Bosch Ceramics

Art and Nature

We often travel to the Lowveld to visit family and it always reminds me where my love for nature started. Growing up in Nelspruit you can’t help feeling close to the landscape. The trees, granite domes, birds and ‘bush’ are such an integral part of everyday life that they become part of you.

Many artists have moved to this part of the country because of the beauty of the landscape and the inspiration that the closeness to nature brings. This must be part of the reason that Esias Bosch decided to move here in 1960.

Esias Bosch

Esias Bosch (1923 – 2010) is regarded as one of South Africa’s most distinguished ceramic artists and is both nationally and internationally acclaimed. How fortunate for South Africa that this master potter not only left a legacy of incredible artwork, but also birthed two ceramic studios located a few kilometres from each other in the picturesque hills of White River, Mpumalanga.

Esias and Valerie Bosch had three children named Anton, Ezra and Andree. Andree Bosch is an author currently working on a novel while Anton Bosch and Ezra Bosch are both ceramic artists. Andree co-authored the book Esias Bosch which was printed in 1988 and published by Struik Winchester. The book, which coincided with his 65th birthday, documents his life, his influence on the pottery movement and his artistic journey as he moved from different mediums. He moved from earthenware to stoneware, then to porcelain, then to lustre tiles. The book beautifully captures his artworks and impressive large scale commissions through large colour photographs.

The Creativity Continues

Esra and Anton are continuing the legacy of their father and since they were apprenticed by Esias from a young age their experience and knowledge of the art was a solid foundation for launching their own careers. Esra Bosch runs her studio from the original family home known as Die Randtjie which was designed by architect Norman Eaton.

Anton and Hanlie in front of their Studio in White River

Anton and Hanlie Bosch Studio

Anton met his wife Hanlie while they were both studying fine art in Pretoria. Anton majored in drawing and painting and these skills are evident in his ceramic artworks. He started working in the studio with his father Esias, but later moved to a farm a few kilometres away where he established his own studio with Hanlie.

The driveway to the home and studio is below a dense tree canopy created by large indigenous trees. Anton and Hanlie have lived on the farm for over 15 years and most of these trees were planted by them. Large ceramic pots decorate the entrance and splashes of ceramic tiles can be seen in the floor surfaces at different areas.

The ceramic artworks are on display in a room adjoining the Studio where you can see various projects in their stages of completion. The Studio is practical and airy with vast timber trusses creating a large volume, the space filled with light. You can tell that this is a room where magic is made.

Display Room filled with ceramic artworks

The Studio - where the magic happens

Their Artwork

Each artwork is handmade and lovingly created, no two pieces are alike. Their work is characterised by bold shapes, beautiful colours and joyful scenes, often reminiscent of the Lowveld and its surrounding beauty.

Hanlie specialises in sculptures and figurines, wall tiles, plates and bowls and paintings while Anton creates tiles, decorative vases and vessels, as well as bowls and plates. His lustre tiles are particularly impressive as the scale at which he can create these artworks has been a skill he has mastered over many years. The tiles are an enormous 1.9m x 1.1m and weigh as much as fifty kilograms. Creating these tiles requires an intricate and detailed process. He fires the tiles several times in his custom made flat bed kiln and each tile can take 4-5 weeks to complete.

Large Tile Artwork in the making

Family

Creativity runs in the Bosch blood as Anton and Hanlie’s children have also found careers in the creative industry. Their daughter Nina Bosch designs much sought after ceramic jewellery while their son Esias (Sias) Bosch studied architecture and runs his own architecture firm, also based in the Lowveld.

Visiting the Studio

It is best to visit the studio in person as new artworks are constantly being added and the display stands refreshed with the latest range of works. Not all work is on display as much of their work is commissioned or ordered on special request.

Next time you are in the Lowveld why not visit the studio as you may find the perfect piece for your own home or find the perfect gift for a special occasion. You may also leave feeling inspired to create (whatever that may look like) in your own life.

“Art has the power to transform, to illuminate, to educate, inspire and motivate.” Harvey Fierstein

Websites

Anton and Hanlie Bosch - www.boschstudio.co.za

Esra Bosch - www.esrabosch.co.za

Esias Bosch - www.esiasbosch.co.za

Nina Bosch Jewellery - www.ninabosch.co.za

3Bushketeers Wholesale Nursery

3Bushketeers wholesale nursery is located near Brits, north of Hartbeespoort Dam, and grows a wide range of indigenous trees, shrubs and groundcovers as well as fruit trees. 3Bushketeers was established in 2006 by three partners, hence the play on words in the name.

Andries Botha, one of partners, is a passionate horticulturalist and took me on a tour of the nursery and the farm. He is extremely knowledgeable, not only about plants but also about the history of the area and if prompted will share stories about past warriors and wars from the surrounding region.

He explained that originally the nursery was established to provide unique indigenous trees “weird and wonderful, not just the same everyday stuff”, trees that were not easily available at the time. They also wanted to provide indigenous alternatives to the exotic plants that people were commonly using.

We still find that people are often unaware of the exciting indigenous options available to use and the benefits of planting indigenous plants. As you are probably aware, designing indigenous gardens is close to my heart, so if you are looking to upgrade your garden why not consider buying Sprout’s E-book which is a Guidebook for Homeowner’s to design their own indigenous gardens.

Andries in the Display Garden

Projects the Nursery is Involved In

3Bushketeers is involved in reforestation projects in KwaZulu Natal. The rehabilitation and reforestation relies on the education and involvement of local communities. Andries advocates that our environment is a natural resource that holds a lot of potential and value and if managed correctly can create economic opportunities, employment, food, tourism and other benefits. His involvement includes training and seed harvesting so that local indigenous plants can be conserved and used for the benefit of the community.

Several Growing Tunnels are used for growing nursery stock

Some Indigenous/Exotic alternatives:

Teclea gerrardii (Zulu Cherry-Orange) instead of Syzigium paniculatum (Brush Cherry)

Bolusanthus speciosus (Tree Wisteria) instead of Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda)

Cordia caffra (Septeeboom) instead of Betula alba (Silver Birch)

Cordyla africana (Wild Mango) instead of Caesalpinnia faurea (Leopard Tree) (check frost sensitivity before planting)

Thespesia acutiloba (Wild Tulip Tree) Instead of Hibiscus

Display Garden

3Bushketeers grow a wide range of indigenous trees and shrubs. On an open section of lawn next to the greenhouses they have planted several of these so that people can see established examples of mature specimens.

Some of the trees they grow and sell:

Afzelia quanzensis (Pod Mahogany) – Deciduous tree, frost sensitive. A tree with good shape can be obtained in about 7 years, with an attractive thick stem and spreading crown. Butterfly host tree.

Ataleya alata (Lebombo Kranz Ash) - small to medium-sized deciduous tree, with a sparsely branched crown

Acacia burkei (Black Monkey Thorn) - hardy, deciduous medium-sized tree with fissured bark and rounded crown. Beautiful shade tree, but can be slow growing. Attracts birds and insects.

Sideroxylon inerme (Milkplum) - small to medium evergreen tree more commonly found in coastal gardens, makes an excellent firebreak (SANBI)

Erythrina humeana (Dwarf Coral Tree) – shrub or small tree up to 3m high with long spikes of scarlet flowers.

Acokanthera oppositifolia (Bushman’s Poison) – woody shrub with dark green leaves growing up to 5m high. All parts of the plant are highly poisonous.

I love the image above that captures the simplicity and beauty of farm life.

So if you have any indigenous tree queries or if you are a landscaper looking to buy from a wholesale nursery Andries will be more than happy to help.

For further Information Contact:

Andries Botes 082 498 3321

info@3bushketeers.co.za

Other Nurseries I’ve visited:

Bristlecone Nursery

Gariep Succulent Nursery

Willow Feather Farm Nursery

Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden

Sculpture of Walter Sisulu at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens (WSNBG), located in Roodepoort Johannesburg, is an incredibly beautiful garden filled with indigenous gardening inspiration. The nature reserve covers over 300 hectares and was established in 1982. While there are several hikes and trails through the reserve the 25 hectares that are cultivated as gardens gives one ample opportunity to explore this botanical beauty. A highlight of visiting this garden is the beautiful Witpoortjie Waterfall which cascades into a calm stream that meanders through the gardens.

History

In the later 1800s the nearest stop for people to visit the gardens was the railway station in Krugersdorp named Witpoortjie Railway Station, which is believed to be where the waterfall received its name. The gardens were first known as the Transvaal National Botanic Garden and could only be visited by special arrangement. In 1987 it was opened to the public daily as the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden. In March 2004 it was renamed the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in honour of the late ANC stalwart Mr Walter Sisulu (1912-2003). Walter Sisulu is best known for leading the struggle for a democratic South Africa together with former president Nelson Mandela. (SANBI)

Upon entering the WSNBG one is welcomed by circular stone clad walls surrounding a water feature and statue of Walter Sisulu. We visited in December when they had festive light displays and you could visit the garden in the evening to see the Christmas lights. They often have other events and festivals which are popular and well attended.

Gardens

Following the path past the concert lawn you will be enticed to explore several planted areas off the main path including the Geological Garden, People’s Plants Garden and the Succulent Rockery. The Geological Garden has some interesting and beautiful rocks on display. In the Succulent Rockery you will find many different types of succulents. with stone pathways meandering its way through. Throughout the garden there are information boards with explanations to learn from. The Waterwise Garden also has educational information on how to conserve water in your garden.

Restaurant

If you continue on the main path you will arrive at the restaurant on your left and children’s play area on your right and if you carry on further you will reach the waterfall area. The restaurant has a tea garden where you can sit and relax and this venue can also be hired for functions. This is a lovely place for a picnic below the large trees.

Restaurant

Children’s Playground

Waterfall

The Witpoortjie Waterfall is a natural waterfall fed by springs upstream and is 70m high. It is regarded as the source of the Crocodile River which flows into Hartebeespoort Dam. Picnicking on the lawn at the waterfall is not allowed because of the high foot traffic in this area. A remarkable Olinia emarginata (Mountain Hard Pear) is in the centre of the lawn and although struck by lightning several years ago it is still alive and being supported to prevent it from falling over.

Birdlife

Over 240 bird species have been recorded in the gardens and it is a renowned breeding spot for Verreaux's Eagles (formerly known as Black Eagles) and popular with birding enthusiasts. The bird list can be requested from sisulugarden@sanbi.org.za

Vegetation

The Garden consists of three main natural vegetation types: Northern Afrotemperate Forest, Egoli Granite Grassland and Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld. This variety of habitats includes over 600 naturally occurring plant species. There are incredible specimens of trees throughout the garden and some impressive examples of Celtis africana and Combretum erythrophyllum can be seen along the Forest Walk that follows the Crocodile River running through the reserve.

If you are interested in indigenous gardening (and I hope you are!) then you will not leave this garden without learning something new or seeing something inspiring. There is always something new to discover.

Visiting the Gardens

The garden is open every day from 08h00 to 17h00.

Remember that there are no bins and you need to take everything that you bring home with you again and No Cash Payments are accepted.

Read more about other Botanical Gardens:

• Lowveld Botanical Gardens

• Harold Porter Botanical Garden

• Emmarentia - Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

• Durban Botanic Gardens

• Pretoria Botanical Gardens

• Karoo National Botanical Gardens

• The Wilds

SANBI Website - Walter Sisulu - SANBI

Beautiful Buddleja saligna (False Olive) in flower

Gardens at Brahman Hills, Midlands

A magical garden has been built in the Midlands, just off the N3 Highway, at the luxurious Brahman Hills Estate and Wedding Venue. The well known Windmills Road Stall and Restaurant is adjacent to the Estate and an entry point to the gardens.

Retaining walls beautifully clad with stone create several terraces and levels to explore. Pergolas and curved archways form tunnels to walk through and stop to pause and enjoy the space and views over the surrounding area. The formal layout makes use of cobble edging, walls and hedges to create the overall structure while the planting, water and pathways add contrasting curves to the garden design.

Stone Retaining Walls with remnants of Snow

We visited the gardens in August after it had snowed the day before and thousands of people traveled to Nottingham Road to take part in the special experience. The Gardens are still relatively new as they were constructed in 2020 during the COVID19 lockdown when the staff were unable to serve guests or do their usual work.

An excerpt from the website explains: “The chef was transformed from a culinary connoisseur to an irrigation specialist as he laid out pipes and set out the watering system. Meanwhile, instead of pouring drinks and waiting tables, the bar staff were in the trenches digging ditches and bringing structure to the flower beds. Even our general manager got in on the garden act and become chief cement specialist mixer and pourer, creating winding pathways that weave through the greenery and curve around into circular focal points built around central landscaped beds or water features. Everyone was hands-on and willing to take on roles outside their respective areas of expertise, and their toil has paid off in spades!” (https://www.brahmanhills.co.za/blog-post/come-and-play-in-our-brand-new-magical-garden-at-brahman-hills)

The team effort has been commemorated with a plaque including all the names of the people involved.

Plaque with the Name of Every Person Involved in Construction of the Gardens

The gardens aim to provide the perfect setting for wedding photographs, engagement shoots, romantic picnics and a unique experience during ones stay at the hotel.

The Chapel

Repetition of Timber Planter Boxes

A large part of the garden has been planted with edible plants, herbs, fruit trees and vegetables to provide homegrown organic produce to be used in the hotel kitchen.

These pictures are taken at the peak of winter (literally snowing) so I am sure in Summer the gardens will look even more spectacular!

For more information see their website Brahman Hills and their Blog Post detailing the garden installation

You may also like previous posts on Babylonstoren and The Herb Farm

Salt Rock Tidal Pools

We travelled to Kwa-Zulu Natal post lockdown to the small seaside town of Salt Rock, north of Ballito and Shaka’s Rock. The town is a popular holiday destination and has beautiful beaches and a lovely new shopping centre called Mount Richmore Village.

Salt Rock is a family friendly beach and Granny’s Pools is a popular spot for young kids as the water is clear, calm and shallow. Another feature my kids loved was the historic tidal pools built into the rocks in front of the Salt Rock caravan park.

I contacted the Salt Rock Hotel Beach Resort to ask them for any insights into the history of the tidal pools. Evan Mitchell shared the following, “The Salt Rock tidal pools were built in the forties by sugar cane farmer Basil Hulett, grandfather of the current owners of the hotel and great grandson of Sir Liege Hulett. He was the township developer who started Salt Rock and built the hotel and surrounding golf course and Country Club. He originally sold off very reasonably priced plots of land to his friends in an attempt to entice people to build homes and live in Salt Rock.” (see their website https://www.saltrockbeach.co.za/)

The Salt Rock Caravan Park and Campsite overlooks the Tidal pool

The walls are built out of stone and mortar and create a unique sense of place. The pools are created by several concrete walls that fill up with water crashing over the rocks from the sea. Walking along the walls and up to the small lookout is an adventure for young and old alike A highlight for my kids was the stream of overflow water that cascades into a small waterfall on the side of the tidal pool where the small stream runs back to meet the ocean.

Waves crashing into the tidal pool

Exploring the Lookout Point

There is another tidal pool at Thompsons Beach (a 5 minute drive from main salt rock beach) which is larger but also has more fish and other coral in it, including sea urchins. A good spot for snorkeling as we even enjoyed watching the beautiful fish from the side.

There is an indigenous nursery called Claremont Farm (http://claremontfarm.co.za/) nearby which I was hoping to visit but didn’t get to fit it in. Hopefully next time!

An Enchanted Orchid Garden

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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:

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Dylan Lewis Sculpture Park

The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Park is situated outside Stellenbosch in the Cape and is a remarkable display of artistic genius. The artist uses the landscape to compliment the artworks and create an immersive experience for the visitor. Visits to the Sculpture Park are by appointment only (see contact details below).

About the Artist

Dylan Lewis is an internationally acclaimed South African sculptor, best known for his metal sculptures of large cats. His international career spans two decades and includes exhibitions in Paris, Sydney, Toronto, Houston and San Francisco, as well as numerous one-man exhibitions in London, where he is among the few living artists to have held solo auctions at Christie’s London.The leopard was his primary subject and he spent much time studying them, even dissecting them to further study their anatomy. The sculpture garden displays both his big cat and animal sculptures as well as his more recent work depicting human form and more abstract representations.

About the Garden

Mulberry farm had been Dylan’s studio since 1993 it was in 2009 that is started taking shape into the sculpture garden it is today. He hired an excavator to create a level play area for his children and began shaping the land much like he would begin creating a sculpture. For two years the earth was shaped with earth-moving equipment to create the ponds, hills and depressions that characterize the space. In March 2017 the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Park was officially opened.

The garden is filled with spaces that are each unique and have their own character and mood. Certain spots are intimate and secluded, others expansive. The garden has been intuitively designed to create a sensory experience and every element, from sculpture to boulder, has been placed with great care. The paths were laid out over many years with great attention to detail and every bend, contour and viewpoint has been taken into consideration. The artist has recommended a specific route for visitors to walk (indicated on the map you receive on arrival) in order to pass sculptures in a way that enhances their movement and presents certain views in the sequence he has envisioned.

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Planting

The planting is an artwork in itself and the plant palette is used in a way to add beauty to the spaces and define the different areas. Vegetation is predominantly fynbos which is local to the Cape and several species were sourced from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Retios dominate where the earth has been shaped to create dams and waterways while other areas are covered with area specific planting. An impressive total of 32 Erica species are listed on the plant list while 15 Pelargonium species have also been used. (See Plant List Below)

Fiona Powrie, an indigenous plant consultant oversees the garden botanically has ensured that an almost completely indigenous plant palette is used. The exotic species on site are reminders of a layer of historical planting.

The beauty of this sculpture park is that in every season there will be interest provided, not only by the variety of different indigenous flowering species, but from shape, form, texture, composition, experience, and the impressive backdrop of the mountains and their reflection in the water.

Water

The garden’s four sources of water are a natural perennial spring, a seasonal mountain river, a borehole and agricultural water. These provide water to the different ponds and wetlands as well as the large lake in the centre of the garden. The stepping stones over water are symbolic of the passage into mythical space.

An incredibly beautiful space to visit with nature as the canvas for this artist’s creations.

Contact Details

https://dylanlewis.com/

Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden: reservations@dylanart.co.za

Tel: +27 (0)21 880 0054
Fax: +27 (0)21 880 0588

Dylan Lewis Studio and Sculpture Garden, Mulberry Farm, Paradyskloof Road, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa

Plant Checklist can be obtained from the Sculpture Park

5 Outdoor Nature Activities to do with Kids in Cape Town

Spending time outdoors is healthy, fun and educational and in Cape Town you are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor nature activities. With kids there are some limitations to where you can go and how much you can do so it’s always good to know which activities are good options to choose from. We visited in April for a few days and decided on these things according to the time we had available and close proximity to our accommodation so that we could come home to re-energize between outings. Thanks to our local guide Juli for all the tips and insights!

1. Table Mountain

A visit to the top of this beautiful and iconic landmark by CableCar is exciting and memorable (or if your kids are older and fitter you could hike up to the top). It is advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand and remember that afternoon rates are lower than morning rates. If you present your South African ID to show it is your birthday month you get free entry. Once at the top you can buy a drink from the restaurant and enjoy the scenery or a walk along the various trails on offer. See Table Mountain’s official website.

There are lots of signage and information boards for you to learn from

2. Walk along the Promenade

This broad walkway runs along the coastline at Seapoint and is a popular outdoor space for people to exercise, do yoga, picnic, or walk their dogs. There is a lot to see and it makes for a lovely afternoon outing. There are several restaurants along the route and places to stop and enjoy the view. If you are not up for walking there is the fun option of renting bikes.

The Mouille Point Park, located along the Promenade next to the Mouille Point Lighthouse, is a great playground with a variety of play equipment and the most beautiful setting of the sea and Lion’s Head behind.

3. Green Point Park

We made sure to park in Park Road near an entrance to Green Point Park so that we could get ice-cream from the amazing Creamery Cafe in Mouille Point (we even went back the next day!). Green Point Park has several biodiversity and educational gardens as well as age appropriate playgrounds that are well maintained and well used by residents of the City of Cape Town. The park is beautifully laid out (it was designed by OvP Landscape Architects) and has a series of scenic waterways that are filled with birds and pathways that highlight the surrounding scenery of Stadium, Lion’s Head and Mouille Point Lighthouse.

4. The Beach

Yes, this one had to be on the list! Kids love the sand and sea (even if it is freezing cold) and there are several options to choose from. We went to Glen Beach, Camps Bay Beach and Camps Bay Tidal Pool. Llandadno is a bit more of a drive but more sheltered if weather isn’t the best.

5. Signal Hill

Watching the sunset from this vantage point is a beautiful way to end the day. You can drive relatively close to the picnic area so it not a far walk (depending on how busy and how many cars are parked along the road). Take a blanket with drinks and snacks and enjoy the amazing view over the ocean and Robben Island. Remind your children of the sacrifices people made to live in a free and democratic South Africa and how we continue to live with hope for a better future despite the challenges we face.

We weren’t able to visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, but this will definitely be on our list for the next time we visit!

Trees to fall in love with in the Cape

Amazing Camphor Forest to explore at Vergelegen Wine Estate

Trees are amazing - immovable, peaceful, serene, fearless, stoic, content, connected, grounded, complex and beautiful. Here are a few I enjoyed seeing on our holiday to the Cape in April:

The Camphor Forest at Vergelegen Wine Estate

These are really some of the most spectacular trees I have seen and a whole forest of them is something to witness. Visitors are able to enjoy classical picnics in the camphor forest from November - April by pre-booking (no private picnics). The five enormous camphor trees in front of the Homestead are over 300 years old and were planted by WIllem Adriaan van der Stel in 1700. (See previous post on Vergelegen as well as Vergelegen’s Website)

5 Enormous Trees in front of the Homestead at Vergelegen Estate

Royal Oak Tree at Vergelegen Wine Estate

Another beauty on the same estate is the Royal Oak which was planted in 1928 and was grown from one of the last acorns of King Alfred’s Oak at Blenheim Palace, England. It has an emormous crown diameter and stand majestically in the lawn. The plaque below the tree reads “Acorns from this tree were personally collected on 23rd of April 1947 by His Majesty King George VI for replanting in Windsor Park” as well as “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II unveiled this plaque on 21 March 1995 in commemoration of her visit to Vergelegen”. The oldest Oak tree to be recorded (planted around 1700) is a stone’s throw away but is not nearly as spectacular.

Ficus at Natte Valleij Wine Farm

I discovered this tree while we stayed at accommodation (the Hen House) on Natte Valleij wine farm in Stellenbosch. The wine farm is not very large or well known so the tree is a bit off the beaten track. The buttress roots are as thick as any average tree trunk and they snake their way across the ground like large limbs. The smooth grey roots are thick enough to sit on and we had fun jumping our way around the main trunk.

Trees at Newlands Forest

While many of these species are Pine trees there are clumps of indigenous vegetation along the hiking routes and if you are a tree lover you will appreciate any beautiful tree whether they are exotic or indigneous.

Also worth visiting is The Company Gardens in the city centre where an enormous Rubber Tree can be seen as well as several other historic and beautiful trees. There are so many more to talk about, some we pass by each day without really noticing them. Open your eyes to the wonder all around you!

Melville Koppies

Like many people who have lived in Johannesburg for many years (some even their whole lives!) I had never visited the nature reserve in the heart of Johannesburg.

I had heard so much about it - the beautiful views, the amazing birdlife (over 200 spp), the incredible flora and the rich history that this nature reserve held so I was so excited to finally visit it. I met with a group of friends in the Marks Park Sport Club parking lot off Judith Road and we crossed carefully to enter the Main Gates framed by stone walls.

The reserve has recently changed its opening times to every Sunday morning from 8 to 11.30am. Visitors are welcomed on arrival by volunteers and given a map so that they can explore the trails at their own pace. The cost is R80 per adult and R40 per child and all proceeds are used towards the maintenance of the Park. Guided tours for small groups can be arranged.

The Central section was proclaimed a nature reserve in 1959 and is a declared national heritage site. The 50ha area can be explored through pathways and there are information boards detailing the heritage and history of the area as well as the fauna and flora to be found there.

The reserve is made up of three sections namely Melville Koppies Central, Melville Koppies East and Melville Koppies West. The East and West sections are open public space and access is not controlled. The East side is only 10ha in size and is frequented by dog walkers while the West section is 100ha large and borders the Westpark Cemetery. There are security issues here so it is advisable to only hike in groups with security. I was surprised to see security guards actively patrolling the nature reserve (Central) when we visited on Sunday and this really added to a sense of safety which is always a concern when visiting public spaces in Johannesburg.

Map from the Melville Koppies Website (www.mk.org.za/mkcal.htm)

Map of Melville Koppies Central Walking Paths

More information on the geology of the reserve can be found on their website www.mk.org.za

Vegetation

The vegetation of the Koppies is entirely indigenous and is a remarkable example of the richness of highveld grasses, flowers, and trees so close to a city centre. The variety of the flora can be seen in the 500 identified species within the eight undisturbed plant communities that have been identified. There are also 56 species of grass recorded and the dominant trees include Acacia robusta, Acacia caffra, Euclea crispa (Blue Guarri), Celtis africana (White Stinkwood), Brachylaena rotundata and (Mountain Silver-oak). The Protea caffra and Mundelea sericea (Corkbush) were also lovely to see.

Along the western boundary where the Westdene Spruit flows a beautiful riverine forest can be found with large Celtis africana (White Stinkwood), Combretum erythrophyllum (River Bushwillows), Olea europea (Wild Olive), and Kiggelaria africana (Wild Peach). The trees were planted in the 1960s to show people how beautiful our indigenous trees are. This part of the reserve is known as the Arboretum and was a highlight for me - the flowing water is calming and the trees beautiful and shady.

Water

This stream, the Westdene Spruit, is one of the many streams flowing north from the Witwatersrand watershed. Among them are the Braamfontein Spruit and the Jukskei, and they all eventually join the Limpopo River, which enters the Indian Ocean at Xai-Xai in Mozambique.

History

Melville Koppies carries evidence of ancient hunter-gatherers, early farmers as well as the first iron-age miners of the Witwatersrand. In 1989 Professor R J Mason published a "Guide to Archaeology Sites: Johannesburg". The purpose of the paper was as much to inform and educate the public as to make a plea for greater awareness of the heritage we are losing.

He identified seven archaeological sites on what we call Melville Koppies Central: African Iron Furnace Models; A second Tswana Iron Furnace; Tswana hut floor and pottery - 300 years old; 1880s gold prospecting; 1900s gun emplacement and Early 1900s quarries. There are information boards and examples of some of the tools and implements on display at the lecture hall.

The fascinating history of how the original Braamfontein farm passed to Louw Geldenhuis during the gold rush in 1886 and how the northern suburbs evolved out of this can also be viewed on an information board at the lecture hall.

Volunteers

The nature reserve would not be what it is today without the involvement of passionate and dedicated volunteers. The Melville Koppies Management Committee works hard to maintain the paths, control alien invasive vegetation, pick up litter and control illegal access to maintain the reserve on an ongoing basis. They also are always looking for ways to raise money for the reserve so that the salaries of the staff they employ can be paid as well as the additional security they hire.

Richard Hall devoted over 25 years to the maintenance of Melville Koppies and together with David Mpilo, a Council worker they tackled projects of cleaning, weeding and restoring the reserve. Wendy Carstens began to work with Richard Hall from 1997 and is still actively involved today. She received the honorary Ellen Kuzwayo award from the University of Johannesburg for ‘Her commitment to conservation and tourism at Melville Koppies’.

How can you help

You can help firstly by visiting (have you?) and also by making donations to Melville Koppies (bank details on their website) or by registering them as a MySchoolMyVillageMyPlanet beneficiary.

Contact Wendy Carstens wendavid@mweb.co.za for further information. www.mk.org.za

We loved our time spent at Melville Koppies and will definitely be back again! Thank you to all those involved in the upkeep and running of this historical and ecological gem.