As Summer rolls around, and the weather gets warmer, so the magnificent gardens of Granny Mouse Country House & Spa return to all their usual colourful glory. Having been known for so many years, as a Hotel with truly magnificent gardens, we decided that we’d share some of our tips with you, so that you too can share in the joy that is a beautiful garden.

One of the first things that we can offer as advice is that gardens should be a place to alleviate stress, and because of this, there are three simple rules that we abide by; weeding, watering, and the division of plants. If you can master this art, you’re half way to having an amazing garden and getting yourself to the point of truly enjoying time in your garden.

With the increase in temperature over the summer months, you can be sure that your plants will be feeling the heat, so choose hardy perennials that can withstand summer heat and occasional drought. Perennials such as ornamental grasses, fringed bleeding heart, echinacea, lady’s mantle, artemesia, vinca vine, sedum, hostas, coreopsis (tickseed), daylilies are all workhorses that need minimal attention.

If gardening really isn’t your thing, but you love the visual effect that a beautifully manicured garden presents, then look at planting shrubs and small trees, which will not only instantly provide a quick fix look, but will add some height dimension to your gardens. Smaller trees such as lollipop trees can create an extremely sophisticated look, and bar having to prune the odd pop-out branch, they are largely low maintenance.

In order to ensure that your new garden thrives, remember that you may need to increase the fertility of the soil with some good quality fertilizer, or make your own with mulch (garden and grass cuttings) which will not only increase the quality of your soil, but will aid in reducing water evaporation and will discourages the growth of weeds.

Of course, a gardener’s work is never done, but just remember that there are many low-maintenance options out there than can help you in creating a show-ready garden, so this summer, take some time out and alleviate your stress with a little bit of dirt!

Granny Mouse Country House & Spa are dedicated to their guests in all spheres of the property, from accommodation, food and banqueting to conferences, teambuilding and leisure activities to spa treatments.

The Granny Mouse Spa team which began running under the management of Camelot Spa this year, has five staff members that prepare and perform beauty therapy on guests.

As Spa Manager, Liza Williams, originally from Cape Town, brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. She has been in the Spa industry for over 14 years and completed her training at the Tygerberg College Health and Skincare Academy. She is also currently undergoing an international Diploma in Health and Skincare Therapy through the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) in the United Kingdom.

She says that she enjoys working at Granny Mouse, because her team is so dedicated and attentive to any advice they are given.

In total, the spa has four Spa Therapists, of which Zinhle Ndlovu Ncamsile is one of them. She has been in the industry for five years. Having studied Massage through the Beauty Specialist College, she is experienced in all types of massage.

Since her time at Granny Mouse, Ncamsile started out in other facets of the hotel including the likes of Food and Beverage and Housekeeping before moving into the Spa. For her the best part of her job is being able to have a guest leave feeling much better than when they arrived.

Ncamsile is joined by her colleague Ruth Slindokuhle Madolo who also holds the title of Spa Therapist.

Madolo has a Certificate in Beauty Technology from Icesa Durban Campus and has been in the Spa industry for 8 years. Her previous work experience includes Dream Nails and Beauty & Balance as well as the Granny Mouse Spa. Madolo says that she took up the position at Granny Mouse a year ago, “to work in a well-recognized Spa and get more experience and knowledge as a therapist,” she says.

The other Spa Therapist on the team is Lindiwe Buthelezi, who also went to Beauty Specialist College and graduated with a Certificate in Massage. Having been at Granny Mouse for 6 years and in the industry for 3 years, Buthelezi says her favourite part of her job is “ensuring that each and every guest is 100% happy at all times.”

The final member of the Spa team is Phindile Portia Ntombela who is the Spa Assistant. She has been in the Spa industry for 3 years which she got into during her 20 years at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa. She believes in showing clients excellent service and putting them first.

The Granny Mouse Spa team are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to providing great service, customer satisfaction and overall warmth!

To book a Spa treatment contact 033 234 4071.