Many cultures have long traditions of basket making. Baskets can be seen to embody a dynamic blend of culture, technology and environment, and traditionally they were made from natural plant fibres. Basketry continues as a living tradition and its uses, aesthetics and even materials are subject to ongoing change. Continue reading “Living heritage: The art of basketry”
Capture something reflected back to you in such a way that you look at your surroundings differently, is the invitation in this week’s photo challenge with the theme ‘Reflecting’. Continue reading “Reflecting the sun”
The appealing Wood Owl is one of the species of raptors that occur in our neighbourhood. Raptors are generally beneficial to us humans because they prey on species that, if their numbers get out of hand, can become problematic to us, in both urban and rural settings. Continue reading “Raptors, rat poisons and us”
When we picked green chillies from a new plant in our garden, they had no flavour at all. So when they ripened to red we added them liberally when cooking our supper. Continue reading “Danger! Fire on the line”
Previously, I have highlighted birds that are daily visitors to our garden. By contrast the Bush Blackcap and the Swee Waxbill appear to be infrequent or very discreet visitors. Continue reading “Fleeting garden visitors: The Bush Blackcap and the Swee Waxbill”
The African dog rose takes its name from a wild briar rose that is native to regions in Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa. Despite the shared common name, they are not related; what they have in common is a superficial resemblance between their flowers. Continue reading “The African dog rose”
Wanderlust is the theme for the Weekly Photo Challenge this week, with an invitation to “share a photo that represents travel to you”. Continue reading “Itchy feet”
We only have to look up to the skies to be reminded that our planet Earth has a wondrous and life-sustaining atmosphere. Continue reading “Atmosphere”
Brightening up our mini-grassland this autumn are the seeded plumes of the Golden Bristle Grass. Not only do they catch our eye, but they also catch the attention of seed-eating birds. Continue reading “For the birds: Grass going to seed in the autumn garden”
