Delft tablecloths and insect hotels

WORDS Debbie Loots

Hurry on out to the countryside and see Babylonstoren’s beautiful new range of Delft-inspired tablecloths that owner, Karen Roos, has dreamed up. She’s also dreamt up a hotel for insects!

Printed on Polish linen, the farm’s latest heritage tablecloth range, available for purchase, was inspired by the remnants of ancient Delft china excavated on the farm during the establishment of Babylonstoren’s gardens. The broken pieces of blue-and-white china date back to as far as the 17th century and were found abandoned on the farm’s ash heaps (read about what went into creating Babylonstoren’s Delft details here).

The first tablecloths were an initiative of Maranda Engelbrecht, author of the farm’s acclaimed cookbook Babel, using lovely visuals from her cookbook as prints on the linen. They are available in two sizes – 1.5 and 5.5 metres – and are for sale in the farm’s shop.

While you’re there, make sure to wander a little way down one of their beautiful garden paths where you will see another version of a hotel – one specially made for insects. This wooden abode provides space for all sorts of crawly and buzzy guests, small and not so small. Mister spider may get to cosy up in a room next to Mister Moth (Mister Moth should sleep with his light on though!) or Mister Lonesome Wasp next to a less lonesome swarm of ladybirds. 

Babylonstoren’s insect hotel is kitted out with snuggly suites made of bark, straw and bamboo, designed to welcome in any bugs. The bugs earn their keep by helping to pollinate the garden, catching other less benevolent creepy-crawlies or simply hibernating and then flying goodbye later, a beautiful butterfly.

babylonstoren.com

Read more of VISI’s article about the ground-breaking Babylonstoren.

A Delft revival has swept South Africa and the globe. Read our reports here.