The reserve is a protected area of Fynbos terrain, some areas, newer than others and some needing to burn. In these area the proteas had grown tall and some of the other plants were getting crowded out. Our guide explained how all the seeds waiting in the soil just needed the fire to germinate them and restore the balance. This however has to be done in a controlled way as it is another area where expensive properties have been built, some with thatched roofs. This is a reserve that has been restored to it's natural state from farmlsnd and has been increased, so a positive story.
And we saw an orchid!
On the way down, I strode out and had time for a hot chocolate to warm up before we moved on.
Our next stop was the Verglegan Wine Estate. This was all very grand with beautiful cream buildings, thatched, some new but some from 17th Century. It is now owned by the Anglo American Company, and there appears to be extensive investment in the grounds to preserve the estate for the people.
New trees are being planted and two Ghinko trees from Hiroshima have just been planted. The views across the formal gardens to the mountains were spectacular. The agapanthus were planted in waves of colour so that they look like the sea, but I need to return in December to see them in bloom.
However, before embarking on the garden tour we had lunch, very good, fish or steak and creme brulee, accompanied by some wine, courtesy of our guides. So it will be another night when we don't need supper.
We visited the octagonal garden with a newly planted rose garden and wide borders and the protected camphor trees. We also saw the oak tree visited by generations of English royalty, so now I need to look out for any evidence of the acorns being planted in royal garden and parks. We saw the owls in the camphor trees too.
The Reflection garden was lovely and I managed to sneak back in for some quiet whilst others were exploring the 400 year old oak.
However, I was called upon for a nymph like pose when we got to the Yellow wood tree.
Us six women went out for a final meal at the local wine bar;
what great fun we have had together.The final morning was wet, but we had a late start so a little shopping was possible before we visited the botanical gardens. Here we saw more proteas, an ancient and primitive tree that never sheds it leaves and we found some packets of seed to try back home.
We called in at the Spier winery en route to the airport where more delicious food was on offer. Mine was a beetroot salad.
And more garden ideas were on offer.
This has been a good trip with a great group of people.
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