Botanical

, , , ,

Mkhambathi Nature Reserve

, , , ,

It is undeniable that South Africa is filled with incredible nature destinations, and I love visiting them and discovering the beauty that our country holds. One of these destinations is a hidden gem called Mkhambathi Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape.

location

Mkhambathi Nature Reserve is situated on the coast between Port Edward and Port St Johns and while it is an effort to get there it is definitely worth it. The roads to get there are riddled with potholes and the 40km dirt road stretch from Flagstaff can be challenging. The reserve is bounded by two rivers, the Mtentu to the north and Msikaba to the south.

Information

The reserve covers an area of over 8000ha and consists of open grasslands dotted with forest patches and swamp forests making it a unique landscape to experience. It forms part of the greater Pondoland Marine Protected Area and the Pondoland Centre of Endemism, making it one of the most important centres of plant diversity and endemism in Africa. The reserve is managed by the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) and accommodation bookings can be made through their website.

I have added a map here from the information we gathered on our trip as the map they provided isn’t very clear, it is not very detailed but gives you an idea of where the main points of interest are located

History

In 1922 people were moved out of the area and a leper colony with a hospital was established on 18 000 ha of rolling coastal grassland. When leprosy was cured, the facility became a TB hospital. In 1977 a provincial nature reserve was proclaimed in a third of the 18 000 ha. A land claim for the reserve, including the surrounding area, was lodged and granted in 2004 and the applicants were constituted as the Mkhambathi Land Trust (MLT), with the condition that Mkhambathi Nature Reserve be maintained as a reserve and co-managed with ECPTA. The reserve has remained in an untransformed state and there are few settlements in close proximity to it. The adjacent grassland areas are just as valuable in terms of biodiversity and there is a possibility that more land will be incorporated into the reserve in future. (https://www.birdlife.org.za/iba-directory/mkhambathi-nature-reserve/)

Vegetation

Some extremely important vegetation types are protected in Mkhambathi. Examples of the Pondoland-Ugu Sandstone Coastal Sourveld grasslands in this reserve are the only ones under formal conservation, while its Pondoland Scarp Forests are some of the most significant forests in South Africa. The false water-berry Rhynchocalyx lawsonioides and the endangered Pondo palm Jubaeopsis caffra are endemic to this area.

Things to Do

While you may want to relax, there is a lot to keep visitors busy including: fishing in designated areas (with a permit), swimming, mountain biking, birdwatching and self driving to see animals - a 4x4 is necessary especially in the rainy season. We did not have a 4x4 and made use of the game drive service which I highly recommend (enquire at reception for pricing). Most visitors enjoy hiking through the reserve especially along the coast and the trail from Mkhambathi Falls to Horseshoe Falls. There is no dangerous game which makes it safe to explore and we especially enjoyed swimming in the many rock pools - see video below.

Accommodation

When we visited the reserve several years ago, we stayed in GweGwe Rondawels which is an incredible location right at the foot of the ocean. People who visited Mkhambahti in the past would have fond memories of those huts. Apparently these rondawels have been demolished to make way for a new boutique hotel which is said to open in 2024. The current accommodation options are basic but functional cottages.

We loved visiting this reserve and would love to return again as there is a lot to explore!

2 x Stone Cottages while Cottage no.6 is an old house

Tips: Remember that is it is far away from everything with no cellphone signal so you really do relax, but that also means you need to plan well in advance and take everything that you may need. Perhaps the boutique lodge is up and running sometime this year and then you can stay there in luxury!

~ G.S

References:

https://www.birdlife.org.za/iba-directory/mkhambathi-nature-reserve/

https://visiteasterncape.co.za/parks/mkhambathi/

http://bookonline.ecpta.co.za/?q=node/45 - website to book accommodation

, ,

Denver Botanical Gardens, Colorado

, ,

I was incredibly impressed with the Denver Botanical Gardens located in York Street, Denver, Colorado, when I had the privilege of visiting the USA in July. I had no idea a Botanical Gardens could have such a variety of activities and opportunities available. I thought if I ever lived in Denver someday, I would love to work at this place! The love of all things Botanical is tangible.

Four Towers Pool next to Science Pyramid

Denver Botanic Gardens Facilities

Typically, people spend 2.5 hours at the Denver Botanical Gardens and it is not surprise why - there is so much to see! The Gardens not only provide a wide variety of incredible plants to view and enjoy (exploring the gardens is amazing) but they also host Art Exhibitions; a Science and Research Centre is connected to the Gardens; the Helen Fowler Library offers books related to horticulture; there is a school of Botanical Art and Illustration; a coffee shop and they even screen movies!

The Gardens established Denver Botanic Films in 2021 to create yet another powerful bridge between people and the rest of nature. By telling stories about the special relationship between humans and plants, we hope to educate and inspire.

You really do feel inspired after a visit to this place and I love how they focus on education and the appreciation of art. I really enjoyed the art exhibitions that were on display.

Orangery

Exploring the Gardens

The Gardens have a large selection of interesting spaces to explore - it would be best to consult the map and decide which areas you want to prioritize. I started from the Visitors Centre and moved in an anti-clockwise direction trying to take in as much as I could. This includes Gardens of the West, Internationally inspired Gardens, Ornamental Gardens, Shady Gardens and Water Gardens. Every area you walk into is a sensory delight. Colours, textures, sounds and sculptures combine to create memorable and beautiful moments. Water is also present throughout the Gardens adding movement and creating a sense of calm and serenity.

Water runs throughout the Gardens

There are bees and butterflies throughout the garden - I spotted this dragonfly who was happy to be photographed

I think this was my favourite part of the Garden (a tough decision) - The Monet Pond. Before I took the photos the water was perfectly still and reflected the sky, beautifully ordained with colourful waterlilies.

The Monet Pool is our largest water garden and features a stunning collection of aquatic plants including hardy and tropical waterlilies, Victoria waterlilies, pickerel plants, cannas, iris and more. Peak bloom occurs from June through September each year. An annual Water Blossom Festival is held in early August.

Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory

This enormous greenhouse makes you feel like you are in a tropical rainforest. I spotted several plants I recognised that are commonly grown in the Lowveld with its tropical climate, including Heliconia (Lobster Claws) and several orchid varieties.

Dedicated in 1966 and awarded Denver Landmark Status in 1973, the Tropical Conservatory is one of the world’s most unique displays of exotic plants from tropical and subtropical regions. Midway on a circular path is a fabricated two-story banyan tree that offers a multi-layered view of the indoor tropical forest.

Helen Fowler Library

I really wanted to highlight this aspect of the Gardens as I think it is such an important contribution and really admire the connection of the Library to the Gardens and the legacy that Helen Fowler left. How I would love to have access to a facility like this!

The Helen Fowler Library holds a significant collection of botanical and horticultural materials about the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world. The library supports research at the Gardens as well as community interests. The collection of approximately 25,000 titles includes subjects such as:

  • Gardening, horticulture, botany, agriculture and landscaping

  • Colorado native plants and world flora

  • Botanical art and illustration

  • Medical botany, ethnobotany, plant lore, plant pests and diseases

  • A large selection of children’s books, fiction and DVDs

Visitors are encouraged to peruse the shelves, research within the Helen Fowler Library and ask questions of library staff and volunteers during open hours. (all text in italics taken from website)

If you ever get the opportunity to visit the Denver Botanical Gardens, I would highly recommend it!

For further information visit www.botanicgardens.org

~ G.S

, , , , ,

Babylonstoren - Garden celebrating South African Heritage

, , , , ,

Babylonstoren is a wine farm located at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains in the Franschhoek wine valley. It is well known for its quality wines and luxurious accommodation including a hotel, spa, restaurants as well as the incredible gardens.

Although I’ve written about this garden before (previous blog) there is so much to share about this place that I think I will probably create a new post eacht time I visit! In fact, I think this is a garden that one can visit weekly and still not fail to learn something new. There is so much to see and learn - this botanical wonderland is a place to inspire and delight.

Interactive water feature highlighting the reptiles endemic to the area - watch out for the Spitting Cobra!

 The garden was designed by French architect Patrice Taravella and based on the formal layout of the historic Company Gardens in Cape Town. Those gardens were originally built by Jan van Riebeek to provide food for the ships that stopped over on their way to India. Hence, there is a strong focus on fruit trees and edible planting and the gardens are continuously expanding to include cultivars that were thought to be lost. The farm not only produces wine but also fruit, olives and vegetables. The food that is grown on the farm is also used by the two restaurants on site who adapt their menus seasonally to accommodate what is available from the garden.

I listened to a webinar given by Ernst van Jaarsveld before my latest visit (see link to video below). Ernst van Jaarsveld is a renowned botanist who has authored several books, discovered several new species and contributed extensively to the botanical realm. He worked for SANBI (mostly at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens) for 41 years and has now worked for Babylonstoren for the past 6 years. He complimented the owners Koos and Karen Bekker and explains how they want to create a destination that not only celebrates the history of the Cape but also a place that celebrates the creation of the vernacular specific to this region. Language and words are important (the name Babylonstoren references the story of the Tower of Babel), and one can find several references to words, poetry and language throughout the gardens.

Ernst outlines several of the latest projects they have undertaken over the past few years including: the new cycad garden, the welwitschia garden, the spice room and the wine museum. They are continuously adding to their gardens and there are plans to expand by purchasing neighbouring land.

Succulent House with all Pots hand made by the late artist Ronnie van der Walt

 Ernst explained the detail that went into designing and implementing the creation of the Welwitschia Garden. These plants are endemic to Namibia where there is almost no water and very high temperatures. Heat pipes were laid below a bed of imported red Kalahari sand and the plants were protected from rain. Petrified wood was imported as well as unique and sculptural rocks.

Welwitschia Garden

A special biome garden has been introduced that showcases the beauty and diversity of South Africa’s botanical treasures. There is also a medicinal garden honouring the plant knowledge used by the San. There are many layers to this garden - it not only celebrates history and heritage but encourages education and conservation of the beauty, botany and significance of the vernacular we know as South Africa.

Wine Museum

I was particularly impressed by the new wine museum which feels more like an art gallery than a museum. It details the origin, cultivation and culture of the history of wine and how this has changed over time. One wall has hundreds of different wine openers on display. A visual feast and authentic experience.

 Look out for specialist tours such as garden tours or birding excursions held on a regular basis. A small entry fee is payable for day visitors or look into the annual pass if you plan to visit regularly.

www.babylonstoren.com

If there is one garden you can visit in South Africa then this should be it. ~ G.S

, , ,

Benvie Gardens, Midlands

, , ,
Benvie Gardens

Tucked away along a dirt track in the mountains of Karkloof in the Midlands is a magical forest filled  with flowers and birdsong. The trees reach up to the sky and you feel as if you are transported to another world. It is a garden flowing with Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Camellias and other shade loving plants and the circular walk around its perimeter encourages you to come up close to these botanical beauties.

Trees

The garden is a generous 31 hectares in size and consists of a wide selection of species and impressive trees that make you feel very small because of their size and stature. If you contemplate the life of a tree and how stoic, steadfast and sure it stands for so many years (some of these trees are over a hundred years old) it makes you consider your life and its brevity. There is something very contemplative about spending time around these majestic monuments.

History

The founder John Geekie (1836- 1908) came from Dundee Scotland and settled in Pietermartizburg in 1860. He because a successful businessman and was able to realise his dream of recreating his garden in Scotland by purchasing the farm “Nooitgedacht”. He imported seeds, seedlings and plants from around the world. The imported stock travelled by boat to Durban Harbour and was then taken by rail to Merrivale before finally being driven by ox wagon up to Benvie.

Seeds and seedlings were imported from Howdens & Co in Inverness, Scotland while further seedlings of Conifer trees, Fruit trees and Hydrangeas came from Berkman’s Nursery in Georgia, USA. He received the nucleus stock of Azaleas, Camellias and Rhododendrons from the Botanical Gardens in Durban. During this time he requested the help of his relative Bill Marriott, who had worked at Kew Gardens, to assist him with the garden layout and planning. He began planting the garden around 1889 and it took him 6 years to establish. All trees were planted to the required distance apart to enable them to grow to their full capacity.

Birds

If you are a birdwatcher you may have already heard of this location as it is where the seldom spotted Orange Ground Thrush can be seen. Benvie has the most dense population of the Orange Ground Thrush in South Africa.

Visiting the Garden

The garden is open to the public for certain times of the year and the generous lawns allow for lovely picnics. It is best to call them ahead of the time to check if it is open. An entrance fee is charged (check for latest rates). The Rhododendron come into flower between October and December and this is an especially beautiful time to visit. The Clivias start flowering in the first week of September.

Benvie Gardens

A signboard encased in glass depicts the history of the garden and even shows the receipt for some of the plants purchased. Maintenance is an ongoing process and includes collecting seeds and propagating them from the existing trees in the garden and replanting when older trees are removed. The property is still maintained by the Geekie family with the 6th generation now enjoying their time at Benvie.

This garden is a delight for anyone who appreciates botanical beauty and is definitely something to put on your list of places to visit! ~ G.S.

 

Contact: John and Jenny Robinson 082 443 3805

Facebook: @BenvieOpenGarden

Directions from the N3 at Howick:

Take either the Midmar Dam or Tweedie turnoff. Both these roads lead to Howick. Travel along Main Street through Howick until you reach the Rietvlei/Karkloof Road. Continue on tar until road becomes gravel. Your next landmark will be the Mbona gate on your right. Carry straight on as you wind up the hill. Look for the 32 km stone. Then turn right onto the New Hanover/York Road which is signposted. Travel downhill for 3 kilometres. Turn left onto District Road 583. Benvie is signposted at this point and the home is 200m away.

, , , , ,

Bosjes

, , , , ,

Bosjes is a truly amazing farm with immense beauty and we spent a lovely morning exploring the gardens and being inspired by the diversity and beauty of the South African landscape.

Bosjes is a privately owned family farm situated in the Breedekloof Valley and surrounded by the picturesque Waaihoek and Slanghoek mountains. It produces olives, wine, grapes, peaches and proteas. The farm has several attractions including Bosjes kombuis, a contemporary restaurant with deli, tea garden and children’s play area as well as luxury accommodation and a Spa.

The chapel sits on the main axis of the gardens

The Chapel

The chapel is the focal point of the farm and is a dramatic yet serene icon. The white organic shape of the curving roof floats like a dove with its curving wings merging with the blue flowing hills in the far distance. There is an inscription in the pathway leading to the entrance of the chapel that reads “How precious, O God, is Your constant love! We find protection under the shadow of Your wings” from Psalm 36:7.

The Gardens

The layout and landscape was designed by award winning landscape architecture firms and truly creates an experience of feeling part of the landscape. Every view and pause area throughout the gardens has been carefully considered and the journey through the beautiful fynbos brings one close to nature, feeling immersed in the landscape. The site has been designed so that views of the surrounding mountains are always part of the experience. You are constantly aware of, and in connection with, the immediate and greater landscape of the valley.

A meandering walk up a small mound leads you to a look out point and seating area where you can appreciate the length of the site as well as the surrounding views. A water feature where you can walk through two banks of cascading water allows for an immersive and poetic experience of ‘walking through water’ or spiritual baptism.

Water Feature

The gardens consist of a predominantly locally indigenous and endemic plant palette although several plants have been included for their Biblical reference and these have sign boards providing  the verse in the Bible where they are mentioned.

Plants with a Biblical reference are sign posted with relevant scripture

There are several garden rooms to explore so make sure you allow enough time to fully enjoy this farm!

The Botha’s Halte Primary School

The Bosjes Trust was conceived by the owners as a tool for social investment. It was established with a vision to create employment and secure a future for the children of the valley. One of the projects, together with the Department of Education, includes the redevelopment of an adjoining school that one can see when entering at the main gate. (https://bosjes.co.za/care/)

We had a wonderful time exploring the gardens and appreciating the beauty of a well designed landscape and our South African culture, heritage and fauna.

 

See Bosjes Website for more information: https://bosjes.co.za/gardens/

Note that no outside food or pets are allowed onto the grounds.

,

Adene's Flower Farm

,

I first discovered Adene’s Flower Farm through Instagram where her stunning pictures of gigantic flowers made me wonder if these could possibly be real. Since we love beautiful and inspiring places we naturally included Adene’s Flower Farm in our itinerary.

About the Farm

The Flower Farm is situated on a farm called Platvlei Fruit Farm which is a family farm that was purchased by the Nieuwoudts in 1937. Adene Nieuwoudt, the driving force behind the business and beautiful face of the Instagram account, started the flower farm in 2016 after working as a photographer in the wedding industry. The farm has grown considerably over the past few years and is now 5 hectares in size and includes over 200 different varieties of flowers.

The Products

The Flower Farm is dedicated to producing high quality, beautiful and long lasting fresh cut flowers and foliage. They sell their produce (also seeds and tubers) directly to the public, through their website and at markets including the Oranjezicht Market at the Cape Town Waterfront every Saturday and Sunday. This year they will be exporting their Dahlia tubers to Chile, Namibia and Zambia.

Visiting the Farm

The Farm is open to the public for visits from the middle of December to the first week of April on Saturdays and Sundays. A small fee is payable upon entering and includes a map and packet of seeds to take home. There is a coffee shop that serves drinks and light beverages and seating areas under the Oak trees. The tunnels hold a variety of different plants and name boards with a QR code can be found at most flowers. The QR code on these boards can be scanned to link to the website where you can find more information about the flower or add it to your wishlist.

Coffee shop with seating below the Oak Trees

We enjoyed ambling our way through the tunnels bursting with colour and beauty.

For a botanical experience that any flower lover will appreciate a visit to this flower farm in Wolseley in the Cape is highly recommended. Adene is inspirational in her approach of running a business while still making time for her family and I must say that seeing the joy that this brings her it makes me even more certain that #plantsmakepeoplehappy :)

 www.adeneflowers.co.za

Instagram @adeneflowers

,

An Enchanted Orchid Garden

,
DSC_0421.JPG

I must confess that I have absolutely no knowledge of orchids or how to grow them (Shhhh..don’t tell anybody ) I can barely keep them alive at all, let alone get them to flower again each year. But someone who is incredibly knowledgeable about these plants and who is able to grow them successfully in his own garden is a close family friend named Mr D who lives in Nelspruit.

I asked Mr D, “What started your passion for Orchids?”

He answered that a family friend gave him one as a gift several years ago and from then on his interest in the plant family was sparked. He explained that there are several wonderful specialist nurseries stocking orchids in the Nelspruit area and he started visiting these as well as orchid shows and so his collection grew. He accredited the mentorship of Louise Stevenson, who was generous with both her knowledge and plants over the years, as an important part of the journey as well as the encouragement of the Lowveld Orchid Society.

DSC_0409.jpg

Plant Composition

There are thousands (yes.. that figure is correct, not hundreds but thousands) of orchids carefully positioned onto logs and each individually and lovingly attached with rope or cable ties. The Lowveld climate is well suited to growing these plants and they can grow outdoors without the need for a greenhouse since temperatures rarely drop below zero. The orchids are elevated above a variety of other tropical plants including Arum Lilies, Paintbrush Lilies, Begonias, Impatients, Bromeliads, Air Plants and Ferns. Old Mans Beard is also scattered throughout the display adding foliage and contrast with its delicate silver strands. An irrigation system runs through the array of interconnecting logs ensuring enough moisture reaches the plants, especially when the weather is hot and dry.

DSC_0429.jpg

This garden, although not very large, feels like an enchanted wonderland and you can get lost in discovering the myriad of plants, arranged in the garden like sculptures with bursts of colour that change with every season. These images were taken in Spring when many of the species are flowering and the logs look like trees covered in flowers.

The Patio

The Patio of this home overlooks the garden and epitomizes the term ‘Lowveld Living’. Lazy afternoon drinks spent with family and friends surrounded by an oasis of botanical beauty. The tables on the patio are also used to display magnificent orchids in bloom. The sides of the patio are adorned with creepers (Jade Vine and Lady Slipper Vine) to create additional shade and to cover the brick walls.

DSC_0411.jpg

How This Garden Started

A few years back Mr D and his wife moved from their large family home to a smaller complex and the size of their garden was dramatically reduced. On the positive side the new garden could be started from scratch as there was only a blank canvas of lawn to begin with. They started by transporting several of the logs and orchids from their old garden as well as planting an impressive amount of new indigenous trees.

Trees

The list of new trees is worth mentioning as these are some amazing species: Erythrina latissima (Broad Leaved Coral), Schotia brachypetala (Weeping Boer Bean), Vachellia sieberiana var woodii (Paperbark), Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum), Warburgia salutaris (Pepperbark), Bolusanthus speciousus (Tree Wisteria), Dais cotinifolia (PomPon Tree), Dombeya rotundifolia (Wild Pear), Antidesma venosum (TassleBerry), Halleria lucida (Tree Fuschia), Heteropyxis natalensis (Lavender Tree), Afzelia quanzensis (Pod Mahogany), Cassia abbreviata subsp. beareana (Sjambok Pod), a Cussonia and a Ficus. What a collection, which will grow into an impressive forest garden and attract many birds and other creatures.

This garden is uniquely crafted to maximize the number of orchids on display and is a visual feast for the eyes and a truly unique experience.

DSC_0447.jpg

Lowveld Orchid Society - www.orchids.org/organizations/lowveld-orchid-group

Some of the Nurseries in the Nelspruit Area selling Orchids:

Afri Orchids - afriorchids.co.za - Alkmaar

Van Rooyens Orchids - orchidssa.co.za - White River

Fever Tree Nursery - fevertreenursery.co.za - Nelspruit (Halls)

Some More Pics: