Stellenberg Open Garden Revisited

Date: 3 November 2012

Location: Stellenberg in Kenilworth in Cape Town's Southern Suburbs

Walkers: Dorothy and Helen

Previous visit to Stellenberg Open Garden here (in 2010).

Stellenberg Manor House is such a gracious old Cape Dutch building.

And the garden... just gorgeous! We started in the white garden.

And then through to the vegetable garden...

... for a much-needed cuppa in the tea garden.

Once refreshed, it was back past the roses and green lawns...

... and down to the herb garden.

On the other side of the garden... lots of flowering shrubs.

We walked up a path next to a little stream. I don't remember this area from my previous visit. We crossed a sweet little bridge, and noted the newly planted beds under the trees.

Then we made our way round to the formal part of the garden. Perfection!

The most popular area is most probably the immaculate walled garden.

The air was deliciously fragrant thanks to abundant honeysuckle, jasmine and roses growing on the walls.

Last stop: the elegant swimming pool area. Stellenberg really is a beautiful property. It's a must-see on Cape Town's springtime open garden circuit!

.

Strelitzia Season at Kirstenbosch

Date: 20 October 2012

Location: Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Walker: Helen

The Kirstenbosch archive is here. 

I popped into the garden to see what was in flower in the seasonal beds. Wow... what a lot of colour! 

Ah, there's the striking Strelitzia, or crane flower. That orange is so bright!

The yellow variety is known as 'Mandela's Gold'. Stunning! 

I also walked around the Glasshouse to see the succulents and bulbs. There are always interesting things to see here.

And then I made my way back to the garden, lay on the lawn and soaked up some lovely sun.

Spring Showers in Newlands Forest

Date: 22 September 2012

Location: Newlands Forest

Walkers: Helen and Michele

Look at the Newlands Forest archive here.



We met for a lunchtime walk in Newlands Forest. On the way up to the forest we admired the bright new leaves on the trees.

We followed our usual path uphill, alongside the river.

This time of year the hillside looks green and lush...

... the streams are flowing very strongly...

... and the keurbooms scent the air with their sweet smell.

As we made our way up the slopes it started to rain. Quite a downpour too! We sheltered under a tree until the rain lightened up. We didn't have any umbrellas or raincoats with us and got pretty soaked.

 

 

We decided to head back down again. By the time we got down the rain had stopped and the sun was out again!

 

 

 

On the way back we stopped at Rhodes Memorial. From this viewspot one can look down to the city, and towards the harbour.