Oh, to be in ...Paradise

One of the exotics in my garden,

Cactus cereus spp

Motivated and assisted extensively by my dear friend Lynda in Tanzania (you can have a look at Lynda’s fascinating blog
(here), I decided to take the plunge and start my own blog.

I intend to update my blog posts once a week ( more if possible) and will share interesting aspects of life in South Africa and my erstwhile experiences as an expat on various mines on the African continent.

Many of my posts will be about gardening: gardening stories, gardening tips, gardening trials. Mainly indigenous gardening, that is!

The beautiful bloom photographed above is a flowering cactus (cactus cereus spp) and yes, it is exotic; it comes from Argentina. The bloom is short-lived but absolutely exquisite. I allow this and an eclectic mix of other exotics in my garden provided they are waterwise, don't spread unnecessarily and are not invasive. In short, if they behave, they can stay!

In the spring many little annuals appear from previous plantings. As the weather begins to warm up, the Chamomillas make their pretty appearance while the miniature pansies, known here in the Free State as Jumping Jacks, grow all over my garden during the winter. They, like their "bigger" cousins, thrive under extremely cold conditions and tend to wilt in the heat. At the moment, my borders of dianthus are prolific with colour and daintiness.

Oh, and by the way, if there are any garden experts/botanists reading this post, I stand corrected re the species of the photographed cactus. Please help if you know the exact genus. Cereus forbesii or Cereus chalybaeus is the closest I came up with after Googling it. (The day I took this photo, I counted 29 flowers on the cactus "stalk"!)

I will also post tried and true recipes, as well as many "tails" about my pets and other animals.

In between I'll share my life testimony and my ministry in music.

I trust we' ll enjoy many a memorable meander together...