Southern Spring

1 Nov '07 11:46 pm

I'm just not catching up with my posting. Here are a few lazy shots taken from my parents' stoep (=verandah) after Sunday lunch. (Jacqueline: do you know the word 'stoep' in Indonesia - I think it was originally introduced into SA by the Malay slaves.)

By the way - this is Jack Holloway on my second persona - I'll be letting Eggy know that I've filled my quota of space Embarassed

... again

2 Nov '07 5:27 am

I have updated my avatar. It is summer, thus it is winter. But the photos still hale from October and so I post them here...

The first series are about the impossibility of capturing the true quality of the various purple maples. ("Acer palmatum atropurpureum group" would, I guess, be the most correct name.) The photos speak for themselves, are quite lovely, but somehow are not entirely truthful... I've not altered them at all (other than for size) as they've come off the camera; but they seem to me too bright, too happy, lacking in the somber undertones of the real thing. They are too tuba, too little double bass...

2 Nov '07 8:20 am

Come walk with me...

2 Nov '07 11:07 am

Hi, Jack-

I read the review of that book about Mugabe, but I don't think I'll read the book, as I'm really more interested in South Africa. I know that some of the pressures are probably the same in most sub-Saharan countries, but I'm more interested in how S.A. arrived at the policy of "Truth and Reconciliation", rather than revenge after Apartheit was removed. I understand that some other countries are now trying the concept, and if it has truly worked, perhaps it could be something to emulate world-wide. I know that in Canada, the country seems to be moving, under our current right-wing government, away from rehabilitation to revenge in judicial matters, and that saddens me greatly. Anyway, I won't get into a political speech here!

All the best,
gordonf

2 Nov '07 4:34 pm

Gordon - central to all that has happened has been Mandela and his immense humanity. You will enjoy his autobiography "Long walk to Freedom" - available in both full and abridged versions these days I believe. Most colourful of personalities, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who changes like a chameleon to suit his audience, has also published his autobiography, which I think is called "Rabble rouser"

2 Nov '07 4:48 pm

Thanks, Jack, for the info about Mandela and Bishop Tutu.

Your Philadelphus look amazing! That's one shrub that I'd love to have but just don't have room for here. Maybe in the next garden! By the way, are any of the true oranges hardy where you are?

Joey seems very relaxed since the other dog went back home - he doesn't have to keep protecting me against Bella's advances Very Happy

! Here's Joey relaxing in bed last night! I had to take it quickly before he had time to escape from the camera again! That's why the colour's not so good!

Cheers!
gordonf

2 Nov '07 8:18 pm

Isn't it interesting how dogs dislike cameras - I think mine are getting used to them though, simply because on nearly every walk they wait patiently for me to stop photographing... you get gundogs and then you get cameradogs... Well stalked! (To continue the image!)

It is too cold here for oranges, and we only just manage basic old thick-skin lemons, but down beyond Tzaneen is some of the finest citrus farming in the world.

I end with a few pictures of my Aunty May Rose, planted near the jetty. Like Aunty Corrie, which grows in the Rondel, I am still trying to identify her. Then I discovered a similar rose on a farm nearby. I am intrigued by three very similar roses which don't seem to fit any existing classification in an immediate way. I will post about it again on the Rose Forum. And then I will write about the Rondel Garden again on the Rose Forum, for all my remaining pictures are from there. And I still have Garden Tours pictures from garden club visits... So much to post, so little time Sad

And then I will start a summer post with any new pics, now that November is here...

3 Nov '07 2:31 am

Hi Jack, gorgeous photos once again. I loved the Penelope rose with its sort of ruffled semi-double flowers and baby pink buds - and to hear that it's scented too! I bet now you're going to tell me that it's a monster and grows to about 6m tall which will mean that it would be too big for my garden! Sad

oh well, even if that is the case, it's one worth remembering for when I've got more space! Very Happy

3 Nov '07 8:04 am

SUCH interesting posts here!! Flowery, political, and historical!! Just my style (well, political in my youth, but I am a born democrat like I am a born gardener...)!! Thank you for the books , Jack!

Those Roses!!! And red Acers!!!! And Philadelphus scents!!! Mmmmmm! This is like the beginning of June in Belgium, early Summer that is. How adorable to experience! Philadelphus , meaning "Loving His/Her Brother" in Greek (why?? It is SO ubsurd for a plant-name!), is one of my mostly beloved shrubs since childhood! I have two plants with double flowers, but I think those with single flowers like yours have the strongest scent! Lucky Jack!!

4 Nov '07 4:52 am

Wow! Wee! Two thumbs up, Dancing

dear Jack for an absolutely enchanting tour in your magical garden. Thank you so much - spent almost 3 wonderful mesmerizing hours of catch-up, enjoying all that color extravaganza you've displayed and your usual lovely style of writing interposed with other interesting topics besides gardening! Simply fascinating! And ALL your pictures are magnificently taken though I have to share that your pic of couch potatoes really stole my heart - so heartwarming to see all four adorable pets each claiming their own space in that 'double-deck' couch. Love too those large cascading bunches of wisteria which I've never seen before, but of course there are lots others here that are as captivating too that is a first time for me! Wink

Regarding the Indonesian word 'stoep', sorry no help there though the Malay word for verandah in our country is 'beranda' or 'serambi'. Have a look here http://www.thefreedictionary.com/stoop, it says the origin of that word is Dutch?

Southern Spring

Thursday: Sunday lunch remembered...

The first unofficial post of summer

Another maple - and then all about scents

Mugabe

Mandela

Mock Oranges

Oranges, dogs and some random pictures

Lovely discussions and Rose photos!

Jack's magical spring garden