African violets have one job: To bloom! To insure a constant parade of flowers, do what I do, and give the plants everything they require:
Check out these clever ideas on how to garden like an expert!
Growing African violets is an adventure that should be tried by all who enjoy indoor plants. If you hit the right formula for success, they are probably the nicest indoor flowering plant we can gro…
Explore Janina's' 137 photos on Flickr!
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak on the African continent. It has three dormant volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and shira. Located in tanzania, it has the distinction of being the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Kibo is the highest of the peaks, at 19,341 feet (5,895 m) above sea level. the first documented ascent was in 1889. this project uses typical lace techniques along with beads and nupps. the patterning is evocative of both flora and fauna, with leaves, feathers, berries, flowers, and spiderwebs. this project is for the adventurous lace knitter. ERRATA: Chart C, row 57, page 99: within red repeat box, 5 stitches from right edge and 8 stitches from left efge: knit square should be 0 (yarn-over.) When Interweave adds correction I will include link here. So Sorry!
Tight crowns or tight centers on African Violet plants can unfortunately occur when we are overzealous with fertilizer, light, heat or due to heavy soil or cyclamen mite infestation. (For information on normal rosette or trailing growth habit in African Violets, visit “What are different types of African Violets?“). What is a tight crown in […]
The Real Simple Home designers have inspired us to go big with our houseplants. Check out these large indoor plant decorating ideas from the 2023 Real Simple Home.
If you recently planted some African Violets in your garden, in some pots, or around your home, you may be wondering about the best way to care for them to ensure their survival and growth. In this article, we take a deeper look at each step you should take when caring for these plants, no matter where you've planted them around your home.
Mel Odom's Violet Waters in her resin form as produced by JAMIEshow models Retros, by Liz Cole. Necklace by Joy Jarred.
Introducing the Burst BeSculpt Backpack - a masterpiece of style and functionality that effortlessly blends the world of abstract art with practical design. Elevate your everyday adventures with this limited edition backpack, adorned in captivating African Violet, Emerald, Purple, Indigo, Sapphire, Soft Pink, and White hues. Crafted to perfection from premium 100% polyester, this backpack is a testament to both durability and sophistication. Its dimensions of H 16⅞" (42cm) x W 12¼" (31cm) x D 3⅞" (10cm) strike the perfect balance between spaciousness and portability. Weighing just 9.56 oz/yd² (325 g/m²), it's impressively lightweight while still offering ample space to carry your essentials. No detail has been overlooked, and this backpack proudly boasts water-resistant material that ensures your belongings remain safeguarded even in unpredictable weather. Inside, discover a generous compartment thoughtfully designed to accommodate a 15” laptop, keeping your tech secure and within reach. The front pocket, secured with a zipper, adds an extra layer of organization, while the hidden back pocket provides a secure spot for your valuables. Unparalleled convenience is at your fingertips with the top zipper featuring dual sliders and zipper pullers, allowing for effortless access from both ends. The interior surprises with its silky lining and meticulously piped hems, and the soft mesh back ensures comfort during extended wear. The padded ergonomic bag straps, equipped with plastic strap regulators, guarantee a comfortable fit tailored to you. Our commitment to sustainability shines through in the way we create this product especially for you. By crafting each backpack on demand rather than in bulk, we embrace responsible production practices that minimize waste and overproduction. Elevate your style, embrace functionality, and make a statement with the Burst BeSculpt Backpack. Seize the opportunity to own a piece of wearable art that's as unique as you are. Don't wait – embark on a journey of style and utility today! View photos closely to see distinct characteristics of the images to help make your selection. Burst BeSculpt Abstract Art Backpack Details Special Edition (limited edition) Made from 100% polyester Dimensions: H 16⅞" (42cm), W 12¼" (31cm), D 3⅞" (10cm) 9.56 oz/yd² (325 g/m²), weight may vary by 5% Maximum weight limit: 44lbs (20kg) Water-resistant material Large inside pocket with a separate compartment for a 15” laptop, front pocket with a zipper, and a hidden pocket with zipper on the back of the bag Top zipper has 2 sliders with zipper pullers Silky lining, piped inside hems, and a soft mesh back Padded ergonomic bag straps from polyester with plastic strap regulators This product is made especially for you which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it. Making products on demand instead of bulk helps reduce over production.
Wondering how to grow and care for African violets? Our expert answers to questions relating to watering, fertilizing, repotting, and more are here to help.
Here's the first of a series of posts about my favourite houseplants: a sorely neglected subject that I am hoping to write more about in the coming months. Number one: the African violet The plant pictured here is my all-time favourite African violet: I love the colour combination and the candy-stripe look. African violets, or Saintpaulias as they are properly known, are easy plants to grow, making them extremely popular plants - you can buy them just about everywhere, from garden centres to petrol stations. Unfortunately, they also have a reputation as being hard to grow, and I frequently wince...
Having completed the online crochet course, I was ready for my first project, flying solo. So I went to my crochet Pinterest board and selected a tutorial that looked clear and doable for a beginner - African Flower squares by Made in K-town. I chose this tutorial not just because of the lovely pattern and clear steps. It was preparation for my next project - an African Flower pincushion by Cherry Heart. This pincushion was one of the first things I had pinned on my Pinterest crochet board (in other words, one of the first things that made me wish I could crochet!) And here they are, the flowers and the pincushion. Both were quite easy, thanks to the clear tutorials. I only made the flower part of the squares, I am thinking of making a few more flowers and putting them on a chain to make a little hanging for Alice's room. With my confidence boosted, I decided to have a go at the amigurumi bunny pattern I had purchased when I first discovered the world of amigurumi. You may remember when I posted about that - it was what started me on the crochet journey in the first place. And here it is - an amigurumi Spring Bunny. The pattern is by A Morning Cup of Jo Creations. There were some tricky bits, but thankfully the instructions were very helpful. I picked up a few advanced techniques too. It took a week to make, but definitely worth the effort, I am so pleased with it! Alexander loves his new 'babbit' (well he is mostly trying to strangle it or drag it on the floor, but that's toddler version of 'love' for you). I think it may be the beginning of our amigurumi zoo...
Roll & Go sewing organizer made with fabric from the Banyan Batiks African Violets collection is easy and so beautiful when finished. Show up with one of these at your next quilting retreat!
we bought our forever South African Dream home for our growing family. It was in the perfect location in the Johannesburg suburb where I...
These girls’ Seacamp II CNX black iris/African violet sandals are ideal for outdoor adventures in and around the water. Made of polyester webbing upper, these machine washable water shoes have a round closed toe, lace-lock bungee system for a snug fit, and an adjustable hook-and-loop instep strap for custom fitting. Features include quick-dry lining, EVA insole with arch support for all-day comfort, and a durable non-marking KEEN.FUSION rubber outsole.
When it comes to children, you can never go wrong with making things fun. African games are a great way to teach kids about Africa without overwhelming them with information.
Tex-Mex comfort food at its best, our Tex-Mex Spicy Veggie Rice is a one-skillet wonder of wholesome goodness. Packed with tons of nourishing veggies like zesty onions, earthy garlic, sweet bell peppers, spicy jalapenos, crisp corn, hearty black beans, chewy rice and aromatic Southwestern spices, crowned with a deliciously fresh tomato cilantro topping that makes it an utterly flavorful dish. Grab a plate and get ready to dive into this awesome dish that is sure to please! Whole Food Plant Based, vegan, plant based, oil free, refined sugar free, no highly processed ingredients and gluten free.
Hugh Chittenden is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s finest bird photographers and his work has graced the pages of many Southern African birding publications. Hugh is also a self-taught ornithologist who has spent countless hours in the field studying birds and publishing his fascinating findings thereafter. In recognition of his great contributions to this field, Hugh will be one of six African luminaries who will be having honorary degrees conferred on them by the University of KwaZulu-Natal in April 2012. For Hugh, the fact that he never attended university makes this accolade all the more special. Hugh Chittenden Praising Hugh for his sterling efforts in increasing the public’s understanding of ornithology, the university called his knowledge “encyclopaedic”. However, according to Hugh he is merely a retired horticulturalist with birding as a hobby. In Hugh’s words: “This (the honorary degree) is a huge accolade for anyone. There are not many people in KwaZulu- Natal who have received it. I never went to university. When I was young I just wasn’t interested.” For those who do not know, Hugh is currently chairman of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, which oversees the publication of all editions of Roberts Birds of South Africa. Hugh, who resides in the quaint town of Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is presently also making the final corrections to an illustrated guide on the sub-species and regional variations of southern African birds, which is scheduled to be published later this year. Other books that Hugh has authored or co-authored include Roberts Bird Guide: Kruger National Park and Adjacent Lowveld: A Guide to More than 420 Birds in the Region, which he co-authored with Ian Whyte, and Top birding Spots of Southern Africa. On behalf of the entire Rockjumper team, we would like to congratulate Hugh on this excellent and very well-deserved achievement. Below is just a small selection of some of the many amazing images that Hugh has managed to capture over the years. Enjoy! Crowned Eagle with Vervet Monkey prey - Here's an image that has done the rounds, and rightfully so. What an incredible photo! Malachite Sunbird - Some birds it is just impossible to ever see enough of, and this is definitely one of them. Arguably Southern Africa's most spectacular sunbird, this image certainly does it full justice! Narina Trogon - One of the most striking of all African birds, this lovely trogon is very seldom witnessed like this is the wild. Buff-spotted Flufftail - Well, well, well. Merely catching a glimpse of this bird is difficult enough, but to photograph it like this is almost miraculous! A splendid image of a very special bird! Violet-backed Starling - This is another species that one simply cannot see enough of, particularly up close and in full sunlight, as with this wing-flagging male that Hugh photographed just outside his bedroom. Palmnut Vulture - This smart looking raptor breeds in the coastal town of Mtunzini, a short drive from Eshowe where Hugh resides. African Emerald Cuckoo - Wow! What more can we say – an amazing photo of an amazing bird! Jackal Buzzard - A brilliant capture of this very smart raptor! Livingstone's Turaco - For obvious reasons, Hugh is justly famous for the clarity of his close-up shots of really beautiful birds. Just look at the detail on this turaco's face – gorgeous! Green Malkoha with Hyperolius frog sp. - One of Hugh's specialities is photographing elusive birds at their nests through the use of carefully positioned hides. This in turn allows us glimpses into their lives that we would possibly never otherwise obtain – such as this scene of an adult malkoha bringing a meal to its chicks. Painted Snipe - A bird that is seldom seen in the open like this, Hugh has certainly done the species full justice with this gorgeous portrait shot of a lovely female. Four-coloured Bushshrike - A stunning photo of a stunning bird; this is another species that is very difficult to see well, let alone photograph like this! Southern Bald Ibis - A really great shot of one of Southern Africa's most sought-after endemics. Rudd's Apalis - This very vocal and busy little bird is typically difficult to photograph as it bounces about doing its birdy thing - yet in this great image it almost looks as if it has intentionally posed for Hugh's camera! Drakensberg Rockjumper – One of Southern Africa’s finest and most charismatic endemics, this fantastic image perfectly captures the essence of this very smart and proud looking species.
Hello there… I hope that you are well and having a great Wednesday. I am back on my blog today to share another make from Tim’s Facebook Live last week, that introduced everyone to the …
Roll & Go sewing organizer made with fabric from the Banyan Batiks African Violets collection is easy and so beautiful when finished. Show up with one of these at your next quilting retreat!
