I am assuming the copious rain we had through the winter accounts for the extraordinary blooming of veld flowers this month, especially the Gladiolus and Satyrium species. Whatever the cause, they set the scene for us to enjoy our Botsoc activities.
Kogelberg Garden Circle enjoys a monthly visit on a Friday morning to local homes sporting beautiful gardens. To find out more contact Galia at 082 963 3804.
The Kogelberg Botsoc Monthly Botanical Walks led by Tim Atwell take place on the 3rd Saturday morning of each month at 9am. In October the walk was an easy one over the Fynbos Trail to enjoy the Spring flowers in the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden (HPNBG). To find out about the botanical walks contact Tim on 082 343 2501.
The Botsoc Monthly Talks also take place on the 3rd Saturday of the month – at 6pm in the Nivenia Hall, HPNBG. This month Dr Roger Parsons enlightened us on the effect on Knysna’s economically critical timber industry of the devastating fires that raged through the Knysna area in 2017, reporting on the effect of the groundwater abstraction (necessary to both combat the fires and save the 3km long wet deck of timber) on the nearby Groenvlei wetland.
Barbara Jenman is the person to contact regarding the Botsoc talks. Contact her on 082 338 4109 or email bjenman@iafrica.com.
Hack! Make an impact for conservation! Although we and our forebears in the Kogelberg have been hacking since 1963, the sport is now catching on all over the place! Our hack groups have recently been networking with other groups elsewhere, so much so that we have had to change the name of our Wednesday ‘Hardcore Hackers’ to indicate where we operate. Our Hardcore Hackers are now known as the ‘Hangklip Hardcore Hackers’.The group meets every Wednesday morning, tackles large projects and clears major invasive infestations bit by bit. Everyone contributes by their efforts, large and small. Contact Chris Geldenhuys on 082 900 8299 for more information.
The Pringle Bay Hack takes place on the last Saturday of each month and concentrates on the Pringle Bay area. All comers, whether from Pringle Bay or elsewhere, are welcome. Contact Chris Geldenhuys on 082 900 8299 for more information.
The Betty’s Bay Hack happens on the 1st Saturday of each month in the Betty’s Bay area and is open to all comers. Contact Dave Mourant on 082 923 5366 for more information.
The Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop hosted the launch of the updated, expanded and definitive guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Southern Africa by Prof Paul Skelton. Prof Skelton shared insights into new discoveries, developments and fresh perspectives with a visual presentation. The book includes newly described species, new photographs and illustrations, the latest taxonomic changes and updated distribution maps and is available for purchase in our bookshop.
Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW): The Botanical Society of SA, both our local branch and nationally, is about biodiversity conservation. That’s why, on Tuesday 22 October we participated in a Biodiversity Stewardship Workshop led by Dr Martina Treurnicht, Conservation Project Manager of the Botanical Society of South Africa. Participants and contributors from as far afield as KZN, as well as the Western Cape, joined with some of our CREW, Garden Circle, Fight for Fynbos and Hack Group members. The workshop provided valuable insights and direction as we work towards the development of the prospective nature reserves in our area. For more information, contact Adele Scheepers on 074 760 5305.
FFF, ‘Fight for Fynbos’: The two most serious threats to biodiversity and indigenous flora and fauna in our area are alien invasive vegetation and urban development. With the rapid development of housing in our area the need for the rescue, relocation and rehabilitation of indigenous fynbos plants has never been more urgent. You can be part of the fight! To get more information and join the fight, contact Galia Manicom 082 963 3804.
Friends of the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens: Our ‘Friends of Harold Porter NBG’ partners with the staff of HP in maintaining and enhancing the gardens. Here is an opportunity to ‘get your hands dirty’ in one of South Africa’s most beautiful botanical gardens and pick up some horticultural skills along the way. The disruptions of the rainy weather over the last few months are hopefully behind us and we are beginning to get going on a more consistent basis. We’re doing a bit of ‘tweaking’ of our groups for the sake of both efficiency and greater camaraderie. After all, having fun together is part of the deal. For more information, contact Viv von der Heyden at 084 685 2641.
See you in the fynbos!
Tim Attwell
Chairman, Botanical Society of SA, Kogelberg Branch
That the area from Dr Flip Du Plessis’s house all the way to Rooi Els is almost alien vegetation free is thanks to the amazing work the hackers do. Most of the alien vegetation is now on private property. The hackers are very keen to eradicate the aliens on these properties but need permission from the land owners – which is sometimes very difficult to get. Or it is difficult to trace the owners of the property to get their permission. So if you know of a plot that should be cleared of aliens and can help us to get hold of the owner to get his permission to hack the aliens, this information will be gratefully received.
Peter Dall, Botsoc.