Author Archives: Goldfish Communications

Basic tips for your garden this autumn!

Gardens

With the change in season, not only are we affected by the changing temperatures, but our gardens are as well.

Now is the time for avid gardeners to take extra care of their garden. If your current plants are sensitive to the colder weather, consider creating a mini greenhouse around them, however it may be more effective to spray these little beauties with an anti-transpirant spray that can be purchased from your hardware store or nursery. Granny Mouse Horticulturist, William Brown suggest purchasing “Wilt-pruf”. This will guard the plants by creating a layer on the leaves to act as protection against the elements.

He also suggests deadheading all the flowers – pinching/cutting off the stem below the flower and just above the healthy leaves. This will allow a new flower to germinate.

When it comes to April, planting bulbed plants is a must. These plants serve as food storage for other plants. They also contain the nutrients needed for plants to get through the colder months.

It is also beneficial for your garden to have all the dead vegetation, cut back. These draw unnecessary nutrients from the healthy plants and if removed, the nutrients are then absorbed more effectively by the plants that need it.

During the autumn season, make sure to give your garden enough water and fertilisation to ensure they are nourished.

Happy gardening this autumn!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Autumn wedding inspiration

Depending on location, the effects of the seasons are different in every region of South Africa. And of course, all seasons have both pros and cons.

With April comes the middle of autumn and if you enjoy a warmer array of colours, this season is for you.

Why get married in autumn?

Weather: The weather is likely to be the most suitable for a wedding as the day temperatures are warm and the nights are only slightly chilly, ruling out the need for externally hired heaters which would normally be worked into a winter wedding budget. If there is a need for warmth, put aside a few blankets and ensure there are warm beverages on offer, for guests who are feeling the chill.

Theme: When it comes to the theme of an autumn wedding, rich colours are usually prominent, such as orange, burnt red, purple & plums, browns & creams which are thought to mimic the changing colour of the leaves which fall during this season.

Cake: At this time of the year, it is acceptable to bring in autumn inspired elements into the flavours of the cake such as carrot, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, nuts, cranberries, lemon and poppy seed and apple. This season is also where you most often see the trend of naked cakes and fresh floral accents on tiered cakes.  A tip when cutting the cake is to do so before you even start the reception and before you head off for your photo shoot. Cut the cake and have it served to the guests along with shots of old-brown sherry or hot chocolate for them to indulge in.

Venue: Most venues are gorgeous at this time of the year and may also be hosting specials as usually, the autumn and winter months are off-peak season.

Free time: When it comes to autumn in South Africa, there are a number of public holidays which allow some tangible free time. This is beneficial when you need extra time to finish off small details such as décor, favours and writing speeches before your big day.

Food: A cooler evening for a wedding is perfect for warm starters using in season produce such as pumpkin or potato and leek or mushroom soup, or crumbed potato balls or hake fish cakes. If you have selected a hotel for your wedding venue and it has a chef that will be preparing your meals, it is always best to discuss your options to avoid disappointment. “I encourage bridal couples to discuss their ideal wedding menu with me and I then provide options of what can be prepared according to what is in season at the time. Here at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa we source our produce from local suppliers and keep in regular communication with them to ensure we are one step ahead in order to offer the best quality in our restaurants and for our events,” says Executive Culinary Artist Wayland Green.

Just one thing to remember about an autumn wedding is that the length of the day in autumn is usually shorter than it is in summer, therefore you would need to arrange for the best time of day to schedule your wedding photo shoot and work your ceremony and reception around this. Your photos are one of the most important aspects of your wedding.

To book your autumn wedding at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, contact 033 234 4071 and discuss you needs with the banqueting team.