Avondale’s holistic BioLOGIC® approach ensures that we pay attention to the full spectrum of macro- and micro-nutrients involved in healthy plant nutrition. One of the best models that we have found that encompasses this full spectrum of nutrients is the Biochemical...
Potassium, with the symbol K and the atomic number 19, is the 8th and last chemical element completing the biochemical sequence required for healthy plant growth. You can read my previous articles on the fascinating interplay of boron, silicon, calcium, sulphur,...
The element carbon, with the symbol C and atomic number 6, is the seventh chemical element in the biochemical sequence of essential plant nutrients. It is the chemical basis of all known life. Plants absorb carbon from the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide. ...
Phosphorus, with the symbol P and atomic number 15, is the sixth chemical element in the biochemical sequence of essential plant nutrients. In the previous article in this series, I likened the role of magnesium in the biochemical sequence required for healthy plant...
Magnesium, with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12, is the fifth chemical element in our biochemical sequence of essential plant nutrients. As the positively charged ion (Mg⁺⁺) at the centre of chlorophyll, no plant could survive without magnesium. Photosynthesis is...
As family man… Avondale is a family farm where we appreciate that the health and balance of our living system is inextricably linked to well-being of our families. As a father of two and a husband, as son and brother, my inspiration to achieve a robust, balanced vineyard ecosystem is to ensure that Avondale will support the lives of our future generations.
As artist… A passion for jazz and a love for all forms of art, especially woodwork and sculpture led me into four years of fine art studies – an eclectic education for a budding a farmer, for sure! However, I have found that in so many ways, the patterns, interconnections and openness of the artistic worldview have influenced my understanding of how living systems work.
As farmer… My interest in farming started early when I was a boy growing up on a small-holding outside of Durbanville. I planted and tended my own vegetables which I sold to family and friends. I hardly imagined at that time though that I would one day become a farmer. However, the theme of a healthy balanced life was embedded in our family’s outlook.
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