European Gardening: The EU RR is on it's Way!, 1 by Mike_G

Mike_G wrote:
The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens were splendid - they are on the outskirts of Cape Town, just in the foothills of Table Mountain, which makes for a very naturalistic setting. I was surpised at how many common garden plants originate from South Africa - agapanthus (so common in all the towns, lining the streets in masses of blue and white blooms), pelargoniums, strelitzia - to name but a few I can remember.

The Gardens are very extensive, and appear to blend seamlessly into the surrounding countryside as they climb up the mountainside. Ericas are another speciality of the area - just so many different types, and planted in massive areas at Kirstenbosch. All of the planted beds just fit so well in the location that you need to remind yourself that it is a "garden" of sorts, and not just the normal countryside.

Kirstenbosch appeared very strong on information and education - the information boards in the different areas tell a lot about the plants and how to grow them - "water-wise gardening" is a recurring theme. There are sections on plants for fragrance, medicinal plants / native remedies, useful plants etc.

Whilst we are always cussing the grey squirrels for digging up our bulbs, Kirstenbosch has its own problems - with porcupines! There are little signs stuck over holes and disturbed soil in the plant beds reading: "A porcupine was here last night"...

Here's a shot of a lovely display of a dark blue agapanthus just coming into flower (Agapanthus inapertus ssp. pendulus 'Graskop', for the record):