Reader garden: A platteland oasis

The main house on the farm is about 160 years old and was dilapidated when Kobus Kloppers and Retha Alberts bought it. “We had to get permission from the Heritage Council to fix it up, and worked closely with an architect to ensure the renovations were sensitively done and retained as much of the original character as possible,” says Retha. Weaver birds nest in the karee tree while ferns, agapanthus, wild rhubarb and watsonias frame the pond. “We got the watsonia bulbs from friends; they grow easily and multiply readily. They also look gorgeous in big bunches in a vase.”