The 1st Annual Garden Competition was a roaring success!

Princes Park is looking for some TLC so is our next park where we invite you to come on down and be a part of a gardening party. 9am Sunday the 25 October. Bring hats, water, sunscreen and tools. We will have some breakfast egg rolls and coffee. Compost, plants, pavers and any other donations welcomed.

The 1st of our Annual Harfield Gardening Competition was a roaring success! From the entry to rushed weekends of preparation in the rain, Judgement Day where the weather was perfect (thank goodness) to the Open Garden Day Tour and prize giving in Purley Park – we all had amazing fun. It was interesting and friendly and a great deal of tip swopping by gardeners was done.

We saw some amazing gardens, wild & wonderful, neat as a pin, classical elegance, English country, indigenous paradise, modern & minimalist, quirky & creative and our winning traditional garden is a wonder to behold - so very special, but what impressed the most, was how well the gardens where designed around the needs of the families that lived in them. All were well used and an extension of the living space. Many had vegetable patches and herbs in pots could be found everywhere. Most where totally organic and it was pleasing to note that our Harfield Gardeners would rather let the moles disrupt there neatness than put down poisons.

Congratulations to Cheryl Farquharson for being the overall winner of the 2015 Harfield Garden Competition. Not only did she take home the blue ribbon, but also R1000 voucher from Hart’s Nursery and a weekend for two at the Craigrownie 5 Star Bed and Breakfast.

    

This is the Judges comment on Cheryl’s special space:

“This is a garden that lives and breathes the love it receives, from a dedicated and passionate gardener, it carries through from the pavement, through the house, to the patios that invite you to sit and enjoy the tranquil beauty of a rich assortment of flowering plants, herbs and veg that blend into a harmonious whole. Everything is perfect in a way that can only be achieved by loving attention, at least 360 days a year.”

It was R50 for each entry and all funds raised go the cleaning and greening fund of the Friends of Harfield Parks.

Every entrant received a bag of Volcanic rock dust and some sample organic fertilizers from Hart Nursery and they all had the benefit of a one on one chat with Pam Hart, who was our main judge and who generously gave of her time to talk to each gardener and give advice on problem areas.

The winners of each category received a R500 Hart Nursery Voucher and a dinner for two at one of our lovely supporting restaurants, Banana Jam, Oblivion, Graze, Blue Fin, First on 2nd & Fat Harry’s. The runners up all received a R250 voucher and a bottle of Spier wine courtesy of Daniela of Remax. Congratulations to all.

Traditional Garden - Vanja Garth 1st, Cecelia Loy 2nd

Patio Garden - Cheryl Farquharson 1st, Lala Kruger 2nd

Pavement Garden - James Fernie 1st, Micki and Nicola 2nd

Veg Garden – Gabriella Garnett 1st, Fiona Pfeiffer 2nd

Complex Gardens – Aziza Isaacs, Dormax 1st, Fiona Pfeiffer, Monte Vino 2nd

Special Mentions went to Yasmin Ebrahim for her lovely indigenous pavement, Geni Spyker for creativity and excellent recycling of items and Denise King for her wild garden that is paradise for birds.

There were also some lovely spot prizes for those who did the tour and come to the prize giving and tea sponsored by Norgarb Properties, Hats and Bags by Oggi and Tropical Traders, a yellowwood from Heartwood, Pots from Stoneage, gorgeous Egg cup set from Francine Becker, Potted succulents from Ingrid Riemeyer, a wooden planter from Dylan and a lovely gardeners manicure from Milk & Honey. A Big Thank you to Ingrid, our new FOHP Chairlady, for the all the organising and for rounding up our Harfield bakers to turn out some great cupcakes for the tea party.

Purley Park was festive for the afternoon with tablecloths, flowers and people in hats and we can’t wait for next year.

BIG THANKS FOR THESE AMAZING DONATIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE HARFIELD BUSINESS COMMUNITY

As a community organisation we have no income, so entirely dependent on donations from the residents and businesses in the community – and we are so blessed this month with the amazing generosity of

1. The Donation of a truck load of Beautiful hardy indigenous plants by Chris of Julip Landscaping and a commitment to donate plants to us on an ongoing basis

2. The Doctors of Medicross Kenilworth who donated a whopping R5000 towards our irrigation fund and sent us this letter

“Hi Gail

Thanks so much for all that the Friends of Park do within the community. Our practices services many patients in Harfield Village and we encourage any initiative that promotes people getting outside whether its for relaxation or for exercise. Taking a walk in one of the lovely parks in the area not only gets the heart rate up but it also clears ones mind – so its fantastic on many levels.

We really hope this donation will help towards that and once again thank-you for all the hard work you and your committee do.

Kind regards, The Doctors of Kenilworth Medicross, Rosmead Avenue”

The Friends of the Park have to reply that we are blown away and so very grateful for the great strides we can make with these donations.

Why Meatless Mondays are so Important - Sustainability of our Environment

We are doing a very poor job of protecting the environment that we depend on for food and water.  We need to start becoming interested in learning where food comes from, how it is grown and produced, and what this is doing to our environment.  Food production system and diets play a crucial role in the issue of sustainability.

Sustainability is the ability to maintain the qualities that are important in the environment.  

We cannot have a secure food supply unless that food supply is sustainable.  Food sustainability is essential so that that our rapidly expanding population will have enough food to eat and be able to get high quality, nutritious foods.  Even though currently a billion people are getting enough food, about 7 billion people are eating a diet that is poor in quality. 

Food production places a huge demand on our natural resources.  Meat production, and especially beef production, contributes significantly to the global greenhouse gas emissions (almost half caused by livestock production alone).  This is what is driving our climate change.  Raising and transporting livestock also requires more food, water, land and energy than plants. 

Working toward a sustainable food supply can only be achieved if there is a shift in the way our food is produced.  We can help with this by choosing a diet that includes more fruit and vegetables and less processed foods and meat.  If you look at the US, vegetables, fruits, and nuts account for only about 2% of crop land, and only 10% of the corn and soybean grains grown are for consumption by humans.  As individuals, if we ALL shift our diets towards more vegetables and fruit there will be a shift in the food production (it’s all about supply and demand), which will ultimately help sustain the planet.

What can we do?

You have more power than you realize!  If we all do our part, as a combined force we will be able to make a change in the environment.  Not only will it help the environment, but it will also help your health and waistline!  Here are a couple of ways that you can play your part:

1.    Eat more fruit and vegetables.  By choosing more of these foods, farmers would grow more of them!

2.    Eat seasonal.  By buying locally grown vegetables and fruit you will be assured that it is seasonal.  Food24.com has a simple list of seasonal vegetables and fruit for South Africa.

3.    Grow your own!  Nothing is better than the nurture you can get from growing your own vegetables in your garden!

4.    Eat less red meat.  Beef (41%) and milk production (19%) account for the majority of livestock emissions, with pork (9%) and poultry and eggs (8%) contributing as well.

5.    Meatless Mondays.  If we all do our part and have just one day a week without meat it would have a huge impact on our environment. 

6.    Avoid overeating.   Limit the food you waste by tuning into your hunger and satiety signals.  You may realise that you don’t need as much food as you though!  Learn what portion sizes you need and savour your meal by eating mindfully.  Mindful eating also means thinking about where your food came from and how it is nourishing your body

7.    Choose local.  If possible, find farmers markets where you can get fresh produce grown locally.

The Healthy Eating Plate was created to incorporate sustainable eating habits into the USDA’s My Plate.  When we focus our meals around vegetables and fruit the environment will benefit, so the Healthy Eating Plate suggests filling half your plate with vegetables and fruits.  The idea is to shift your eating towards a more plant-based way of eating.

Kim Hofmann

Deworming your pets

Deworming your pet is an important part of its regular health regime. So this month we are going to look at worms!

Our pets are at constant risk of worm infestation. Regular deforming of your pet is an essential part of its general health, you may see no signs of worm infestation but that doesn't mean that they aren't there!

The four most common types of worms that affect our domestic pets are:
Round Worms - Toxocara Canis, Toxocara Leonis

Almost all dogs and cats will be infected with roundworms at sometime in their life but they are frequently seen in puppies and kittens. Round worms resemble cooked spaghetti and live unattached in your pet's intestines where they feed off partially digested food.

How does my pet get infected?

• The adult worms shed eggs through the faeces of the infected pet.
• Other dogs become infected by licking or sniffing the infected faeces. 
• Roundworm eggs can have 'paratenic' hosts such as earthworms, cockroaches and birds.
• If your pet ingests one of these it will become infected. 
• Is it true that a puppy or kitten be born with roundworms? Yes!

Round worms have a complicated life cycle that includes many different stages one of which is encysted larvae. These larvae migrate through different body tissues and are capable of crossing the placenta of a pregnant dog or cat to the unborn puppy or kitten. They can also be found in the mother's milk. Therefore, when the offspring are born they will already be infested with adult worms which in turn will start producing eggs.

What are the symptoms?

An adult dog or cat may show no symptoms of roundworm infestation or may have diarrhoea. However, puppies and kittens are often presented with:

• potbelly
• stunted growth
• persistent diarrhoea

Are Humans At risk?

If a human accidentally swallows an infected roundworm egg, the encysted larvae can migrate through various tissues and become a problem. This is an EXTREMELY RARE occurrence and normal hygiene control should prevent this.

• wear gloves when handling faeces
• clear away your pets faeces timeously particularly from areas where children play.
• wear gloves when gardening
• WASH YOUR HANDS after any of the above activities

How should I treat my pet?

Visit your Veterinary clinic. There are many excellent dewormers on the market and your veterinarian will be able advise you which is the most suitable for your pet. Modern dewormers usually kill the worm in the intestines, where it dissolves. These drugs are safe and should have no side effects. Depending on the severity of the infestation you may need to repeat the medication 10-14days after the initial treatment, or even complete a longer course.


Tape Worms - Dipylidium Caninum Tape Worm
Tapeworms are particularly important because of their association with fleas. They are segmented worms that attach to the lining of the small intestine in cats and dogs. Tapeworm segments develop behind the head of the worm, and move down the tapeworm as they mature until they are finally
deposited outside the body in your pets faeces. They are often seen as little 'grains of rice' on the fur of your pet and are mobile. As they dry out the segment opens releasing fertilized eggs into the environment.

How does my pet get infected?

The tapeworm MUST pass through its intermediate host -THE FLEA- before it can infect a dog or cat.
Fertilized tapeworm eggs lie in the environment and are then eaten by flea larvae.
Inside the flea larvae the tapeworm eggs hatch but do not develop into adult worms.
Only when the adult flea is accidentally eaten by a dog or cat, usually during grooming does the tapeworm itself mature and start producing more eggs.

What are the symptoms?

Tapeworms do not usually cause serious problems in adult pets. However in young puppies and kittens heavy tapeworm infestation can cause:

• anaemia
• stunted growth
• intestinal blockages

Are Humans At risk?

This particular tapeworm does not pose any threat to humans.

How should I treat my pet?

FLEA CONTROL - IS PARAMOUNT IN THE MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF TAPEWORM INFESTATION.

Creating a flea free environment - which involves treating both your pet and the environment - is the only way to prevent recurring tapeworm infestation.
Deworming treatments for tapeworm are extremely effective but once again several treatments may be necessary along with good flea control to eradicate the infestation completely. There are excellent flea treatments available (for both house and pet) from your Veterinarian.


Hook Worms - Ancylostoma CaninumHook Worm Ancylostoma braziiense

Although not as common as the previous worms we have discussed, the hook worm is a particularly nasty little critter! Their mouthparts have hooks, which allow them to attach onto the intestinal wall of the cat or dog where they suck blood. The active worms often leave the bite site, which will
continue to seep blood. The adult hookworm lays eggs that pass from your pets faeces. The eggs hatch into larvae that are excellent swimmers and can travel in raindrops or dewy vegetation while waiting for a suitable host to come along.

How does my pet get infected?

larvae burrow through your pets skin and then migrate via the blood to the trachea and lungs where they are coughed up and swallowed.
Once in the intestines they settle down mature, mate and produce eggs!
larvae can be eaten in contaminated food or water. Most larvae will pass into your pet's intestines where they will mature. However, some may migratethrough tissue where they can encyst and lie dormant in muscle, fat and other tissue. In the female dog and cat these dormant larval cysts migrate into the mammary tissue thus infecting her nursing young.

What are the symptoms?

Hookworm can cause severe disease in adult dogs and cats as well as puppies and kittens where it can be life threatening.

• anaemia -pale gums
• black tarry stool
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• coughing
• emaciation

Are Humans At risk?

Hookworm larvae can burrow into the skin (usually through bare feet) and can cause a disease called 'cutaneous larva migrans'.

How should I treat my pet?

Visit your Veterinarian if you are concerned about your pet. Hookworms are very small and diagnosis of an infestation is usually done through microscopic examination of the faeces. So you may be asked to take in a stool sample. There are excellent dewormers for the treatment of hookworm. A prolonged course may be required to eradicate the infestation.


Whipworms- Trichuris trichiuraWhip Worm

Whipworms are extremely small worms that live in the cecum and colon of your pet where they cause severe irritation. The adult lays eggs intermittently and it can take up to 12 weeks after maturing for the adult to begin laying eggs which are passed out in the faeces.

How does my pet get infected?

• by eating infected matter
• contact with infected animals
• whipworm can live in the environment for years and be present in soil,
• water, food, faeces and animal flesh

What are the symptoms?

Whipworm can affect dogs and cats of any age and can cause serious disease.

• weight loss
• water, bloody diarrhoea
• general debilitation

Are Humans At risk? No.

How should I treat my pet?

Visit your veterinarian who can do a thorough examination. It may take several microscopic examinations over a period of time to diagnose whipworm, as eggs are not always present in the affected animals faeces. There are excellent treatments for whipworm available from your veterinarian.

When deworming your pet it is advisable to visit your vet clinic or vet shop and purchase a good quality product. Here you will be able to receive informed advice and instructions. Try to avoid buying dewormers from the supermarket or pet shops. Many of these products have been on the market for years and contain outdated active ingredients that can have side effects such as vomiting or diarrhoea. When in doubt ask your Vet..... that is what we are here for!

Kenilworth Veterinary Hospital
47 Kenilworth Road, Cape Town, Kenilworth, South Africa
Tel: 021-671-5018
www.facebook.com/kenilworth.vet

Plan Approval and Voetstoots

PLANNING TO SELL WITHOUT APPROVED BUILDING PLANS?

Few people appreciate the complexities that can arise when a property, on which minor or substantial buildings were erected without municipal approval, is sold. Let us explain.

IS BUILDING APPROVAL ALWAYS A REQUIREMENT?

Yes, as required by the Building Standards Act, local authorities prescribe that approval must be obtained for all building works on properties. Some leniency is afforded to "minor building works", as defined in that Act, in which instances a municipality may be approached for written consent that
formal approval need not be obtained. This is, for example, the position with regard to wendy houses smaller than 5 m², pergolas, carports and the like. (For more information in this regard, read here:
http://www.stbb.co.za/publications/need-building-permission-erect-wendy-hous e/)

VOETSTOOTS AND BUILDING APPROVALS

When a property is sold, the agreement will, in most instances, include a voetstoots clause. This means that the purchaser accepts the risk relating to defects in the property existing at the time of the sale, patent or latent (not visible). The exceptions hereto are instances where the seller fraudulently conceals the existence of latent defects that he was aware of.
In such instances, the seller remains liable for damages that a purchaser may claim. (Note that the position is somewhat altered if the Consumer Protection Act applies to the agreement between the parties, typically where the seller is a developer.)

Our law considers that a property on which buildings were erected without municipal approval, is a property with a latent defect. As indicated, a voetstoots clause ordinarily covers latent defects and a seller is not without more liable in the event of selling a property with unauthorised building works. However, if the seller knows that there are no plans - usually where he himself effected the renovations - and deliberately conceals this fact with the intention to defraud the purchaser, the seller
cannot hide behind the voetstoots clause.

THE PROBLEMS

The absence of approved plans may trigger a municipality to refuse further renovations a purchaser may have planned or, at worst, a finding that the illegally erected structure be demolished.

A defect that is of a significant nature and which affects the use and enjoyment of the property, allows the purchaser certain remedies. The most far-reaching of these is cancellation of the agreement, which is available if the purchaser proves that the defect is so serious that he would not have bought the property had he known of the defect. Other remedies include the reduction in purchase price or a claim for damages, depending on the gravity of the defect and the circumstances.

If you are selling your home or looking to purchase a new residence and you are concerned about the status of building renovations, let us assist you in the process.

Contact Martin Sheard at STBB Claremont – 021673-4700.

Festive Season Crime

Towards the end of the year, as festivities start to rise, decorations are being mounted, and families are getting together; the criminal lurks, waiting to pray on your vulnerabilities.

This is typically known as the Festival Season Crime Block. SAPS have recorded this block from 1 October 2015 to the end of January 2016 for this year. While SAPS and security providers implement special operations to assist in alleviating this crime, here are some helpful tips to keep you and
your family safe this festive season:

1.      Lock all doors and windows when leaving your home unattended (even if you leave for only a short while)
2.      If you are having a bath, or at the back of the house; make sure your front door is closed!
3.      Leave a radio on and a light on at night to give an 'at home' appearance. Don't leave an outside lamp burning through the day as this is a clear sign that no one is home
4.      Cancel all deliveries (such as newspapers) while you are away. If this is not possible, then ask a trusted neighbour to collect these deliveries and clear your post box daily!
5.      When you are at home, never listen to music, watch TV or entertain visitors with the doors to your house open or unlocked
6.      Never leave the key in the inside of an outer door which has a glass panel or window near the door
7.      Don't keep large amounts of cash at your home
8.      Ensure your house's street number is clearly marked on your fence, wall, or gate, so that it can be easily seen by any emergency service or police personnel
9.      Keep a list of emergency numbers on your fridge or near your telephone, and save them clearly labelled on your cell phone
10.  It is your right to see the identification cards of callers who claim to be from government, municipal officials or even SAPS members. Even if they are in uniform, ask to see their identity documents/cards and INSIST on this
11.  If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don't go into the house. Call your security provider or the Police
12.  Don't keep any valuables near a window!! NB! There have been so many reports of suspects jumping over walls and quickly grabbing the handbag or jewellery box which is near a window. This suspect is gone in seconds
13.  Do not throw the empty packaging from gifts received into your bin. This is the best 'window-shopping' experience for criminals
14.  Which leads onto. DO NOT ENCOURAGE BEGGARS. It is extremely difficult to spot the criminal amongst the actual beggars. Rather give them a voucher for U-Turn
 
GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOUR…
Please report any suspicious activity/behaviour to our 24 hour control room: 0860 222 820.

The Princeton Team wishes you a safe beginning to the festive season.

Article by Princeton Armed Response

HVCID fast facts

HVCID overview

Who: HVCID is a non-profit community association, managed by volunteers to enhance the overall safety, security and community interests of Harfield Village. What: The HVCID have successfully negotiated with ADT to reduce their monthly fee for Harfield Village ADT clients, who are part of the HVCID initiative. The new agreement not only provides cheaper household Armed Response, but ADT have also given us 2 dedicated Harfield Village response vehicles to patrol the Village. Before, we shared vehicles with clients in neighbouring suburbs. Additionally, ADT household subscribers can access the new Street Patrol coverage, meaning that customers can also call for help for an incident outside of the home - in the street or park (as long as within the boundaries of Harfield Village, up to Kenilworth Road). The result of this negotiation means cheaper Armed Response, dedicated 24 hour security presence for our village, and quicker response times as the patrol cars are already in our area (versus travelling to us from Wynberg or Lynfrae, for example). How: The above benefits are only available through the HVCID, so make sure you have signed up – the only way we could negotiate such a good deal was by committing to a large number of participants. Existing ADT clients – once signed up through the HVCID, will have their premium adjusted to reflect the new fixed rate of R399 (including VAT) per month. This covers both household armed response as well as the new street patrol. New ADT clients – once signed up through the HVCID will receive the same reduced rate and service package. A basic alarm system can be included in their fee. Should you wish to sign up (new or existing ADT clients), please do so online atwww.hvcid.co.za/adt-sign-up/ or email us for a sign up form at admin@hvcid.co.za or call Colleen on 081 412 6109. For new contracts, ADT will then contact you directly. Non-ADT clients - Should you choose to remain with your current security provider (such as Princeton or Chubb etc.), or you prefer not to have alarm monitoring at your home, you can still join the ADT Street Patrol option. The cost is R199 (including VAT) per month. Princeton, who support the HVCID initiative, have kindly offered to reduce their household armed response fee to R285pm (including VAT) for their HVCID clients who wish to add the ADT Street Patrol to their security portfolio. Please sign up via our website, click on the ADT Sign Up page and tick the Street Patrol option. Contact Princeton, who will adjust your contract accordingly. Situation Response Contact # House break in  Step 1 Home owner to hit panic button or call own service provider (ADT, Princeton, Chubb etc.) Step 2 Notify the police: SAPS National or Claremont Step 3 Notify Colleen @ HVCID ADT – 086 1212 301 Princeton –  0860 222 820 Chubb - 0861 444 911 SAPS National – 10111 SAPS Claremont – 021 657 2250 Colleen - 081 412 6109 Street or public park incident / concern  Step 1 Call Colleen who will contact the ADT patrol cars or Step 2 Call ADT – Only if you are an ADT / HVCID member or  Step 3 Contact HARLYN  Neighbourhood Watch Colleen 081 412 6109 admin@HVCID.co.za ADT - 086 1212 301 HarLyn NW – 071 802 2454 (manned by a volunteer patroller 24/7) HVCID Hub Manager – Colleen Luiz – 081 412 6109 –admin@hvcid.co.za

ORANGE CAKE WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE ICING

INGREDIENTS:
175 gm soft butter
175 gm golden caster sugar
Zest of 4 oranges and juice of 1 orange
4 eggs separated
100 gm self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
100 gm ground almonds

ICING:
200 gm white chocolate
200 gm crème fraiche

METHOD:
Pre-heat oven to 180 C
Grease 2 x 20cm cake tins
Beat sugar, butter and zest until pale. Then beat in egg yolks
Fold in flour, baking powder, almonds and orange juice
Fold in egg whites
Bake for 30 – 35 minutes and cool in tins for 5 minutes before turning out
onto cooling racks
For the icing, whip crème fraiche until thick and fold in melted chocolate

This cake freezes well.


"I have been an agent for over 30 years and have an excellent track record in the Southern Suburbs area. I am professional, love what I do and put my heart and soul into every aspect of my work."

Lyn Staples
Estate Agent
Cell: +27 (0)82 846 0739 | Office: +27 (0)21 674 1120 | Fax: +27 (0)21 774 4927
Email:lyn@norgarbproperties.co.za
Focus Areas: Kenilworth & Claremont Village

Monthly Planting Guide - October

Spring certainly has sprung and gardens are flourishing, as seen in the recent Friends of Harfield Village Parks competition. Many thanks to all who entered and Gail and the team for organising such a wonderful event. With increased temperatures and hours of sun, it's the perfect time to be growing food. This month there is plenty of choice of what to plant.

Plant List:
Amaranth, Basil, Bush/Climbing Beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Butternut, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Chard/Spinach, Cape Gooseberry, Chinese Cabbage, Celery, Chives, Chilli, Cucumber, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Ginger, Globe Artichoke, Leek, Leaf Mustard, Lettuce, Jerusalem Artichoke, Parsnip, Parsley, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Rhubarb, Sweetcorn, Sweet Pepper, Sweet Potato, Turnip, Tomato, Watercress, Watermelon, Zuchini.

Planting tip: 
Keen to grow some potatoes to be ready to harvest and wrap in tinfoil to put in braai coals, or for a festive season roast? Just leave the potato(es) out of the fridge for a few days until it(they) grows "eyes" (usually green little shoots growing out of the potato) and then plant in the ground with the eye facing upwards. The eye grows upwards into a green leafy plant above the surface of the soil, with the potatoes growing happily below. You will be able to feel below the surface when the potatoes are a decent size before harvesting. Potatoes do not need very nutrient rich soil, so our rather sandy Harfield soils are perfect for them! These can be grown in buckets, crates, planter boxes, stacks of tyres (I am sure SupaQuik would oblige!) or the ground itself.

Patchwork Business Listing on the Harfield Village Website
Patchwork Facebook Group