On 8th April, 20 members of the Aberdeen Garden Club hired a community service vehicle in which to visit farms in the Camdeboo area. David Miller, a member of the club, became the designated driver of this venture. The first farm visited was ‘Middleplaas’, the home of Maryke and Johan Lategan.
The farm homestead is set amongst tall shady trees, and a garden filled with white roses and potato bushes in full flower. Tables were set out for morning tea on a green lawn near the house, and to enjoy the occasion, club members brought a tasty assortment of cakes, pancakes and scones.
The farm homestead is set amongst tall shady trees, and a garden filled with white roses and potato bushes in full flower. Tables were set out for morning tea on a green lawn near the house, and to enjoy the occasion, club members brought a tasty assortment of cakes, pancakes and scones.
Anna Featherstone and Maryke Lategan welcomed the members, and Denise Weldon gave a thought for the day which fittingly incorporated the ‘cosmos’ flower.
Darlene Pierce then gave an interesting and very informative talk on the ‘madumbe’ which is a ‘potato-like root plant’ grown and eaten extensively in KwaZulu-Natal. This is a very tasty and nourishing food, and although not scientifically proven, it is said to be good for arthritis sufferers.
Darlene also spoke of carrots, which have antioxidant properties, and apparently also lowers cholesterol levels. The cucumber was the most surprising of all in its multitude of uses.
Darlene also spoke of carrots, which have antioxidant properties, and apparently also lowers cholesterol levels. The cucumber was the most surprising of all in its multitude of uses.
Mrs Wendy Van Schalkwyk well known author of the book ‘Aberdeen’ spoke of a new book ‘The Cape Journal Willowmore’ recently released by Westby Nunn Publishers CC Cape Town. This historic guide to Willowmore is an interesting read written in both English and Afrikaans.
The next farm visited was ‘Langrug’ where Kotie and Seugnet Lategan live. Here an abundance of very large tomatoes and green peppers were to be seen growing in well managed rows, looking as though they had been polished for the occasion. Mint grew wild everywhere serving as borders to the flowerbeds, and the farmhouse itself was shaded by tall ancient trees. In a field nearby, about 30 baby ostriches were to be seen.
On the drive back to Aberdeen, David spotted an injured white stork the wing of the bird appeared to be broken. David and Justin Wilbraham a young grandson of a club member, managed to capture the bird without incident, and David hopes to be able to assist the stork health-wise as he has done with another previously injured stork that now lives happily in his garden in Aberdeen.
Article By: Joan Tinker
