Random Harvest Newsletter Archive

Dear Indigenous Enthusiast

The mornings are getting noticeably cooler and darker. I love the changing seasons as it makes me feel in tune with the earth. April is fast arriving with a fresh wave of indigenous color - blooming flowers, autumn leaves, and a variety of insects fill the landscape. The recent rains have done wonders, with our plants thriving and the dam looking incredible.  While the birds aren’t quite as vocal at dawn, the early mornings on the farm are still stunning. 

The grassland is covered in heavy dew, sparkling in the morning light, and the crisp air is refreshing. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect start to the day.

Public Holidays

We’re open on all public holidays in April, except for Good Friday (18 April)

IN THE NURSERY 

Our water tank finally got delivered, and I was completely shocked at how huge it is. I’m so used to seeing these tanks already installed, where they look tiny from below when mounted on their stands. But seeing it up close on the ground was a whole different story, it’s enormous! It really puts into perspective just how much water it can hold.

My heart aches as I’ve had to cut down several trees that were dangerously leaning over buildings and roads. Some of these trees have been here since I first moved in 65 years ago, and as much as I love them, it was necessary to take them down for safety. It’s never easy to say goodbye to such old, familiar giants. On the bright side, nothing will go to waste. We will have plenty of mulch to nourish the garden and firewood for guests staying over in the cottages to enjoy a cozy braai.

With all the rain we've been getting, we had to add a sheltering roof over the Cyphostema trees we rescued a few years ago, to protect them from excess moisture. These plants are highly sensitive to wet conditions, and too much water can lead to root rot. If you are looking to get one, I’d recommend planting it in a spot where you can shield it during wet spells to keep it dry and healthy. I have to say, I’m thrilled with how well they’re thriving here!

FOOD PARCELS

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our wonderful customers who bring canned goods and donate towards our food parcels at every coffee morning. Your kindness and generosity make a real difference in the lives of those in need, and we are truly grateful for your support. Some of our customers have even made it a habit to fill a plastic bag with groceries specifically for our food parcels whenever they do their shopping, which is incredibly touching. It’s amazing to see how a community can come together to help others, and we deeply appreciate each and every contribution. Thank you for being part of this meaningful effort! 

If you are able to continue assisting us in this work these are the banking details: 

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

EVENTS

Kiddies Easter Activity
 
Spot the Hidden Creatures at Random Harvest!

Bring the children along for a fun and exciting adventure! We’ve set up a special "Spot the Creatures" trail around our retail area, where kids can search for hidden animals and insects while learning about nature. They will receive a pamphlet with instructions and fill in the names of the hidden creatures that they discover and identify along the trail. Once finished, they can head to reception to claim a special little treat we’ve prepared for them. This engaging activity is a wonderful way to spark curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. Running from April 1st to April 30th, 2025, it’s a perfect outing for families. No booking necessary and its free of charge - we only ask that the kids bring a few items for our food parcel drive.

BIRD WALKS

Join us for a fascinating and educational bird walk on these crisp autumn mornings, where you'll have the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Whether you're an avid birder or just starting out, this guided walk will deepen your appreciation for the diverse birdlife at Random Harvest. Our bird list has now reached an impressive 178 identified species, and you never know, we might even spot a new addition! Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the season.
Date:     12 April with Lance Robinson 
Time:     06h30 for 07h00 
Date:     10 May with Chris Hines 
Time:     06h30 for 07h00
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 MORNING

Date:  Wednesday 2nd April at 10h30
Topic: Tree walk in the garden
Jeff will give a short presentation on trees suitable for small gardens, sharing his recommendations on the best species and their benefits. After the talk, he will lead a guided tree walk through the garden, offering a closer look at different species and practical advice on selecting and caring for them. 

Date:  Wednesday 7th of May at 10h30
Topic: Creating a garden with useful plants.
Random Harvest Nursery staff will share some great suggestions for creating a “kitchen” garden full of indigenous plants and herbs of culinary interest, including how to combine them in the garden with our more well-known herbs. An information packed morning from how to plan the garden to what to put in it and how to use the indigenous culinary plants. 
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 

South African Indigenous Garden Plants Book Launch 

South African Indigenous Garden Plants, the gardener’s guide” by Elsa Pooley, Geoff Nichols and Andrew Hankey is now out. It is a very comprehensive, large, beautifully illustrated working coffee table book. Random Harvest will be hosting this book launch with the three authors present. Linda and the Random Harvest team have been involved in the preparations for the book in many ways over the years and have contributed photographs to it. Geoff, Elsa and Andrew stayed in the cottages in 2015 whilst working through Andrew’s photographic collection. With Random Harvest having probably the largest and most varied selection of indigenous plants in the summer rainfall area of South Africa, Struik Nature and the Flora & Fauna Publications Trust are proud to be launching at this very special nursery.
Date: Saturday, 5th April 2025
Time: 10:30
Booking is essential - please contact Ronald on [email protected] or                         Tel. No. 066-587-3077   

Talk on Butterflies by – Jan Praet 

Join us for an insightful talk on butterflies with Jan Praet. He will be sharing his knowledge on these fascinating creatures, their role in the ecosystem, and how to attract them to your garden. If you’ve ever been captivated by the beauty of butterflies, this is a talk you won’t want to miss. Come and learn more about these delicate pollinators and their importance in nature.
Date: Saturday, 12th April 2025
Time: 10:30
Cost: R25.00 per person towards our food parcel drive. 
Booking is essential - please contact Ronald on [email protected] or Tel. No. 066-587-3077   

HOLISTIC WELLNESS RETREATS & WORKSHOPS

We hosted a wonderful group of participants who joined Jana on the Retreat Into Nature Mini Wellness Experiences on Sunday, 2 March. After embracing the soul-restoring surroundings of the farm, the participants walked away feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and calmer. Jana will host three Retreat Into Nature Mini Wellness Experiences in April on the following dates:
•    Sunday, 6 April 
•    Sunday, 27 April
•    Monday, 28 April

Connecting with nature has many benefits and Jana uses a variety of nature immersion and self-discovery activities on the farm to support your well-being. Visit her website www.journeytreehealing.com for more information. Alternatively, contact Jana directly at [email protected] or WhatsApp her on 076 329 8692.

PRACTICAL GARDENER TRAINING 

Fridays 11th April & May 16, 08h30 – 15h30
Now in its tenth year at Random Harvest Nursery, this practical programme for gardeners at any level and in any industry (estates, schools and corporate) demonstrates sustainable gardening techniques, including soil health, feeding programmes, pruning, lawn care, propagation, care of tools, plant knowledge and more. It is a well-rounded inspirational day with a beautiful certificate awarded at the end of the workshop.Give your gardener the gift of knowledge by enrolling him/her today. Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp Lindsay on 0824499237 for more information and to reserve your gardener's place.

3-day Garden Design Masterclass

Tues, 13 – Thurs, 15 May
Join Lindsay at Random Harvest Nursery for this life-changing masterclass. Over the three days, we will explore the essential steps of garden design, inspirational plant choices, create habitats for wildlife, how to draw an accurate plan (crucial for quantification), followed by a day of essential horticultural practice. The course is ideal for both the homeowner and anyone wanting to work in the green industry. Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp Lindsay on 0824499237 for more information.

TEA GARDEN

Jonathan and I have been busy sorting through our recipes for the tea garden, and we found a few we just had to try. While one or two were complete disasters, two turned out to be delicious, we can’t wait for you to taste them! The first is our new waffle breakfast, a delicious corn waffle served with two rashers of bacon, two poached eggs, a salsa salad and a rich, creamy hollandaise sauce.The second is a delicate crêpe filled with cannelloni stuffed with a flavourful ricotta and spinach filling, baked in a luscious tomato and béchamel sauce, and finished with a generous topping of feta and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect lighter, yet equally indulgent, option.  We hope you love them as much as we do!

Mother’s Day Weekend 

10 & 11 May We’re celebrating Mother’s Day all weekend long on Saturday, May 10th, and Sunday, May 11th! This is our chance to honour all the hardworking, dedicated mothers who continue to support Random Harvest, we truly appreciate you. As a small token of our gratitude, every mother who visits us will receive a special gift when visiting Random Harvest on those days. We will be offering a scrumptious High Tea, available by reservation only and this time, we’ll be taking a restricted number of bookings to ensure a relaxed and memorable experience for all.
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

With loadshedding back, our cottages are the perfect place to catch up on work. Each one is equipped with a comfortable desk, allowing you to focus in peace and tranquillity without distractions. Plus, with backup power from our solar panels and generator, you won’t have to worry about interruptions. 

The calm surroundings make it easy to be productive, and when you need a break, you can reward yourself with a cup of coffee, provided in the room with fresh farm milk. It’s the ideal setting to work efficiently while benefiting from a relaxing atmosphere. Head over to the website to read more about our cottages: www.randomharvestcottages.co.za

RETAIL

Sydney got inspired and completely revamped the garden opposite the retail entrance. He decided to replace the plants under the Tipuana tree with Clivias, and to my surprise, they’re thriving! Knowing how much the Tipuana drains the soil of nutrients, he generously composted the area and added 2:3:2 fertilizer along with rock dust to replenish the soil. The result is a beautifully refreshed space, and the Clivias are loving their new home.

After years of trial and error, we finally found the perfect way to propagate our Streptocarpus hybrids thanks to the invaluable help of one of our customers! I’ve never seen them grow so beautifully, and now we have more than enough to share. 

These stunning plants are a must-have for any garden, bringing vibrant colour and charm to any space. Don’t miss out on adding them to your collection! 
We’ve also been hard at work designing a new display garden featuring edible indigenous plants and herbs. It’s an exciting project that celebrates local flavours and sustainable gardening. We’ll share more about this under the Gardening Tip section

Wholesale

A big thank you to everyone who attended our talk last month. We truly appreciate your time and enthusiasm. It’s been wonderful to hear your feedback on how these sessions are helping you design better gardens for your clients. The next one is as follows.

Saturday, 12 April 10:00 – 11:30 
Topic: Unusual Trees at Random Harvest
Join us for another insightful talk, where we will focus on unusual indigenous trees available at Random Harvest. Discover unique and interesting tree options that you can offer to your customers to add character and distinction to their landscapes.  
As always, we are here to support you with advice and plant selection. We look forward to discussing these fascinating trees with you and helping you bring more exceptional gardens to life.

Booking is essential: Contact Jonathan on [email protected] or 076 830 5242 /082 553 0598.

Join us on May 3rd at the Gauteng Plant Expo & Market at Gallagher Convention Centre!

Explore a vibrant marketplace packed with premium plant accessories, get expert growing advice, and connect with fellow plant lovers. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting your plant journey, this is the perfect place to find inspiration, knowledge, and botanical treasures. Don't miss out—see you there! 

SHOP

Since the team created the new edible plant and herb garden, I thought it was the perfect time to share some of the amazing natural, plant-based products we have in the shop. I use some of them myself, and they’ve been incredible for my skin.  Gentle, nourishing, and free from harsh chemicals, these products harness the power of nature to keep your skin healthy and glowing, proving just how beneficial plants can be inside and out. I highly recommend you try them.

Sausage tree sunscreen R240.00 
Sausage tree cream R130.00
African potato cream R195.00
Comfrey cream R56.50
Citronella herbal spray R78.50
Citronella candles R86.50
Lavender reed diffuser R245.00

PLANTS LOOKING GOOD

Portulacaria afra prostrata - Dwarf Elephant’s Food
A fairly hardy, pretty, succulent groundcover that is a variety of Portulacaria afra but instead of being a large upright shrub, it has a creeping habit and stays low. We had Japan Africa TV come along about 2 years ago and do a clip about the use of indigenous plants in the home. I made such a delicious chopped salad with leaves of the Portulacaria afra prostrata. I mixed cubed cucumber, tomato, yellow pepper and onion. Into this I coarsely chopped leaves of the Portulacaria. I dressed it with Olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. It was delicious. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or shade.    Size 10 to 20cm 

Aponogeton distachyos - Cape Pondweed
This fast-growing aquatic herb has glossy oblong leaves that float on the water’s surface. It is a well-known local delicacy for the cold winter months. It has become so popular that many commercial plantings have been made in ponds around the Western Cape. Cooked with onions, mutton or lamb and a few leaves of the local sorrel/suring (Oxalis pes-caprae), it makes a delicious stew. Bees are very attracted to the flowers and may be one of the main pollinators. 

 
Flueggia virosa- White Berry Bush
A hardy, deciduous, much branched, multi-stemmed shrub with thin, round, soft, blue-green leaves. The small, fleshy, sweet tasting white berries are edible when mature and birds also relish the berries and feed on the insects that are attracted by the flowers. Can be used as a hedging plant or as part of a mixed medium to tall backdrop planting. Also good as part of the edge of a bush clump.  Size 2 to 4m

Pappea capensis - Jacket Plum
A hardy, evergreen, very attractive, small to medium sized, neatly shaped, dense tree. The bark is pale grey-brown with knobbly branches. The long, furry, green seed capsules mature to brown and split to reveal a seed covered with a delicious red jelly with a tart flavour that can be used to make preserves, jelly and vinegar. This tree is a must for a wildlife garden as it attracts both insects and birds. Many different species of butterfly also breed on the tree. Plant as a single specimen among rocks or as an element of a natural bush clump. Fragrant oil extracted from the seeds, leaves and bark is used medicinally.   Size 3 to 7m 

Dovyalis longispina  - Natal Apricot 
A hardy, evergreen to semi-deciduous shrub or small to medium-sized tree with glossy, dark-green, roundish, shiny leaves. The delicious, edible fruit is a beautiful pale red with white spots (they look a lot like strawberries), they have a tangy, sweet and sour taste and can be used to make delicious jams and preserves. The long, thin spines make this an ideal plant for a security hedge, but it is also an attractive garden plant. Attracts birds to the garden. Plant in full sun or semi-shade in sandy or well -drained soil.   Size: 5 to 8m 

Erythroxylum emarginatum - African Coca-tree
A hardy, evergreen, beautiful small tree or large shrub. This dark green glossy, leaved shrub has rigid branches and a beautiful, neat shape. You can use it as a dense shrub or prune it into a single stemmed small tree.The white flowers are small but sweetly scented and are followed by attractive red berries which are edible and delicous. The flowers attract tiny pollinating insects while the berries are relished by birds. It grows in sun and shade so is perfect for the south side of a building.  Size: up to 4 to 6m 

Aloe ecklonis - Grass Aloe
This very hardy evergreen to deciduous, grass Aloe has broad leaves with white-toothed margins.  The rosettes of leaves alone are most attractive. It flowers in summer from November to January, with characteristically short flowering stems. The flowers vary in colour from yellow or orange to salmon-pink and even rarely red. It has medicinal and magical uses and the leaves can be eaten as a vegetable. Beautiful addition to a moist grassland. Plant in full sun or light semi-shade, and if not in moist soil, water well and regularly.  Size up to 40cm

PLANTS ON SPECIAL – LESS 15%

Carpobrotus edulis - Sour fig
This spreading, succulent groundcover is very hardy, evergreen and drought-resistant. spreading groundcover. It has triangular-shaped, fleshy leaves. In spring and summer (August to October) it bears large, vygie-like, yellow flowers that fade to pink. The large, fleshy fruits that follow become yellowish and wrinkled when ripe. They are edible and make good jams and preserves.  It has many medicinal uses. The juice of the leaves has excellent healing properties, and will relieve stings, burns and rashes. 
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun.  Size: up to 20cm 

Heteropyxis natalensis - Lavender Tree
A hardy, slender, upright, narrow, semi-deciduous tree with truly beautiful, pale creamy bark that, with age, develops apricot-coloured patches on it. It bears small clusters of yellowish, sweetly scented flowers, from September to March, which attract butterflies and other insects. Ideal tree for small gardens. It is particularly beautiful planted in groves and also makes a good container plant. The leaves can be used for herbal tea and potpourri and most parts of the tree are used medicinally. Size 4 to 8m

  
Sclerocarya birrea- Marula
An unusual tree for the Highveld, this is a fairly hardy, medium to large, deciduous tree with a rounded crown and beautiful mottled bark. It has large compound leaves crowded at the ends of the branches. The delicious, large yellow, edible fruit makes this one of our most valuable food trees. Not only is the fruit edible but the nuts are as well. All parts of the tree are nutritious and are utilised by wildlife from elephants down to moths and butterflies. Plant in a protected spot in well-drained soil. A delicious jelly can be made from the fruit.  Size 4 to 13m

Geranium incanum - Carpet Geranium
A hardy, fast growing, evergreen groundcover has beautiful, fine, feathery foliage. It is a very versatile plant that does well planted on banks, in hanging baskets and containers. When planted next to water it will float on the water. It requires rich soil, and is at its best in full sun. A tea is made from the leaves which is used in traditional medicine to offer relief from certain complaints.  Bees and other pollinating insects are attracted by the pollen the flowers produce.  Size 30cm 

Lippia javanica - Fever Tea 
A very hardy, evergreen, erect, small to medium sized shrub with aromatic leaves. Small, dense spikes of white flowers are borne in the axils of leaves all year round. It has many herbal uses and makes a fragrant cupboard freshener and addition to pot pourri. It is one of the plants that wildlife chooses not to browse on. Widely used in many African tribes as a herbal medicine for many ailments. Also well known to herb gardeners. If you are walking in a veld area where this plant occurs, break off a leafy piece and slightly crush the leaves. Rub or smack it against the ankles or lower leg and wrists, where the essential oils will stay on the skin and act as a natural repellent to ticks. Size 1 to 2m

Vangueria infausta- Wild Medlar
A hardy, deciduous, drought-resistant, large shrub or small tree with big, velvety leaves that have prominent veins on the under-surface.  The fruit has a floury texture and is full of seeds, but its pulp is edible, refreshing and nutritious.  It makes a good substitute for applesauce when mixed with a little sugar and water. The Wild Medlar is recognised as one of the traditional health foods of the Northern Sotho people. This South African Wild fruit tree is widely used for medicinal purposes, despite traditional suspicions around using it. It is much favoured by birds and insects for both the nectar and pollen of the flowers as well as the flesh of the fruit. It has a rugged, robust shape and can be used as a form plant. Plant as a specimen, part of a bush clump or in a rockery, in full sun or semi-shade. Size: 1 to 5m 

GARDENING TIP

Growing up, my mother had a knack for growing just about every vegetable and edible plant imaginable. Our garden was always overflowing with fresh produce, which gave me a deep appreciation for homegrown food. So, when the retail team decided to create an edible herb and indigenous plant garden, the little girl in me couldn’t help but get excited! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of growing your own food while incorporating hardy plants that thrive naturally in our environment. 

When designing a garden, the first step is to shape your beds, as this sets the foundation for your entire layout. A simple trick to achieve a natural, flowing design is to use an old hosepipe—lay it on the ground and adjust it until you find a shape that feels right. This helps you visualize the space before digging, ensuring a more organic and harmonious layout.

Maximizing space is another key consideration. Adding hanging baskets and pots can help you make the most of a small area while creating a lush, layered look. If you’re stacking hanging baskets, place the thirstier plants at the bottom so they benefit from the water dripping down from above. Grouping plants by their water needs also promotes efficient watering and healthier growth. 

Consider pairing culinary herbs with edible indigenous plants that also attract pollinators. For ideas, ask for the plant list at reception. When selecting combinations, consider grouping plants based on their watering needs to ensure they thrive together. Using pots or raised beds allows for better soil control and easier maintenance. This thoughtful approach not only yields fresh herbs for your kitchen but also nurtures local biodiversity, creating a vibrant and sustainable garden space.

It’s also important to keep wildlife in mind when designing your garden. Providing a water source and adding a few rocks will create shelter for small creatures, helping to support a balanced ecosystem. If you have limited space but still want to include trees or large shrubs, growing them in containers will help restrict their size while maintaining their beauty. 

One of the wonderful things about indigenous plants is their diverse leaf textures and colours, allowing for stunning combinations based on contrast and form. With careful planning, even the smallest space can be transformed into a thriving, vibrant garden that benefits both you and the surrounding environment! I hope you will be inspired to create a beautiful garden that is good for your stomach, your soul and the pollinators. 

ON THE FARM

If you’re a butterfly lover, there’s no better time than now to go for a walk and explore the grassland on your next visit to the farm! 

Right now, the fields are alive with fluttering wings as butterflies of different shapes, sizes, and colours dance among the grasses. 

With the warm sun shining and plenty of nectar-rich plants in bloom, these delicate creatures are more active than ever, offering a breathtaking display of nature in motion. 

Jeff and I always look forward to our afternoon drives, taking in this magical sight over and over again—it never gets old. 

Jeff managed to get a few pictures and I thought I should share some of them with you. 

The grassland is not only alive with butterflies but also bursting with bird activity! 

In the early mornings, the Zitting Cisticola calls loudly, filling the air with its distinctive buzzing sound. 

If you come for a walk early enough, you might be lucky to spot the Cape Longclaw. These beautiful birds tend to stand still in one spot in the morning , soaking up the sun as they warm themselves. It’s a great time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the grassland at its liveliest ! 

The birds are having an absolute feast on the Ziziphus mucronata fruits! 

The tree is bursting with its small berries, and flocks of birds are swooping in to enjoy the bounty and the Orange-breasted Bushshrike is still as vocal as ever, filling the air with its distinctive call as it hops from tree to tree. It’s a delight to watch as it moves through the branches, pausing just long enough to let out its rich, melodious notes before darting off again.

The Waterlilies have emerged in huge numbers, almost completely covering the dam in a lush green display. If you get closer to the edge, you’ll notice a fascinating variety of insects hovering and darting about. 

One that caught my eye was the delicate Damselfly so beautiful and elegant, resembling a miniature dragonfly. I love watching them glide effortlessly over the water.

I absolutely love the vibrant colors and diverse textures of the succulent garden in autumn. There's something truly captivating about the way these plants come to life, creating a stunning display of shapes and hues. 

It won’t be long before the Aloes burst into full bloom, adding even more brilliance to the garden. In fact, some of the earlier flowering species have already begun their brilliant, colourful show, offering a preview of the beauty to come.

 
Speaking of aloes, I just had to share this picture of a little gecko basking in the sun on top of an aloe leaf! It had clearly found the perfect spot, stretched out and soaking up the warmth like it was on a tiny tropical vacation. The way it lay there, completely still except for the occasional blink, made it look so relaxed and content almost as if it had nowhere else to be. It’s little moments like these that make me appreciate just how much life a garden holds, from the tiniest creatures to the most spectacular blooms. How cute is that?

The borehole saga at Random Harvest continues with an unexpected twist. To prevent a collapse like the last one, we decided to add casing and, in my caution, I ordered more than we needed. I was really beating myself up, thinking I’d wasted our money. But luck was on my side , the driller decided to go deeper so the extra casing wouldn’t go to waste, and he struck more water! I am absolutely delighted with the outcome.

In closing, I just had to share this adorable picture of one of my mother’s hens with her chicks. They are some of the cutest little creatures I’ve ever seen.

Enjoy the changing of the seasons. I hope to see you at the nursery soon.

Sincerely

Linda