Home Improver - May/June 2021

Improver M AY | J U N E 2 0 2 1

Hottest winter energy trends

Also inside: A cosy boudoir • Top load-shedd ing hacks

PICTURE SAMSON KATT

C O N TA C T U S

AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY

PUBLISHER: Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR PROPERTY: Vivian Warby EDITOR HOME IMPROVER: Vivian Warby vivian.warby@inl.co.za DESIGN: Kim Stone kim.stone@inl.co.za PRODUCTION: Renata Ford Renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Keshni Odayan Keshni.odayan@inl.co.za SALES: Charl Reineke charl@africannewsagency.com

DO JOIN US ON: @homeimproverZA

LETTER FROM

THE

EDITOR

THE DAYS are getting shorter, sunrise is at least an hour and a half later, and the blankets have been taken out of storage for us here in the southern hemisphere.

As we enjoy the last month of autumn and anticipate the colder winter days, our minds turn to making our homes as comfortable and snug as possible.

The first thing in this mission, the experts tell us, is to assess how much warmth you can keep in the house by checking for air leaks, particularly through doors and windows. Once all is sealed it’s 0 2

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a matter of moving on to what method of heating you’ll use in the house. Our team gives you a comparison between several types of heaters, with a list of pros and cons.

Then, when that is out of the way, top interior designers step in to show you how to layer your decor to create an enticing, winter-proof home.

With load shedding a possibility in our winter months, we have also gone in search of energy-saving ways to ensure you can keep living, cooking and working

when the lights go out.

We hope you will find this magazine a useful guide for the winter months.

Do enjoy all our tips, tricks and trends in this edition and keep warm!

Love

V i v i a n Wa Vivian Warby vivian.warby@inl.co.za

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Letter

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Kitchen style

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Contents

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Tummy-warming recipes

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W inter decor trends

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The heat is on

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Warm lighting

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Best heating solutions

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A hot boudoir

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Beat load shedding

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Draughty bathrooms

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W inning garden

no more

checklist

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HOT LOOKS

this winter Designer Nkuli Nhleko fills us in on the trends that are sizzling this season WORDS VIVIEN HORLER

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Go to Imbewu Design’s website and you’ll see their core design ethic: “Imbewu strives to create interiors that exude the opulence and elegance of contemporary African luxury design.”

So when Home Improver asked Imbewu Design co-founder Nkuli Nhleko to expand on the trends for winter 2021, we weren’t expecting pareddown minimalism.

Just the opposite, in fact. Nhleko, who works with architect Enrico Daffonchio of Daffonchio & Associates Architects, says the design world is nostalgic for mid-to-late 20th-century feel.

“Design of the mid70s is being celebrated.

Lots of rich jewel tones... add a level of opulence.

Think velvets, suede, plush fabrics, everything indulgent. In past winters, the feel was more minimalistic but today it’s a case of more is more.”

PICTURE MAX VAKHTBOVYCH

CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN LUXURY

PICTURE NADI LINDSAY

FUNKY CHUNKY Chunky furniture is the next big thing. “Not so long ago, sofas and chairs had dainty legs. Now furniture is full-bodied.

An example is tub chairs which are cosy.

“And they’ll be upholstered in wool or textured fabric in quiet, neutral colours such as off-white, grey or charcoal. You could add an accent touch picking up on the softer hues in the space.

“So while everything else is opulent, the furniture isn’t loud.

Once the surroundings were the backdrop for the furniture, now the furniture is the backdrop to showcase the interior.”

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PICTURE COTTONBRO

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L I G H T T H E W AY For lighting, there is huge leaning towards the art deco look: giant bulbs and brass or even black pendants.

Nhleko says walls are textured and paint techniques can achieve this. The trend is towards a rough, concrete look which adds a contemporary edge, a sharp, clean feel.

“But I don’t mean it should look industrial. This look can be achieved with paint effects. And just because it’s a concrete look it doesn’t have to be grey – at the Bank Hotel we painted the foyer a soft green – it’s more about texture than colour.”

Other trendy paint effects include a roughed-up, wornleather look.

Some walls are being textured using vertical timber slats which can be directly lit or back lit. Another trend for walls is wainscotting or panelling painted the same colour as the wall.

Or you could add texture and colour with stone and marble. “For some years people wanted black marble with veins of white, or white marble with black veins, but you can get wonderful colours such as maroon or burgundy.

“Calacatta gold looks fabulous on bathroom vanities or kitchen islands, and there is also a forest green marble, and marble with touches of blue.”

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PICTURE ALEX QIAN

A NEW ANGLE ON FLOORS In line with the nostalgic theme, timber floors are back.

“But the floorboards are not laid straight. The trend is towards herringbone or what is known as the Versailles design.

“Until recently people were looking for pale woods such as white oak, now they’re choosing rich chocolatey shades such as American walnut, veering towards darker mahogany hues. Dark wood is great for winter; it feels cosier.”

Demand for wall-to-wall carpeting has barely changed and the preferred colours are still greys and beiges but area rugs are different. Instead of edgy, modern designs, people are harking back: “People want an older look such as a slightly worn Persian, a rug that has a history and offers a bit of narrative. These rugs have rich patterns and jewel colours.”

But she doesn’t reject tiles completely. “You can get porcelain tiles printed with marble patterns. These give floors a high-end luxury feel, yet they’re still just a porcelain tile.

“I’ve used them on fireplace mantelpieces, kitchen islands and bathroom vanity tops.

They’re practical and durable.”

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HUNG, DRAWN AND SORTED Curtains should not be loud – we’re talking neutral, plain, elegant and understated. They should ideally be the same colour as the wall so that they disappear and become just part of the backdrop.

“We’re back to old-world charm here, so they should be made of a heavy fabric and puddle slightly on the floor. And the most popular pleat is a wave pleat which stacks when the curtain is drawn back,” says Nhleko.

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A TA L L O R D E R Even ceilings are changing.

“Ceilings are often ignored, but now they’re getting their place in the sun.

“With the design world feeding into old-world charm, people are going back to cornicing and central medallions from which a pendant light fitting hangs.”

But Nhleko has a word of warning. “You need to plan in advance – once a ceiling is in it is very difficult to change, what with the electrical casings and so on.

Once it’s done you can’t really play around with it, or you’ll end up replacing the whole thing.”

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BUDGET BUSTERS

Contact Nkuli Nhleko www.imbewudesign.co.za

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Many of us may want to be on trend this winter, but aren’t likely to be pulling up floors or replacing ceilings.

What does Nhleko suggest to give a living room a makeover that won’t cost a fortune?

“Get some pastel scatters to add a bit of colour. Colour is back.

“An area rug, one that looks as if it

has a bit of a story to it, will definitely give the room a facelift. You want one with detailed patterns and colours.

“Nothing beats a beautiful coffee table which is the heart of any living room. Brass is good - or at least a touch of brass, “And lastly add a standing lamp or table lamp that has a mid-century feel and look.”

Simply Brilliant!

Lighting is crucial to add atmosphere to a room and make it a snug place to nest when it’s chilly outside WORDS VIVIEN HORLER

IF YOU want a room to look warm and welcoming on a chilly winter’s night, you’re going to need more than one source of light.

Experts say there are three types of light in a well-lit room.

Ambient light is the main light. It may come

look cold.

Accent light adds warmth. It is provided by lamps, uplighters and wall sconces. Lighting experts warn against overdoing accent light as it can make a room look too busy.

The third kind is task lighting – light designed

from a central overhead fitting or from recessed

to help you do specific tasks such as reading,

lights. It shouldn’t be too bright or the room might

working or cooking.

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LIGHTING TRENDS: Lighting is the focal point this winter.

Ceiling lighting has turned into the darling of lighting.

No longer merely functional, ceiling lights are now unusual, extravagant, creative and have a story to tell. Often they are the focal point of a room’s decor.

Creative ceiling lights and well-placed table and floor lamps, providing different levels of lighting, can turn a room into a nurturing space to nest during winter. Observe what shadows the lights cast and play with this to add atmosphere.

Think of your lighting as art pieces. Search for lamps with bases that are sculptural so that even when the lights are off they add dimension to the room.

Use lighting to create excitement in a room.

Juxtapose an art deco standing lamp, for instance, in a conventional room to add allure.

Lampshades can offer pops of colour and texture – make use of this to accessorise your room.

Pull out your lava lamps from the 1970s and bring them back into the home. A surprising trend is the growing interest in lava lamps – and, well, anything 1970s, really. – Vivian Warby

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Wall sconces and uplighters provide warm light

DIFFERENT LIGHTS FOR

provide good lighting, but have zero atmosphere.

DIFFERENT PURPOSES:

Avoid them, and if you have them, change them.

A bedroom will need general lighting for when you

A dining room might also need lights on

are looking for clothes in the wardrobe and getting

dimmer switches to create atmosphere while people

dressed. Dimmer switches will make it possible to

are eating, and a living room will need side

have bright light when you need it and softer light

lamps to create a warm tone. Wall sconces and

for when you’re going to bed.

uplighters provide warm light. Sconces and

Other rooms have similar needs. In the kitchen, the cook will need general lighting as well as task lighting over a counter or island so

uplighters should be above eye height so the bulbs are not visible.

The quickest, cheapest way to create a warm

chopping and preparing food can be done safely.

glow in a room is to replace the “cool white” bulbs

Many older kitchens have fluorescent lights, which

with ones marked “warm white”. – Vivian Warby M A Y | J U N E

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Turn up the heat in the bedroom WORDS VIVIEN HORLER

Designer Manuela Candido walks us through six ways to set about creating a warm, comforting boudoir, which appeals to all our senses

S THE days draw in and the nights are cooler, it’s time to turn your bedroom into a warm and nurturing boudoir.

Or, as designer Manuela Candido of Studio Manuela puts it, we need to generate some warmth and cosiness for winter.

She believes a winter boudoir should appeal to all the senses and has a six-point checklist on how to achieve that.

1 AT M O S P H E R E

“Winter is dark and cold, so to counter that we need heat and light.

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“Fire is the primal source of heat and makes a difference, not just in terms of temperature, but is also warming psychologically.

“People can be intimidated by the idea of lighting a fire or installing a fireplace but there is no reason to be.

“A fireplace in the bedroom is a wonderful luxury, allowing you to curl up in the privacy of your own space.”

If a real fireplace is not possible, Candido suggests installing a beautiful gas fireplace, which doesn’t need a

flue, just a vent.

“The flames are the thing that provides the atmosphere. So, failing fire, try candles because they also provide a sensory dimension.

“In addition to providing a flame, candles can be a lovely source of scent, although be careful about what you burn, as animals can be sensitive to very strong oils, as are pregnant women.

“The scent of roses is good for calming, and eucalyptus can help if you have a cold.

“I love those

PICTURE MAX VAKHTBOVYC

Fire is the primal source of heat and makes a difference, not just in terms of temperature but is also warming psychologically MANUELA CANDIDO OF STUDIO MANUELA

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PICTURE MASARATH ALKHAILI

If you have a wooden or tiled floor, get a rug.

They are sensuous and practical

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PICTURE LIANA MIKAH

expensive imported Christmassy ones that smell of cloves and spices.”

As for lighting, Manuela suggests changing all the light bulbs from cool white to warm white to provide a glowing light.

Fluorescent lighting is out in a boudoir.

which are as natural as possible, such as cashmere if you can afford it, or pure wool.

“They add weight to your bedding, which is increasingly being suggested as an aid to sleep. Buy the best your pocket can afford, because you keep them for years.

3 COMFORT

2 WARMTH

“I’m a great believer in cosy throws. They add colour and are wonderful to wrap around your shoulders while you read or watch TV. “Choose fabrics

Curtains and flooring are important if you want to retain the heat in a room.

“Heavy, thick, interlined curtains are great, as they create a wonderful

enclosed atmosphere and prevent draughts, so add a winter layer of velvet curtains “If you have a wooden or tiled floor, get a rug. They are sensuous and practical – if your feet are warm you don’t feel the cold.

“You can also buy under-carpet heaters, which work beautifully and are cost effective and energy efficient.”

The scent of roses is good for calming, and eucalyptus can help if you have a cold

4 COLOUR THERAPY

“Warm, winter colours might be autumn shades or pinks, burgundy and M A Y | J U N E

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PICTURE SPACEJOY

Warm winter colours might be autumn shades or pinks, burgundy and other wine colours, navy or teal

other wine colours, navy or teal. Or, if your walls are dark, choose creams and fawns to lighten the room.

Rich colour can also be added to the walls, suggests Candido.

“Wallpapers can add warmth, but if that’s too much, try painting one wall a striking colour.

You can easily change it come summer.”

5 BEDDING

“It’s all about nurturing yourself and keeping warm. Electric blankets are brilliant and I’m also one for hot-water 1 8

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bottles. You can get real ones or those beanbag ones you put in the microwave.

“And there are lovely brushed cotton sheets, which means no icycold shocks when you push your feet down in bed.”

6 TA S T E AND SOUND S E N S AT I O N

Go for delicious warm winter drinks. Candido recommends hot cocoa, dark chocolate and herbal teas such as cardamom or chamomile. You can also

get mixed herbal teas like rose, chamomile and lavender,or cardamom, ginger and orange.

“And then, of course, there is red wine, gluhwein and hot toddies.”

To wrap it all up, add sound, says Candido.

“The crackle of a fire, beautiful, soothing music, mantras.

“In this way you have created a retreat which will appeal to all your senses.”

To see more go to www.studiomanuela.com

PICTURE COTTONBRO

DRAUGHTY B AT H R O O M S NO MORE

Here are some quick tips to keep your bathroom warm: WINDOWS 1 Insulate any gaps If you do not have the latest energyefficient windows installed, it is time to look for gaps in your bathroom windows. With even the smallest gap in a window, cold air will enter the bathroom and warm air will leave. So do an inventory of all the windows in your bathroom and ensure they are well sealed and insulated.

Look at the edges of the window in particular. You can also install removable, see-through plastic film over the entire window which does a great job of insulating.

2 Hang heavy blinds or curtains to add another layer of insulation.

WALLS A coat of paint in the right hues can definitely add the illusion of warmth in this area. You could also hang some beautiful removable wallpaper to give the walls an attractive winter treatment. And note: today there are wallpapers that can withstand all that bathroom steam.

FLOORS Get thicker and plusher types of rugs that add a warm feeling. Use one or more rugs, well taped down, so your feet never touch the cold floor. Use warm colours or patterns to break the usual whites of bathrooms.

OTHERS 1 Shower heads can help. Look out for energy-efficient shower heads that will help build up warming steam but still conserve water.

2 Heated towel rails or stands are available at many home stores. Do get an electrician or plumber to install and do opt for the most energy efficient one. This is a pricey warming option but, oh for a toasty towel on a chilly winter’s day!

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K I T C H E N Ways to keep your cooking space cosy and convivial in the cold months

HERE are ways to add warmth to your kitchen: R U G S With the correct hues, you can lift the tone of the whites usually associated with kitchen walls and cabinets. If you have cabinets with colour they can highlight this. Add a pad underneath a rug and it becomes a place of comfort for all those hours standing and cooking in the kitchen.

Ensure you have slip-proofed the rugs.

PA I N T Y O U R CABINETS

This year, the trend is for blue cabinets. Part 70s nostalgia (okay, okay, with nothing besides the colour resembling the kitchen assemblies of yesteryear) and a 2021 twist of wood and powder-blue chic.

The colour, whichever one you choose to paint your cabinets, will add warmth to the area.

A R T Not just on the fridge but framed art pieces on walls. If there is no wall space, place it on open shelving. This will immediately add a sense of warmth and conviviality.

TEXTURED COVERINGS

Use textured cushions for chairs in the kitchen and upholster any sitting spaces you have. These materials will add texture which warms up the room. Also consider adding these textures to window coverings.

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PICTURE ANDREA PIACQUADI

style in the

W I T H L O V E F R O M

Fatima

Two chefs give readers treasured soup recipes to warm them from the inside WELL-LOVED South African chef Fatima Sydow knows how to warm you up for winter. Here she shares one of her favourite soup recipes with our Home Improver readers.

Fatima made her first 100-litre pot of curry at the age of 16 and has been sharing her popular recipes ever since. Even before becoming a TV star, she had built up a worldwide following with her Facebook page Cape Malay Cooking with Fatima Sydow.

SPLIT PEA SOUP Recipe by Fatima Sydow Course: Soups Ingredients 500g (2½ cups) of dried split peas 4 marrow bones 2 medium onions peeled and grated 4 large carrots peeled and grated 1 cup of chopped soup celery 4 cloves 2 tsp (10ml) of salt 1 tbs. (15ml) of freshly ground black pepper Directions In a large pot, add your split peas,

marrow bones, cloves and a litre of hot water and cook on medium to high heat until your split peas are soft and mushy. Next add the rest of your ingredients and a litre of hot water.

• Cook on medium heat for 35 to 40 minutes.

• Throughout the cooking process make sure to stir the soup when needed to prevent it sticking to the bottom of the pot.

• Serve on its own or with delicious fresh bread with a spread of butter.

More at https://fatimasydow.co.za/

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W I T H L O V E F R O M

Sophia

THIS DELICIOUS soup is one of Lebanese chef Sophia Lindop’s favourites. Sophia has written seven cookbooks and is wellloved and known for teaching South Africans how to cook Lebanese cuisine.

SPICY FREEKEH, LENTIL AND CHICKEN SOUP Serves 6 to 8 Ingredients 120 ml olive oil 1 medium brown onion, peeled and roughly chopped 250g button mushrooms, sliced 75g celery, sliced 3 carrots, peeled and cubed 850g skinless chicken pieces 1½ litres chicken stock sea salt to season freshly milled black pepper 1 tbs harissa spice or paste 1 can (400g) lentils, drained and rinsed 1 cup freekeh Method Heat the oil in a pot and fry the onion and mushrooms

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until slightly browned. Add the carrots and celery and cook for a further five minutes.

Warm the chicken stock. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and pour the warm stock over.

Cook on a medium/low heat for one hour. Remove the chicken pieces and remove the flesh from the bones. Chop the flesh roughly and place back in the stock. Discard the bones. Season with salt and pepper and add the harissa.

Add the lentils and the freekeh and cook for another hour on a low heat. Serve.

Note: This soup gets better with time, so feel free to keep refrigerated and enjoy over a few days.

It is easy to find freekeh in local specialist shops. I first encountered this product at the souk in Beirut and immediately fell in love with the smoky flavour it adds to any dish.

More at www.sophialindop.com

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PICTURE DAVE GOUDREAU

A FIREPLACE in a home, even with its hassles of smoke and ashes, still has an old-world charm and those willing to put in a bit of muscle will be rewarded with the romance of flickering real, earthy fire.

However, businesses say clients these days prefer the effortlessness of a one-switch gas fireplace. While gas fireplaces don’t have the romance and decor appeal of burning wood, they are all about convenience. But, with a national introspection because of the pandemic, perhaps fireplaces will be back in vogue. What is your preference?

T H E H E AT

ON I S

Find the ideal method for heating your home

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Hot stuff With winter around the corner, the shops are showcasing all sorts of heaters to keep your home warm. How do you know which type is most efficient and economical?

Home Improver did a comparison and came up with some pointers

Wood-fired stove Pros: Extremely efficient at heating a relatively large space – and cheering.

Relatively economical on wood.

Cons: Expensive to install.

You need to get the wood in; they are messy to clean.

WORDS VIVIEN HORLER

Open fireplace Pros: Cheering and romantic.

Cons: Not very efficient – most of the heat goes up the chimney; they gobble up fuel and are messy to clean.

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Oil heater

Pros: An oil heater is safe because the oil is sealed in the fins. The heated oil stays warm even after the heater is turned off. It is relatively economical and can be left on for longish periods, perhaps overnight in a nursery.

Make sure you get one with a thermostat.

Cons: Because the oil is slow to heat, an oil heater takes ages to heat a room.

However, you can buy a combination fan/ oil heater, with the fan part warming the room quickly and the oil part maintaining the desired heat once it is achieved.

These heaters are not very effective in large, open spaces.

An oil heater is relatively economical and can be left on for longish periods

Fan heater

Pros: It produces heat instantly, so the room warms up quickly. It is energy efficient if you need it on for a relatively short time. It is not expensive to run.

Cons: These heaters are often noisy and produce an unpleasantly hot, dry heat. (You can get ones with a little water reservoir to prevent the air from drying out.) They need to be used well clear of chairs and curtains.

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Infrared heaters

Pros: These heaters warm up objects, not cold air. They are quick to heat up and fairly cost effective.

Cons: Because they heat things, and not cold air, you need to be sitting close to one to feel warm.

Wall-mounted panels

Pros: They make for a gentle heat and can be left on for hours – or even all winter.

They are safe.

Cons: A lot of heat goes into the wall.

(But you can put foil behind them to reflect the heat back.) They take a while to warm up and don’t provide much heat.

Bar heaters

Pros: They quickly warm a room.

They don’t cost much to buy.

Cons: They need to be kept away from small children and are not very cost-effective.

Gas heaters

Pros: They quickly heat a room and their flames are cheering. They work during load shedding.

Cons: The cylinders tend to run out of gas on the coldest of evenings – the trick is to have two cylinders so one is always full. Gas is expensive. Burning LPG produces carbon monoxide, so you need ventilation. The open flame can be a fire risk.

Underfloor heating

Pros: Underfloor heating provides consistent warmth in a room. It takes up no space.

Cons: It takes hours to heat up – it has to warm the floor and tiles or carpet before it can start to heat the air in the room. This makes it the most expensive choice.

OTHER TIPS FOR S TAY I N G W A R M

• Heat only the rooms you’re using.

• Shut internal doors to keep the heat in.

• Keep curtains open during the day to let the sunshine in, but draw them snugly at night to prevent heat being lost through the windows.

• Stick foil behind wall-mounted heating panels to prevent heat being absorbed by the bricks.

• If you have a ceiling fan, switch it on to low.

This will recirculate the warm air that has risen to the ceiling.

• Warm your bed for about half an hour before bedtime with an electric blanket. This does not use much electricity, as long as you switch it off when you get into bed.

• Wear warm clothes and slippers.

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One of the most cost-effective solutions to keeping your home warm is to insulate the ceiling ESKOM reckons about 50% of warm air in a house is lost through the ceiling. This means one of the most costeffective solutions to keeping your home warm is to insulate the ceiling. (This helps to keep the home cool in summer too.)

This is a relatively inexpensive job and can be done by a DIYer. You can buy the insulation at hardware shops.

Priceless advice for all your home improvements

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PICTURE CHRIS SNOOK/HOUZZ—THE WASHINGTON POST

M A R C H

Improver Bathroom splash issue

Also inside: A palatial home • Gardens that will grow on you

To advertise here contact Charl Reineke | charl@africannewsagency.com | Vivian Warby | vivian.warby@inl.co.za

Hot energy alternatives

With load shedding an ever-present threat, we need to find alternative sources of energy in our houses especially in winter. Here are some ideas W O R D S V I V I E N H O R L E R EVERY indication is that load shedding will be with us for the foreseeable future, so we might as well invest in some green solutions.

Some are expensive, some are not, but to save our sanity we need to make a plan – or two.

We can’t rely on Eskom but in South Africa we can rely on the sun. Solar solutions usually require a substantial investment but this can pay off in the long run. Estate agents report that homes fitted with solar solutions, such

as inverters and geysers, are sought after by buyers.

Solar geysers provide hours of free hot water, and even after a couple of grey days, still function adequately.

Solar inverters provide electricity by taking direct current from the solar panels on the roof and transforming it into alternating current that can be used to power an entire house, depending on the size of the set-up, or just a few items like the fridge, computer, television and some lights.

PICTURE RYAN CHRISTODOULOUH

Gas heaters are extremely efficient and will heat a large room with ease

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Another option is to switch to gas.

The expensive option would be to install a gas hob and oven; the cheaper option is to buy a small cylinder and a single ring-burner that can be used to boil water or soup or make a fry-up.

If you opt for a gas hob, invest in a stove-top kettle for boiling water (or a saucepan will do). Gas heaters are extremely efficient and will heat a large room with ease.

The trick when using gas for heating and cooking is to have at least three

PICTURE MIKHAIL NILOV

Avoiding technology should provide a great opportunity to relax in front of a cosy fire with your favourite person

cylinders: one for the heater, one for the stove and a full one stored in the garage for when one of the other two runs out.

There are various rules and regulations about storing gas cylinders in a domestic residence, so check on what is allowed in your area and what is not.

Alternative light sources can be provided safely and cheaply in a variety of ways. Gas camping lamps give excellent general lighting and a head torch will make for the kind of focused

lighting needed for activities such as cooking or reading.

Solar lights are effective – Consol Glass makes little solar lamps that provide the same sort of warm glow achieved by candles and paraffin lights – but much more safely. Battery-operated LED lamps also give a pleasant glow.

Working on a computer during a power outage is trickier. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) tends to run flat fairly quickly but will provide enough power to save anything

you’ve been working on.

A power bank is useful if you’ve forgotten to charge your cellphone – remember to keep the power bank charged. Some routers can be powered by a power bank. And you can always use your phone as a hotspot to connect to the internet.

As for entertainment, there are several solutions. Download films and audiobooks in advance. Play cards and games. Or go outside and admire the bright night sky.

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It is time to get your maintenance in check, sow cool-season seeds and grow with the flow as we enter the last month of autumn.

Experts at www.lifeisagarden.co.za provide a May Garden Checklist

Aloes will provide colour in winter.

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PICTURE URIEL MONT

A WINNING GARDEN CHECKLIST

Plant bright winter-flowering annuals this month.

Pork bush is a local hero hedge. Good as a barrier plant, it is fast growing

CRISPY BLOOMS TO PLANT Bulb up: Honour our African heritage this African Month with a jive of colour from sparaxis (harlequin dlower), genus Ixia, and Tritonia. Also try these perennial bulbous plants: sweet garlic (Tulbaghia fragrans), weeping anthericum (Chlorophytum saundersiae) and red-hot poker (Kniphofia praecox).

Bush: Pork bush (Portulacaria afra) is a local hero hedge.

Good as a barrier plant, it tolerates frequent pruning, and is extremely drought resistant, and fast growing.

Succulents: Aloes are in full swing this season. Do try Peri-Peri, Sea Urchin and Porcupine.

The 4 Ps: Plant with the 4 Ps - poppies, pansies, petunias and primulas.

Rose-bed revival: Longstemmed roses can be picked now. If the plants are in full leaf, continue with your spraying programme but reduce watering.

Plant winter-flowering annuals, such as pansies, poppies, or compact snapdragons, around rose bed edges to give them a revived burst of colour (and hide bare branches).

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Add rows of ornamental kale in between rows of other veggies.

Fertilisers promote healthy growth throughout winter.

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Split and divide: If the following perennials have stopped flowering, they’re ready for the operating table: Japanese anemones (Anemone japonica) and obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana).

Fertilise: Annual stocks and larkspurs will benefit from extra nitrogen – in the form of liquid fertilisers and other plant food – to promote good growth and flowering throughout winter.

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E AT L I K E A WINTER-WINNER Eye candy: Add rows of ornamental (and inedible) kale between other winter vegetables. It makes an unusual but stunning winter option for colour. Companion plants include beetroot, violas and pansies (both have edible flowers), onions, nasturtiums, and spinach.

Mixed masala: Interplant leafy winter veggies and root

crops with herbs like lavender, thyme, oregano, parsley, yarrow and comfrey.

Cuppa your own Joe: The coffee plant (Coffea arabica), which is actually a tree, will earn you kudos from coffee snobs if you can manage to grow it successfully in a highlight indoor area. Imagine grinding home-grown beans?

Count us in!

De-gogga your cabbage: Pull up old sweet basil plants, chop

PICTURE RYAN BAKER

It’s the season to plant citrus trees.

them up, and then use them as a natural insect-repelling mulch around your cabbages.

If it’s yellow, it ain’t mellow: Prevent disease by removing all yellow leaves from brassicas, such as Brussel sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower and broccoli.

Fruitful advice: Feed avocado trees with 3:1:5 and mulch them up. Plant litchis and citrus, while also keeping mango trees dry before their

flowering starts. In coastal and lowveld areas, feed granadillas with a nitrogen and potassium combination fertiliser.

TRICKS OF THE COOL-SEASON TRADE Prevent pests: Prevention is better than cure. Remember good soil + good drainage + mulch + fertilising/feeding = a healthy plant with more flowers, more fruit and more vegetables.

Spray away: Keep spraying conifers with eco-friendly insecticide.

Rake it: Rake fallen leaves off the lawn to prevent them from blocking out sunlight and then pop them on the compost heap. Coastal gardeners can still apply one more dose of fertiliser before winter sets in.

Freeze alert: Watering should be done after 9am and completed by 3pm in frost zones – wet plants will freeze.

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Keep raking up fallen leaves and pop them on the compost heap.

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