Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, in Cape Town is a great place, not just for tourists, but also for the locals, as a place where generational memories are shared. The mountain, the streams have been a perennial witness to centuries of change that took place on the slopes of the great Table Mountain. From the days of the San people to where we are now the mountain has … [Read more...]
Biomimicry and local architecture inspire Chelsea Flower Show
It is inspirational to see how well we are able to meet the mandate for the Chelsea Flower Show in London this May. The theme? “In Harmony with Nature”. The Kirstenbosch launch to showcase the design we will be entering for South Africa was exciting and the designers to be highly commended! David Davidson and Ray Hudson have taken inspiration from our wealth of … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds part 1: Veldkool
Want to learn more about the medicinal and nutritional value of the common weeds in your garden? Today Tracy Armbruster - our weed enthusiast – kicks off her series for all of us to learn together: W.E.E.D’s (Wild, Enriching, Edible, Delight’s) are simply amazing! What I love most about them is their pioneering spirit. Their “survival of the fittest” attitude. They have … [Read more...]
Seeds come home after 100 years
On 10 February 1911 Harold Pearson proclaimed “this is the place!” This was to become the Kirstenbosch Garden, which recently celebrated its 100th birthday. “We at KEW believe there is no technological reason why any plant species should go extinct. That should be our hypothesis: that no plant species should go extinct while we can prevent it.” So said Dr. Paul Smith from … [Read more...]
Speaking out against monoculture plantations
On 21 September the International Day against Monoculture Tree Plantations will be celebrated. Around the world several activities will be coordinated. This year has been declared the International Year of Forests by the United Nations. In response, the World Rainforest Movement has initiated a campaign that challenges the definition of 'forest' used by the Food and … [Read more...]
Kou with caution on indigenous plant
Indigenous natural and healing plants should be used with caution. In the case of the plant Sceletium tortuosum, the science seems to show that people should be careful not to overdose. Scientist Dr Carine Smith of Stellenbosch University warns that if you want to chew its leaves to calm you or make you feel less depressed, you should do so in moderation; don't indulge … [Read more...]
SANBI publishes new Red List
In one of the continent's largest collaborative conservation projects to date, South Africa has become the first of the world's mega-diverse countries to fully assess the status of its entire flora - a staggering 20 456 species. The assessment has been published in a book entitled the Red List of South African Plants. It was appropriately launched by SANBI in Cape Town on Earth … [Read more...]
Farmers set to follow nature
Pressures on our natural capital, such as alien plant species, water pollution and overuse of resources, have caused a chain reaction of negative effects threatening our agricultural sector. Whether it is visible like sedimentation in our dams, or less visible such as fewer effective pollinators, the impact is enormous. This was said at the CAPE Partners' Conservation and … [Read more...]
Food security demands living farms
In celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity and World Environment Week, The World Wide Fund for Nature unveiled its vision for Living Farms: An agricultural sector which farms in balance with nature. This vision is supported by two new products available from WWF. The Living Farms Reference, a comprehensive compilation of current legislation and better practices … [Read more...]
