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CONTACT FABMAGS 032 946 0357 Suite 104, San Hall Office Park, Kirsty Close, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal
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We love Autumn, it is that in-between season that is just perfect. It is also a season for slowing down, getting ready to “hibernate” and restore your energy… In this edition, we look at some great tips on how to maintain your home and keep it looking great. Maintenance is essential to not only up-keeping your home’s appearance, but to also keep the overall look of the Estate good too. Start with a list after walking around your house identifying areas that need maintenance - and knock it off one at a time.
We also meet four youngsters of Seaward Estates who have joined forces to create an admirable business; Splash and Dash, your friendly neighbourhood car wash. They share all the responsibilities from managing finances to car washes and bookings, which is great in teaching them how to handle a business.
In this edition, Dr Foley shows us how to choose and plant perennials in our ‘Conservation Corner and Gardening Guide Three’. While we’re on the topic of environmental talk, The LionHeart Experience shows us how we can break the reliance link between vervet monkeys and humans.
Till next edition, keep well and as it is the month of Mothers, remember to love on yours a little extra, if you are a Mum, I hope you are blessed with loads of love hugs, kisses and spoils!
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents FABMAGS cannot be held responsible for any omission or errors, or for any misfortune, injury or damages that may arise there from. FabMags is a privately owned and funded company and is not subsidized by Seaward Estate or the SEMHOA.
for a longer lasting home that appreciates in value
Houses are the focal point of every Estate and they embody the calibre and environment of the Estate showing off its unique design and how it blends into its space. These spaces then become the definition of the Estate by describing the community and giving its users and
visitors different layers of visual stimulation and also protection, namely safety, warmth and peace.
In order to maintain the pristineness of the Estate and ensure all layers of protection are always there for all residents and visitors, these spaces must be kept in a good and
well-presented condition by doing regular maintenance. Maintenance is beneficial to not only beautify our spaces and the Estate but to ensure that the value of our properties continue to appreciate, and to essentially ensure the properties are safe and not harmful to people and animals.
The most important areas of maintenance which have the biggest impact on the Estate are the following:
1. Pressure washing roofsthis is to ensure all roofs are clean and bright and that there is no mould on it, ensuring the dirt is removed.
2. Wiping down rafter overhangs - this is to ensure it is clean and free of bird nests and dirt.
3. Cleaning of gutters - this is essential to ensure
that the stormwater gets channelled correctly into the stormwater system and no plants are growing in it.
4. Painting of houses - this is the most common maintenance that needs to be done as a good clean paint job will give you a clean aesthetic and bring out the best in the property.
5. Grass - grass needs to be cut weekly in summer and bi-weekly in winter with weeds treated in order to ensure the standard of
maintenance is attained and to give that sense of a good green space.
6. Bushes and plantsbushes must be trimmed and alien invasive plants must be removed as they pose a danger to our environment.
7. Clutter - properties must always be neat and clutterfree. Items that are left outside make properties look uncared for and untidy. Ensure that items are stored away so that
the buildings and garden spaces are free to show off their beauty without interference, and that your property is safe to all who use it.
8. Fencing - fences must be kept straight and upright. Falling fences look untidy and do not ensure your property and pets are protected.
11. Drains - drains must be cleaned out as silt and leaves can build up which can cause blockages in stormwater control and lead to erosion.
12. Back of house - all washing items (carpets and curtains) must be placed in the drying area whilst being hung out to dry, and all drying lines are to be placed where they cannot be seen from any road or directly impeding on neighbours as this is an untidy sight and can devalue your property.
Maintenance is beneficial to not only beautify our spaces and the estate but to ensure that the value of our properties are kept and to essentially ensure the properties are safe and not harmful to people and animals
9. Timber - all timber work like decks, doors, frames and fencing must be wellpainted and sealed so that it does not rot or get weak. This will also ensure it has a good finish bringing up the value of the property.
10. Driveways - all driveways (paving and tar) must be pressure washed and cleaned regularly so that they look neat and clean. Paving to be relayed when uneven for both safety and aesthetics.
These items can be solved and attended to quickly and efficiently with regular maintenance in order to preserve your property and its space and ensure the value of your property and the Estate increases.
If you would like any further information on maintenance, please feel welcome to contact our team where our Estate Manager (Rieva McMurtie) and our compliance officer (Geno Moodley) will gladly assist.
Geno Moodley
SEMHOA Compliance
Manager
The Vervet Monkey: Human-Wildlife
Conflict
Part tWO
Regardless of the monkey population numbers, the nature of the interaction between monkeys and humans is directly related to the collective behaviour of humans within the territories of the resident monkeys. What this means, is that humans can determine how monkeys will behave around them. The most imperative action in this regard, is to
break the link, (or better yet, prevent the link from ever happening) between monkeys, humans, and food. This link has to be broken in two ways:
1. Direct Feeding
2. Indirect Feeding
1. Direct Feeding
Feeding monkeys creates a direct link between humans and food, leading to:
• Increased nuisance factor in homes and communal areas
• Aggression towards humans
• Human aggression and harm towards monkeys
Investigations reveal that feeding monkeys is often the root cause of problems. Contrary to common myths, monkeys are not struggling to find food. In fact, feeding them can lead to malnutrition
Teach monkeys that your home is off-limits, and they'll move on. Remember, a community-wide effort is necessary to shift monkey behaviour. Avoid feeding them and secure food sources, bins, and homes.
and harm, particularly for pregnant females and their foetuses.
Prof. Colleen Downs reports increased incidents of mortality due to high sugar diets from human feeding. By feeding monkeys, we're causing harm, not helping them. Strictly prohibiting direct feeding is essential to mitigate these issues.
2. Indirect Feeding
It is not just the direct feeding of monkeys that creates problems with monkeys, but also the indirect feeding of monkeys which continually
reinforces that humans are a source of food, and thereby increasing human-wildlife conflict. The following means of feeding monkeys need to be addressed:
1. Bins and refuse
2. Access to homes
3. Access to pet food
4. Bird feeders
1. Bins and refuse
Bins should be safely closed and monkeys must not be able to gain access to any refuse. There are various methods available, however, the most effective is a ‘monkey clip’ which is a device that securely closes
the bin. A rock placed on top of the bin, or ineffective strapping, is easily removed by monkeys. Refuse bags left on the sides of the road must not be permitted. Effective contraptions must be mandatory and contravention of this procedure of keeping bins ‘monkey safe’ must be penalised.
Communal refuse areas must be well maintained and must not become food sources for monkeys.
2. Access to homes
Residents need to ensure that monkeys do not gain access
to their homes. Windows and doors must not be left open without sufficient screening or the visible presence of a resident that is able to deter monkeys. There are many screens and shutters that assist with preventing monkeys from entering homes (as well as mosquitoes and flies). Monkeys learn quickly, and when a house seems ‘impenetrable’, they lose interest and soon focus on other areas. Over time, they will spend less time at well- maintained homes.
3. Access to pet food
Do not leave pet food unattended for long periods of time. This is another source of food that can continually bring monkeys into close proximity with residences.
4. Bird feeders
Indigenous gardens are encouraged as they offer more ecological value. Where bird feeders are permitted, these should only be done is a way that does not provide a food source for monkeys. Fruit and bread on platters will only increase monkey presence in residential areas. There are many ‘monkey-proof’ bird feeders available on the market.
How to engage with monkeys:
Monkeys primarily communicate through visual cues, including body language and eye contact. To avoid confrontation, ignore them by avoiding eye contact and carrying on as normal. If aggression is shown, turn your head and slowly back away.
To deter monkeys from homes and communal areas, try these ethical methods:
• Water guns and hoses
• Swinging and beating an empty hose on the ground
• Strong lasers (used with discretion and by adults only)
Consistency is key. Teach monkeys that your home is off-limits, and they'll move on. Remember, a communitywide effort is necessary to shift monkey behaviour. Avoid feeding them and secure food sources, bins, and homes. By working together, we can encourage monkeys to forage for food in the wild, benefitting both them and us.
References:
Down, Prof C. 2023. Pers comm.
Swart, J. and Lawes, M.J. 1996. The Effect of Habitat patch connectivity on Samango Monkey (Ceropithecus mitis) metapopulation persistence. Ecological Modelling 93 pp. 57 - 74.
van Jaarsveld, A. S., et al. 1998. Strategies Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation Science 279, 2106 - 2108
Splash and Dash
Youngsters Riding the Wave of Entrepreneurship
ORIGIN STORY
Splash and Dash began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to build a successful business while generating income. Last October, my friend Samkelo (Sam) and I, Sonqoba (Sonki), turned our shared passion for cars into a venture. We identified a need for a reliable, high-quality car wash service in our community and seized the opportunity. As a team of determined teenagers, we're working tirelessly to push Splash and Dash to new heights while empowering others with valuable business skills and income-earning opportunities.
THE CREW
As the business expanded, we welcomed my brother Sonwabile and friends Jared and Blaise to the team. Their contributions have made a huge difference in our journey. We balance work and friendship well and we each bring different strengths to the table. There’s a real sense of teamwork because we all share the same vision: building something bigger than just a car wash. We’re all young entrepreneurs with big goals and that makes the journey even more exciting.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We each have distinct roles to ensure the business runs smoothly. I handle administration and advertising, while Sonwabile, Blaise, and Jared take charge of washing cars. I also get hands-on by washing cars occasionally. To make sure everyone gets a break, the guys work on alternate days. We also share responsibilities for managing finances, bookings, and the overall direction of the business.
OUR SERVICES
At Splash and Dash, we offer three main services:
Basic Wash (Exterior Only)
• Exterior wash
• Rims and tyres cleaning
Premium Wash (Exterior + Interior)
• Exterior wash
• Vacuum interior (seats, floors, and mats)
• Wipe down dashboard and door panels
• Rims and tyres cleaning
VIP Wash (Full Detail)
• Exterior wash
• Full interior vacuuming
• Deep clean of seats and mats
• Wipe down dashboard and door panels
• Rims and tyres cleaning
• Windows cleaned inside and out
OUR AIM
We strive to provide top-tier service, leaving cars spotless and customers satisfied.
FUN FACTS!
• We started with just a bucket and sponge - no fancy equipment, just determination.
• At one point, I struggled to get hold of anyone to help because we were all in exam season!
• We've washed over 100 cars and haven't received a bad review!
067 907 2619
Growing Greener
CONSERVATION CORNER AND GARDENING GUIDE THREE
Planning for Full Plant Cover
In the last two magazine articles, we looked at indigenous tree selection and where to site trees in the most suitable position, followed by working with shrubs of various shapes and sizes. Today, we turn our attention to groundcovers or perennials as they are known to botanists. These are plants that are tough and long-lived, providing a living base, the lower layer to our garden floor. Despite their importance, groundcovers are often underrated. However, they typically comprise about two-thirds of a landscape, making them a crucial category for bulk ordering. This month, we explore how to maximise
your rand spend and choose your species wisely.
Perennials for Millennials
The broad botanical definition of a perennial is a plant that overwinters. The poets write that “Love is as perennial as the grass.” In short, perennials become a semi-permanent feature of the landscape, the ideal ‘no work plant’ in the low maintenance garden. Perennials are different to annuals in that they just live longer - anything from two to five years or more. Flowering annuals, like petunias and marigolds, complete their life cycle within a single growing season. Effectively, the life span of annuals is no longer than one quarter or three months of the year.
Perennials are used for their foliage colour and, above all, for their flowers, so it makes sense to pick only the hardiest, free flowering types for your garden. In fact, the more plants you have, the greater the cover and the less chance of weed invasions. Ground covers are the "green pavers" of design. Just as you wouldn't lay a path with seven or eight different types of pavers, so too with groundcoversrestrict your species list to the most suitable plant for each application. Ground covers reduce the harmful effects of raindrop splash on bare soil, thereby reducing erosion and runoff, as well as weed growth, providing a living carpet with
AFRICAN LILY
a rich tapestry of colour and texture.
Buying Your Perennials and Growing Your Own
Perennials that provide the most value for money are those that are either bunch forming growing in tufts that can be easily divided or those that creep or run. Tip cuttings can easily be taken and grown on separately in bags or else inserted into the landscape as small plants. Plants in the first category are traditional favourites such as agapanthus, bulbine, dietes or rain lily, mondo grass, and tulbaghia or wild garlic. When dividing these plants, wait until they've fully established themselves. Lift and divide the clumps every 2-3 years using sharp secateurs/pruning
clippers. Plant the divisions in a triangular pattern, spacing them equally apart.
The larger the ground cover the lower the planting density. For example, agapanthus are fairly large plants so may be planted at 5-7 per square metre while tulbaghia are smaller and thinner and therefore require 12-15 plants per square metre to create a visual impact and achieve cover.
The second group of groundcovers that can be easily propagated are those grown from tip cuttings. To do this, take healthy end shoots about 10-15cm long, removing them from the parent plant just below a node - the joint where leaves arise. Plant the cutting firmly in a small hole
filled with an equal mix of river sand and compost. The sand promotes quick rooting, while the compost aids in water retention. Initially, provide shade for the cuttings until they establish themselves. Be cautious not to overwater, which can cause rot, or underwater, which can lead to wilting and death.
Suggested Plant Palette for KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Strip
Ask for these landscape winners at your local nursery:
Agapanthus africanus (African lily): this popular evergreen clumping perennial is both ornamental and lowmaintenance, with striking blue or white flower heads in summer. As a versatile performer, it thrives equally well in sun or shade.
CAT'S TAILS
FAIRY CRASSULA
WILD GERANIUMS
FLOWERS
Arctotis spp. (African daisy): these ground covers feature bold flowers and thrive in rockeries or slopes. Arctotis boasts striking silver leaves and spreads quickly. To flourish, this groundcover requires a hot and sunny position. They are grown by tip cuttings.
Bulbine fruitescens (cat's tails): these low-growing, tough plants thrive in coastal areas with poor soils and full sun. They come in two vibrant colors: canary yellow and burnt orange. Propagation is easy: simply pull rooted pieces off the mother plant and plant them directly into the landscape.
Carpobrotus edulis (sour fig / vygie): a succulent with fleshy leaves with bright pink or yellow petals. Excellent for coastal and sandy areas, especially large
banks. A vigorous creeper - do not plant this groundcover in small beds as it will take over. They are useful for covering walls constructed of interlocking cement blocks.
Crassula multicava (fairy crassula): a shade-tolerant succulent - grows well under trees and in difficult-tomaintain areas. This one comes in different models from plain green to a rich maroon.
Dietes grandiflora (wild iris):
Ideal for mass planting, this iris-like plant produces elegant white flowers and is tolerant of drought and frost. A mediumheight plant dietes is tough and resilient.
Gazania species (treasure flowers): known for their bold,
daisy-like flowers and groundhugging foliage, gazanias thrive in full sun and poor soils. Non shade-tolerant. They are easily propagated by tip cuttings.
Helichrysum petiolare (silver bush everlasting): with its silvery foliage and soft texture, it adds contrast and thrives in dry areas. It is found in natural grasslands and likes to be kept on the dry side.
Pelargonium spp. (wild geraniums): with vibrant blooms and aromatic leaves, pelargoniums are versatile in both gardens and containers. However, their fast growth on the coast requires regular control to prevent them from overwhelming flower beds. They can be easily propagated from tip cuttings.
TREASURE
WILD IRIS
WILD GARLIC
Tulbaghia violaceae (wild garlic): grass-like leaves are topped by lavender-coloured flowers. These extremely hardy groundcovers thrive in hot situations, tolerating light shade but flourishing best in full sun.
Finally, for all your further landscape gardening and plant queries, please contact Jonathan Foley at 083 320 4335 or email groundlevellandscapes5@ gmail.com.
