Random Harvest Newsletter Archive

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Dear Indigenous Enthusiast,

This time of year brings us the most breathtaking sunrises, each one a masterpiece of colour and calm. As I watch the dawn unfold, with the gentle chorus of waking birds in the background, I’m reminded just how fortunate I am to live in such a beautiful space.

I couldn’t resist sharing a little sunrise envy with you—this is the kind of view that greets me most mornings on my way to work. Aren’t I the lucky one! And with mid-winter only three weeks away, we’re already on the downhill slope to spring. The coming change won’t just awaken the garden, I’m sure it’ll refresh our spirits too.

At Random Harvest, it’s our mission to help you create a peaceful, nature-inspired garden with indigenous plants, that is alive with birdsong and bursting with indigenous beauty. We want you to experience moments of calm and connection - just like these - every single day.

Public Holidays
We’re open on Youth Day, Monday 16 June

IN THE NURSERY

The Tree Aloes (Aloidendron barberae) are in full bloom right now and I’ve honestly never seen them this spectacular! They’re covered in flowers blooming at the wrong time. Even though these trees are giants, one can still spot swarms of insects enjoying the rich nectar the flowers offer - nature in action, right before your eyes.

One of my favourites is the one Jeff planted in a pot, it’s thriving and bursting into beautiful bloom. If you're working with limited space, it's best to grow it in a container, as this majestic aloe can get quite large. It truly shines in a pot, making it a stunning focal point for any patio or compact garden.

If you're visiting us, don’t miss the Tree Aloe planted in the succulent garden behind the office. It stands tall as a stunning focal point, tying the whole garden together with its sculptural presence and vibrant blooms. It really is the star of the show!

We recently had the pleasure of hosting students from the University of Pretoria at the nursery. I spoke to them about the importance of biodiversity, highlighting the vital role it plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Jeff then took them on a tour of the nursery, sharing insights into our work with indigenous plants. It was a rewarding opportunity to educate future landscapers on the value of using local species in sustainable landscaping.

We’ve had to repair the road once again after another round of heavy rain washed out much of the work we did last time. The downpour came shortly after our previous fix, undoing our efforts and making the road difficult to use. Hopefully, the rainy season is finally behind us now, and the road will hold up better in the drier weeks ahead.

I just had to share this moment of pure joy - these two beautiful girls were having an absolute blast in the sandpit! Laughing, digging, and completely immersed in their play, they reminded me how wonderful it is to be young and carefree. Their happiness lit up the whole space!

FOOD PARCELS

We’re excited to announce the winners of our lucky draw - congratulations to Gillian Campbell and Roy Reisen!

Once again, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who generously contributed towards our food parcels. Your kindness and support truly make a difference. Every donation goes a long way in helping families in need, bringing relief, hope, and a sense of community. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

We’ve helped launch, and continue to support and mentor, eight small businesses so far, all of which are thriving. If anyone has second-hand sewing machines, they’re willing to sell or donate, we’d be incredibly grateful if you reached out. We have a group of enthusiastic young ladies who are passionate about sewing, and we’re committed to helping them start their own businesses — just like the first eight. Random Harvest will provide a teacher to train them as a group, so your support could make a truly lasting impact. If you’re able to assist us further in this work, here are the banking details:

Random Harvest Nursery, FNB 51441129818
Cheque account: code 25 07 41, Reference: Food Parcels

BIRD WALKS

Join us on our next bird walk and experience the joy of spotting and hearing some of our favourite feathered visitors. Winter has arrived, bringing with it chilly mornings and shorter days. As the landscape quiets down and many trees lose their leaves, the natural food supply for birds begins to dwindle. Insects become scarce, and seeds are quickly eaten up, leaving birds searching harder for nourishment. While you’re at the nursery, don’t forget to pick up some bird food and feeders - winter is a tough time for birds, and every bit of extra nourishment helps them survive the cold. Your garden could become a vital winter haven for them.

Date: Monday, 16 June with Lance Robinson
Time: 07h00 for 07h30
Date: 27 July with Chris Hines
Time: 07h00 for 07h30

Cost: R195.00 per person, this includes a delicious breakfast buffet
Booking is essential - please contact Ronald on [email protected] or Tel. No. 066-587-3077

COFFEE MORNINGS

Date: Wednesday 4th of June at 10h30
Topic: How to Plant a small Garden
Join us for a morning where Jeffrey will share his expert tips on how to make the most of limited garden space. Whether you have a tiny balcony, courtyard, or compact backyard, he will guide you through clever design ideas and practical solutions to transform even the smallest area into a lush, thriving garden. He’ll also introduce you to the best plant choices to bring beauty, colour, and interest to small spaces without overwhelming the area. Perfect for anyone looking to create a big impact in a small garden!

Date: Wednesday 2nd of July at 10h30
Topic: How to Plant a Tree
Jeffrey will demonstrate how to plant a tree and also share his valuable knowledge on caring for them. From choosing the right spot to proper watering techniques, he’ll guide you through every step to ensure your tree thrives. It’s a great opportunity to learn hands-on tips from someone who truly understands and loves trees and can introduce you to a few in the gardens

Please remember to bring along some non-perishable food for our food parcels.
Coffee Morning Cost: R25.00 per person towards our food parcel drive

Date: Saturday 28 June 2025 10h30
Topic: Trees for Small Gardens
Choosing the right tree for your garden is so important—it can be heartbreaking to discover 20 years down the line that your tree is too big for the space or planted in the wrong spot, especially after all the time and care you’ve invested. Join us for a talk with Jeffrey, where he will share expert advice on selecting trees for small gardens and help you make the right choice from the start.

Booking is essential - please contact Ronald on [email protected] or Tel. No.066-587-3077
We look forward to celebrating with you.

Date: Saturday 26 July 2025 at 10h30
Topic:Interesting Trees of Random Harvest
Come and join Jonathan and Jeffrey as they share their passion for trees by introducing some of the interesting and unusual species we grow here at Random Harvest. From rare finds to uniquely South African gems, they’ll tell the stories behind these trees and why they’re so special. It’s a wonderful chance to discover something new and inspiring for your own garden.
Booking is essential - please contact Ronald on [email protected] or Tel. No.066-587-3077

HOLISTIC WELLNESS RETREATS & WORKSHOPS

In June, Jana will run two Retreat Into Nature Mini Wellness Experiences, focusing on the changing seasons as we embrace winter. Remember to book your spot as space is limited! The dates are as follows:

• Monday, 16 June 2025 (10 am – 12 pm)
• Sunday, 29 June 2025 (10 am – 12 pm)

Jana is currently working with the participants who signed up for the 7-week nature-based Self-Discovery Unleashed! programme. The participants love their Saturday morning experiences, discovering different parts of the farm through nature immersion wellness activities. Be sure to book your spot on the next Self-Discovery Unleashed! 7-week retreat starting on Saturday, 2 August 2025.
For more information about The Journey Tree Holistic Workshops & Retreats, email Jana at [email protected] or call her on 076 329 8692.

PRACTICAL GARDENER TRAINING

Friday 20 June, 08h30 – 15h30
Celebrating its tenth year at Random Harvest Nursery, this hands-on program is perfect for gardeners of all experience levels across various sectors (estates, schools, and corporate). It covers a wide range of sustainable gardening techniques, from soil health and feeding programs to pruning, lawn care, propagation, tool maintenance, plant knowledge, and more. The day is packed with inspiration and practical tips, and each participant will receive a beautiful certificate upon completion.

Give your gardener the gift of expertise by enrolling them today! For more information or to reserve a spot, email [email protected] or WhatsApp Lindsay at 0824499237.

African Birding Collective - Brilliant Birds in Gauteng Gardens - 16 August 06h00

In the rush of daily life, we often overlook some of the most fascinating birds living right outside our doors. This August, the African Birding Collective invites you to slow down, look around, and rediscover the magic of our most common—but truly brilliant—backyard birds at Random Harvest. It will be a short simple talk followed by a walk specially for kids and beginners to identify some of the birds we often don’t look at twice.

Booking is essential - please contact Dean on [email protected] or Tel. No. 071 671 4866

TEA GARDEN

Just a reminder that Wednesdays are Pensioners Day in the Tea Garden. An opportunity to enjoy Tea or Coffee and one of our generous, delicious scones for R65.00. On these cold winter days, we try to keep you warm and cosy with fires, gas heaters and even blankets to cover your knees.

Father’s Day Weekend 14 & 15th June

Join us on Saturday, June 14th, and Sunday, June 15th as we celebrate the fathers and father figures, who are our everyday heroes. As a small gesture of our appreciation, every dad who visits Random Harvest on these days will receive a special gift from us, because they deserve it! We’ll also be serving up a scrumptious Finger Foods menu, available by reservation only. We're taking a limited number of bookings — so don’t wait too long.

We can't wait to celebrate Father’s Day with you — bring Dad for a day filled with great food, peaceful surroundings, and well-earned appreciation.
Cost: High tea R225.00 per person.

Booking is essential - please contact Ronald on [email protected] or Tel. No.066-587-3077

We look forward to celebrating with you.

COTTAGES

We’ve been hard at work refreshing some of our cottages, and we’re excited to share the updates with you.

Sagewood has had a full makeover, with fresh paint on the walls and beautifully repainted furniture to match - Godfrey really did an excellent job bringing it all together. The space feels warm, welcoming, and perfect for a peaceful escape.

We’ve also been busy replanting sections of the gardens to ensure they remain lush and inviting, while also adding more privacy so you can fully relax and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings.

To celebrate these updates, we’re offering 10% off all bookings made directly with us during the month of June. It’s the perfect time to come and unwind—let nature do what it does best and gently rejuvenate you. Whether you’re in need of a quiet weekend away or a peaceful place to reconnect with yourself, we’d love to welcome you.

For bookings: please contact Ronald on [email protected] or Tel. No. 066-587-3077

RETAIL

Jonathan, who is past master when it comes to naturalistic planting, has guided the retail team to build a beautiful Naturalistic display garden. Naturalistic planting is a gardening style that mimics the way plants grow in nature, creating landscapes that feel organic, relaxed, and harmonious with the environment.

It focuses on using a mix of perennials, grasses, and other indigenous plants arranged in flowing, informal patterns to support biodiversity and seasonal interest. This approach not only enhances the beauty of a space but also encourages a thriving ecosystem that’s low-maintenance and resilient. I hope it inspires you and that you enjoy the wonderful colours, shapes and textures of our indigenous plants.

Jeffrey has planted a few beautiful pots that are perfect for your balcony or patio. They look stunning, especially the ones filled with colourful succulents and I love the mix of textures and shades that he has included.

Most of them need very little water, so you can enjoy a water-wise garden even in a small space.

We’ve just restocked our beautiful handmade pots, and they’re already flying off the nursery floor! These unique pieces are always in high demand and never stay around for long, so if you’ve had your eye on one, now’s the time to grab it before they’re gone again.

Jonathan is also busy creating a beautiful waterwise garden display here at the nursery. We thought it might inspire you to find ways of enjoying your garden, even during the current water crisis in Joburg. It’s a great reminder that with the right plants and layout, a garden can thrive with minimal water… more about this under the gardening tip.

I thought I should share this with you - one of our customers sent me a photo of bees being drawn to sweet food in her house, eventually getting trapped. This happens because there’s very little food and water for them in winter. Even here at the nursery, we’ve seen bees climbing into cold drink cans searching for sugar, only to drown.

The best solution is to plant lots of winter-flowering plants, and James has filled the trolley by the entrance to make them easy to find. You can also help by mixing a little jam with water in a shallow dish and adding pebbles so the bees can land safely without drowning. Let’s all do our bit to save the bees—almost every living thing depends on them.

WHOLESALE

We’re always here to help with expert advice and guidance—especially when it comes to those tricky spots in your client’s gardens where nothing seems to want to grow. Whether you’re dealing with deep shade, dry soil, or an awkward little corner, we’ll help you find the right plants for your clients.

There are also some exciting tree-focused talks coming up that you won’t want to miss. Have a look at our events section (Hyperlink to website) for the latest dates and details—we’ve planned some inspiring sessions that are sure to spark ideas and deepen your love for trees. And if you’re nearby, why not pop in for a wander through our growing section? There’s always something new to discover, and we’d love to help you find just the right thing for your garden. We look forward to seeing you soon!

SHOP

Keeping in line with our mission to support young entrepreneurs, we’ve stocked some delicious new goodies from a talented young man who makes them all without any preservatives. The biltong is delicious, and the dried fruit makes a great healthy snack. I’m not usually a fan of spicy food, but even I really enjoyed the sweet chilli biltong.

Biltong R55.00
Dried fruit R49.50
Sweet chilli biltong R55.00
Droëwors R55.00

Frans is still baking his irresistibly delicious cookies. They’re just perfect for this chilly weather and best enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee and a cosy blanket. I have to admit, I always end up treating myself to a packet on my way out of the office… they’re just too good to resist!

Short bread biscuits
Ginger biscuits R35.00
Anzac biscuits R35.00
Rusks R19.50

PLANTS LOOKING GOOD

Combretum imberbe- Leadwood
An exceptionally hardy, slow-growing deciduous tree known for its resilience and longevity. Capable of living for hundreds of years, this rugged survivor of the bushveld stands strong even in harsh, dry conditions. Its dense, heavy-set form and striking silver-green leaves – unusually small for a Combretum, give it a distinctive presence. From September to March, the tree produces small, white, puffball-like flowers that are highly fragrant and attract a wide variety of insects and birds. Ideal for full sun or semi-shade, this tree thrives in tough environments and adds an authentic bushveld atmosphere to gardens. Size: Up to 15m

Acacia caffra (=Senegalia caffra)- Common Hook Thorn
A very hardy, deciduous tree that thrives in tough conditions. Naturally drought- and cold-resistant, it’s a reliable choice for gardens where resilience matters. Its fine, feathery foliage gives it a soft, graceful, weeping form. From September to November, it produces fragrant, creamy-white flower spikes alongside its new leaves, attracting a buzz of insect activity. Despite its delicate appearance, this tree stands up to frost, poor soils, and dry spells with ease. Once planted, it establishes quickly and grows into a striking specimen—ideal for avenues, bush clumps, or any wildlife-friendly, low-maintenance garden. Size: 3 to 8m

Acacia nigrescens (=Senegalia nigrescens) - Knob Thorn
A very hardy, stately, deciduous tree that ranges from small to large in size. It is easily recognized by its rugged, knob-studded grey or yellow bark. On young trees the knobs are especially armed with a sharp, hooked spine at the tip - nature’s own armor, which tends to soften in appearance as the tree matures. From August to November, it bursts into sweetly scented, creamy-white flower spikes that buzz with life. Insects and birds flock to its pollen and nectar, making it a hive of activity during flowering season. Its high, graceful canopy offers shelter to Paradise Flycatchers and hole-nesting birds, while also serving as the host plant for the Demon Emperor (or Dusky Charaxes) Butterfly. Whether grown as a bonsai, in a container, or planted out in the open, the Knob Thorn is a tough, adaptable tree that brings both structure and life to any setting. This tree thrives in full sun and a wide range of soil types, making it an excellent choice for challenging conditions.
Size: 5 to 18 m

Ehretia rigida- Puzzle Bush
This very hardy, deciduous, drought-resistant shrub or small tree stands out for both its resilience and striking form. It thrives in harsh conditions and bounces back from drought with ease, making it a true survivor in the garden. Its distinctive, tangled, downward-pointing branchlets form a graceful, arching shape that gives rise to its common name, Puzzle Bush. From July to November, this tough shrub produces a profusion of small, sweetly-scented lilac to white flowers in dense clusters, drawing bees and butterflies into the garden. The profusion of small orange fruit that follows attracts many birds. This extremely hardy plant can handle poor soils, dry conditions, and neglect without losing its charm. It’s perfect for informal hedges, security barriers, bush clumps, or as a sculptural form plant. Size: 2 to 5 m

Cussonia paniculata- Karoo Cabbage Tree
Bring bold, indigenous character to the garden with this very hardy, semi-deciduous, drought-resistant tree. It thrives in dry, rocky conditions and is perfect for gardeners looking for low-maintenance resilience with standout style. Its large, leathery grey-green leaves are clustered at the tips of branches, giving it a striking, sculptural look that makes it an ideal form plant. From January to March, it produces bold, branched flower spikes that are rich with insect activity and followed by purple fruits that attract birds. This rugged beauty is a host for Emperor moth larvae and supports both birds and pollinators, making it as ecologically valuable as it is eye-catching. Plant in well-drained soil and go easy on the watering—Cussonia paniculata prefers to be treated more like a succulent than a thirsty tree. It does especially well among rocks, where its dramatic shape really shines. It also pairs beautifully in a bush clump with the Wild Olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana) and Buddleja species. Size: Typically, 3 to 5 m, can grow taller in ideal conditions.

Buddleja saligna- False-Olive
This very hardy, evergreen, fast-growing tree handles tough conditions with ease. Drought-resistant and adaptable, it’s well-suited to even the most challenging environments—thriving where many other trees would struggle. Its striking silver-grey leaves and beautifully twisted, woven-like bark give it a unique visual appeal. From August to January, it bursts into masses of sweetly scented white flower panicles, attracting birds, bees, moths, and a wide variety of pollinators, not to mention the birds that come to feast on these. With its naturally attractive shape, the versatile False Olive can be trained into one of the most elegant small trees for sun or semi-shade gardens. It also forms an excellent, dense, formal hedge when pruned—tough, fast-growing, and low-maintenance. Whether you’re working with poor soils, dry conditions, or just want a no-fuss, wildlife-friendly tree that still turns heads, Buddleja saligna delivers on every front. Size: 2 to 7 m

PLANTS ON SPECIAL – LESS 10%

Euphorbia mauritanica - Golden Spurge
A very hardy, evergreen, quick-growing, well-rounded shrub with thin, cylindrical, grey-green stems. The many stems that sway beautifully in the wind arise from a thick rootstock. Each stem produces a small, yellow flower at the tip, and the entire bush appears butter-yellow for 2 or 3 months from August to October. Attracts pollinating insects. Excellent feature plant for rockeries and mixed succulent beds. It makes a particularly attractive container plant. It is very tolerant of a wide range of conditions and is particularly useful for difficult gardens which have low rainfall and harsh, cold conditions. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Water moderately. Size: up to 1.5m

Crassula cv Gollum - Gollum Jade Plant
A hairly hardy, evergreen, fast growing, compact, succulent shrub. A thick, robust, bonsai-like trunk that can become quite massive and has bark that ages to a greyish hue - a beautiful feature of this plant. Gollum Jade Plant has striking proportions and makes an attractive accent or sculptural plant, container subject or a feature plant in a succulent rockery. If it is damaged by severe frost, it will shoot again quickly. If you overwater this plant, it may rot and will be soft, with pieces that break off easily, ruining the effect of its beautiful shape. This waterwise plant requires well-drained soil and full sun to partial light shade. Size: 50 to 80cm

Aloe arborescens - Krantz Aloe
Most people are familiar with this very hardy, drought-resistant, large, shrubby, branched Aloe that has neat rosettes of narrow, curved, bluish-grey leaves. The leaves may become reddish in winter or in times of drought. A magnificent sight when in flower, the Krantz Aloe produces three to four flowering stems of orange, red or yellow flowers from each rosette and bloom all winter. The nectar-rich flowers provide food for Sunbirds in winter as well as attracting insects and thus other birds. These Aloes are popular as a hedging plant, particularly around cattle kraals. The leaf gel is used medicinally to treat cuts and burns. Although this Aloe is drought-resistant it occurs naturally in high rainfall areas, making it an ideal garden plant. Plant in sun or semi-shade. Size: up to 3m

Aloe striata- Coral Aloe
This hardy, stemless, smooth-leaved Aloe with a rosette of fleshy, blue green leaves belongs in a very well drained, sunny spot of the garden where it will be the star of a winter show. Each leaf is edged with a thin orange line that glows when the sun shines through it. During the winter months, dense, compact inflorescences of brilliant orange flowers top a grey-green flowering stalk that stands about 50cm above the leaves. Provides beautiful colour and textural value. Size: up to 50cm

Euphorbia tirucalli Firesticks- Rubber Hedge
A hardy, evergreen, tough, drought-resistant, succulent shrub or small tree with rarely-seen, tiny leaves that fall very early as this plant uses its green stems to photosynthesise. In this form the tips of the branches turn yellow, red and orange giving the impression that the tips of the plant are on fire. Tiny, yellow flowers appear from September to December at the end of the new growth. These flowers attract masses of insects and butterflies. Although it is thornless, the dense, angular structure of the branchlets makes it fairly impenetrable, especially in older specimens. In some areas it will grow into a tree. As with most members of this genus, the sap is poisonous and highly irritating to the skin and eyes. It grows well in full sun. Size: 3 to 5m

Crassula ovata - Money Plant
This popular garden plant is a hardy, evergreen, erect, succulent shrublet of which two subspecies are recognised. It has a tree-like appearance, with a single, light-brown to greyish-brown main stem, from which many small branches arise. The small, fleshy, dark-green leaves are slightly flattened and narrow. The tiny, honey-scented, creamy-white to pink flowers are carried in many rounded inflorescences on the plant almost all year round but mainly April to September. The flowers attract a whole host of tiny insects which are the staple diet of lizards and frogs. Used in traditional medicine. It is beautiful planted in amongst rocks or in a container. Plant in sun or semi-shade in well-drained soil. Size: up to 1m

All Trees On Special

This month, we’re running a special on all trees, an ideal opportunity to add something lasting and beautiful to your garden. Whether you’re a home gardener or landscaper, the mature trees here at the nursery give you a chance to see how they grow on the Highveld and to appreciate the atmosphere they bring. Choosing the right tree for your space and climate is crucial - planting the wrong one can be a costly mistake, and there’s no way to regain the time lost if it needs to be removed later.

Our friendly retail team is here to help you select the perfect tree, and we can plant it for you or provide a helpful booklet if you prefer to do it yourself.

For me, watching the trees change with the seasons is one of the greatest joys of life at the nursery. Deciduous trees, in particular, offer a grounding connection to nature’s rhythms. When they are leafless they show of their beautiful architecture.

Summer yields leaves on the trees, in full, beautiful flush. The shade provided by the foliage keeps us cool, and life-sustaining oxygen is provided as the trees reap energy from the sun. The extra green cover is also a safe refuge and nesting space for the many different species of birds that visit us in summer. The abundant insect life that summer brings inhabits all parts of the trees, including the mulch created by fallen leaves under the trees. These insects are a rich source of food for the many birds that visit our gardens.

In early spring, their delicate buds and fresh leaves begin to unfurl - like the white leaves of Combretum kraussii (Forest Bushwillow), which are followed by pollen and nectar rich flowers that feed wildlife after the lean winter months.

The brilliant-coloured leaves of so many deciduous trees in autumn signal the coming cold of winter.

I love how the thinner foliage on the trees and shrubs makes the winter birds more visible to us. The dawn chorus is quiet for a few months, but makes spring even sweeter when the early morning birdsong resumes.

I think the trees are at their most beautiful in winter, when the architecture of their branches and is revealed. When the light is low, it shines directly on the bark, illuminating it with a rich glow in the winter sun. For me, this is also the season of shadows. I love watching these play on the buildings and the ground beneath the trees.

GARDENING TIP

The current critical water shortages, coupled with ageing infrastructure have resulted in our greater Johannesburg area suffering a water crisis that inevitably affects the way we garden. Waterwise gardening has become a necessity, not just a fashionable solution for those that want to reduce water consumption. One cannot escape the reality that lush green gardens are not possible in a water scarce environment during our dry winters, but being clever with plant choices and water usage can result in the garden remaining beautiful. Here are a few tips and suggestions for gardening in an arid environment.

Mulch - Make the most of anything that will help to retain soil moisture. Mulch is vital in helping to trap water, preventing it from evaporating from the soil too quickly.

Mulching with wood, wood chips, rocks and pebbles creates habitat for soil creatures as well as food for wildlife. Mulch also cools the soil down, creating a healthier, more comfortable environment for plant roots as well as soil creatures that help to aerate the soil and add some minerals to the soil.

Good Garden Design (Zone the garden) - Group plants with like water requirements and avoid thirsty plants unless you can grow them in a container or sunken container, to prevent water from seeping away.

Use a drought resistant plant palette - There are many indigenous plants that look lush despite needing very little water to thrive. (see our plants looking good section of the newsletter). Our friendly, knowledgeable nursery staff are happy to assist you, but if you need landscaping or more in depth advice, please make an appointment with myself, Jonathan or Jeffrey.

Cut back on watering - Too much water on the garden results in excessive green growth, and if one resists the temptation to water too much, we are often rewarded with stronger plants and the most amazing displays of flowers. Again the cost-cutting advantages of reducing our watering habits cannot be ignored.

Remember the wildlife – Water scarcity means that our garden creatures are the first to suffer. Naturally available water dries up and it falls on us to make water available, particularly to birds, reptiles, insects and other invertebrates. Make sure that there is always some water accessible at ground level for flightless creatures. Have a number of watering points around the garden, so that there is always some water available to garden creatures.

Employ rainwater harvesting techniques in the garden – Rainwater, when it falls, is the best and cheapest water source for the garden. There is a slogan about rainwater in the garden that goes “slow it down, spread it out and soak it in”. Slow it down by creating resistance through planting, ground level obstructions and contouring slopes to stop water from running off rapidly. When water runs, it spreads out as it hits an obstruction. Creating areas of flatness, even on a slope, means that there is more surface area for the water to spread out and greater chance of it soaking into the soil. Soil can soak up water best when it is a bit porous and contains enough organic matter to hold on to the moisture. The leaves and branches of plants also help to break the force of raindrops hitting the soil, and this also helps for the smaller water droplets to soak in more easily.

ON THE FARM

Astri Leroy reached out to me after reading the previous newsletter, where we mentioned some mystery “eggs” we couldn’t identify. She let me know that they’re not eggs at all—they’re actually cocoons of a tiny parasitic wasp. These wasps lay their eggs inside a living caterpillar, and when the larvae hatch, they feed on the caterpillar from the inside. Once they’ve finished, they exit the now empty body, spin their cocoons, and eventually emerge as adult wasps. Nature is fascinating, even if a little gruesome at times!

The dam has been full of surprises lately. Some wonderful, others a bit concerning. The Purple Heron has become a regular visitor, and the other day we watched in awe as it swallowed a massive fish. The only worry is that the fish might be Carp, which we’ve had trouble with before. They tend to arrive with birds, their eggs stuck to the birds’ legs, and once they’re in the dam, they grow huge and destroy the natural balance—last time we had to remove them and clean the dam.

On a happier note, the Hamerkop has also been visiting regularly, which thrilled Jeff and me as we haven’t seen one in a while.

And the barn owl is back, nesting in the old Hamerkop nest. Ronald suspects they may have chicks, as the owl now sits much closer to the entrance.

I thought I’d share some of the beautiful moments Jeff and I have witnessed in the grassland—hoping it inspires you to see winter grasslands with fresh eyes. Right now, the autumn colours are absolutely stunning.

The Hyparrhenia tamba seed heads look magical against the sky, and the Imperata cylindrica is breathtaking near the dam. I love sitting on the golf cart, just taking it all in.

On one of our drives, I even spotted a beautiful Masked Silver Vlei spider weaving its web among the Imperata—it was such a quiet, special moment.

To top it off, I had this cute little grasshopper land on me and I sat still as I didn’t want to scare it away. Who said the grasslands were dull and boring in winter?

Speaking of spiders, Jeffrey got quite a fright while watering the other day—he felt something crawling on his hands, and it turned out to be a rain spider! Once the surprise wore off, we took a closer look – it was very beautiful. I was struck by the intricate colour patterns on its body.

The Red-faced Mousebirds are out in full force at the moment, feasting on our succulent mother plants! They seem to be everywhere, enjoying the soft, fleshy leaves that they clearly find irresistible.

The swallowtail bee-eaters are also back on the farm, it’s a joy to see them swooping through the air.

My mother’s cow had a calf very recently, the first one we’ve had this year and she is absolutely adorable! She behaves more like a puppy than a calf, letting everyone pet and play with her. She’s so friendly and curious, and the cutest part is how she wags her little tail when she’s happy.

In closing I thought I should share this little quote with you that I saw the other day on the internet:

“Like the seasons, we are meant to change. Spring reminds us to begin again, no matter how long the winter. Summer teaches us to thrive and embrace joy. Autumn shows us the beauty in letting go, and winter invites us to rest and reflect. Each season has a purpose—just like every chapter of your life. Trust the rhythm of your journey. You are growing, even when it feels like you’re standing still.”

Wherever my latest newsletter finds you, I hope you’re warm … and still have dirt under your fingernails from a happy day in the garden.

Sincerely,

Linda