Of the 270 naturally occurring species of pelargoniums in the world, about 219 species occur in South Africa. Of these, I focus here on just two – and one hybrid – that grow in our garden. And a true geranium also makes an appearance. Be it the leaves, the flowers or the seeds, pelargoniums are always interesting to photograph.
Continue reading “Pelargonium flower portraits and a geranium too”
Arid it is in the Tankwa Karoo, but there is life to be found on the stony ground if one slows down and refocuses – generally a satisfying thing to do, and especially so when travelling to new places. And the rocks and stones are interesting not only to geologists and archaeologists. Their variety in colour, form and density are interesting to anyone – though the stones do have their drawbacks for those travelling by road!
Continue reading “Tankwa Karoo Part 2: Plants and birds and rocks and things”
I was worried about moving from a wet summer/dry winter region to the Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape and learning to adapt to its wet winters. But here we are and experiencing what neighbours tell us is the worst Cape winter for years.
Continue reading “Flowers defying a wet and windy winter”
Following the local Wandelpad, I took these photos on a recent walk. From old milkwood trees to tiny flowers, it was good to take a break from home maintenance demands.
Continue reading “Along the Wandelpad”
It is somewhat trite to say that change is a constant – be it good or bad or even when we try to be indifferent. Moving house, especially when moving further afield, certainly foregrounds change. And even when the change is chosen, adapting can be demanding and nostalgia can become one’s go-to space.
Continue reading “Ch-ch-ch-changes”
Coming into flower now, after dropping its leaves in the very early spring, is the profusely flowering wild honeysuckle-tree. Flowering on bare stems with the new leaves just starting to sprout it puts on a lovely show.
Continue reading “The wild Honeysuckle-tree flowering abundantly”
Spring rains are falling in our region at least and we are being treated to spring flowers blooming, new leaves unfurling and vegetation generally greening up. So here is a quick share of some of the spring flowers gracing our garden.
Continue reading “Floral treats in the spring garden”
A post on the Ashburton Aloe Festival back in July 2017 (Aloes and gardens, samangos and forests) featured a small potted Aloe ferox (bitter aloe) that we bought at the festival. I said then I might post an update on its progress – so here it is as this winter it flowered for the first time.
Continue reading “First flowering of an Aloe ferox”
The lovely soft-looking flowers that don’t last long on the plant make it surprising that wild irises of the Dietes genus are in fact incredibly hardy, to the extent that they are a familiar sight in mass plantings in urbanised places such as business parks and shopping malls.
Continue reading “Introducing three wild irises”