Bonsai Bonanza!

No, it's not an Australian Public Holiday, although it certainly sounds like one!

I have always been fascinated by the art of bonsai. When I was little I planted an acorn in a very small flower pot, and it grew! When the root pushed through the hole at the bottom of the pot, my dad said that I should cut it off and keep cutting it if it grew again. After a while (not sure how long actually, it's all a tad hazy!!), I ended up with a tiny oak tree, in a very small pot. I loved it and watered it and kept cutting the root. And then it died!

So, now to the point of the story!

Yesterday we drove to Cape Town to do a transfer from the Kirstenbosch area to Riebeek Kasteel. And because we were a little early, we went to have a cup of coffee at the cafe in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. I had never been there before, so Rob promised that we would go again and spend the day as there is so much to see.

The mountains were shrouded in mist.

Situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, it is a 528 hectare 'garden', with several themed gardens, established walking trails and the very popular 'Boomslang Tree-top Canopy Walk' that winds through the trees at leaf height! (Hmm, not sure about that though!) There is also a wonderful nursery that sells a variety of indigenous plants! (Note to self: take money and newspaper to prevent 'soiling' the car!) Established in 1913 to conserve and promote the indigenous flora of southern Africa, Kirstenbosch is one of the great botanical gardens of the world.

One of the posters advertising the Summer Concerts.

(And apart from botanical happenings, you can take a picnic basket along on Sunday evenings in the summer months and enjoy listening to concerts in the open air.)

A living sculpture!

But before we had our coffee we walked through the shop (breathtaking!) and had a quick wander round the entrance area. There we saw a bonsai collection (forest? mini forest? display?) par excellence. Beautiful trees that ranged in age from 10 to 80, with miniature branches and leaves and shapes that balanced the trees perfectly.

Look at the gnarls! This one is 80 years old!!

I just had to take some photos, as you can see!

Rob taking me taking the tree!!

We had to leave soon afterwards, but we shall definitely make a day of it soon.

Look at the arums, I wonder who put them there, but a good advert!

On a Tuesday I think.................free entry to pensioners!