
TWO pelicans glide silently across the lake. They resemble large, grey battleships intent on their prey. The attack is swift and deadly and a satisfying gulp consumes the morsel.
In the shallows the spoonbills sift the mud through their beaks ever searching for food, while on the bank mama and papa Egyptian geese threaten anyone in their path as they usher their adolescent brood into the water. They hiss and spread their wings and the children run away, squealing excitedly.
The Spur wing geese are nonchalant, ignoring the people enjoying the winter sunshine, as they preen their iridescent plumage.
Under the trees there are many groupings. Families and friends, old folk, young lovers. Small children scoot along on plastic toy motorbikes, the rumble of the wheels a little discordant in the calm.
Along the path comes a Hindu bride and her groom, both resplendent in their finery. Magnificent saris in rainbow shades sprinkled with gold draw admiration. The groom is as stunning as his wife, his gold tunic sparkling in the sunlight.
A man with a cine camera runs alongside them, capturing the occasion. It’s physical work this photography business. Strollers stand and watch. The bride blushes. She is the first of four brides who will walk this path to the orchid house this afternoon. Look at the pretty ladies, says the little boy. The groom smiles.
On the lawn a couple play with their children. The little ones run and laugh. A woman in a peasant dress rocks a baby in a pram, her unadorned face glows in the light and her smile is as broad as her cheeks are rosy.
Tourists admire the orchids and later have tea with the locals in the tea garden, famous for its crumpets and scones.
Children gaze in awe at the koi in the water feature in the orchid house.
There are some really fat fish, yellow, orange, silver scaled, their curved bodies suspended for a moment in an oriental painting.
Look closely and see the baby fish; the guppies darting away from an open mouth.
There is a concrete fountain near the entrance where children play, which is more than a century old, older than this garden which celebrates its centenary next week. No water gushes from the fountain now, but it is a striking focal point.
On many a Sunday, music lovers can enjoy an array of different artists, many of them home grown, others from Gauteng or Cape Town, all household names.
Next on the bill is Johnny Clegg, honorary Zulu. There are Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Father’s Day concerts, all well attended and enjoyed with a picnic and friends.
But it is the trees which make Durban’s Botanic Gardens the place of peace and calm that it is and gives it its ambience.
On a Sunday afternoon beneath these old guardians is a microcosm of Durban’s multicultural soul.
All religions, all faiths, all cultures, we are all here to enjoy this haven which belongs to the city, to all of us. Long may it grow.