South African Winter Garden

Since all of my friends back home in the States are in the middle of gardening 
and I am without my home or garden right now -

I would like to take you on a tour of my friend's gardens in South Africa.

This area is what I see from my place.  

The birds love to come to the feeder and bird bath.

From my side window, I have a great view of this Canary vine 

and the bannana trees.

As you can see, there are many plants that are familiar to you, 

and then others that are not.

In South Africa, everyone keeps their yard and gardens looking nice.

Karen showed me that this flower bed is mostly a collection of Aloes.

Each Aloe has differant leaves and flowers.

I was amazed to find that Aloe is a winter blooming plant.

Did you know that?

This tree is also one of my favorites and is in the Aloe family.

The colors here are so vibrant!

See how Karen's flower beds are filled with dark fertile soil 

and then edged so nicely.

This plant to the right is a common Geranium.

It is waist high!

Everything here gets alot larger than in the USA, because of the climate.

For example, here is a Poinsettia.

It is taller than this 5 foot wall.

The grass here is so green and lush.

They think it is brown (maybe it is compared to the vibrant green they have in the Spring).

Notice the stone wall and stairs.

I think it is so nice to create walkways and paths through your garden.

Even in the winter, there are plenty of flowers to gather for a vase.

And what are these strange things?

I really don't know, but they would look nice in an arrangement.

Karen told me what this strange plant is, but I forget already.

I think it is a type of euphorbia.

This is also a favorite of mine.

It is a Paper Tree.  

I love the rustic texture it adds to the garden!

Hot pokers are poking up every where along Karen's drive way.

We have noticed that they are short lived

 because the temperatures have been a little colder than usual (60-65f).

Karen tries to keep everything in her gardens that are native to South Africa.
There are so many beautiful choices and so many winter bloomers.
I can't wait to see how beautiful the rest of the seasons will be.

One of Karen's favorites are her roses.

Take a look at how beautiful they are.

Thank you Karen for the wonderful garden tour.
Your garden's are lovely!

Hopefully, I will be able to get a place where I too can grow a beautiful garden like Karen's.

written by Gina Frey (in Durban, South Africa)