The usually blue-flowered Agapanthus brightens South African gardens, and many gardens around the world, during the summer. It is an easy-going plant that I pretty much take for granted, so I was surprised to find that its classification has been a complex issue for botanists. Continue reading “Agapanthus: A true blue summer flowerer”
There is something mysterious about the Powder-puff tree. Although associated with mangroves it can thrive with dry feet in the garden, exuding a powerful pungency when in flower, it has a lush subtropical presence yet remains self-contained. Continue reading “Powder-puff tree: Subtropical swamp mysteries in the garden”
There are two dictionary definitions of cheerfulness: first, the quality or state of being noticeably happy and optimistic; and second, the quality of causing happiness. Continue reading “Holiday cheerfulness: The sunshine colours of yellow”
Mistbelt grasslands sustain a rich diversity of life, especially when they form part of a complex mosaic that includes also forest, wetlands and rivers and streams. Continue reading “Mistbelt grassland flowers in the summer time”
Moving in after last week’s broader view of mistbelt forests, here is a more micro perspective with a selection of photos to celebrate forest treasures, and there are fewer words too. (Cue smiley face here.) Continue reading “Mistbelt Forest in close up”
The suburb I live in nestles up against commercial plantations on the edge of town. Pre the colonial era and the development of urban settlement, what is now plantation and suburbia was part of a mosaic of mistbelt forest and grassland. Continue reading “Mistbelt forests of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands”
Although I have featured this plant before, I thought its flowers decorative enough for another look. The African Dog Rose has elegantly showy flowers. Continue reading “Weekly Photo Find: African Dog Rose”
These tiny freesias pop up in unexpected places in the garden. In the wild they thrive in the shade in forests, woodlands or thickets. Continue reading “Weekly Photo Find: Woodland Freesia”
Another in the series of flower portraits, this is a cluster of flowers of the Dais cotinifolia. Continue reading “Weekly Photo Find: Pink Pompom flower”
