Slowly but surely

Over the past 11 years we have planted over 3000 tress, a lot of which Nick grew from seed, to re establish the indigenous bush on our farm. At last it is starting (in some areas) to create a canopy and forest floor, a little haven for all the hundreds of birds, Bushbuck, Duiker and other forest friends.
The world is not coming to an end, there are millions of bees buzzing in the Tree Fushias.

come for a walk and bring your dogs

a trail of bread crumbs

Today we went down into the forest to mark out a trail path, so you will never get lost. Just follow the pink spots.

weekend away

For some reason we have no bookings this weekend coming up - the 13th/14th May, so I am offering a reduced rate of R190.00 pppn. Children R140.00
Both houses are available - Hillhouse (sleeps 12) and Lakehouse (sleeps 4)

I know this is short notice
let me know asap if you are keen
it will go to the first person.

in the fields and forests

new finds

There are 4 charity SPCA shops, a Hospice shop and loads of second hand/junkie shops around, some where you need to wade through the junk to find treasure, and others which are full of treasure, but more pricey. I love wading through the junkie ones - you never know what you will find.
The Tretchikoff print is titled Xosa Chief from SPCA R45.00. The vase was R40 and the the others were all bargins too.
Contact me if you need directions.

Autumn is here

it's time for fires and hot water bottles

party at Hillhouse

www.hillhouse.co.za

Lakehouse

A new page on the website for Lakehouse, 200m from Hillhouse with a heavenly view.
This new little house sleeps 4, go to www.hillhouse.co.za to book in.

pics in the garden

I want one

we went to cars in the park last weekend - here are some glimpses of the shape, line and detail of these beauties.

succulent of the month

Like they do in supermarkets and some companies to encourage their staff, I'm posting a photo of this guy who after a year of looking pretty much the same has suddenly opened up and is growing a whole new middle bit. Well done blobby stone plant - you are succulent of the month.

suitcases

This is me in class 1 with my first suitcase (my mum and I on the left)
I have acquired many more since, they are great for storage.
Not one of them contains a suit.

Self portrait and landscape on Mothers day

Trying my hand at painting. This is something I have been dying to do for ages. So... I am doing a painting and printmaking course at KZN University with Vuli (printmaking) and Faye (painting) they are both great teachers, yay for you.
The landscape is the Petrus stroom Valley(home) - good colours at the moment which I thought I may put in the portrait - a Mona Lisa type background.
My Daughter Pippa did the card for Mothersday.
I love the combo, the card should be with the painting always.

Hillhouse website

Have a look at the website and come and stay www.hillhouse.co.za

website icons

I've done these icons in different colour ways for the different pages - Hillhouse website coming together.

Hillhouse website

I'm designing a website. This is my design for the opening page. So far so good.
Hillhouse used to be our farm shed and it is now a really cool place to come and stay. Have a look.

Yes I do love my plants

I would like to mention that some of my best and most unusual succulents come from Sharon and Neville's beautiful St Verde garden. Definitely worth a visit, they are open on the last weekend of every month.

Treasure hunting

It's such a win when nobody else wants or likes things that you like. Especially when you are at an auction.

I was so excited to get these Tretchikoff prints, which came with a lot of other less desirables,
for R20.00.












More auction specials...very comfy yellow chair and the print is Mario Bordi's Freedom of the plains.
















Another chair from another auction and evil Leechie cat.