You don’t have to go all the way to Namaqualand to witness the wonder of spring. Cape Town is also bloomin’ marvellous.
I went hiking in Table Mountain National Park above Simon’s Town last weekend and was gobsmacked by the plethora of blossoms in the fynbos, from tiny white bells on ericas to great big waxy waboom proteas. Yellow cone bushes, deep pink ericas and blue lobostemon petals formed a mosaic of colour between the green foliage, delighting the senses. Add the sweeping views of the clear blue waters of False Bay which have a way of banishing the week’s stress in one windy blast and what more could you want?
I love hiking with the folk from the Botanical Society of South Africa who are always will to share their knowledge of plants and can tell you what’s what. Botsoc conducts regular hikes for members and their guests at branches around the country. See their programme of events here.
Meridian Hiking Club also welcomes hikers to join them exploring the mountains around Cape Town. See their programme of hikes here.
This weekend I’m looking forward to a guided walk to see the flowers of Rondebosch Common, that big piece of veld in the middle of suburbia which bursts with colour in spring. If you’d like to join us, meet on the grassy area off Camp Ground Road at 11h00 on Sunday 4 September. Contact Friends of Rondebosch Common on 021 -686-8968 or 021-685-3451.
Then I’m popping in to see a floral extravaganza at the Cape Horticultural Society’s Flower and Garden Show at the Alphen Centre in Constantia (entrance R10 an adult). There are interesting talks on food gardening, growing herbs and special plants, such as the little Cape primrose (Streptocarpus).
And here’s a little insider secret: cut flowers from the displays will be sold off at 16h00 on Sunday to those lucky enough to be in the know. The show is open from 12h00 to 17h00 on Saturday 3 September and 10h00 to 16h00 on Sunday 4 September. Tel 021-531-5713, www.capehorticulturalsociety.co.za.
Spring is really lekker in Cape Town!
