Roselands Shop

01/06/2026

21/05/2026

For the last few months, I’ve been completely wrapped up in a project that I’m genuinely so excited about — not just because of the work itself, but because it aligns so closely with something I really believe in. Anyone who knows me knows how important sustainability is to me, so when I got a call in February from Joubert Roux from Zero Carbon Charge asking if I’d be interested in putting together a landscaping proposal for a new charging site in Winterton, I was immediately intrigued.

At that point, I knew of the site… but I didn’t fully understand what it stood for.

A few days later, I met Joubert on-site and, honestly, I was blown away. These charging stations are the first in the world to be completely off-grid. That means not only are they better for the environment, but loadshedding won’t affect them at all. How amazing is that? What also impressed me was how intentionally Charge has worked to keep their environmental footprint to an absolute minimum. The sites have been carefully designed to work with the surrounding environment rather than against it, encouraging the regeneration and growth of the natural flora already occurring in the area.

The brief I was given was simple: design a planting plan using only indigenous plants or plants that provide food. That was all I needed — I was hooked. Sustainability is definitely my favourite buzzword!

The Winterton site has pretty poor soil, so we’ve kept things fully indigenous (even the lawn!). Then not long after, I was asked to put together a proposal for another site on the N3 at Roadside in the Free State, where the soil is slightly better so we could incorporate fruit trees and herbs as well. But what really makes this project special goes beyond the plants. Local trades have been used to build the sites, bringing much-needed income into the community and creating opportunities for people local to each site. I could honestly talk about this project all day, how exciting it is, and what a privilege it feels like to be part of something so forward-thinking.

Both sites had their grand openings this week and are a resounding success. It’s incredibly exciting to be a part of this project and the movement in such a positive direction. Today, I’m simply taking a moment to appreciate being given this incredible opportunity and looking forward to helping unlock the next major route in South Africa.

Do yourself a favour and pop into the Farmstalls (Three Towers Farm Stall, Winterton and Leeukop Padstal, Roadside), even if you don’t have an electric vehicle. The coffee is amazing, the toilets are spotless and it is such a pleasant break in your journey.

17/05/2026

Remember this berm that we posted about on 22 March? Just look at how much it has grown in such a short space of time! What started as bare soil is slowly transforming into a thriving, water-wise, indigenous planting filled with aloes, grasses and groundcovers.

It’s always amazing to see how quickly nature responds with the right planning, patience and a little bit of rain. We’re so excited to watch this space mature over the next year — it’s going to be spectacular! Keep an eye on it for yourself at Three Towers Farm Stall, Winterton KZN.

17/05/2026

This site at Leeukop Padstal, Roadside in the Freestate has definitely tested us with the rain delays, but seeing it finally come together makes every challenge worth it. These beds were designed around edible planting — featuring cherry trees, herbs and hardy companion planting to create a space that is both beautiful and functional.

Now we’re on the home straight, bringing life and greenery into a once harsh, exposed space. Excited to watch this grow in over the coming seasons.

12/05/2026

Frost Cloth: Are You Using It Correctly?

Frosty mornings can do serious damage to your plants — but only if your frost cloth isn’t doing its job properly!

Here’s how to use frost cloth the right way:

✔️ Cover before sunset
Trap the warmth from the soil during the day to protect your plants overnight.

✔️ Let it drape to the ground
Don’t wrap plants tightly. The cloth should form a loose “tent” and reach the soil to keep heat in.

✔️ Secure the edges
Use rocks, pegs, or soil to hold it down — gaps let cold air in.

✔️ Remove during the day
Take it off once temperatures rise so plants can get sunlight and airflow.

✔️ Use the right material
Frost cloth is breathable and lightweight — avoid plastic directly on plants as it can cause damage.

Pro tip: Even a few degrees of protection can mean the difference between thriving plants and frost damage!

If you’re unsure what to use or how to set it up, or you haven't bought your frost cloth yet, pop in and we’ll gladly help you choose the right option.

11/05/2026

While South Africa’s fuel levy relief has been extended, one company believes more should be done to shield motorists from skyrocketing fuel prices.

09/05/2026

This area started out as a dusty construction zone yesterday morning, but by the end of the day it had been completely transformed into a striking aloe garden that perfectly complements the clean lines of the farmstall.

We used a combination of aloes, hardy indigenous plants and dark mulch to create a striking, low maintenance landscape that will only get better as the plants establish and fill out.

Still a few finishing touches to go, but we’re really chuffed with how dramatically this space has changed in just one day.

01/05/2026

Round two… and this one was not for the faint-hearted....

New site, much bigger area, and a whole lot more mud to deal with. It definitely tested us — there were moments we were ankle-deep and questioning our life choices! But we stuck it out, piece by piece, and just kept going. And wow… what a difference by the end of the day!

It’s always the messy, muddy jobs that end up being the most satisfying. Still plenty to do, but this was a big step forward and we’re seriously chuffed with how it’s coming together.

Not bad for a couple of long, tough days.