It does appear as if summer has finally arrived! While we are still getting the odd cold snap, there are more hot days than cool days. In the fruit industry, we measure heat units because that is the rate that fruit grows by and every hour above 12°C is measured as one heat unit. Heat units are measured from the beginning of September and according to the latest stats for Elgin, we have accumulated more heat units to date than in the same period over the past five years – a total of 7100 heat units.
I truly do believe that we see this in the Fynbos. Everything is flowering profusely, especially the Aristea that are a sight to behold.
Once again, we have had a busy Kogelberg BotSoc month.
The Kogelberg Garden Circle visited a youngish garden in Rooiels where Robyn Simmons shared some insights on how to plan a garden, taking into account the existing vegetation, wind direction, dry and wet seasons, hungry porcupines, curious baboons, scratching spurfowl …..
The Garden Circle meets once a month. To find out more contact Galia on 082 963 3804.
Participants of our monthly Kogelberg BotSoc Walk, , led by Tim Atwell, enjoyed the splendour of our fynbos along the Hanneshoek Trail. Tim’s walks are always highly informative and much enjoyed. To find out about the walks contact Tim on 082 343 2501.
This month the guest speaker at the Kogelberg BotSoc Monthly Talk was Cherise Viljoen, Master Horticulturist and expert in Plant Propagation, Gardening and Growing Guidance. Cherise gave a lively and most most inspiring talk on the topic of Climate-Wise Gardening. Her enthusiasm and obvious love of plants was infectious. The talks take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 6pm. Barbara Jenman is the person to contact in this regard. Contact her on 082 338 4109 or email bjenman@iafrica.com.
The Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop and Pavos Publishing launched Faansie Peacock’s Faansie’s Bird Book 2, the new fully fledged field guide for kids. Faansie is one of southern Africa’s best-known birders and is a most talented bird artist. His four books are available in our BotSoc shop.
Friends of the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens (HPG) have two working groups, alternating on Tuesday mornings and Thursday mornings. Come and get involved – you won’t regret it. It is a great way to make friends, have fun and pick up some horticultural skills along the way! To join the happy group of gardeners contact Viv on 084 685 2641.
The Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop continues to grow from strength to strength despite numerous challenges such as having to pay an entrance fee into the Gardens before you can visit the shop. Pop in and see us! We are continuously stocking the shop with new items, and we do believe that we have a big selection of what we deem will be much appreciated Christmas presents. In many cases our prices are lower than the prices you will pay for books in the shopping malls or anywhere else and our arts and crafts prices are very reasonable.
To find out about joining the Friends of the Kogelberg Branch of the Botanical Society contact …
Peter Dall
082 784 4326