We cannot necessarily put our finger on what makes patterns in nature so recognizable. In some natural phenomena we may see elements that are recurring, sometimes at different scales: repeating elements in shapes that are complex and irregular.
Continue reading “Patterns in nature: Fractals”
Some leisurely lurking around our garden pond in times past yielded some patterns pleasing to the eye and to the mind. In these troubled times and after the widespread damage from the fearsome hailstorm we experienced last week, for this post I settle for some undemanding peace and quiet.
Continue reading “Perceiving patterns at the pond”
I did not plan this post. But yesterday our area was in the path of an enormous and ferocious storm that pelted everything it passed over with hailstones large and small, round and irregular. It came suddenly, without that distinctive warning smell of impending hail, and the hailstorm roared over us for about ten minutes, shattering and pulverising as it went.
Continue reading “Patterns in nature: Hailstones and their aftermath”
Something is said to be symmetrical when the left and right halves match each other as in a mirror image on either side of a central line. Nature is replete with this kind of symmetry. Our tabby cat, Nina, in the photo above, shows off her wonderfully symmetrical structure and facial markings.
Continue reading “Patterns in nature: Symmetry in animals and flowers”
This has been – is being – a rough week, so this post is designed to be undemanding and easy on the eye. Continuing with the theme of patterns in nature, this week I feature spots and dots, shapes from nature that are appreciated and celebrated. Such patterns are re-presented in many forms, such as in leopard skin prints and polka-dot fabrics, but here I stick with dots I spotted in their natural form.
Continue reading “Patterns in nature: Spots and dots”
Many patterns in nature are obvious, and others become apparent as one develops a habit of looking. In these patterns we see characteristics of repetition, symmetry, specific shapes and combinations of these aspects.
Continue reading “Patterns in nature: The efficiency of hexagons”
By making your own soap at home, not only can you customise the soap that you use every day, but you also reduce packaging waste and eliminate the use of parabens, surfactants and other undesirable chemicals.
Continue reading “Making cold process soap at home”
The African Penguin is endemic to southern Africa. The annual African Penguin Awareness Day, which this year took place on 10 October, celebrates this iconic bird and draws attention to the ongoing and rapid decline of this endangered species.
Continue reading “Raising awareness of the endangered African penguin”
Small in size but big in interest, here is a selection of some of the surprising sightings I have photographed in our garden.
Continue reading “Tiny surprises: Curious creatures in the garden”