Sanguine Tenacious Tidings

A Forest to Remember

Kirstenbosch and the National botanical and zoological gardens are now The South African Biodiversity Institute.

Hi! from apondia

April 29, 2024Fires on Table Mountain started by lightning strikes cause evacuations of guests. Caution extended to Kirstenbosch Gardens on that day. .Can you imagine the concern extended to this beautiful area of diverse plant life threatened by fire.

The dell is the oldest part of Kirsten Bosch. It is a place where cool shade loving plants thrive and flowing spring waters run clear. A peaceful serene area to visit. Stone age implements have been found in the Dell. They are from the Khoikhoi people who have been living in the area for 2000 years.

Kirsten Forest is named after a family that used to reside somewhere close to the land used for the Botanical Gardens. However they never actually owned any of the land used to build the Biodiversity Institute. Kirsten Bosch means Kirsten forest.

A card sent to my family back home: There is so much to see here. It is like this on our virtual tours. To much to see in just one day. The hotel where we are staying gives us a rare view. Our rooms are high in the sky. I'm enjoying the view and the beauty of the rooms. Kirsten Bosch means Kirsten Forest. An interesting feature is the many shops actually attached to the Botanical and Zoological Institute but accessible without buying a ticket to view the Gardens. Having a great time and learning a lot. Taking lots of pictures to show you when I get back. Love, Mom

There are so many different areas inside the Gardens. A concert area, African stone sculpture area has a gift store as a part of it, Maps to the different parts can be downloaded, Gift shops and book shops are available, a conference center, The conservatory actually houses a baobab tree, a Cycads area is called living fossils, because the plants there have not changed much since the dinosaurs were roaming around, There is a lily pond on the main lawn. I think it is a great place to spin a science fiction yarn. It is a beautiful place and the pond reminds me of many stories I've read about magical ponds.Each place in the garden grows its own variety of plants. So many different areas I won't take time to name them all.

It is interesting that one of the maps shows areas where pet dogs are allowed to be taken on walks.

Have a great day.

apondia#1781748