Circle of life: rebuilding a dramatic South African home

Updating an unusual architectural gem in South Africa required a light touch – and a love of Japanese geometry

Renovating an important building comes with a responsibility to honour the past without compromising one’s own vision for it. Homeowners Michael and Claire Cobbledick couldn’t resist the 1970s house designed by a renowned Cape Town architect – even though it didn’t tick the boxes of a family home.

“It was an entirely emotional decision. We knew we wanted it as soon as we walked in. It felt completely welcoming, somehow familiar, reminding me of certain modernist houses, yet entirely singular with its bold geometric aesthetics,” says Michael.

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* This article was originally published here

New plants for free: how to propagate from softwood cuttings

I am moving house; so from lavender to buddleia, I’m taking cuttings from new growth to plant in my garden. It’s easy when you know how

I am beginning a long farewell: by the end of the year, I will be gone from this garden and starting anew in Welsh soil. I am fantasising about having a garden that wraps around a house, but in truth I think I am gaining all of four metres, several of those in shade. Still, it is a blank canvas to paint on, and when I’m not heartbroken about leaving my fruit trees, I stand in my garden and make plans for what should come with me.

I don’t want to leave this garden with great holes where I’ve uprooted established plants, so instead I am taking cuttings. I have already taken hardwood cuttings of all the soft fruits, vines and figs.

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* This article was originally published here

Mow problem: gardeners encouraged not to cut lawns in May

No Mow May scheme promotes letting wild plants thrive to provide nectar for insects

The number of people not mowing their lawns is increasing after a successful campaign to keep gardens wild, a leading nature charity says.

Gardeners are this year being urged once again by Plantlife to keep their lawnmower in the shed during No Mow May, in order to let wild plants thrive and provide nectar for insects.

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* This article was originally published here

Sunshine Yellow

Hello everyone, I was happy to be able to pick my first bouquet from our spring garden yesterday.                                                                    They make me smile! I love the cherry yellow of our early daffodils. The teapot was a gift from my husband several years ago.  it is a Royal Elfreda Blushing Beauty. Every day now the garden moves forward bit by bit.

* This article was originally published here

How to increase water pressure at home

The problem could be a valve, mineral deposits or rust buildup inside pipes.

* This article was originally published here

THIS AND THAT

OK....here I am and I will try something new..... I will do all of my gabbing first and then add the pictures in no particular order:) I would not say I am a perfectionist but some things irk me...that being when I am trying to do something and IT WON"T WORK.....she said loudly:) Since we last spoke I went to Bluffton to see my brother.  Such a cute little town.  My sister, brother-in-law

* This article was originally published here

Etched Glass Zipper Glassware

This project combines glass etching and painting to create unique and fun zipper design on glassware. It’s also completely dishwasher safe. It’s a surprisingly easy project and great for those interested in getting into glass etching

You can see the full tutorial here.

* This article was originally published here