Jacaranda blossoms

For a month we have been enjoying the spectacular treat of viewing Jacarandas in bloom along the streets and hillsides of Johannesburg. Twice we have driven an hour north to view Pretoria's streets lined with the vibrant, lavendar blossoms. Arriving before the leaves appear, Jacaranda blossoms are a bright proclamation of spring in South Africa.

We have been surprised by their staying power, not only in the length of weeks a tree blooms but also in the color held by flowers on the ground. Much of the ground underneath the trees and along the streets are now carpeted with hues of lavendar as blossoms fall but retain their brilliant colors. Ron is fascinated by their pop underneath the car tires.

The first two photos are of streets in our neighborhood. In the first photo Killarney Mall across the street from us is in the red brick buildings at the left with nearby Rosebank Mall on the horizon to the north.

Pretoria is the executive capital of SA.

Not indigenous to Africa, many of these massive trees were planted years ago and create a wide expanse of shade with their outreaching limbs.