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
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/
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/
The snow has been falling
The Drakensberg mountains have had their full of snow over the past week which means we have been feeling the chill. You can see the snow as you drive from Hilton towards the Midlands. The last few days have been so clear that the views around us have been absolutely spectacular.
We are avid followers of Snow Report SA and the pictures that people have been submitting have been AWESOME! Check out their Facebook Page.
Here are just a few of our winter warmer tips for those visiting us soon.
Tip 1 : Pack a hot water bottle. This way wherever you are you will have that extra bit of heating.
Tip 2 : Light a fire. Our cottages are stocked daily with free wood so your fireplace can be roaring before sun goes down.
Tip 3 : Pack wool socks. They say if your head and feet are warm then your whole body will be warm.
Our cottages are warm and cosy with loads of blankets and fireplaces.
We hope to see you with us soon.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on July 28, 2015
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2015/07/28/the-snow-has-been-falling/
3 Reasons to visit the KZN Midlands
The KZN Midlands is one of South Africa’s most visited areas. Filled with quirky shops along the Midlands Meander there are so many reasons to visit, but here are 3 reasons we think you should visit the KZN Midlands.
Reason 1: Beauty
Set aside the Drakensberg, the KZN Midlands is lush with green rolling hills, high rise acorn trees, and views out towards the mountains. Surrounding our cottages is the indigenous Lemonwood forest, where there are over 200 species of birds. The KZN Midlands is packed with hiking routes, 360 degree views over farmlands and valleys, and in Autumn the colours of the trees is something you don’t want to miss out on. The KZN Midlands is beautiful and entrenched in history, with it’s ancient wells, landmarks and buildings, there is beauty for all to see.
Reason 2: Culture
The Midlands Meander is one of the biggest pull factors to the KZN Midlands. The Meander is an eclectic establishment of quirky and creative shops, fine dining restaurants and art galleries of all forms. Along the R103 one can also visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site & Museum. Wrought in South African history and culture this route through South Africa’s land tells stories of hope and restoration. The Midlands Meander is made up of local craftsmen all using their talents to make a living. You can buy leather goods, pottery, paintings, linens, wind chimes, and handmade furniture, to name a few. To get more info about the Midlands Meander have a look at their website HERE.
Reason 3: Rest
Taking time out to rest is vital in this day and age. Individuals need rest and families need rest. What better way to revitalise your soul then to get out into the countryside. At Lemonwood Cottages we are all about resting and finding peace in the abundant beauty that surrounds us. Lie by the pool all day, or wander through the forest with your binoculars. There are so many ways to find rest in the KZN Midlands, and we like to think that staying at Lemonwood is one way. Our cottages are self catering, and are serviced daily by our friendly staff. The premises are free to be wandered, and pets are more then welcome. To view our cottages and rates have a look HERE or to make a booking email us on booking@lemonwood.co.za.
These are just 3 reasons to visit the KZN Midlands, but why not come visit and see for yourself the many other reasons to visit our beautiful, cultural, and restful part of the world.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on January 15, 2015
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2015/01/15/3-reasons-to-visit-the-kzn-midlands/
Happy New Year
Happy New Year!!! Don’t you just love the start of the year? The excitement of what adventures are ahead, what this year will hold. We just love this quote above because it is SO true. The best time for new beginnings is now!
How are you doing with setting resolutions? Don’t go and put pressure on yourself to meet every resolutions with this first mont. We all know that idea will just crash and burn. Be realistic about little changes you want to make, or add into your life.
Travel more? Stay at Lemonwood 🙂 EXCITING NEWS: we have a 4th cottage at Lemonwood now, leading right on to the pool. Laze in the sun on your veranda and take a dip in the pool at your leisure.
Spend the afternoon walking through the forest with your binoculars, spotting all the gorgeous birdlife around you.
Lemonwood is a magical place in the KZN Midlands and we are so looking forward to meeting our 2015 guests.
For more info about our cottages and rates visit our website here.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on January 7, 2015
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/happy-new-year/
Winter in the Dargle Valley
Snow reports have come out that the snow has started around the Drakensberg and parts of the KZN Midlands, yes and the Dargle Valley.
We absolutely LOVE winter in the Dargle Valley. It is the time we get to light up our fireplaces, drink lots of hot chocolate and cuddle up under blankets with a good book. Winter in the Dargle Valley is just a magical season as the colours fade and the cold sets in. But yes we do agree that precautions are necessary when it comes to the cold so here are a few winter warmer tips for you.
Winter Warmer Tips
- Eat warm food: porridge is a great way to start off a cold day. The carbohydrates will keep your body warm as the food digests.
- Layer up your clothes: wearing layers of clothes traps the heat in and keeps your body warmer.
- Drink herbal/decaffeinated drinks: although it may seem that coffee keeps you warm it is really just the caffeine increasing blood flow to your skin. This warmth decreases quickly so try stick to rooibos, herbal tea or hot chocolate which will keep you warmer for longer.
- Exercise: yes I know, this is the last thing we feel like doing in the cold but the flow of blood in our bodies increases our body temperature and keeps us warmer longer.
- Use blankets not heaters: if you are trying to save on electricity this winter then rather get out all the thick, cosy blankets to keep you warm at night. A hot water bottle will also do the trick. Or if you have a fireplace like we do, then get that ablaze just before the sun sets to warm up your home.
These are just a few ideas to keep you going through the cold winter months. We hope to see you in the Dargle Valley soon.
Contact booking@lemonwood.co.za to book one of our cosy cottages.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on July 7, 2014
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2014/07/07/winter-in-the-dargle-valley/
Mid-Week Specials
We are so excited about 2014 that we have decided to run a fantastic mid-week special.
Stay at Lemonwood for 2 nights or more, from Monday – Friday, and get this special rate.
Contact us on +27 82 052 6072 or email booking@lemonwood.co.za
Please go ahead and share this post with your social media friends/fans.
We look forward to seeing you at Lemonwood!
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on January 27, 2014
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2014/01/27/mid-week-specials/
Lemonwood Supports the Sustainable Living and Indigenous Plant Fair
The Sustainable Living and Indigenous Plant (SLIP) Fair is an annual event in Pietermaritzburg. It is the kind of event that excites us at Lemonwood for its vision and it is something we wholly support as part of our ethos.
This years SLIP Fair will be held at the Pietermaritzburg Botanical Gardens from the 25th to the 28th of April and entry to the Gardens is free. The fair will feature stallholders and speaker that will make for an educational, informative, and entertaining day out. The fair itself supplements the SLIP Open Gardens which started last weekend; the remainder of which will take place this weekend between 9am and 4:30pm. These gardens extend from Ashburton to Hilton and serve to show guests the beauty of indigenous gardens in the hopes that they will follow suit and go indigenous, as this is a primary contributor to the protection of biodiversity.
These Open Gardens will serve as inspiration for the plants on offer at the Fair and the ultimate goal is to encourage sustainability in the KZN Midlands and beyond and stimulate a ‘green economy’. The Fair will present guests with an opportunity to chat to stallholders and local service providers on ideas and information on how to effect a lifestyle change that is more sustainable and environmentally conscious.
For those of you travelling from a little further afield, Lemonwood would be happy to have you; and it would be the perfect setting for the ideology behind the Fair – to be ensconced in the beautiful, indigenous landscape of the Dargle Valley. It is also the ideal time of year for fires, snuggling up, and taking in the spectacular winter views in this special part of the world. Consider it an extension of the fair in some respects 🙂
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on April 24, 2013
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/lemonwood-supports-the-sustainable-living-and-indigenous-plant-fair/
Top Ten Road Trip Tips from Lemonwood
With the holidays approaching, we know that you are looking forward to getting into your car to do some travelling. Road trips are an amazing way to spend some time with your favourite travel companions. There is something about a road trip that gives an unparalleled sense of adventure – whether you know your destination or not.
Whether you plan to go cross country with the family or to the next dorpie with your friends for a change of scenery, here are our top ten dos and don’ts for road trips.
DON’T:
- Restrict yourself in terms of time. Road trips often include the inevitable – traffic jams, prolonged stops, the discovery of a special view. Be flexible and allow yourself the freedom to take as long as you need to reach your destination.
- Don’t rely on conversation for the WHOLE drive. At this time of year, there are many road trip movies televised that show happy families singing and talking on their journey. This is usually a poor depiction of real life. Take lots of music and/or audio books to fill the quiet spaces and to entertain you while you travel (singalongs optional).
- Stick to the highway. Buy yourself a map or check the route on your GPS and see if you can go off the beaten track a little. You will definitely be given the chance to see attractions you otherwise would have missed. In South Africa, going along the back roads is the perfect way to explore what the country has to offer.
- Neglect maintenance of your vehicle. Do all of the necessary checks before you leave to avoid being stuck on the side of the road.
- Forget your dog! If you are coming to Lemonwood for your holiday, your furry friends are welcome as part of your family. We would love to have them!
DO:
- Clean your car out before you leave, so one of your children doesn’t wake up with a till slip stuck to their foreheads.
- As hard as it may be at times, try to stick to the speed limit – there is nothing like an encounter with a traffic officer and a speeding fine to put a dampener on your trip.
- Pack some padkos. Stopping along the way to quell every craving can be a lengthy and expensive procedure. Pack some energy drinks for the driver and some nibbles for the little ones. Stop for frequent toilet breaks.
- Take turns driving. This will reduce the chances of driver fatigue and give everyone a chance to take in the scenery.
- Keep the end in sight. Sometimes a long journey can make passengers forget that a holiday lies at the end of the road; a time to relax and recline in your favourite holiday spots. Remembering this can help to avoid the irritation that may come from being confined in such a small place for sometimes extensive periods of time.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on November 14, 2012
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2012/11/14/top-ten-road-trip-tips-from-lemonwood/