“A Time to Plant” is the captivating biography of James Lydford Collett, an early settler in South Africa. Drawn primarily from Collett’s almost daily diary entries spanning four decades, from 1835 to 1875, alongside intimate family letters and photographs, the book offers an unparalleled, personal window into colonial life. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and daily realities of the Collett family as they forge a life on their farm, Grassridge, contributing to the rich, complex history of the Eastern Cape. This essential historical record brings a South African pioneer’s voice back to life.