Explore nature’s garden on Melville Koppies
It may be dusty and dry but lurking among the dryness, the resilient plants are in full bloom now.
If you’ve had enough of seeing virtual gardens, you can still visit nature’s garden on Melville Koppies.
The grass is still brown, the ground dusty and dry but lurking among the dryness, the resilient plants are in full bloom now.
With food stored in deep roots or tubers like potatoes, they can withstand droughts, fires and lockdowns and as soon as the days lengthen and get warmer, they’re up to show their faces.
Not as plentiful as their famous counterparts that need spring rains, they’ll still surprise you. Some are as small as your pinkie, others as big as your fist.
You don’t have to walk far off the paths. Many grow directly in the path. Sometimes, you’ll have to get down on your haunches to really appreciate them. Other times a flash of colour buried in dirty dry grass will be the clue that another little gem is lying in wait for you.
Also smell the air. Many have a sweet fragrance like perfume that attracts the bees and other insects. Others smell like you’ve opened a honey jar. There are even some plants that have a smell that will make your children say ‘yuk’.
And then there are ones that have no smell. They rely on their bright colours to get the insects to pollinate them.
Just one section near the top of the koppies is green from being burnt.
White pebbles make a Hansel and Gretel trail up the hill, while termite mounds dot the landscape.
And you don’t have to plan ahead. Now, you can just arrive from 8am on certain Sunday mornings and self-guide the area. Be out by 11.30am. Secure parking at Marks Park and security on Melville Koppies are provided.
Due to the pandemic, our usual calendar of guided tours and hikes is temporarily suspended. Instead, we are offering Sunday morning outings.
Cost is R80 for adults and R40 for learners (please try and bring exact amounts).
If you are a group of 10 or more, please email names and cellphone numbers of your group to wendavid@mweb.co.za and EFT what you owe beforehand. Phone 011 482 4797 for more details or visit www.mk.org.za
