Plaisir du Jardin: What We Love About Winter in South Africa

South Africa draws many overseas travellers during the winter months mainly due to our mild sun filled days. There is no need to hibernate as have beautiful winter days beckoning us to go out and explore. What’s not to love!

It’s the best time to visit our national parks as vegetation is less dense and animals more visible. The Wildflowers are getting ready to show off their magnificent blooms later in the season and hiking trails beckon us to enjoy the cooler breeze, or to sit down and enjoy a picnic whilst pesky summer insects are hiding away. For those inhabiting our fantastic coastlines, The Sardine run is where it’s at, unless of course, you prefer to pull up a chair and do some satisfying whale watching.

Let’s not forget to also take time out whilst winter is upon us. Head outside, the garden is calling. Grab your favourite book, find a sunny spot, and relax. All you need is a book, a comfortable chair, shade, and a side table.

FIND THE CHAIR

Finding the right chair to enjoy the winter sunlight is as important as choosing the correct book to read whilst sitting in it. Some like to be upright, some reclined and some curled up in a ball. Or do you need a little more space for that partner or fur baby likes to snuggle up next to you. Plaisir du Jardin have the chair to suit you…

THE LAFUMA

Lafuma proudly states its chair is:

“Made from quality, environmentally friendly materials, the Lafuma armchair is a classic piece that will never go out of style. Lightweight, foldable, sturdy, and practical, it is your “vintage companion” for indoor and outdoor fun. The removable and versatile ergonomic headrest allows you to adjust it to your perfect comfort level.

Attributes:

– Multiple adjustments: it offers numerous positions, including the “zero gravity” position with the legs positioned slightly above the heart, for the ultimate relaxation.
– Clip suspension: elastomer clips connect the steel tubing and fabric. This Lafuma patented system provides the user with firmer comfort, outstanding back support, easy fabric removal and/or replacement, and a long lifespan.

Built to last, the Relax chair has received the LONGTIME® label, assuring its robustness and durability.”

THE LUXEMBOURG LOW ARMCHAIR

Fermob says: “The Luxembourg low armchair first appeared in the 1920’s along the pathways of the famous Paris Park from which it takes its name. Today, the Luxembourg low armchair continues to charm thanks to its numerous qualities: its lightness and comfort make it easy to move from one end of the garden to the other. “

We can confirm that the Luxembourg Low is a firm favourite and has the added advantage of coming to you in many heart-warming colours. New stock just arrived at both Plaisir du Jardin Bryanston and Cape Town Showrooms.

THE HEADHAMMOCK

If you prefer to lie whilst you read and soak up the winter rays, then you need The Headhammock. This large hammock comes complete with a cushion and a hammock stand. Partners, children, and fur babies can be added as plenty of room is available. We take no responsibility for how fast you will nod off in The Headhammock and wake gloriously recharged.

FIND THE SHADE

Winter or Summer, Autumn or Spring, shade is important to enhancing our outdoor experience. In winter we still need some shade whilst we soak up the milder winter sun.

We may want our bodies and legs kept nice and toasty but to read we need some shade just over the book and our heads. Managing the sunlight reflecting off the pages adds to our general comfort and is easier on the eyes. So how do we make our shade choices?

THE MALIBU

Jardinico Belgium have praise for their versatile umbrella:

“Malibu is a light and practical umbrella, you can determine the shade by tilting the umbrella, depending on the position of the sun. The umbrella is adjustable in height and has a powder coated aluminium frame with a water-repellent canopy.”

The perfect fix for your winter shade dilemma. Tilt it around to make sure you are covered as the sun moves through each phase of the day. Lower the main pole to bring the shade to a level that suits your lounging position best.

THE SIDE TABLE

No relaxing reading binge would be complete without the all-necessary side table. It’s a place to house your book, glasses, sunglasses, drinks, and of course, snacks. Side tables are hard-working and functional items so choose wisely, and you can use the opportunity to add colour to your ensemble

THE ALIZÉ

The Alizé is elegant, understated and resolutely modern. It’s perfect for the outdoors with its aluminium frame and protective foot silencing pads, maintenance becomes a non-event. The generous 48cm Ø tabletop is big enough for two to share.

Elegant, understated and resolutely modern, The Alize is a great companion to the outdoor lounge chair, and a perfect fit for all the nick naks needed for a successful day of reading and relaxing. Aluminium makes this a gorgeous 48cm Ø side table a breeze to clean so you get more time to spend doing the things you love.

THE COCOTTE

Once again, we are charmed by the designs and colours on offer from Fermob.  What a perfect side table, and available in several delightful colours to brighten up your winter reading getaway. Fermobs praise of their side table is obvious:                     

“Cocotte is a collection of colourful, cleverly designed, metal low tables. Equally suited to life indoors or out, these tables are perfect for any spot in the home or the garden. In fact, they’re so lightweight and hard-wearing that you can move them around to your heart’s content for that added decorative touch. They make the perfect occasional table – alone or together. The Cocotte tables are so appealing, it’d be a shame to deny yourself. So, add some to your collection!”

Available for viewing at Plaisir du Jardin – Constantia, Cape Town Showroom.

THE BEBOP

Yes, this table is as funky as it sounds.

Tristan Lohner designed this head turner with the tabletop resting invisibly on the legs lending purity of form to the design. The profile belies the sturdiness of this design gem.

Great nestled together, or used apart, The Bebop comes in 3 convenient sizes: 35cmØ, 45cmØ and 60cmØ. Mix and match table colours, heights, and sizes for a vibrant display in your winter garden.

Available for viewing in Plaisir du Jardin Bryanston, Johannesburg Showroom.

Let’s take some down-time this winter. Time to make new memories with friends and family.

Visit Plaisir du Jardin to find the perfect fit for your space.