Lush, overgrown and green. We love our veggie garden. At Lemonwood we are all about going green. Clean eating, recycling, solar heating and life in the natural beauty.
All posts tagged KZN Midlands
Our Veggie Garden
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on March 9, 2017
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2017/03/09/our-veggie-garden/
A Chocolate Cake Road Trip to the Midlands
There are many things that lure people to the Midlands. Sometimes, it is a longing for some quiet farmland surroundings, while other times it is the call of an action packed adventure. Or could it be as simple as the best chocolate covered waffle? Armed with a sweet tooth and a map, discover how many temptations are tucked away in the Midlands Meander. If you are driving to our Lemonwood Cottages from Durban or Johannesburg, here’s a list of the best confectionary pit stops.
#1 Wanda’s Cafe
Stop here for an amazing cup of coffee, brewed by the Barista ‘Wanda the Fish’, and a homemade biscuit or a slice of farm style lemon meringue
Yard41, 4 Shafton Road, Howick | 22 min from Lemonwood Cottages | 033 330 2673 | http://www.yard41.co.za/ | open Monday to Sunday from 6.30am until 3pm
#2 Florentines Belgian Chocolate shop
Imagine a classic and crispy waffle with Italian ice-cream and 70% dark chocolate sauce.. its a taste unlike anything! Or treat yourself to fresh strawberries dipped in a cup of white chocolate
R103, Howick | 20 min from Lemonwood Cottages | Open daily 8.30am – 5pm (except on Monday) | +27 33 330 4146 |
#3 Tasha’s Fudge
After studying at the Silverwood kitchens , Tasha Jardim took her grandmother’s fudge recipe and started this successful home grown business. You’ll love her ‘pick n mix’ jar of fudge with all sorts of crazy flavours such as red velvet, mince pie, French vanilla coffee, honey & Horlicks and cheesecake !
Shop 1, Jacaranda Centre, Hilton Avenue, Hilton | 27 min from Lemonwood Cottages | +27 (0)83 381 8483 | Email: tj@tashas-fudge.co.za | visit http://www.tashasfudge.co.za | Open Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:30
#4 Blueberry Cafe
As the name suggests, they have the best blueberry cheesecake (the berries are freshly picked!). Their restaurant is artistic, spacious and relaxing with large windows that look out over to the surrounding farmlands and the distant Drakensberg mountains
Netherwood Farm, R103, Nottingham Rd | 33 min from Lemonwood | Open everyday 8-4pm | +27 33 266 7132 | http://www.blueberrycafe.co.za | info@blueberrycafe.co.za
#5 The Sugar Shack and Chocolate Heaven
How divine does a handcrafted Belgian Chocolate fondu sound? We love this shop even more for the long list of health benefits that come from eating chocolate that they’ve put on their website. High quality dark chocolates has flavonoids and theobromine that help with immunity, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and even sun protection!
The Junction, Nottingham Road | 32 min from Lemonwood | Cell: +27 (0) 83 305 2273 | cynthia@traditionalsweets.co.za. | http://www.chocolateheaven.co.za
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on November 16, 2016
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2016/11/16/a-chocolate-cake-road-trip-to-the-midlands/
Midlands Meals Under R100
What you will soon discover, if you haven’t already, is that most restaurants in the Midlands are a part of a food culture that cares about the environment and our wellbeing. It is a place where you can go back to the simple pleasures of pasta or pizza, knowing that the meal is home baked from locally sourced ingredients. It was lunch time and we went in search of a light meal that was healthy, wholesome, organic and under R100. Here’s what we found…
#1 A wood fired pizza on a focaccia Base with mozzarella, caramelised red onion, camembert cheese & basil pesto
R90 at Il Postino Pizzeria. Dargle Road, Howick | 8 min (6.7 km) from Lemonwood Cottages I GPS: -29.475773, 30.104378 | Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 – 15:00, dinner Tuesday to Sunday, 18:00 – 21:00 | +27 (0)72 905 9390 ilpostino.pizzeria@gmail.com
#2 Balsamic Beetroot, Roast Tomato and Green Pepper Risotto
R75 at Granny Mouse I The Bistro Old Main Road, Balgowan | 19 min (18.0 km) from Lemonwood Cottages via R103 | Open daily, 07:00 – 21:00 | +27 (0)33 234 4071
#3 Fresh peppered goats’ cheese, a water biscuit and sweet fig preserve.
Fran, the owner of “Swissland Cheese” has a passion for sustainable farm life. In her small and cosy shop she has an impressive array of cheeses, all matured and cured in different ways. While you choose between a light, smooth creamed cheese or a matured Pecorino, they might encourage you to create your own picnic basket from their shop with fresh bread, olives, salami and a glass of wine.
Swissland Cheese Shop I Old Main Road, R103, Balgowan I 28 min (23.6 km) from Lemonwood cottages I Open: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, public holidays and school holidays from 9.00 am to 4.30pm. Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, I 0824183440 I cheez@telkomsa.net I http://www.swisslandcheese.net
#4 Organic pomegranate, fresh tomato and rhubarb salad.
Michel and Sally Haigh are both artists and their quirky restaurant, Cafe Bloom, has a comfortable and friendly ambience. Their salads are seasonal as the produce is freshly picked from their vegetable garden.
Cafe Bloom. R103, Mooi River, South Africa I 34 min (36.1 km) from Lemonwood Cottages via R103 I 033 266 6118 I haigh@bundunet.com I Monday 7.30am to 4pm; Wednesday to Sunday 7.30 to 4pm
#5 Thai Salad with beef fillet strips marinated in honey, garlic, soy and ginger served on a bed of garden salad with sesame seeds and peanuts
R83.00 at Tumble Downs Café I Currys Post Road, Howick | 25 min (23.8 km) from Lemonwood Cottages via R103 I GPS: -29.420033, 30.197147 | Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 – 16:00, Thursday to Saturday, 11:00 – 18:30, and public holidays: 11:00 – 18:30 | +27 (0)82 802 2837 info@tumbledowns.co.za
Note: To give you the freshest option all menus are seasonal and the prices may change from the time of this blog post
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on October 13, 2016
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2016/10/13/midlands-meals-under-r100/
Hello Spring!
Oh what a beautiful morning… Oh what a beautiful day.
Hello Spring!
Spring in the Dargle Valley is just magical. Flowers are opening, the leaves are turning bright green in the forest around us. Waking up in the mornings with birds and butterflies all over the garden is the best way to start the day.





So now that we are in September reality kicks in that there are only 4 months left of this year. Say what!!! AND in that time we need to plan for December holidays. Whatever that looks like for you and wherever you are planning to go we are sure there is a little bit of pressure on you at this time of year.
Can’t get away too far, and looking for affordable accommodation during that time of the year is not always easy. That’s where the Midlands is the perfect spot to get away and take some time out. It’s not far from JHB or Durban and there is plenty of fun for the whole family.
Our self catering accommodation rates can be found on our website.
Take a look at our website and each cottage, and start planning your Midlands getaway for this December. Email Kate on booking@lemonwood.co.za with any questions you have and we so look forward to having you stay.
While you’re planning take a look at our blog post about things to do when you stay at Lemonwood – click here.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on September 1, 2016
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2016/09/01/hello-spring/
Yoga Retreats at Lemonwood
We have two more yoga retreat weekends coming up at Lemonwood this year! These weekends are a great opportunity to rest, meditate, reflect, and regroup.

Google Image
Jennifer will guide you through the sessions and all the details you need to know are below. Contact her soon to book your spot. Get a group of friends together and join us amongst the forest fauna and flora of Lemonwood.
This is not advanced yoga. Beginners are welcome.
All accommodation, food and yoga at a cost of R1800 for the whole weekend.
Top class accommodation, welcoming hosts, excellent vegetarian food, and you can do yoga at your own level.
Teacher Jennifer Ingram who has been teaching for over 30 years and trained by YYI and by Kundalini Yoga International Institute will be leading each session.
To book email jeningram2710@gmail.com OR phone 0314623963.
The next weekend is 9th – 11th September then 11th-13th November.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on August 18, 2016
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2016/08/18/yoga-retreats-at-lemonwood/
Lemonwood Cottages Rates
We have four comfortable and peaceful cottages – Oribi, Samango, Serval and Dassie. We also rent out the main house (our family home) which was built for entertaining and is large and airy. The cottages sleep 4, 4, 3 and 2 people respectively and the house sleeps 8, although sofa beds and/or mattresses are available to extend all of this. It is also possible to rent out the whole place for much larger groups or family gatherings.

Main House at Lemonwood
All bedrooms are en-suite and there are open fires, under-floor heating and electric blankets for the colder months. For the nights when you don’t want to sit outside and wonder at the unbelievable stars, there is DSTV and a DVD player and of course the sparkling, solar heated pool. I have many games which I am happy to lend and a large library of DVDs.
The kitchens are fully equipped and the cottages are serviced daily. (The main house can also be serviced by prior arrangement). A laundry service is available on request.
All the accommodation is very close to the bush and is secluded and safe. The dawn chorus will wake you in the mornings and if you are an early riser you may catch a glimpse of the spectacular Knysna Louries or Paradise Flycatchers on their early morning rounds.

Samango Cottage

Oribi Cottage

Dassie Cottage

Serval Cottage
The Self Catering Cottages are R385 pppn.
Children under 12 – R325 per night.
Main house R425 pppn.
The house is a minimum stay of 3 nights for 6 adults and 2 nights for 8 adults.
Children under 12 – R325 per night.
All you have to bring is what you would like to eat and drink and coals etc. for the braai, everything else is provided. There is a minimum 2 night stay at the weekends in the cottages and the house is a minimum of 2 nights at any time.
All includes VAT.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on August 4, 2016
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2016/08/04/lemonwood-cottages-rates/
What’s happening in the Dargle Valley
Well what a week it has been in the Midlands, and the white frosty Dargle Valley. As you may have seen all over Facebook there was snow all over the place and with plummeting temperatures our fireplaces have been working overtime.

Image Credit | Jean Allen
Visitors have been flocking in to the area and it has been a fantastic and festive season that is for sure. With so many delightful restaurants, cafes and craft stores along the Meander it has made for a magical Winter wonderland experience.
However the snow does not last, and there are some other events coming up in the Dargle Valley to look forward to. Get those legs turning and enter the Marriott Dargle Trails Festival. There is a trail run, MTB ride, fun walk and more. All the details are in the image below and you can enter on the Roag website.
If you need accommodation for that weekend, stay with us! Email Kate on booking@lemonwood.co.za.
We look forward to having you to stay soon in our little piece of paradise, the Dargle Valley.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on July 28, 2016
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2016/07/28/whats-happening-in-the-dargle-valley/
Visit the NEW Farmer’s Daughter
The Farmer’s Daughter used to be located on the R103 next door to the Belgian Chocolate shop, however these lovely lasses took note of the sensational new development, Yard 41, and have moved to 4 Shafton Road, Howick.
Serving up their farm fresh menu as usual, just in a beautifully new and unique setting.
Their restaurant now looks out over this spectacular view!
The Farmer’s Daughter also cater for events and weddings, and Jen’s cakes are STUNNING! Get in touch with them on their Facebook page, where you can also find more details.
There is a great event happening at The Farmer’s Daughter in August, so for all those art and photography lovers take a look.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on July 7, 2016
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2016/07/07/visit-the-new-farmers-daughter/
Loving the chilly Winter weather
Winter is indeed on it’s way and these three pictures sum up just why we LOVE the chilly Winter weather in the Midlands.
Break out the Winter coats!
It’s not often in KZN that we get to adorn our warmest coats, BUT as Winter sets in in the KZN Midlands a Winter coat is a saving grace. Our best days are when the sun is out and we meander the twists the turns of the Dargle Valley, stopping off for a picnic by a dam or a cup of coffee at a coffee shop. It’s the best way to spend a Winter’s day.
Stock the fireplaces!
Each of our cottages is fitted with a working fireplace and we replace/replenish the wood supply daily so you will be sure to arrive home to fresh wood ready to be lit. Snuggling up by the fireplace as it heats your cottage up, is one of the best family memory making experiences in Winter.
Indulgence!
Of course the best way to warm up on a Winter morning is with a tasty cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Our personal favourite is a coffee from either Terbodore Coffee Roasters or Steam Punk Coffee (both Midlands based coffee roasters/cafes). Make sure you pack your warm drinks before you set off for a Midlands visit in Winter.
What’s your favourite thing about visiting the Midlands in Winter?
If you are looking for a place to stay, whether for a weekend or longer, you can email us on booking@lemonwood.co.za and we’ll let you know what dates are available. Take a look at our website with a full gallery of images for each of our cottages and the main house (which we also rent out). You’ll find that link here.
We hope to see you soon! Have a super day ahead.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on May 19, 2016
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2016/05/19/loving-the-chilly-winter-weather/
5 reasons why getting away is good for your body and soul
Yes it’s true, there are real benefits to getting away for a weekend or a few days. Not just for your general morale, but for your overall body and soul. We love that Lemonwood is a place for many people to retreat to. A haven of peace where one can just enjoy the nature around them.
Lemonwood Cottages are surrounded by forest and the Dargle hills, where birds are chirping and traffic is a far cry away. Getting away for a weekend is easy as we are located on the Midlands Meander, and just a few kms off the R103.
Here are 5 reasons why getting away is good for your body and soul.
1: You have every reason to sleep
Sleep is so important for our bodies. Sleep allows our brains and immune systems to catch up and be replenished. Sleep allows your brain to take time out to make sense of everything that has happened over the day/weeks and with enough sleep you can wake up with clarity of mind and soul. Getting away for a weekend may be just the way you can get in those extra zzzz’s.
2: Experiencing a change of scenery
We’ve all heard the saying “a change is as good as a holiday” well combine change and holiday and you’ll feel like a new person. We speak to so many people who say they just needed to get out the city for a few nights to gather themselves. Sitting out on the porch of your cottage, ponder overing the infinite view towards the Drakensberg does wonders for your body and soul. These images of peace and beauty release endorphins into our minds which aid in feelings of joy and calm. A calm mind equals a calm body.
3: Get active
Getting away sometimes means getting active. Walking, hiking, day trips around the meander. All these activities are stimuli for our brains, which produce positive and constructive pathways. This inevitably leads to a more positive outlook on life which influences every day we live. A morning walk through the Lemonwood forest may be just what you need to feel alive and active again.
4: The importance of alone time
Everyone is unique, and with the constant barrage of comparison in today’s society sometimes it is vital that we get away for some alone time. Alone time allows one to connect internally with their emotions and state of being. Pack a journal, your book, or your ipod with your favourite music and get away by yourself for a few days. Get to know yourself again and enjoy every moment of your ‘me-time’ as you are reminded of the amazing person you are.
5: The value of family time
On the flip side taking time out with friends and family is also a big part of what our bodies and souls need. Your kids may be needing quality time with you and a weekend away in the Midlands may be just the thing you need. Been working nights for the past few months, plan a weekend away with mates where you can reconnect and laugh together around a braai. It’s moments like these that remind our minds that we value ourselves. Making time for these getaways will naturally improve your well-being and sustain your body and soul longer.
These are just a few reasons why getting away is so important for us as human beings. Pick one or all and treat yourself to some time out. If it’s not in the Midlands, then anywhere you desire. However if the Midlands sounds like a good idea, drop us a mail to book a cottage at Lemonwood.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on May 5, 2016
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2016/05/05/5-reasons-why-getting-away-is-good-for-your-body-and-soul/