New Growth

On a beautiful Saturday in late winter (August 21, 2010) we went for an almost two hour hike on a geological trail in the 740 acre national botanical garden near Johannesburg. Climbing up the rocky ridge to the right adjoining the waterfall we were above the nest of a pair of Black Eagles (seen to the left on the cliffs as jumbles of gray sticks).

This area is high veld with indigenous tall grasses, bushes, aloes and other succulents, and hardy trees including Protea (Common Sugarbush) and Mountain Cabbage. These trees have corky bark which are fire resistant and protect them from the annual fires we have seen throughout Africa maintaining the grasslands.




As we approach springtime new green growth and blossoms can be seen emerging across the blackened hillsides.




At a viewpoint on top of the sunny ridge, fresh sunscreen was applied as we enjoyed a hazey panoramic view. Neighborhoods of upscale homes are built around the botanical gardens' perimeter reminding us of the step into nature the gardens provide in an urban environment.