Design Talk

Reading rooms allow literary indulgence

IF you are a book lover or an avid reader, it is likely that you have built up quite a collection of books over the years. Creating a home library or reading room will help you organise your collection, make it easier to find books and make reading fun and relaxing within the comforts of your home.
Most people envision a reading room as a study with dark wood panelling and leather-bound volumes that are old enough to belong to your great-grandfather - a place where rich, aging men sit in smoking jackets, puffing away at pipes while they contemplate whatever deep truths might strike their fancy.
This is, most certainly, the generally accepted image of a reading room or home library. However, in this day and age, this is not often the preferred kind of home library. And the home library can be so much more!
There are three important elements in designing a reading room: space, shelves and books. ...

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Author: Allan and Ruth - Designed Solutions

The world is your orchid at this year’s Spring Show

George Presbyterian Church Hall, September 9-11

THE Orchid Society of the Southern Cape was established 25 years ago in George with the objective of advancing all aspects of orchid growing in the Cape, and registered with the SA Orchid Council following a successful show by the Cape Orchid Society.
There are many orchid growers in the area, which is demonstrated by the number of visitors at the Society’s annual Orchid Show. Professional orchid grower and nursery owner, Else Hall of Outeniqua Orchids in Blanco, imports the latest stock from America and is well known for her knowledge of orchid culture.
The Garden Route has a temperate climate normally blessed with year-round rainfall and little threat of frost - ideal growing conditions for most orchid species under simple shade-cloth shelters. Despite the present changing climatic conditions and poor rainfall, it has been amazing how many attractive blooms are exhibited at the annua...

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Complete make-over session coming up!

IF you're asked to hand over R100 in return for a gift pack containing TheraVine skincare and GHD hair care products to the value of R300, a presentation on various cosmetic procedures, as well as a chance to be one of three lucky draw winners - your response is sure to be: "What's the catch?"
Carry on reading, and all will be revealed…
Plett's Greenhouse Hair Stylists and Von Zoe Salon and Spa are inviting all ladies and gents from near and far to join them for a fun-filled afternoon while experiencing the exciting world of beauty in the Bay’s spectacular surroundings. 
Alternatively gentlemen, why not spoil the special ladies in your life?
Greenhouse Hair Stylists will present a lady having undergone a complete make-over session inclusive of (but not limited to) a full colour service - a restyle utilising the latest cutting and styling techniques.
Von Zoe Salon and Spa will perform the following services during this special ev...

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Field Notes

IT’S a very good year for Nuxia floribunda, I was told by Jane Rosenthal via the modern marvels of information technology and social networking. Jane resides at The Crags some 20km to the north of Plettenberg Bay and advised that good specimens bedecked with inflorescence could be seen alongside the N2 opposite the entrance to Tarn Country House, and on the road to Nature’s Valley.
I duly made an excursion to the Valley, taking in the terrifying road works that are presently in progress. Nuxia floribunda in both locations were quite splendid and a joy to behold.
Two subsequent visits to Rheenendal, west of Knysna, allowed me to view a sprawling stand of these noble exemplars of arboreal finesse, containing many trees laden with the characteristic creamy-white flowers. There are also big overhanging trees of the forest nuxia, or forest elder, at Garden of Eden between Plett and Knysna.
Nuxia floribunda is a member of the strychnos family of trees and is o...

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Author: Tim Twidle