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Duckitt Nurseries
I ♥ Darling Because…
This Q&A article was first published on the SA-Venues blog: http://blog.sa-venues.com/provinces/western-cape/love-darling
Hi, I’m Paul Martin from Aloe Cottage in Darling.
Darling IS BEST KNOWN FOR its wonderfully diverse spring flowers, the Voorkamerfest Theatre and Arts Festival, Evita se Perron (the home of Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout), great wine farms, art galleries, country-style restaurants and bistros, the Duckitt orchid nursery, the friendly small-town atmosphere and relaxed country life.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Evita se Perron where you can pose as “the most famous white woman in South Africa” and take a humorous trip down South Africa’s memory lane at Boerassic Park.
THE BEST spring flower PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Tinie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve, Waylands Flower Reserve or at the orchid open days at Duckitt Nurseries on the first Saturday of the month from May to November.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS CAN BE TAKEN while sipping wine at some of the local wine farms like Ormonde, Cloof, Darling Cellars, Groote Post and Tukulu.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO cycle around the village and farmlands with my camera. The Nguni cattle at Oude Post Farm are particularly beautiful with their speckled hides and long horns.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO browse the amazing selection of books at Book League.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS any time of the year, BECAUSE summer offers trips to nearby Yzerfontein beach and long warm evenings around the braai. The Darling Music Experience classical festival takes place in February. Autumn is ideal for wine tasting while the vineyards turn to orange and gold. Winter brings misty morning walks, and cosy nights with good food and wine. Spring brings the annual Darling Wildflower Show, Voorkamerfest, Rocking the Daisies music festival and so much more …
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST The Marmalade Cat.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Bistro Seven, TRY THE Eisbein.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Café Mosaic, known by the locals as ‘The Stoep’.
MY FAVOURITE bargain hunting SPOT IS The Mantis Trading Store.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Kraalbosdam on a Friday night.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the Darling Country Market on the first Saturday morning of the month at the Nitrophoska Building.
Darling’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the local butchery, Darling Vleismark, perfect for stocking up before returning to the city. And don’t miss the cheap homemade jams at the till!
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS enjoy the local beer, Darling Brew, available at most restaurants in Darling.
FOR SOME CULTURE , I LIKE TO GO TO the Voorkamerfest in September, where performers from South Africa and around the world give intimate performances in the ‘voorkamers’ (lounges) of houses in Darling. It is not to be missed.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY making your own wine at the annual Darling Cellars Crush Day.
MY FAVOURITE WALK IS with my dogs at the Renosterveld Reserve at the top of the hill, where you have panoramic views of the village and surrounding farmlands.
MY FAVOURITE gift and homeware SHOP IS is the beautiful warehouse at the back of The Marmalade Cat.
MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS from the kitchen window at Aloe Cottage, where the weaver birds put on a fantastic display building their nests and showing off their dexterity.
IF YOU’RE HERE IN July, JOIN IN THE FUN AT Christmas in July at Evita se Perron.
MY FAVOURITE MUSEUM IS Darling Museum. Discover how Darling got its name and don’t miss the little shop; Ouma’s Treasures.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS Koekemakranka Backpackers, FOR ITS creative and whacky interior, created by local artist and co-owner Omnia Grobler.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Lelieblom Farm Restaurant where the kids can see and touch farm animals. Enjoy a lazy weekend lunch where you dine with your hosts and enjoy true country hospitality.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS taking a leisurely drive around the countryside.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO go wine tasting, stock up my cellar with excellent local wines, then enjoy a celebratory meal at Hilda’s Kitchen at Groote Post.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the difference that one person, Pieter-Dirk Uys, has made to a community by putting Darling on the map and giving so much to support development projects in the area.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Aloe Cottage, of course!
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support The Darling Trust.
I ♥ Darling BECAUSE the people are friendly and welcoming, the village is authentic and not overly touristy, and it’s an hour from Cape Town… but a world away!
Aloe Cottage
Aloe Cottage offers luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Darling, near to Cape Town, South Africa. We are pet-friendly! The holiday home has been beautifully decorated with top quality linen, furniture and artwork and enjoys possibly the best views in Darling — over rolling hills and farmlands to the distant mountains. Aloe Cottage is the perfect romantic getaway for couples as well as for weekends away with friends or family holidays.
Visit Aloe Cottage
View Rates or make a Booking
Desirable Digits
Chicory Cheese — +27 (0)72 852‑6644
Brig’s Barn — +27 (0)22 492‑2451
The Marmalade Cat — +27 (0)22 492‑2515
Bistro Seven — +27 (0)22 492‑3626
Café Mosaic — +27 (0)22 492‑2307
Kraalbosdam — +27 (0)22 492‑3803
Lelieblom Farmhouse — +27 (0)82 573‑7736
Duckitt Nurseries Annual Orchid Show: 15 – 18 Sept 2011
The Duckitt Nurseries Annual Orchid Show takes place from 15 – 18 September 2011 on Oudepost Farm 3km outside of Darling (follow the yellow banners).
Landscaping done by Attie Hofmeyr with thousands of exotic orchids and rare species.
Various orchid potplants, spikes and all the necessary accessories for sale in the sales area.
Tearoom serving light meals hosted by the Presbyterian Church.
Entrance: Adults R25 / Scholars R15 / Seniors Thurs & Fri R15
For more information contact (022) 492-2602
Visit: www.duckittnurseries.com
West Coast spring flower report – 29 Aug 2011
Click to download the full Flower Report – 29 Aug 2011 as a PDF file.
DARLING
www.darlingtourism.co.za or www.darlingwildflowers.co.za for more info.
LOCATION OF FLOWERS:
Darling Renosterveld Reserve (At top of village behind the Darling Primary School);
Darling Groenekloof Reserve (R315 alongside the SPCA premises)
Tienie Versfeld Reserve (R315 Darling – Yzerfontein)
– at all the above reserves visitors need to park their cars and walk in the veld
Duckitt Nurseries Wildflower Reserve – farm road through reserve (R307 Darling – Mamre – in front of Duckitt Nursery);
Waylands – farm road through reserve (R307 to Mamre)
TYPE OF FLOWERS:
All around Darling the flowers are coming along splendidly. The flowers that are most prominent are:-
Spiloxine canaliculata – Geel Poublom; Spiloxine serrata -Goue Sterritjie; Babiana nana -Sandveld bobbejantjie; Dorotheanthus bellideformis – bokbaai vygie (all the colour variations); Drosera cistiflora -snotrosie/sundew; Dimorphotheca pluvialis – reenblomitjie; Arcotis hirsute -Gousblom
Groenekloof: The Groenkloof Reserve is looking more and more spectacular but you must go in and walk around mainly on the road side of the reserve:
Oxalis; Romuleas; groot tulp (Moraea flaccida); the odd bloupypie (Gladiolus gracilus); clumps of orange gousblom (Arctotis); Gazania; Arums /varkblom (Zantedeschia) are well developed, as are Euphorbia and veldsuring (Rumex); yellow eendekos (Cotula), and of course the white ones, ganskos; viooltjies (Lachenalias); Spiloxene, Drosera, Lachenalia, Trachyandra, Moraea, Lapeirousia, Gladiolus, Wachendorfia, Indigofera, Muraltia, Tripterus, Felicia, Dimorpotheca,
Flowering bushes: Roemenaggie (Struthiola) bushes; Metalasia; poproos (Hermannia); bokmaellie (Microloma); platannadoring (Arctopus); lots of the geel klapperbrak (Tetragonia herbacea) and wit kinkelbos (Tetragonia nicgrescens); wilde knoffel (Tulbaghia Capensis); tabakbos (Senecio pubigerous);
Most of the above will be evident in the other reserves and fields and more will be visible in the upcoming days.
Tienie Versveld Reserve – as impressive as Groenkloof because it was also burnt. Super displays of Cotula and Blue flax especially at the top dam.
Renosterveld Reserve – worth visiting but it is rather impenetrable in places with many bushes. Many varieties can be seen along the paths but if visitors are prepared to go off the pathways they will see a greater variety in bloom.
Duckitt Nurseries reserve now also open:- Beautiful swathes of blueflax are most prominent but visitors should get out and walk to enjoy the finer species flowering between: poproos (Hermannia); sterretjies (Spiloxene); surings (oxalis); froetang (romulea); Lachenalie(viooltjies);Snotrosie(drosera); Dimorphotheca pluvialis – reenblommetjie, etc
Waylands now open. The reserve is dominated by the prolific early blue flax and the yellow coloured flowers. The contrast is very pretty. Here is a list of some of the species found: Late and early flax; Pyjama Bush; Various Bobbejaantjies; Lachenalia;Sterretjie –Poublom,Orange star and the small yellow star; Snotrosie; Chinese Lantern; Purple vygiebush; Bok Baai vygies; Yellow Gousblom; Agt dae Genees bos; Gheizhorrheiza: Small yellow and small blue ones; Felicia; Cineraria; Small yellow nemesia; Yellow ixia.
A birdwatcher from Finland was most chuffed to have seen his first Clapper Lark.
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Plenty
Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: Burgherspost Wine Estate Nature Reserve
Wildflower game drives at Burgherspost Nature Reserve.
Please book in advance – Contact Jacques vd Merwe Conservation Manager
Tel: 022 492 2830 Fax: 086 653 7479 Cell: 084 606 3470
e-mail: nature@cloof.co.za www.burgherspost.co.za www.cloof.co.za
TYPE OF FLOWERS: Cape rain daisies (Dimorphoteca pluvialis); Bloupypies (Gladiolus carinatus, G. gracilis) ; Geelpypies (Gladiolus trichonemifolius); Rooipypies (Gladiolus watsonius); Uintjies (Morea tripetala, Morea speciosa); Tulpe (Morea minuata, Morea flaccida); Sporries (Heliophylla africana) ; Bobbejaantjies (Babiana ambigua); Leipoldt-se-bobbejaantjie (Babiana leipoldtii); Pajamabush (Lobostemon fruticosa) ; Skilpadbessiebos (Muraltia spinosa) Rotstert (Babiana rigens)
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Plenty
(Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee)
LOCATION OF FLOWERS:
Roadsides along the R315 (Darling –Yzerfontein road) and along the West Coast Road R27
Roadsides along the R307 (Atlantis – Darling)
TYPE OF FLOWERS:
white rain daisies (dimorphoteca pluvialis); orange arctotis
Lewertjies (indigofera); bloupypies
Oxalis – all different types and colours; yellow vygies
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Patches
Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
FLOWER SHOWS:
Name: Darling Wildflower Show
Date & Time: 16 – 18 September 2011
9am – 5 pm daily
Venue: Darling Sports Club
Admission: Adults R25 scholars R15 / Special discount for pensioners R15 ONLY on Friday (The entrance fee includes entry to the landscaped hall as well as a free ride on a tractor drawn wagon to see the Oude Post
Contact: Enquiries Con Meyer cell 084 916 111
Stalls: Ingrid Wilson 083 655 4237
Name: Duckitt Nurseries Orchid Show
Date & Time: 15 – 18 September 2011
9am – 5pmdaily
Venue: Oudepost Farm Darling
Admission: Adults R25 scholars R15 / Special discount for pensioners R15 ONLY on Thursday and Friday
Contact: 022 492 2606 info@duckittnurseries.com
What’s happening in Darling during May 2011?
REFLECTIONS OF GROOTE POST AT HILDA’S KITCHEN
Groote Post, the historic wine farm on the West Coast, presents a wine experience with a difference. Groups, of between 10 and 20, are entertained in the Private Room of the Manor House to a wine tasting in which the farm owners give a brief presentation on the history of the farm dating back to 1706. The talk includes anecdotal references to Hildagonda Duckitt, doyenne of South Africa’s cook book writers, whose “Diary of a Cape Housekeeper” is an account of her growing up as the hostess of the Groote Post farm in the 1860s. Guests enjoy 4 white cultivars and a starter followed by a tasting of 4 red wines and a main course followed by a dessert.
Bookings are essential and can be booked through the cellar on 022 492 3430 or e-mail: mclaughlin@worldonline.co.za.
Evita se Perron
To find out what’s on the programme during this month, please visit www.evita.co.za or contact Beryl on (022) 492 3930 for enquiries/bookings or e-mail bookings@evita.co.za
The Theatre/Restaurant/Bar, Boerassic Park & Evita’s A en C (arts & crafts) are open Tues to Sun from 10h00 to 16h00. for visitors to enjoy the vibe.
Saturday 07 May
Open house at Duckitt Nurseries from 9h00 until 12h00. These Open Days take place every first Saturday of the month May – November. Admission is free. Complimentary tea and coffee. Various orchid pot plants, spikes and accessories for sale in pack shed. Debit and credit card facilities available. One of the greenhouses will be open to the public. Contact: 022 492 2606 or e-mail: info@duckittnurseries.com www.duckittnurseries.com
Please be advised that the Orchid Shop on the Oudepost Farm, will be open from May until October – Monday until Thursday – 09h00 until 12h00. The Orchid Shop has a variety of orchid pot plants and accessories for sale. Orchid flower orders can also be done directly through Lynne. Contact: Lynne Duckitt at 022 492 2368 (The Orchid Shop is separate fromDuckitt Nurseries)
MOTHERS DAY:- Sunday 08 May 2011
Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve – Mother’s Day Menu
Fresh Home-Made Bread / Cream Mushroom Soup
***
Leg of Lamb in Mint Infused Gravy / Pork & Dried Fruit Stew / Deep Fried Hake
Vegetables in Season / Roast Potatoes/ Savoury Rice
Apple & Pecan Nut Salad / French Salad / Curry Green Bean Salad
***
Tiramisu / Cappuccino Mouse
Coffee/Tea
R175 per person R75 per child under 12 years
(Reservations essential) 022 451 2824/072 356 4797
It’s Mother’s Day at Lelieblom
Treat your wife and/or mother to a lovingly prepared, relaxing, laid back and traditional Mother’s Day Lunch on the farm!
Let us spoil her, make her day special…WHY… because…she DESERVES it!
R180.00p/p Children under 12 R75.00 p/c
Bring own wine.
Every Mom will receive a small gift from Lelieblom
Please book in advance: Karen 082 573 7736 karen@lelieblom.co.za
Mother’s Day @ the Marmalade Cat
Starter
Smoked Salmon Potato cakes
Spinach and Ricotta crepes
Mains
A choice of:
Lamb shanks served on mustard mash
Coq Au Vin on creamy mash
Bombaystyle fish on Basmati rice
Country veg bake
Desserts
Crème Bruleè
Lemon Meringue
R130-00 per person Bookings 022 492 2515
Sunday 15 May 2011
Owen Brits accompanied on piano by Rika Steenkamp performs at Lelieblom
12:30FOR 13H00
Join us for an afternoon of glorious and heavenly music! Sit back, relax and sooth your senses while Owen and Rika transport you to a world filled with angelic music, perfoming a repertoire of light classical works for flute and piano from well known composers like Bach, Rachmaninov, Telemann, Chaminade and Bizet,
Owen Britz obtained his B Mus degree from the University of the Free State in 1999 majoring in piano, always being in love with the flute it was a natural progression from the piano to the flute.
Owen obtained the UNISA Performer’s Licentiate in Music (Flute) cum laude in 2010.
He has premiered works by Hendrik Hofmeyr and Christo Jankowitz and has performed as soloist at the Darling Music Experience, Voorkamerfest and various other concerts and events.
Owen is currently working on his Masters degree in Performance at the University of Cape Town.
Rika Steenkamp obtained her B Mus degree and Diploma in Organ music at the University of Potchefstroom. Rika’s love for organ started from the age of 14 and since the age of 15 was instructed by Marthie Koornhof in piano and church organ music.
Rika obtained her Higher Teaching Diploma with honours from Unisa and accompanies singers, instrumentalists and choirs.
Recently at the opening concert of the Darling Music Experience, Rika accompanied the community choir singing excerpts of Rossini’s Petit Mass Solonelle.
R150.00 pp LIGHT LUNCH included Advance booking essential please
Karen Basson 0825737736 E- mail: karen@lelieblom.co.za www.lelieblom.co.za
Saturday 21 May
Time to get moving if you want to enter the Darling Half Marathon and 5km Fun Run!!
Pack the car with the kids, ouma and yes even the dogs for the annual Darling ½Marathon, 10 km run, 5km fun run and Doggie Dawdle. Not only is it the canine social event of the year but one in which the whole family can enjoy a happy, fun day in the country. For the serious fitness lover there is the 21 km run and for those who like to smell the coffee along the way there is plenty of time to walk it. For those who enjoy a stroll get those feet a-moving with your furry family members and stand in line to win lots of prizes and surprises with stalls, Darling’s famous pancakes and good clean country air.
For more info phone Mary on 0826845575 / 022 492 3401 www.darlinghalfmarathon.co.za
Saturday 21 May
Darling Museum Open Day
Each year the Darling Museum celebrates International Museum Day by holding an Open Day and this year is no exception.
All welcome. Free entrance to the museum on this day.
Time: From 10h00 until 14h00
Traditional Crafters at Work
Local crafters will showcase their talents in a variety of old-fashioned crafts such as quilting, spinning and weaving, butter making, flower pressing, beadwork, and much more.
Visitors can watch these crafters as they demonstrate their work and perhaps purchase a San or Xhosa beaded necklace, homemade butter, a mohair spun & woven scarf, etc. Car Boot Sale
All kinds of interesting items for sale in the parking area opposite the museum! Please contact us if you would like to book a space!
Tea Garden
Bring the family for a treat in our new garden area; tea, coffee, sandwiches and snacks or Boerewors rolls.
Bring the family, bring friends – discover and enjoy our wonderful museum in Darling!!
For more information phone 022 492 3361 or e-mail info@darlingtourism.co.za.
Saterdag 21 Mei
BEKROONDE SKRYWER ILSE SALZWEDEL KUIER OP LELIEBLOM
10:30vir 11h00
Ontmoet vir Ilse Salzwedel in persoon en luister na haar vetellinge van
die stories agter die stories van haar nuwe boek Seerowers, kameelkoppe en chillies vir tee, en hoe die boek ontstaan het.
Daar is heelwat humor in die boek, en jy sal beslis anders dink oor mense wat hul heil buite SA gaan soek. Dis sommer ‘n informele reis na die res van die wereld.
Moenie die geleentheid misloop om een van ons eie bekroonde skrywers in lewende lywe op Lelieblom te ontmoet nie! Ilse skryf gereeld artikels vir Rooi Rose Lees gerus haar artikel oor ma’s en dogters en hul lywe in Rooi Rose!
Sukkel jy om jou lyf te aanvaar (of jy nou maer is of minder maer)? Lees dan llse se artikel oor ma’s en dogters en hul lywe in die Rooi Rose wat op die rakke is. Ilse deel die ware verhale van ‘n paar vroue, en was verstom.
“Ma’s met dogters, ons het ‘n baie belangrike verantwoordelikheid teenoor ons dogters.” se Ilse
Come and meet Ilse Salzwedel in person and listen to the story behind the stories of her new book, “Seerowers, kameelkoppe en chillies vir tee” and how the book came about. The book is humorous and you will surely think differently about the people who looked for their welfare outside SA. It is an informal travel to the rest of the world.
Ilse regularly writes articles for Rooi Rose, such as mothers and daughters and their bodies. Ilse shares true stories of a few women. “Mothers with daughters, we have a great responsibilty towards them.” says Ilse
R100 p.p. ligte verversings ingesluit
Bespreking noodsaaklik asseblief Karen 0825737736 karen@lelieblom.co.za
Website: www.lelieblom.co.za
Thurs 26 May
Wildflower Meander
Flora Group walks take place in the Reserves in and around Darling/Yzerfontein as follows:
Darling: the last Thursday of each month with Helene Preston 082 222 8135 .
Yzerfontein: from June on the first Wednesday of each month with Libbes Loubser 022 451 2504.
We explore the reserves for whatever is flowering that day, also to find anything new, and to discuss anything botanical as we go along. These are gently walks, so anyone can come along.
Saturday 29 May
The Darling Country Market
This community market has its home at the Nitrophoska Building in the Main Road of Darling. The market opens promptly at 10h00 and trades until 12h30. With the emphasis on home made, home grown and hand made; stallholders sell fresh produce, flowers, home bakes, special breads, preserved olives, arts & crafts including pewter and much more…. Why don’t you join us?
Contact Con Meyer 082 927 6225 for information or to book a stall
Please note: Some of these events are subject to change – to avoid disappointment please enquire/make a booking with the contact person above before making arrangements to attend an event
Dianne le Roux
Darling Tourism
+27 (0)22 492 3361
Darling Wildflower Show Info
Here is more information on the upcoming Darling Wildflower Show (17 – 19 September 2010) and the Duckitt Nurseries Orchid Show (16 – 19 September 2010). A map of the Flower Reserves is included for your convenience.
Click to enlarge:
Click to enlarge: Flower Show brochure 2010
Darling Wildflower Show and Duckitt Nurseries Orchid Show
A blooming good time in Darling!
Darling Wildflower Show: 17 – 19 September 2010
It’s almost time for the mother of all Wild Flower Shows… Diarise 17 – 19 September 2010 and spend the weekend in Darling where you can embrace your sense of adventure and enjoy a flower safari, straight from nature. Expect to see a colourful display of wildflowers in a new landscaped design each year. Come and join in the fun at the show. There’s more to enjoy than just the flowers: Antique tractor displays, interesting talks, wine tasting, delicious country food, live performances and indigenous plant sales are also on the programme. Potjiekos and Braai meals are served in the marquee tent while Darling College Coffee Shop operating in the small hall serves light meals and something sweet. Entrance fee applicable.
Duckitt Nurseries Orchid Show: 16 – 19 September 2010
Duckitt Nurseries presents an annual orchid show to coincide with the Darling Wildflower Show in September. Thousands of orchid species, including rare and exotic hybrids are displayed. Large sales area for orchid plants and flowers. Tea room and refreshments available.
Duckitt Nurseries, the largest orchid nursery in the southern hemisphere, is situated on the farm Oudepost, just outside Darling. From May to November, on the first Saturday of each month, their doors are open to the public from 9h00 until 12h00. (Please Note: the greenhouses are closed at all other times).
