76 SEPTEMBER 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za

TEXT

ALICE SPENSER-HIGGS

PHOTOGRAPHS

CONNALL OOSTERBROEK

Jewel

IN THE CROWN

THE

A

fter the upheaval of renovations, followed by

a complete revamp of their garden, Fred and

Manuela Crabbia love to just sit on the wisteria-

shaded patio, absorbing the beauty of the

surroundings as each season unfolds. And what a view it is,

despite the fact that the garden is only two years old.

Wide gracious steps descend to a sunny lawn that flows

down to the formal rose garden, which, like the jewel in a

crown, perches in the very centre of the garden, commanding

all the views from the house. Roses in shades of pink, gold and

creamy white overflow the four formal beds, with a central

raised pond and steps leading up to a loggia with ‘Isidingo’

Changes to the family home led to the transformation of their functional garden into

a romantic, flower-filled haven with plenty of hiding places for the grandchildren