What Not to Miss in House & Garden SA’s April/May Issue
The April/May issue of House & Garden South Africa invites a slower, more considered way of living — one that is rooted in nature, shaped by thoughtful design and guided by a deep respect for process. From the quiet intelligence of plants to the enduring beauty of heritage homes, this edition explores how our spaces can evolve alongside us, reflecting both intention and authenticity.
Cynthia Fan on the Art and Autonomy of Plants
Artist, florist and plant biologist Cynthia Fan bridges science and art through a deep, process-driven engagement with plants. With a PhD in plant molecular biology from the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, her research focused on the Begonia genus, known for its remarkable leaf variation. Fan’s work resists fixed outcomes, instead evolving alongside living materials that grow, change and decay.
As part of the duo Pear_ed with landscape architect Hayden Malan, she explores questions of plant autonomy and “non-human sentience”, asking: what do plants want? Her practice emphasises collaboration with plants rather than control, acknowledging their independent life cycles and unpredictability.
Fan’s experience as a florist reinforced the need for adaptability, as environmental factors often disrupt even the best-laid plans. Ultimately, her work encourages a shift in perspective: to see humans as coexisting with plants, and to engage with them through everyday, attentive interactions. cynthia-fan.com
Designing Children’s Bedrooms That Grow Up Gracefully
Children’s bedrooms are evolving into considered, design-led spaces that balance personality with longevity. Rather than relying on overly decorative or themed schemes, designers are embracing purposeful colour, adaptable layouts and timeless materials. A bold built-in or carefully chosen palette can anchor a room while allowing flexibility as a child grows. Mid-century influences, clean lines and natural textures create calm, modern nurseries that avoid overly saccharine aesthetics.
Neutral architectural backdrops paired with interchangeable furniture ensure spaces can shift with changing needs, while thoughtful details like integrated storage, desk zones and layered lighting enhance functionality. Pattern and softness are used with restraint, favouring texture, tone and craftsmanship over excess. Even themed rooms are approached with discipline, using cohesive colour palettes and classic forms to avoid novelty. The result is a new generation of children’s bedrooms: spaces designed not just for play, but to evolve gracefully alongside their occupants.
The Modern Vegetable Garden, Reimagined
Landscape designer Franchesca Watson explores how our changing relationship with food is reshaping the modern vegetable garden. Today’s approach favours intention over abundance, with compact, curated plantings that prioritise both aesthetics and usability. Whether on a balcony or stoep, success lies in starting small: a mix of daily harvest crops, statement plants and slower-growing vegetables ensures both visual appeal and practical yield. Soil quality, water-wise practices and climate-conscious design are essential, reflecting a shift towards sustainability over fantasy.
Beyond containers, the rise of food forests signals a move towards layered, ecosystem-based planting that rewards patience and resilience. At a broader scale, community gardens and urban farms are redefining access to growing spaces, offering shared knowledge and connection. Ultimately, edible plants are no longer separate from design; they are integrated, styled and celebrated, creating gardens that reflect contemporary living — both visually and on the plate. watsonpellacini.com
A Franschhoek Homestead Restored with Heart
La Rive, a historic homestead in Franschhoek, has been thoughtfully restored by owner Nicola Stocks after suffering severe damage from mudslides. Drawn to its heritage character, Nicola embraced the challenge, working with her family and local craftsmen to revive the home using traditional techniques. Original features such as stone walls, teak sash windows and yellowwood floors were carefully preserved, while old materials were repurposed into new design elements, adding layers of story and authenticity.
The interiors reflect a relaxed, eclectic style that balances modern comfort with classic Cape Dutch charm, prioritising simplicity and liveability. Nicola sourced and restored antique pieces, many discovered on-site, reinforcing the home’s narrative.
Now a warm, light-filled family retreat, La Rive is also shared with visitors, embodying a spirit of community. Its restoration stands as a testament to craftsmanship, collaboration and the enduring beauty of heritage homes.
Across its pages, the April/May issue reveals a common thread: a move towards design that is not only beautiful, but deeply considered. Whether through working with nature rather than against it, creating spaces that adapt over time, or restoring the past with care, these stories reflect a distinctly grounded approach to modern living — one that feels both relevant and enduring.
Credits
Images: Jesse Navarre Vos, Billy Barraclough and Wing Cheng, Supplied, Elsa Young, Emma Jackson