Gauteng Smallholder August 2015 | Page 14

BOOKSHELF Beautifully-illustrated, encyclopaedic content ~ a must-have for bulb growers I t is rare to find a book of coffee-table-quality illustrations that is comprehensively informative at an almost scientific level. But EVENTS From page 8 than 30 stands manned by suppliers to the dairy industry the day includes a series of talks by industry experts. Booking is essential. Call 082 377-5698. What were the Pretoria Showgrounds in Soutter Street, now renamed the Tshwane Events Centre, will see another attempt at an agricultural show this year, named the Jacaranda Agricultural Show, from 26 to 29 August. The previous two shows were dismal as exhibitions, the greatest support having come from a motley range of government departments, not all of which were connected to agriculture. The show also contains a livestock section, including poultry, rabbits, small and large stock, and horses. This year's event seems to have been better-promoted ~ at least on social media ~ and has a focus on the game farming and hunting industries. Also out in Muldersdrift, small-scale African farmers 12 www.sasmallholder.co.za that's the case with The Bulb Book – a South African Gardener's Guide, published by Sunbird Publishers, which is written by Charles Barnhoorn, a director at Hadeco. There is an analysis of bulbs, rhizomes, corms, tubers and tuberous roots, planting and positioning bulbs, feeding, propagation and threats, and even how to display and care for cut flowers in the home. However, the bulk of the Continued on page 13 can attend the African Farmers Workshop & Expo to be held at Oakfields Farm on Beyers Naude Dr on 18-20 August from 0900 to 1700. Entrance is free. In Benoni's plotland the popular Uncle Tim's Centre will be hosting an Aloe & Citrus Fair on 22 and 23 August, as well as a Lavendar & Herb Fair on 19 and 20 September. For those who like to attend auctions, there are two ad hoc livestock auctions in Gauteng to look out for. At the Tshwane Events Centre to co-incide with the Jacaranda Show, Vleissentraal Bosveld will hold a regional auction of indigenous veld goats at 1000 hrs on 28 August. 150 ewes and 20 rams of stud and commercial quality will be on offer. Vleissentraal Bosveld will also hold the third Northern Tuli Club's production auction at Obaro on Lavender Road, Bon Accord on 10 September at 1100 hrs. 20 Tuli bulls and 40 cows, some pregnant, will be on offer.