Monthly Archives: October 2018

How to care for your indoor plant to make it to the New Year!

Not every person lives in a space where growing an outdoor garden is possible, however some people have created indoor gardens which they are able to care for to help liven up their living space and to bring in oxygenated air for a healthier environment.

If you are considering creating an indoor garden for your home, you will need to follow a few simple steps in order to ensure a successful outcome.

Step 1

Choose a windowsill or area near a window to allow for sunlight to feed the plants.

Step 2

Buy a pot for your chosen plant. (Plant should already be grown or a seedling)

Step 3

Add potting soil/potting mix and compost/fertilizer to enrich the soil before planting. Fill the pot three quarters to the top.

Step 4

Add in the plant of choice. Before planting, pull out some of the roots to allow the plant to absorb nutrients more conveniently. Then plant, covering with soil until just below the stem.

Step 4

Remove any brown leaves by using pruning shears. This will allow the nutrients to be fed to the healthy leaves and not the dead ones.

Step 5

Water till the soil is wet, the first time around. Soil should be dry the next time you water. Water once a week, or when the leaves look slightly wilted. Be careful not to let the pant sit in any water, so empty drainage saucer if the pot comes with one.

William Brown (Horticulturist at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa) offers some advice on the best indoor plants to choose for your space.

“Bamboo palm, English Ivy and the Sword fern, are some of the best plants to grow indoors. They are relatively easy to grow, do not require large amounts of light and only need watering every so often,” he says.

Try your hand at growing an indoor garden and not only fill your space with beautiful greenery, but reap the health benefits that some plants are able to provide.

The perfect pair: Food & Travel

If you are looking for something exciting to do for the upcoming festive season, then consider arranging travel that involves food, especially since food embodies the culture of the place you are travelling to.

Because food is different in every corner of the globe, and even in different areas of your own province, travelling an hour from home could land you in an area brimming with a variety of different cuisine cultures.

2

Only an hour and a half from Durban lies the KwaZulu Natal Midlands – a true gem in its own right.

Start your journey with a stop at the Mandela Capture Site, visit the quirky shops and restaurant at Piggly Wiggly, try the wines at the Meander Fine Wines, or purchase some beautifully crafted pieces at Hillfold Pottery. If you enjoy cheese, then a trip to Swissland Cheese is a must, before making you stop at the gorgeous Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, which offers award-winning gourmet cuisine worth every bite, as well as an array of culinary experiences sure to be the perfect addition to your journey. You are also able to maximise on the experience by indulging in a treatment at the onsite spa, or stay over in one of their luxurious rooms or suites.

Also on offer, if you want to try something new, is macaroon and wine tasting, brandy and chocolate tasting, and more, that is sure to add some excitement to your journey.

So whether you choose to “eat well and travel often”, “taste your way around the world”, or if travelling is food for your soul, make sure to make the most of your new experiences and visit places you would least expect to.

Tip: whilst on your travels, why not shop for food items you can bring home with you, and allow the experience to last a little longer.