As you will notice at Granny Mouse, our gardening team is just as busy during the autumn and winter months as they are during the spring and summer.

In fact, according to our green fingered specialist, Sean Granger, if gardens are well taken care of during autumn, they will look lovely during winter and most definitely be low maintenance and quite spectacular in spring.

We actually look forward to the autumn months as the beautiful countryside that surrounds us becomes clothed in a carpet of golden brown with leaves turning to deep reds and oranges before they drift to the ground.

During the winter, in KwaZulu-Natal, we also look forward to the beautiful blooms of our indigenous aloes both in our garden and even along the roadsides en route to Granny Mouse.

As autumn arrives, you should keep watering and cutting back summer flowers to help them to bloom for longer – and, while are you at it, make space or even prepare new beds or borders for various winter plants.

Be sure to add lots of compost as well as organic matter and bone meal before planting.

There are a number of ways to ensure that even a traditionally brown winter garden can still be colourful. Winter seedlings, when planted in a warm and protected spot, are perfect for adding a splash of radiance while plants with colourful leaves that do not die down during winter can also add interest.

Winter seedlings to look out for include snap dragons, pansies, alyssum, primulas, rudbeckia, lobelia, phlox, delphiniums, dianthus, foxgloves and petunias amongst others.

If, like us, you are situated in an area that is prone to frost, make sure that you protect the plants in your garden. Tropical varieties – and especially those with large leaves – may need some extra protection when temperatures drop. You can cover leaves with materials such as hessian. If planted in containers, move cold sensitive plants indoors or into warmer, protected spots.

Most importantly, make sure that you mulch. Made up of shredded leaves, sticks, grass and bark, this not only helps enrich the soil but keeps it warm and moist during the harsh winter months.

The most inspiring thing about tending your garden during winter is that this determines just how beautiful it will be in spring. Find out which plants and bulbs can be planted during the colder months, ready to burst into colour as it becomes warmer.

Last but not least, if you are planting a mixture of various varieties, remember to group plants with the same watering requirements. Water newly planted seedlings regularly until they become established and don’t forget to water those growing in the shade of trees because they compete with the tree roots for both water and nutrients. Dense trees also prevent a lot of rainwater from actually reaching the ground.

Everyone knows that saying – eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.

Although Granny Mouse’s Culinary Artist, Theo Mannie, spends much of his time dreaming up delectable lunches and dinners, he’s a firm believer that a good breakfast is the best and healthiest way to begin your day.

He says that everyone should end their overnight fast with a good breakfast within two hours of waking.

The foods that are usually served up first thing in the morning are good for us and are great sources of iron, calcium, vitamins, protein and fibre, providing both our minds and our bodies with plenty of energy to take on a hectic day.

Sound nutrition, right from the moment you step out of bed, is also important to boost your immune system. With the chilly winter months just around the corner, it’s important that you enjoy a nutritious start to the day. That way, your body will have plenty of ammunition to fight off colds and flu.

And just one more quick aside from Mannie – did you know that eating breakfasts is actually good for the waistline and that those who eat in the am are actually less likely to be overweight!

If you’re taking time out at Granny Mouse, remember that this is a great opportunity to relax and indulge in a hearty breakfast as well as some quality family time – a far cry from skipping out the door toast in hand or shelving eating breakfast altogether.

Our scrumptious breakfasts are served daily from 7am – 10:30am.

If you enjoy a continental breakfast, you can visit our breakfast buffet which is stocked with tasty and healthy options including muesli, cornflakes, all bran, a variety of seeds and nuts, a selection of yoghurts, pastries, preserves, compotes, cheese and cold meat platters, juices and even homemade iced tea.

For those who enjoy a hearty hot breakfast, Granny Mouse will not disappoint. We have all the usuals – crispy bacon, pork or chicken chipolatas, warm cherry tomato jam and sautéed mixed mushrooms as well as eggs that can be poached, fried or scrambled.

For something a little out of the ordinary, try our Eggs Benedict, served on a muffin with crispy bacon, hollandaise sauce, sautéed mixed mushrooms and warm cherry tomato jam. You can also select the vegetarian Eggs Florentine option that includes spinach and peppers.

For vegetarians, there is another vegan winner – sautéed mixed mushrooms, onions, ciabatta and grilled thyme tomatoes and the Shakshuka – poached eggs with a spicy mix of peppers, tomato, onion and beans. For the meat eaters, chorizo sausage is included.

For kipper lovers, this is the one you’ve been waiting for – herb mustard smoked kippers, scrambled eggs, grilled thyme tomatoes and toast.

Then, of course, there is the open omelette. You can choose any three toppings – from bacon, cheddar and mushrooms to tomato, mixed peppers, chorizo, feta cheese, chilli, onions, smoked chicken and basil pesto.