When I see birds and monkeys enjoying these purple berries, I invariably think of the song “Wooden Ships”. The link between the Waterberry tree (commonly referred to by its Zulu name umDoni) and the song is purple berries. Continue reading “Say can I have some of your purple berries?”
Many nature lovers also love domestic animals. Part of letting nature back in can be in the form of sharing our lives with our companion animals. Although there is potential for conflict, pet dogs can coexist with wildlife in a suburban garden. Here are some pointers to good neighbourliness between domestic dogs and wild animals in suburban spaces and gardens. Continue reading “Wildlife gardeners, dogs and other animals”
One very hot day summer’s a small group of vervet monkeys visited our garden. Continue reading “Gracefulness of the maternal bond”
Not all fungi produce mushrooms, but for those that do, the mushroom is akin to a flower or fruit in a plant. This small mushroom is known as Fairies Bonnets and it lives on decaying wood. Continue reading “Fairy-tale fungi: The magic of mushrooms”
The soft slanting light of the early morning sun lends a special ambience to the garden. Continue reading “The ambience of first light”
Flowering in our mini-grassland this summer are the crimson Inanda Lily and the more understated, though intriguing plant known as the Pineapple Lily.
Continue reading “Two summer-flowering lilies”
Because doves and pigeons mate for life, people in many cultures have attributed to them the qualities of loyalty, love and devotion, virtues that, sadly, have had paradoxically lethal consequences for these birds characterised (pigeon-holed?) as being gentle and unaggressive. Continue reading “Redeyed Doves, Turtle Doves, monogamy and sacrifice”
Many birds die or are seriously injured when they inadvertently fly into window panes. Reflections of sky and landscape on the glass or else seeing through a window to plants or light on the side can mislead them. Big plate glass windows are the worst for flying birds because of their large seamless reflections. Continue reading “Making your windows more visible to flying birds”
Whatever path one travels, the future is often obscure. Accepting and admitting confusion can paradoxically transform into a moment of truth. Such illuminations cannot be sought, but are sometimes found. Continue reading “Translucence”
