Focusing on gardening

We are heading for autumn. The late summer days are hot and dry, but a surprise rain shower fell over the weekend. Weekends are focused on gardening. In the process, we are getting in touch with the garden on a different level.

The pears after the rain

With Fungai in hospital, we have had to try to fit in the work that he would normally have completed during the week. That would include watering, mowing and trimming the edges of the lawn, weeding the vegetable and herb beds, deadheading the roses, harvesting the fruit and vegetables, and sweeping the stone pathways and stoeps.

The Crinum moorei in flower

Logistically, it is a crazy rush against time. We have to get the garden refuse, that which does not go into the compost bins, to the municipal dump before it closes at lunchtime on a Saturday. This means that I hardly have time to get to the butcher before they close at the same time.

Most businesses in Bonnievale close between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm on a Saturday and remain so for the rest of the weekend. This requires careful planning of the Saturday morning activities. Our Saturdays of late, rarely includes a visit to the town, as we head straight from breakfast to intensive gardening activities. I get the orchard, herb and vegetable gardens while Keith focuses on the rosarium, lawn and watering.

We pass each other where we rush from one task to another. Gone are leisurely lunches and afternoon relaxation on the lawn. The demands of the garden allows us to be in touch with its needs. I feel more connected to the garden again.

Close-up of a Brugmansia flower

A bit of a fright ensued when a raucous toad suddenly jumped next to my hand where I was cleaning the herbaceous border. It provided a moment for a breather. While I watched him, relieved that it was just a toad, he watched me cautiously in return. Deciding that I had the bigger surprise, off he hopped to find a quieter spot.

I encountered four lizards in different parts of the garden. I felt myself becoming more a part of the life and happenings of the garden than ever. Our weekends can be exhausting. But, it is a good exhaustion that comes with the satisfaction of connecting with one’s garden in a way that rekindles that intimacy.

Cutting the flowers of the Sweet Basil to prolong their productive life, I watched as the bees continued collecting nectar from the flowers in my hands. Following me to the compost bins, they foraged as much as possible from them before the flowers disappeared into the bins.

The Friday overnight shower, left the garden feeling fresh and cool. Fruit and flowers glistened with crystal drops. The coolness made gardening a pleasure. Everything else becomes less important. So what if I missed the butcher. A healthy picking of fruit and vegetables provides for a healthy starter, main course and dessert.

Quinces

I did try to get acquainted with my new camera. But, with the lens focussed on the garden, I ensured that I stuck to required weekend tasks. The camera in my hand felt familiar. Like an old friend, but a more intelligent old friend. With all the new possibilities of a new model.

Through the camera, I could look at the garden in a different light. Giving me the chance to really appreciate the detail of the lilies and other plants currently in bloom. So I found myself focusing on the garden, in more ways than one. 

Discovering the world in our city

A rare weekend in Cape Town presented the opportunity to explore. I had to buy a new camera because mine had developed a problem with its automatic lens focus function. That had unfortunately made taking photos during our visit to France something of a challenge. On Saturday morning, I could finally collect the new one in the city.

Although it was exciting to upgrade from my old camera, I will miss it. We had great times together. With so many new specifications, it feels as though I will need to learn to use the new camera from scratch. But, I do look forward to exploring all the new possibilities.

Cushions at Lutge Gallery

We took the opportunity to visit galleries, antique shops and auction houses. On our way to shops that import British, Italian and French produce, we stopped at the Milnerton market. There, we could browse for Victorian wardrobe escutcheon fittings and other bits to restore some pieces of furniture.

Cups and saucers at Ashbeys Galleries

The market was a treasure trove of findings. Instead, we walked away with a Cape 19^th century Stinkwood dining chair for less than R200; an interesting imported Byzantine-styled vintage glazed earthenware jug; and a mid- 20^th century classic-styled turned wooden lamp-stand, which was beautiful proportioned.

At the importers of Italian and French food produce, where I intended to purchase wine and coffee, I was met with generous Italian hospitality. I was even invited to enjoy a chat and cup of Italian coffee before settling the amount due for the purchases. The more specific purpose for my visit was to buy some Marie Brizard liqueurs. These are generally difficult to come by in local liquor stores. I would like to broaden my cocktail repertoire at Towerwater. I had to control the urge to buy the full range. Mercifully, I stuck to my plan to purchase the collection in stages.

We also took the opportunity to visit a shop that imports British groceries and related produce. That was quite an experience. The little shop was filled with shoppers purchasing brand names that have long since disappeared off the shelves of our supermarkets. Walking through the isles brought back memories. We saw familiar names that used to be readily available years ago.

The purpose of the visit was to buy Juniper berries. An ingredient I intend using in the making of liqueurs and in a number of dishes that call for it. We took the opportunity to stock up on some Twinings teas. Most notably, Assam and  English Afternoon tea.

Keith found some good chocolate digestive biscuits, his one weakness. I found some Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic water that I decided to buy. I last enjoyed some in a gin and tonic in Bruges. The subtle aroma of thyme, with fresh citrus and hints of rosemary, reminds me of the garden at Towerwater. Perfect for an aromatic gin and tonic on the lawn!

The Fever Tree aromatic tonic water with angostura bark, cardamom, pimento berry and ginger, sounded too good not to try. I decided that it would make the perfect pink gin.

Glasses at Milnerton Flea market

After an interesting morning exploring the retail offerings of our city, we headed home with the produce of Japan, Italy, France, and Britain and last but not least, South Africa. In a year, where we have decided not to travel abroad but rather to focus on adding the final touches to some home based projects, it is good to know that we can still ‘travel’ the world within our own city.

Getting crafty in summer

February has brought the familiar heat of summer and the garden has slowed down, a bit. The carrot seedlings took longer to sprout. Just as I was going to give up on them, I began to notice the hair-like growth pushing through the soil, after a few damp, cooler days.

Plants are so clever. Nature knows what we do not know. The garden happens on its own time. What if the Crinium Moorei lilies in my neighbour’s garden are flowering profusely and mine, just a festival of leaves? It was I that gifted the bulbs years ago. Now I share in the joy of their floral profusion as I wait for my mine to follow suit.

Gardening is a shared joy. I share plants with pleasure. The joy of them returns in so many ways. To plant vegetables is a life-enriching experience. One that is filled with the joys of harvest and the agony of failure.

We had little of the latter, I am happy to say. We are harvesting and eating healthy vegetables that defy description. How can I describe how it feels to plan a meal from a packet of seeds? To watch the seedlings grow. To harvest the healthy organic produce. To enjoy as a celebratory meal under the oaks.

Fresh green beans with pink tomatoes and olives

To spend time in a garden is one of the best forms of therapy. Apparently, gardening decreases the levels of cortisol. That is, the hormone which is released during stress. Gardening is more than conventional occupational therapy. I can agree with that. We spend a lot of time in the garden planting, sowing, weeding and harvesting. One does feel rejuvenated by any gardening activity.

Purple figs and gorgonzola

Where possible, we enjoy our meals in the garden. Eating a healthy meal that was growing less than an hour before. I don’t know what the other vegetables must think of us, eating their friends and family in full view.

What can be better than a traditional South African braai (barbeque)? Making fire is another form of therapy. When there is fire, I take the opportunity to roast in season brinjals and make from them, a baba ganoush.

The smokiness of the fire-roasted brinjals, compliments the other ingredients from the garden. These include the likes of lemon, garlic and parsley. For good measure I use my homemade tahini.

Homemade baba ganoush

For us, there can be no better way to celebrate the Towerwater garden than to eat from, out of, and in it. Home-grown food rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. Enjoying a meal al fresco on a hot summer’s day, is a good opportunity to enjoy a local wine or craft beer. Refreshments barely made a stone’s throw from the house.

Local craft beer

Nothing beats sitting back and inhaling the fragrance of summer. It is a fragrance that hangs in the air with hints of lavender, rosemary, geranium, meaty smoke from an open fire and the hint of yeast emanating from a crafted beer.