your garden to plate.
And grow your own little garden pharmacy.
Graaff-Reinet
Timeless charm at
the gem of the Karoo
SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
OCTOBER 25
contents
what’s on
04 We’ve lined up all the best reasons to step out this month
GET IT
Editorial
Instagram: @getitjoburgwest
Facebook: Get It Joburg West
Website: getitmagazine.co.za/joburg-west
National Group Editor and National Sales
Kym Argo
kyma@caxton.co.za
Facebook and Instagram:
Get It National Magazines
Website: getitmagazine.co.za
Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett
Sub-editor Janine Viljoen
Senior Journalist Rialien Furstenberg
Head of sales
Debbie Pienaar
debbie@caxton.co.za
062-633-7652
Distribution
12 000 copies monthly
Get It Joburg West is distributed
free of charge. For a full list contact
011 955 1130.
Competition rules
The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be
transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions
are not open to the sponsors or Caxton
employees or their families. Get It Magazine
reserves the right to publish the names of
winners, who will be contacted telephonically
and need to collect their prizes from Caxton
Western branch within 10 days or they will be
forfeited. Prizewinners names are published on
our Facebook page monthly.
SOCIALS
10 Inspo served with a side of laughter
12 Boho, bubbles and big hearts
book club
06 New on the shelves ... books to enjoy with a glass of wine
WISH LIST
08 Celebrate Garden Day ... and all things blooming!
People
14 Linda van der Walt is proof that even in challenging seasons,
life has a way of blooming beautifully
16 Damon Johnson has spent four decades turning green dreams into
living art
gardening
17 You don’t need sprawling lawns to create a green sanctuary
20 Here’s how to grow your own little first-aid kit
22 Why settle for plain when your garden can be on the menu?
24 Sow shades of colour
travel
30 Graaff-Reinet - this historical town is worth exploring
23
win
08 Win a case of De Krans Premium Moscato
34 A fragrance masterpiece from Roberto Cavalli
Cover PHOTO
DESIREE HARTSLIEF PHOTOGRAPHY
October 2025 Get It Magazine 03
A hot date!
Music shows, creativity, and experiences you won’t want to miss!
The countdown is on … The
Luxurious Marble Circus is bringing
two days of pure wonder. Think
world-class music, theatre, food,
and fantastical surprises. With local
legends Oskido, DJ Zinhle, Kabza Da
Small, Maphorisa, Mi Casa, and the
Soweto Gospel Choir with Mörda, plus
international stars Laura Zimmerman
and Amy Wiles, the line-up is nothing
short of spectacular. Add trampoline
theatrics, jazzy side stages, foodie
delights, and whimsical wonder,
and you’ve got a weekend dipped in
delight. October 4 and 5 at Ground The
Venue. Various ticket options available.
From R970 per person via howler.co.za
11
Join an interactive makeup
workshop where you’ll
learn how to create a stunning
eye look in just five minutes – and
transform it from simple to full glam.
The morning also includes a short
Essential Oils Seminar, showing how
natural oils can nourish, protect, and
rejuvenate your skin as part of your
beauty routine. 8.30am at Healing
Grace, Krugersdorp North. Limited
tickets available at R500 per person.
Details: Hannelie on 066-242-2134.
17
Get ready for an unforgettable
night with performances by
Nicholis Louw, Gerhard Steyn, and
Liezel Pieters. Food and drinks will be
on sale. 7pm at EnGedi Manor Lodge.
Tickets cost R220 via quicket.co.za
04
25
Explore the world of spiders,
scorpions, insects, and snakes
on a fun 3km creepy crawly walk
with Jonathan Leeming. Nature
Reserve. A family-friendly morning of
discovery, conservation, and respect
for nature’s tiniest creatures. 8am
at Kloofendal Nature Reserve. R80
per person. Details: 079-693-5608,
kloofendalfriends.org.za
30
26
Pack your picnic basket ...
Spoegwolf and Kurt Darren
will take the stage for the Sunset
Music Series. Think soaring melodies,
vibrant rhythms, and a magical
afternoon set against one of Joburg’s
most breathtaking backdrops. Gates
open at 12pm at the Walter Sisulu
National Botanical Garden. Tickets
from R195 per person via Webtickets.
Join Elandré, one of South Africa’s most distinctive Afrikaans pop
voices, for an evening of music that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly
modern. Now, with his latest body of work, Estetika, Elandré brings fans a
romantic throwback to 2000s garage rock and MK nostalgia. Tracks like Lieflik
and Hand aan Hand have already achieved gold status, showcasing his
continued ability to connect with audiences in a fresh and authentic way.
Expect a setlist packed with hits, wrapped in emotion and visual flair, from one
of the most exciting voices in modern Afrikaans pop. 7pm at The Barnyard
Theatre, Silverstar. Tickets cost R250 per person via barnyardtheatre.co.za
04 Get It Magazine October 2025
Enjoy South
Africa’s best *
Africa’s best *
WINNER FRUIT JUICE CATEGORY.*
WINNER FRUIT JUICE CATEGORY.*
SURVEY OF 2,000 PEOPLE BY KANTAR.
SURVEY OF 2,000 PEOPLE BY KANTAR.
discover better every day
Book club
New on the shelves ... books to enjoy with a glass of wine on the side!
Dinner plans were cancelled (and it was promising to be a great dinner). Steve
Cavanagh’s Two Kinds of Stranger is an edge-of-your-seat read, and there was
no chance of putting it down for a dinner date. The story of a woman who has
it all ... dreamy husband, perfect apartment, the ultimate job. She’s an internet
celeb, known for her random acts of kindness. #RAK. But when she’s betrayed, live
on social media, millions of people are watching. She’s already lost everything
... then an apparent chance encounter with a stranger and one of her #RAK
plunges her into a nightmare. Featuring Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn, it’s a nail-biting
thriller. Headline • In Last Chance, Stephen Leather has Spider Shepherd infiltrate
a group of professional killers, known as The Office, who’re carrying out hits for
the Iranian government across the European continent. The targets are wealthy
and privileged, and after a slew of murders in London, MI5 has had enough. The
Office must be destroyed. And obvs Spider - the secret services’ most dangerous
weapon - is the man to do it. Hodder & Stoughton
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
Syrah is one of the most compatible wines to enjoy with food and one of the
most generous wines to enjoy with friends. Launching this month, the 2022 La
Motte Syrah was matured in 300-litre French oak barrels for 15 months ... the
violet red-hued wine has aromas of ripe mulberries, black olive and a subtle hint
of aniseed, while the palate has a fresh and juicy profile with a smooth, mellow
texture, brimming with vibrant cherry fruit. The medium-bodied wine character is
wonderful with rich, flavourful dishes, grilled foods (including grilled vegetables),
game dishes (particularly those incorporating stewed fruit and sweet aromatic
spice components), peppercorn-crusted steaks and barbecued meat in a sticky,
sweet marinade. The wine’s abundant fruit also latches on to the sweetness in
jelly, chutneys and berry sauces. Details: la-motte.com
06 Get It Magazine October 2025
Adore Shari Lapena’s books. In She
Didn’t See It Coming, Bryden and
Sam have it all. Thriving careers. A
smart apartment in a luxury condo.
A cherished daughter. The perfect
life for the perfect couple. Until Sam
receives a call at his office. Bryden –
working from home that day - has
failed to collect their daughter from
daycare. After collecting her, he
races home, where he finds Bryden’s
car in the underground garage, her
laptop open on the table in the
apartment, her cell phone nearby, her
keys in their usual place in the hall.
Everything’s normal ... except Bryden
is nowhere to be seen. It’s as if she just
walked out. But how can she have
disappeared from her own home?
And did she even leave the building
at all? Twists and thrills from start to
finish. Penguin Random House
Also ...
Let The Bad Times Roll by
Alice Slater. When her brother
goes missing, his worried sister
Caroline hosts a dinner, hoping
to gain some insight from
those who knew him best.
There’s just one stranger at the
table, a psychic who claims
to have met the missing man
some time before. Before the
dinner’s over, doubt blooms,
tempers fray and secrets spill.
Hodder & Stoughton • Never
Flinch by Stephen King.
The police receive a letter
from someone threatening
to ‘kill 13 innocents and 1
guilty’. A women’s rights
activist’s events are being
disrupted. Two unrelated
events converge in a chilling
and spectacular conclusion.
Hodder & Stoughton
For these and more brilliant reads,
visit exclusivebooks.co.za
Starting at the end, and ending at the
beginning, Kill Your Darlings is the
story of Wendy and Thom Graves. He’s
become a bit of a disappointment
to her - what with his drinking,
flirting, and knowing too many of the
couple’s deadly secrets. So Wendy
thinks it best she get rid of him. That
way she’ll also bury the secrets that
bind them. Peter Swanson’s mystery
will have you speed reading ... anxious
to find out what the secrets are that
make Wendy so desperate to kill
Thom off. Faber
The Woman in Ward 9 is Laura. One who has no idea why she’s lost her
memory, or why she was found covered in someone else’s blood. And Emma
is a psychologist - the only person Laura will talk to. Emma has six days to help
unlock Laura’s memories - and to find out what she’s hiding! Headline • Nightmare
stuff. A bus driver and ten pupils - ranging from first to sixth grade - are hijacked
and kidnapped, then put into a shipping container buried underground. Not
a great day for driver, Jessa, who’s trying to stay under the radar since she
lied on her job application about her past, or for 12-year-old Sage, exhausted
after looking out for her younger sister all afternoon. The kidnappers promise
everyone will be let out once a ransom has been paid. But it’s dark. It’s cramped.
And it’s getting more and more difficult to breathe. Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W
Ihli ... a massively suspenseful read. Pan Books
October 2025 Get It Magazine 07
Wish list
Celebrate Garden Day ... and all
things blooming!
Floral tablecloth, R379, and porcelain
cup, R149, from H&M at superbalist.com
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
At our garden party we’ll be enjoying
the De Krans Premium Moscato Perlé
range. With delicious fruit flavours of
muscat, litchi, apricots and hints of
honey and exotic spice, as well as the
slight fizz and balanced acidity, the De
Krans Premium White Moscato Perlé
is the perfect light white. The De Krans
Premium Red Moscato Perlé has 15
per cent Pinotage added to give it the
red shade, and changes the fruit profile
considerably to flavours of berries,
litchi, soft prunes and muscat, with
strawberries, blackcurrants and exotic
spice on the palate. And the De Krans
Premium Rosé Moscato Perlé dazzles
with a beautiful, pink blush colour – a
result of a touch of Pinotage added
to the Muscadel and Hanepoot. This
natural sweet wine is packed with fresh
tropical fruit, strawberry and candy floss
flavours, with exotic spice and muscat
aromas and a balanced, fresh acidity.
With the fresh new labels launched last
year, this trio is a delightful choice for
your garden party, date night, brunch
with the girls. So well-priced - R89 from
dekrans.co.za - and you’ll also find
them at your local wine stockist. And if
you fancy winning a case, pop over to
@GetItJoburgWest on Facebook or
Instagram, find the post and follow the
prompts.
08 Get It Magazine October 2025
This sheer floral appliqué dress stunner comes
with a nude slip dress ... it’s the perfect dress for a
Summer wedding, a sundowner cocktail
event, or a garden party. Glorious!
R1449.50 from meandb.shop
October 12 is Garden Day ... the annual movement
for green fingered folk to take a break from the
planting, watering and weeding and instead
celebrate the fruits of their labour with family and
friends. Whether you have a rolling lawn, volunteer
at a community garden or have a few plant boxes
on your balcony, everyone is invited to participate
... throw a lavish lunch, have a picnic on the lawn,
hide in a green corner with a great book. For
fabulous ideas, step-by-step guides for creating
a flower crown, invite templates visit gardenday.
co.za. And share your Garden Day photos on social
media, using #GardenDaySA or send them via
WhatsApp to 074 288 1487.
October 2025 Get It Magazine 09
Jennifer Fourie, Simoné Strydom
Tanya van Dyk, Heidie
Fourie, Marisa Strobos
Hilde Eksteen, Lizz Meiring
Inspo served with a
side of laughter
The much-anticipated women’s morning with Lizz Meiring at the beautiful
Usambara in Muldersdrift was a total treat. Hosted by the wonderful Friends of
Bethany House Trust, it was filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and plenty
of inspiration. Lizz had us in stitches with her one-woman show Een keer ’n
week is genoeg, proving why she’s such a beloved actress and storyteller. Add
to that the delicious eats, fabulous raffle prizes, and the warm spirit of women
coming together for a cause, all in support of the life-changing work The
Bethany House Trust does – and it was a morning to remember.
Ulrika Grobler, Caylan Grobler
Janine Viljoen, Liza Viljoen
10 Get It Magazine October 2025
Paula Grobler, Sarina Goosen, Marieke Pieterse
Margie Botha, Engela Doman, Christa Boelema
Christel Steyn, Marilize Ueckermann
October 2025 Get It Joburg West 11
Cindy Louw, Bonita Louw,
Robyn Louw, Nelene Bester
Kelsey McFarlane, Steph Baker
Ivana Erasmus, Diana Parsons
Boho, bubbles
and big hearts
Coachella, but make it Jozi glam! The 24th Annual Ladies Day Fundraiser
for St Laurence’s Children’s Haven was a festival of fabulous. The women
went all out in true Coachella spirit – hippie headbands, fringe galore,
boho-chic skirts, and frayed denim turning the venue into a runway of
free-spirited style. Add in drinks, a delicious lunch, spoils and surprises, and
of course plenty of laughter … it was the ultimate girls’ day out. Best part?
Every moment of fun helped raise funds for the children of St Laurence’s.
Now that’s heart and style in perfect harmony.
Debbie Morgan, Juliet Morgan
Saskia le Roux, Natalie Homan
12 Get It Magazine October 2025
Toni Wojciechowicz, Natalie Shekleton
Bianca Grealey, Santanna Matthysen
Candace Sutton-Pryce,
Tamlyn Cumings
Hestell Sullivan, Michelle
Wierenga, Kim Hawkridge
Chiara Raitt, Chenoa Stephens
Jacqueline Dee, Monika Britz
October 2025 Get It Magazine 13
Bloom where
you’re planted
Text & main image: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Flower images: DESIREE HARTSLIEF PHOTOGRAPHY.
Flowers. Creativity. And second chances. These are
the things that shape Linda van der Walt’s world.
As a designer, creative consultant, and community
advocate, she’s proof that even in challenging seasons,
life has a way of blooming beautifully.
14 Get It Magazine October 2025
Walking through LVG’s greenhouses
and a sense of calm washes over
you. Rows of roses, orchids, and
greenery stretch out as far as the
eye can see, each plant in a different
stage of life. For Linda van der Walt,
Creative Consultant and New Product
Developer at LVG Plants, it’s a daily
reminder of why she loves what she
does.
“You step inside, and it feels like the
world slows down. It’s like walking
inside a living artwork. I always pause,
breathe it in, and then look closer …
the new buds forming, the colours
shifting, the little signs of growth. It’s
magical.”
A perfect fit
Linda’s story with LVG began more
than a decade ago when she styled
the interiors of their offices. At the
time, she couldn’t have known how
deeply their paths would intertwine.
Years later, during a season when life
felt like it was collapsing, LVG reached
out with an invitation to step in as an
independent creative consultant.
It was, as Linda puts it, “a perfect fit”.
LVG, a proudly family-owned
plant grower now celebrating
an extraordinary four decades in
business, isn’t small by any means.
With greenhouses stretching across
110 000 square metres – we’re talking
about a massive operation … literally
a small city of flowers under glass or
about the size of 22 rugby fields filled
with flowers – right here in the heart
of the West, and with a reputation as a
leading wholesale supplier to all major
retailers, they are a cornerstone of
South Africa’s plant industry.
Yet behind the scale and success, Linda
found something far more precious.
“That’s the balance I love,” she explains.
“We work with some of the biggest
names in retail, but decisions are still
made with passion and quality in mind.
There’s warmth and loyalty in the way
things are run, and that makes even
the big wins feel personal.”
More than just plants
Step closer into LVG’s world, and you’ll
discover more than beauty. From roses,
orchids, and zantedesias to cyclamens,
begonias, poinsettias, and anthuriums,
the greenhouses are alive with colour
and diversity. But for Linda, the plants
are more than products.
“For me, flowering plants are a
necessity and not a luxury. What would
life be without them?” she asks.
Bringing her creative background
into LVG’s fold, Linda began curating
displays and installations that treated
plants as experiences, not just items.
“I wanted people to feel something
when they saw them,” she says. That
vision has taken LVG into new creative
spaces – from large-scale trade shows
to curated installations at Kamers
Makers and Decorex.
The work also inspired Linda to start
her own venture, LND Creative Studio,
where she designs floral backdrops
and installations for retail spaces,
events, funerals and weddings. “It’s
about transforming spaces into
experiences,” she explains, “and using
creativity as a bridge between people.”
Flowers and second chances
Perhaps what makes Linda’s journey
with LVG so powerful is how deeply it
echoes her own story of renewal.
“When I surrendered, when I thought
I was in my winter season, I found the
sun again through flowers,” she reflects.
It’s a lesson that threads through her
work, especially in Together We Bloom,
LVG’s non-profit initiative. Born out of
the difficult post-Covid period, it carries
a simple mission … to use flowers as
vehicles for hope.
“Flowers connect people. They give
you something to nurture, something
to be proud of. Even the act of
receiving a plant can change your day.”
She recalls giving Pretoria FM plants
to hand out at an old-age home in
collaboration with them. “The photos
and stories that came afterwards really
touched me – seeing how their faces
lit up as they held something beautiful
in their hands, something to care for.
Moments like that remind me exactly
why we do this.”
Her hope for the future is to expand
the project’s reach. “More schools,
more hospitals, more communities
touched by flowers. And I’d love to
collaborate with other creatives to
use flowers as tools for education and
healing.”
Seasons of growth
Linda’s life today is a tapestry of
creativity. Alongside her LVG role and
LND Creative Studio, she designs
bold, organic jewellery pieces under
Fabrikate Studio, dreams of publishing
her first poetry collection, and
continues to build bridges between
beauty and meaning.
But she’s also learned to trust the
seasons. “You are allowed to fall. You
are allowed to rise again. And when
you do, you’ll see that life has even
more beauty waiting for you.”
For Linda, the words “bloom where
you’re planted” are deeply personal.
“It means finding growth and beauty
even in the toughest circumstances.
Life isn’t always about perfect
conditions – it’s about learning to
flourish with what you have, where
you are.”
If she had to pick a plant to represent
herself? “Definitely the white Peace
Lily,” she smiles. “Elegant but strong,
it thrives in calm environments and
always finds a way to bounce back.
That’s me.”
From flowers to jewellery, installations
to poetry, Linda’s life is a testament
to creativity, resilience, and hope. She
reminds us that even when life feels
like winter, there’s always a season
waiting to bloom … if we pause,
breathe, and let ourselves grow.
Details: lvgplant.co.za, linvdwalt@gmail.
com or follow @lvgplants, @ together.
we.bloom and lnd_creative_studio on
Facebook and Insta.
Bloom at home
Fave flower? Orchids – every single
one feels unique, and the more you
look, the more detail you discover.
How to keep them happy? Don’t
overwater; once a week is usually more
than enough. Keep them in bright,
indirect light. When they’ve finished
flowering, trim back the stem and be
patient … they’ll surprise you.
Three easy indoor plants for
beginners? Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum),
Snake Plant (Sansevieria) and potted
roses.
Instant mood-lifters? Orchids,
Anthuriums and Zantedeschias
(known as Arum Lilies or Calla Lilies).
One mistake people make when
trying to keep houseplants alive?
Overloving them! Too much water, too
much fussing. Sometimes plants just
need a little space to thrive.
October 2025 Get It Magazine 15
Growing a life in gardens
From bonsais to bold landscapes, Damon Johnson has spent four decades turning
green dreams into living art. And he’s only just getting started.
Text & main image: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Images: SUPPLIED
Damon Johnson’s love story with gardens began when he
was just 13, helping his mum dig, plant and potter around
their backyard. “We’d garden together, go to nurseries and
buy plants.” Then came the gift that changed everything.
A bonsai. “That one bonsai became an obsession …
eventually we had about 300 of them!” It was here
that Damon’s fascination with shaping, nurturing and
experimenting with plants truly began.
Four decades later, his own garden is still his favourite
playground. “It’s forever transforming. Even after many years,
there’s always something new to tweak or improve.”
As owner of Terra Firma Landscapers, Damon Johnson has
scooped up multiple awards for his work – recognition that
reflects both his technical mastery and creative vision. But
he’s not one to sit back and coast. At 52, he’s busy tackling
two master’s degrees, in Landscape Architecture and
Interior Design. “Who would have thought I’d be doing this
at this stage of my life?”
A man of many favourites
Ask Damon to pick a favourite plant and he doesn’t hesitate
to laugh. “All plants love me and I love all plants!” Still, a few
hold a special place: the fiery Bougainvillea, the elegant
Sacred Bamboo (Nandina), the fragrant Yesterday, Today
and Tomorrow, and the breathtaking purple Petrea volubilis
currently in flower. He adores Bromeliads, Wisteria and
Gaura belleza too. His Achilles heel? Orchids. “I think that’s
the one plant that tests me!”
If he had to choose one plant to sum up his personality, it
would be a Dwarf Nandina. “It’s resilient during tough times,
colourful in winter, always adapting through the seasons,
consistent, steadfast, reliable, and it never disappoints.”
Always learning, always dreaming
Damon’s creative fingerprint can be found everywhere
from golf estates to shopping malls, townhouse complexes
and even the gardens of the Union Buildings. He’s also
the man other companies call on for his sharp eye and 3D
design skills.
But he’s never just ticking boxes. “Chelsea Flower Show
is every designer’s dream, sure. But what I’d really love is
to transform CBDs into multi-level gardens, giving city
dwellers green escapes. Designing community spaces for
underdeveloped areas would also be a huge passion of
mine – the positive impact it could have on youth, families
and the elderly is massive.”
A philosophy to live (and design) by
Ask Damon what advice he’d give to someone following
in his footsteps, and he doesn’t miss a beat. “Don’t be
constrained by the rules that exist. Think out of the box. In
fact, think what box? Stay true to your nature, follow your
heart, and pursue your passion with conviction. Regret is far
more painful than failure.”
His own garden, if it could talk, would probably tease him:
“We love you, but there’s no more space for the plants you
keep bringing home or yay, more brothers and sisters to
join the jungle!” And honestly, they wouldn’t be wrong. His
garden is crammed with love, colour and character. For him,
gardens aren’t only about plants. They’re about people.
About creating havens that calm the mind, lift the spirit,
and make us feel at home in our own skin. “Gardens remind
us to slow down. To appreciate growth, patience, and the
beauty that comes with time.”
And if you’re lucky enough to learn from Damon, you’ll
quickly discover that gardening isn’t just about soil and
sunlight. It’s about joy. “Over the years, I’ve grown to
absolutely love this industry. I’ve got an unquenchable
thirst for creating gardens for exceptional clients – from
grannies in retirement villages right through to very highprofile
clients.”
Green at
heart
Ask him what
he does to
relax, and
he’ll laugh
because his
downtime
looks a
lot like his
day job.
Whether he’s
sketching
ideas at 4am
after a dream,
tweaking his
own everevolving
garden, or
enjoying
coffee in the
company of
his Scotties
and family,
his world
always circles
back to
greenery.
Lucky for us, Damon doesn’t keep all that green wisdom to
himself. He’s brimming with clever, practical advice to help
anyone – no matter the size of their space – turn it into a
little oasis of their own.
16 Get It Magazine October 2025
You don’t need sprawling
lawns to create a lush green
sanctuary. Damon’s advice?
Work smart, think creatively,
and always plant with love.
Plants that work
Play with scale. Compact plants minimise
the space they take up, leaving room
for more variety – and more colours and
textures. After all, variety is the spice of life.
Create microclimates. Hardy boundary
plantings act as natural windbreaks and
protection, helping your smaller garden
thrive.
Layer your heights. Think in terms of plant
‘hierarchies’. By mixing different heights, you
give every plant enough light and water
while adding lush, vertical interest.
Match water needs. Group plants with
similar requirements. Damon’s water-wise
favourite? Ornamental grasses (Pennisetum
setaceum ‘Rubrum’) with Aloes (Aloe
marlothii). For moisture lovers, pair tree
ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) with Arum lilies
(Zantedeschia aethiopica).
Think local first. Indigenous and endemic
plants usually perform better, but don’t be
afraid to mix in something unusual. Just
make sure it suits your climate so you’re not
babying it through every season.
Choose with your heart. Planting is
personal. Go for plants that bring you joy –
the ones that feed your soul.
Bring the green inside. Indoor
plants connect your living spaces.
Damon recommends Bamboo palms
(Chamaedorea seifrizii), Love palms
(Chamaedorea elegans), Ficus alii (Ficus
maclellandii), and Dragon plants (Dracaena
fragrans Lemon and Lime or Dracaena
marginata Tricolor).
Pet check. Always double-check that your
indoor or garden plants aren’t toxic to pets.
Fill your life with plants. Beyond the
practical, plants create calm, belonging,
and connection. Surround yourself with
greenery daily – it keeps you grounded.
Think beyond borders. Even small gardens
can host a wide selection. Use ground
covers to creep and trail, perennials and
shrubs for structure, and trees as proud
focal points, not just boundary markers.
Clever tricks for small gardens
Play with height. Use vertical gardens, stacked pots, or low retaining walls
to maximise planting space without eating into your floor area.
Add art. Murals can instantly extend the visual line of your garden, tricking
the eye into thinking the space is bigger.
Disappear the edges. Paint boundary walls in dark green, charcoal, or black
to blur hard lines and create the illusion of depth.
Use mirrors wisely. Placed correctly, they open up a small garden. Just
avoid positioning them where they’ll reflect direct sun, as this can scorch
your plants.
Layer your planting. Mix different sizes to add depth and perspective.
Position larger plants upfront and smaller ones behind to give the
impression of distance.
Create mystery. Hidden nooks or partially obscured pathways spark
curiosity and make your garden feel like it stretches further than it does.
Spend smartly. Choose smaller versions of fast growers and invest in larger
specimens for slow growers. This way, you get impact without blowing the
budget.
Group your plants. Mass plantings make a strong statement. Keep medium
plants in clusters, smaller plants in larger groups, and let your feature
plants or statement trees shine on their own (or in groups of up to three,
depending on the size of your space).
October 2025 Get It Magazine 17
Water features
A water feature doesn’t need to be
big to make an impact. Compact
designs can go vertical rather than
horizontal, saving space while still
giving you the soothing sound of
running water – plus a sculptural
element that doubles as décor.
Using a built retaining wall for your
water spout or letterbox outlet is
another clever trick to save ground
space Just keep in mind: the higher
the spout, the louder the sound of the
falling water.
Here’s a good rule of thumb ... for
every metre in height, allow about
half a metre of splash radius in your
catchment area or sump. If your sump
is small, you’ll need to top it up more
often – but increasing its depth rather
than width can give you more water
storage without eating into valuable
ground space.
Placement matters too. Different
features create different sound levels,
so think carefully before positioning
one. A loud, splashing fountain might
be too much right next to your patio
dining area, but it can be brilliant
at masking street noise or chatty
neighbours.
When it comes to pumps, bigger
is better. Choose one with more
capacity than you need – it won’t work
as hard and will last longer. Adding a
flow-control valve means you can dial
the water pressure (and sound levels)
up or down to suit the mood.
The beauty of water features is their
versatility. From sleek and modern to
rustic and natural, you can customise
them with mosaics, cladding, textures,
or paint finishes to create a real
showpiece. They become instant
conversation starters – and over time,
you’ll treasure not only the tranquillity
they bring but also the life they attract.
Birds, insects, even the odd frog will
make your water feature part of their
world, becoming what Damon fondly
calls your garden’s “natural caretakers”.
What to avoid
Choose non-invasive roots.
As a rule of thumb, stick to
plants with non-invasive
root systems. They’re far
less likely to cause damage
to foundations, paving or
boundary walls.
Match plants to conditions.
Always choose plants that
suit your garden’s natural
conditions: sun or shade,
wind direction, frost, soil
type and water availability.
Half the battle is won before
you’ve even planted if your
selections are suited to the
environment.
Watch your canopies.
Trees with large, spreading
canopies can easily become
a headache if planted too
close to the house or over a boundary wall. They block light from rooms, darken
your interiors and can cause neighbourly disputes.
Think about maintenance. Some plants are high-maintenance, and that’s a
commitment for years to come. Be honest about how much time (and budget)
you want to spend on upkeep before you buy.
Mix textures and colours. Avoid planting beds that look flat and monotonous.
Vary textures and colours to add depth and interest – too much sameness can
make even a lush garden feel dull.
Vary the heights. If everything grows to the same height, plants compete for light
and space and none of them truly shine. Use different heights to give structure
and variety.
Plan for mature size. It’s heartbreaking to chop down a tree that’s taken 20 years
to grow because it’s lifting paving or pushing over a wall. Always consider the fullgrown
size of your plants before you place them.
Plant with purpose. Pick plants that suit the role you want them to play. For
screening, go with evergreens that offer year-round coverage. Deciduous trees
are brilliant for shade in summer and sunlight in winter. This also applies to
entertainment spaces and pools: the wrong tree can leave your boma too cold in
winter or your pool too shaded to warm up in summer.
Details: terrafirma@global.co.za or follow @TerraFirmaLandscapers on Facebook.
18 Get It Magazine October 2025
Contact us on 087 265 9652 or
sales@warriorpaintsruimsig.co.za | Ruimsig Shopping Centre, Doreen Road, Ruimsig, Roodepoort
garden pharmacy
Think your garden is just for show? Think again! From juicy blueberries to
immune-boosting lemons, your backyard can double as a natural medicine cabinet.
Here’s how to grow your own little first-aid kit – all fresh and all homegrown.
Lemons
Growing and tending to a lemon tree teaches patience,
commitment and embodying what it means to reap the fruits
of your labour, and for some it even represents childhood
memories and a sense of nostalgia. This powerful medicine is
loaded with Vitamin C and is rich in potassium with twice as
much Vitamin C as oranges. Lemons support and strengthen
the immune system in fighting off the winter nasties. If your
granny believed in drinking lemon water, either hot or cold,
she was onto something. Freshly squeezed lemon juice
increases the absorption of iron, which further promotes
a resilient immune system. Lemons are a great source of
flavonoids - a powerful antioxidant, which improves blood
circulation and lowers the risk of having a stroke.
Sweet potatoes
This super starch is packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Sweet potatoes are packed with beta carotene, Vitamin A
and other antioxidants responsible for aiding the immune
system and supporting a healthy heart, teeth and eyes.
Sweet potatoes, especially the orange ones, aid the mucous
membranes and ensure a healthy gut. This nutrient-dense,
high fibre root veggie is versatile and can be added to your
diet in both sweet and savoury dishes. Sweet potatoes can
be grown in a variety of soils with some homemade compost,
a good sunny spot, daily watering with adequate draining,
and a little patience. We love sweet potatoes as they are not
only a wonderful medicine but also a delicious and versatile
ingredient with health benefits for the whole family!
Text: LIFE IS A GARDEN. Images: SUPPLIED.
Red bell peppers
Another immune-booster superfood for a go-to
natural remedy, rich in vitamins A, C and K, is red
pepper. These beauties are rich in antioxidant vitamins
A and C and help to prevent cell damage and support
the immune function. Vitamin K promotes proper
blood clotting, strengthens bones, and helps protect
cells from oxidative damage. They are packed with
carotenoids Lycopene and Beta-cryptoxanthin, which
have cancer-fighting properties especially for prostate,
bladder, cervix, pancreas and lung cancer. When
planting red peppers, loosen the soil deeply and mix
in fertiliser, manure or compost thoroughly. They will
start bearing fruit about 11 weeks after planting – not
a long time for such a superfood!
20 Get It Magazine October 2025
Garlic
The cure-all, champion vegetable! Classified as part of the onion genus, garlic
is jam-packed with the good stuff. It has antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal
properties, which help relieve cold and flu symptoms. Garlic is high in nutrients
and vitamins, especially flu-fighting Vitamin C and B6, which assist your body in
recuperating faster and shortening your downtime. Planting garlic is fairly easy -
pop them in the ground about 5cm apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Whether you are nursing a cold or preparing your body to fight one, a couple
cloves in the garden are recommended as part of your first aid kit!
Blueberries
Another champion choice for your natural first aid kit is the powerhouse of
antioxidants - the blueberry. These delicious little morsels are packed with
flavonoids that not only support your immune system but also reduce the
chance of contracting upper respiratory infections - your first line of defence
against colds and flu. Blueberries have a certain flavonoid called quercetin,
usually found in dark blue and red fruits, which has antiviral properties.
Quercetin also helps to prevent inflammation in cells and helps to protect the
upper respiratory tract. You can easily add these little virus-fighting bombs to
a smoothie, or give them to kids as a superfood snack. Avoid paying a pretty
penny for blueberries, and instead, grow your own! They thrive in sunny spots
sheltered from harsh wind, grow in beds or pots, and love rich, well-drained soil.
Details: lifeisagarden.co.za or follow @lifeisagardensa on Facebook and Insta.
More Green Remedies:
Aloe Vera
What it helps with: Sunburn, minor
burns, skin irritation, insect bites.
How to use: Break off a leaf and apply
the gel directly to the skin.
Lavender
What it helps with: Anxiety, insomnia,
headaches, insect bites.
How to use: Crush the flowers and
inhale for calming effects, or make a
soothing tea. Dried lavender under
the pillow can help with sleep.
Chamomile
What it helps with: Stress, digestive
discomfort, skin rashes.
How to use: Brew into a calming tea
or apply cooled chamomile tea bags
to irritated skin.
Mint - Peppermint or Spearmint
What it helps with: Indigestion,
nausea, headaches, congestion.
How to use: Chew fresh leaves for
digestion, make a tea for nausea, or
inhale steam with mint leaves for
blocked sinuses.
Rosemary
What it helps with: Improves
memory, boosts circulation, relieves
muscle pain.
How to use: Steep in hot water for
tea, or use infused oil for a natural
massage remedy.
Lemongrass
What it helps with: Fever, anxiety,
digestive issues.
How to use: Brew fresh stalks into tea
or use the essential oil for relaxation.
Ginger (can grow in pots too)
What it helps with: Nausea, sore
throats, inflammation.
How to use: Fresh slices in hot water
with lemon make a soothing tea.
Thyme
What it helps with: Coughs, sore
throats, antibacterial support.
How to use: Steep in hot water
as a natural throat tea, or use as a
steam inhalation.
October 2025 Get It Magazine 21
eat your garden
Why settle for plain when your garden can be on the menu? Homegrown herbs and
edible flowers add flavour, flair, and freshness straight to your table ...
Grow it yourself
Consider oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, dill, and sage for a sunny spot.
Mints (try spearmint and catnip), coriander, parsley, rocket, chives, fennel, and
lemongrass grow in shadier spaces. Lemon verbena, bay, and curry leaf plants
can all grow very big, but can be trimmed to fit a small area or container. Avoid
sprays or pesticides if you’re going to eat them.
Ideas:
• Fill gaps between stepping-stones with thyme.
• Edge a flowerbed with chives which make a dainty display, especially when the
papery mauve flower heads appear.
• Give white roses a petticoat of lavender bushes.
• Plant up a flowerbed with frilly white dianthus and mounds of
nutmeg geranium.
Bountiful basil watermelon salad
Simply cut watermelon into chunks, then add sliced red onion, a bit of crumbled
feta and a few fresh basil leaves. Make a simple dressing of two tablespoons olive
oil and one tablespoon lemon juice with a pinch of salt. Pour the dressing over
the salad when you are ready to serve.
Breakfast is served
Scrambled eggs enriched with
chive pesto (blend olive oil, parsley,
garlic, chives, Parmesan). Serve with
prosciutto or salmon.
A zingy twist on pesto
Coriander pesto adds bright, herby
flavour to veggies and grains.
You’ll need:
Juice of 1 lime • 2 cloves garlic,
crushed • 50g peanuts • 100g
coriander (leaves + stalks) • 6–8 Tbsp
olive oil
To make:
Soak garlic in lime juice for 20
minutes. Blitz peanuts until finely
chopped. Add coriander, garlic and
lime juice, blend, then drizzle in oil
until it becomes pesto.
Compiled by: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG & LIFE IS A GARDEN. Images: SUPPLIED.
Freeze your herbs for later
Tear or chop hearty herbs (rosemary,
sage, thyme, tarragon, oregano). Pack
into ice cube trays, cover with olive
oil, and freeze. Once frozen, slip into
resealable freezer bags.
Perfect for:
Starting sauces, sautéing veggies,
drizzling pizza, brushing over grilled
meats, or tossing into pasta.
22 Get It Magazine October 2025
Yes, you can eat these flowers
Not every bloom is safe to eat, so always use unsprayed, well-washed flowers.
A few to try:
• Chrysanthemums – tangy, slightly bitter petals for zest.
• Nasturtiums – peppery flavour and bold colour, great in salads.
• Fuchsia – striking shapes and vivid hues, dazzling on desserts.
• Lavender – soft, fragrant blooms for teas, syrups, or bakes.
• Pansies & violas – sweet and delicate, perfect for cakes.
• Rose petals – fragrant and romantic, delicious in cordials or scattered
over desserts.
The ultimate green sauce
Chimichurri
Make it at least 30 minutes in advance
of using. Store in a glass jar in the
fridge for up to one week, but bring it
to room temperature before using.
You’ll need:
1 cup flat-leaf parsley (stems removed)
• 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves • 3
cloves garlic (peeled and roughly
chopped) • 1 small jalapeño pepper
(deseeded and chopped) • 2/3 cup
olive oil • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar • 1
tsp salt • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
To make:
Pulse parsley, oregano, garlic, and
jalapeño in a food processor until
minced. Transfer to a bowl, add oil,
vinegar, salt, and smoked paprika.
Adjust seasoning.
Uses:
Marinade for meat, drizzle for grilled
veggies, dipping sauce for bread, or a
pasta salad dressing.
Cucumber and dill salad
You’ll need:
2 cucumbers (thinly sliced) • ½ red
onion (thinly sliced) • 2 Tbsp fresh dill,
chopped • 2 Tbsp olive oil • 1 Tbsp
apple cider vinegar • Salt and pepper
To make:
Toss cucumbers, onion, and dill in
a bowl. Whisk oil, vinegar, salt and
pepper, then pour over salad just
before serving.
Butter, but make it beautiful
Herbed butter with edible flowers
You’ll need:
½ cup unsalted butter (room temp) • 1
tsp flaky sea salt • ¼ tsp black pepper
• zest of 1 lemon • ½ cup edible
flower petals (geranium, marigold,
nasturtium, pansy, rose) • ¼ cup fresh
herbs (thyme, chives, parsley, tarragon,
dill, chervil) • 1 baguette
To make:
Smear butter on a board or platter.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon
zest. Scatter petals and herb leaves
over the butter. Serve with a sliced
baguette or rustic loaf.
Frozen flower power
Pretty popsicles
You’ll need:
Popsicle moulds and sticks • Juice, sweet tea, or coconut water • Rinsed edible
flowers
To make:
Pour liquid into moulds, add flowers, insert sticks. Freeze for about two hours.
Leave on the counter for two minutes, remove from moulds, and enjoy your
frozen flower power.
October 2025 Get It Magazine 23
Text: ALICE COETZEE
We’re planting ... roses. Because after
all, October is rose month! Here is our
pick of three new deliciously fragrant
roses in shades of lavender, soft pink
and lilac. Lavender Lane is a lush
shrub rose with sumptuous blooms
that exude a sweet, captivating
perfume. The old-fashioned charm
of Fortune Teller combines huge,
quartered blooms with a strong
fragrance and Twice in a Blue Moon
is an updated version of the classic
Blue Moon’ with a perfume that is just
as strong as the original.
Quick tips:
• Plant your rose bush in well-dug,
generously composted soil that drains
well.
• Water deeply once a week, and more
often in the heat of Summer.
• Fertilise once a month with a rose
fertiliser in Spring and Summer.
• Cut off dead flowers to encourage
new buds.
Details: ludwigsroses.co.za
Patio plant of the month
Did you know that hibiscus is one of the most popular commercially grown
plants - along with roses, azaleas, carnations and orchids? Compact pot varieties
are perfect for patios and small gardens. These tropical summer beauties come
in a range of brilliant colours - the firm favourite being the sunny golden-yellow
bloomer with a deep red throat. Their glossy green leaves add to the lush effect,
and as patio plants they like plenty of sun with some afternoon shade. Hibiscus
need regular watering in summer and monthly fertilising, as they are hungry
plants. To keep plants neat and bushy, trim after flowering. Once they have done
duty on the patio or balcony they can be planted out in a sunny position in
fertile soil that drains well. Details: lvgplant.co.za
24 Get It Magazine October 2025
SOW
SHADES
of
COLOUR
Brighten up your garden with
deliciously fragrant roses,
sweet and tangy tomatoes and
gorgeous hibiscus
Vegetable of the month
Don’t just think red when you think tomato. Heirloom Rainbow Mix from
RAW seeds includes purple, green, red, pink, yellow, black, orange and
white varieties of beefsteak tomatoes. All in one seed packet! The flavours
range from mild to sweet to tangy.
Sow a few seeds at a time in seed trays or directly into well dug-over and
composted soil. Space plants 60cm apart and keep soil moist during
germination, which takes seven to 14 days. Water regularly and control
whitefly and other pests with an environmentally friendly insecticide like
Ludwig’s Insect Spray Plus. Stake and support plants, especially those
with large fruit. Let fruit ripen on the plant for maximum flavour and
use as soon as possible after picking because the fruit bruises easily.
Details: rawliving.co.za
Garden tasks for October
• Add colour with Summer bedding
plants like dahlias, gazanias, marigolds,
salvia and for sunny beds and begonias,
impatiens, and coleus for partial shade.
• Annuals that grow quickly and easily
from seed are alyssum, cosmos, lavatera,
portulaca, California poppy, and
nasturtium. They all do best in full sun.
• It is also a good time to plant Summerflowering
perennials like coreopsis,
gaillardia, rudbeckia, gaura, pelargoniums,
penstemon, Echinacea, Shasta daisies and
perennial verbena.
• Water regularly and spread a layer of
mulch over beds to conserve water and
keep the roots cool.
• Mow lawns at least once a week, but if it
is very hot and dry, mow less frequently
and set blades higher.
• The following Summer vegetables can
be sown: carrots, beetroot, green beans,
butternut, baby marrows, cucumber,
eggfruit, radishes, Swiss chard, sweet
peppers and chilli peppers, tomatoes,
pumpkin, sweet corn and sweet melons.
October 2025 Get It Magazine 25
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From 3 years
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At Life Flora Hospital we pride ourselves in offering
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Don’t neglect your health, should you notice any changes
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www.lifehealthcare.co.za
Step back in time
Graaff-Reinet. Fossils from millions of years ago. The Valley of Desolation.
And the Drostdy Hotel. This historical town is worth exploring.
The fourth oldest town in South Africa
deserves more than a stopover on the drive
down to the Cape.
Established by the Dutch East India Company
in 1786, Graaff-Reinet was originally
established as a trading post, expanding
trading inland from the Cape. This Eastern
Cape Province town was the starting point
for Great Trek groups, and here you’ll find
more national monuments than in any other
town in the country. So there’s history. And
it’s everywhere. And it makes for a fascinating
- and massively enjoyable - destination.
Base yourselves at the grand, gorgeous
Drostdy Hotel, which was built in the early
1800s and turned into a hotel in 1878. A
century or so later, it was bought by Anton
Rupert (who grew up in the town) in
conjunction with Historical Homes of South
Africa. After Rupert’s death 20 years ago, it
was refurbished and donated by the Rupert
family to the SA College of Tourism.
Compiled by: Kym Argo
30 Get It Magazine October 2025
The hotel is glorious ... with firm nods to the historical Cape Dutch
influence and traditional Karoo aesthetics. It’s all plush armchairs and
sofas and acres of botanical and bird prints, walls of antelope skulls and
antique writing tables, and carefully curated ornaments. The gardens are
magnificent, landscaped to perfection, with sculptures in the grounds, and
many rooms - once old workers’ cottages - grouped around central, private
pools, with loungers to relax in and quiet little nooks to hide with a book
and a bottle of wine.
Talking wine, there’s an elegant cellar, The Vinoteque, lined with bottle after
bottle of exceptional wine ... this is Rupert country, after all! A lovely option
is a private wine tasting with the resident sommelier ... a tasting of four or
five wines takes about an hour; the charcuterie board served with this gives
added appeal.
Graaff-Reinet appears to have a good restaurant on
every corner, but we wouldn’t bother leaving the hotel.
Breakfasts (don’t hesitate to order the eggs Bennie with
salmon on a potato rosti), lunches (if you finish the
Wagyu beef burger, you’re a hungry bugger) and dinners
(the lamb curry and pearl barley risotto vie for top spot,
while the three-course set menu is fine, fine dining) are
served in De Camdeboo - a proper old-school restaurant
- or out on the pretty verandah if the weather plays nice.
If you’re feeling sociable and festive, there’s a cosy bar (if
it’s chilly, be sure to explore the warm cocktail options ...
hot chocolate with Baileys went down a treat); if you’re
after a little quiet time, there’s a library and lounge, or
head to the hotel’s Africology spa, the inviting Wijnkamer
wine shop, and the Imibala Art Gallery, which showcases
local artists and has regularly updated exhibitions
featuring diverse collections for viewing and for sale.
A private
wine tasting.
A Wagyu
burger. And
an Africology
spa treatment.
Happy days.
October 2025 Get It Magazine 31
After all that, you’re
exhausted ... and the
bedrooms and suites
hold massive appeal.
Decorated in typical Karoo
style, they’re fabulously
luxurious ... vast comfy
beds, enormous baths
that take forever to fill
(blissfully indulgent), some
smaller bachelor-size
rooms ideal for business
travellers, others more
generously sized with
dedicated relaxing areas ...
all with every amenity you
could wish for, and then
some! And there are a few
pet-friendly rooms, for
those travelling with their
best friends.
Rooms from R2400 per room (low season, two
people sharing) per night, which includes breakfast.
Details: drostdy.co.za, or 049 892 2161
Don’t leave town without ...
A visit to the Valley of Desolation in the Camdeboo
National Park - one of the town’s main tourist attractions
- more than 100 000 people visit annually. All majestic
dolerite cliffs and columns - believed to be a product of
volcanic forces that have taken 200 million years to form
there are breathtaking views over the Karoo, and it’s far
more beautiful than its name suggests. There are a few
hikes - one an easy hour-or-so walk, the road to the top is
tarred, and there are a few viewpoints and a picnic spot
... Ask The Drostdy team to pack you up a picnic basket
and spend a few hours there. Spectacular sunsets! Also
look out for the wildlife ... gemsbok and kudu, buffalo and
Cape Mountain Zebra, and birds for Africa.
Another must to add to your itinerary is a visit to Karoo
Origins - The Fossil Centre. In 1934, Dr Sidney Rubidge, a
Merino farmer in the area, was asked by his 10-year-old
daughter, Peggy, what fossils were and where they were
found. The two went off searching and found a collection
of ‘bony-stones’, one of which revealed recognisable
features ... three parallel bones, which eventually proved
to be the three front teeth of a large carnivorous reptile.
32 Get It Magazine October 2025
This discovery was the start of Rubidge’s fossil collection, one
that bought him worldwide recognition. Five months ago his
grandson, Bruce Rubidge, opened The Fossil Centre - just across
the road from The Drostdy, a no-expense-spared research and
exhibition centre with hundreds of fossils - discoveries from
rocks in the area that go back up to 300 million years ago. You
can see fossils that give evidence of a mass extinction that
happened 252 million years ago, with 90 per cent of the species
at that time being obliterated within a relatively short space
of time. It’s a mind-boggling experience ... a journey into the
world a million years ago, one filled with incredible creatures
that lived long before the dinosaurs, including the ancestors of
tortoises, lizards, mammals and humans. There’s an animated
video, and visitors can watch a technician exposing fossils from
the surrounding rock. The centre is an NPO, which plans to
provide education outreach, and a walk-around or guided tour
will fascinate visitors of all ages. So worthwhile!
Not much of a weekend away without a little shopping... and
credit cards will burn at the boutiques in the town. Decor, leather
goods, delis, sensational mohair knits and throws - this is prime
Angora goat farming area and is known for mohair and delis.
Hello You is highly recommended for lunch or a snack, and pop
into the Afrikanis Rum Tasting Room for a bottle to take home.
Details:
Karoo Origins The Fossil
Centre - fossilcentre.co.za
Valley of Desolation -
sanparks.org
October 2025 Get It Magazine 33
Spoil
October A fragrance masterpiece
from Roberto Cavalli
Inspired by the fashion house’s most iconic
symbol, Roberto Cavalli introduces its latest
fragrance masterpiece - Roberto Cavalli
Serpentine. A luxurious scent, made to be
‘opulent yet sensual as it wraps around
the body’, it’s a mesmerising Floral Woody
Ambery composition - all Bergamot and
Black Currant, Jasmine Sambac, Magnolia,
Rose Petals and Lavender, Golden Saffron
and Vanilla Madagascar and Tonka Bean.
The bottle’s adorned with a gold snake
wrapping exquisitely around the white
bottle - and on the 100ml bottles, the
snake jewel detaches into a wearable
bracelet, seamlessly blending high fashion
with fragrance allowing you to carry
the symbol of strength and seduction
wherever you go. Available in 100, 50 and
30ml, priced from R1299 to R2399, you’ll
find it at Edgars or bash.com
To win a bottle, pop over to
@GetItJoburgWest on Instagram
or Facebook, find the Spoil post and
follow the prompts.
34 Get It Magazine October 2025
TOYOTA
STARLET
MODEL SHOWN: STARLET 1.5 XR AUTOMATIC
THERE’S SPACE FOR EVERY FUN
Meet the future of fun – the Toyota Starlet.
Step inside the Toyota Starlet and enjoy a spacious interior and comfort-boosting features like an infotainment
system with navigation via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes enhanced safety features, as
well as an auto lock system and a reverse camera, to make every trip feel more secure. Add fuel efficiency to the
mix, and the fun never stops. Book your test drive today at toyota.co.za
* Illustrative AI-enhanced images. Visit the Toyota website for actual vehicle features.