Spring is rolling in here on the Cape Peninsula after late winter rain, the wild flowers are abloom in swathes of rich tones. It makes the heart sing; the senses washed wild by the earthy scent of rain – petrichor, a counterpoint to all that sensuous colour.
The osteospermums were the first to make an appearance with the felicias and senecias opening close behind and now the vibrant vygies are splashing out in a voluptuous spread.
We celebrate the floral abundance here in the heart of one of Nature’s jewels: the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the six floral kingdoms in the world. It may be the smallest, but it has an astonishing variety of over 8578 plant species and spring is a showcase season. Though there is always some delight to be discovered as different species flower throughout the year.
While writing this post I watch as a tiny fledgling – a Southern Double-collared sunbird flies hesitantly round the backyard as the parents hover, coaxing and calling. The nest was built high up in the Cape honeysuckle which grows up a trellis with long trailing tendrils. The sunbirds and the Cape Sugarbird serve as useful pollinators along with a fascinating array of insects.
To finish off, perhaps some inspiration from Sinding?
Nature on the Edge 
Oh, I have a sudden urge to visit South Africa.
Jude – there’s that note of nostalgia again! Spring is just so celebratory in it’s exuberance!
Clearly, Sept. is the month to visit your area. The wildflowers are gorgeous!
It is too! Though some years the blooms arrive earlier – mid August onwards. Happily September was a good month for rainfall and the plants are thriving.
Glad to hear you’ve had much-needed rain.
Very grateful we are … restrictions are being lifted from 50 litres per person p/d to 75 and the dams overall are at 76% which is expected to be about 2 years supply with moderate use.
Oh, how beautiful that sunbird is. Your peninsula is a treasure trove of colours and scents.
A treasure trove it is 🙂 … wish i could write the visual description of the different scents too. Will have to imagine and enjoy the synesthesia through colours 🙂
Beautiful images, I had no idea that there were Floral Kingdoms. As fall begins here, your spring is just beginning, enjoy the beauty and those spring miracles.
Thanks Laura – somehow it feels fitting that the planet has it’s hemispheres balanced in opposition. Though there is a fiery heart to autumn which is as captivating as spring’s energy of renewal 🙂
Beautiful Liz especially like the windmill image!
Thanks Tina – 🙂 still so relevant as a symbol of the veld tied to water.
Algarve Spring comes early but I still have 4/5 months to wait for it and Winter before that, but that wonderful awakening feeling stays with us, doesn’t it? 🙂 🙂 I’m looking forward to watching the seasons roll in my new home.
Yes, hooking into that awakening says much about the celebration of nature’s renewal 🙂 Looking forward to reading about your observations through the coming Algarve seasons. Guessing a milder climate may be very rewarding…. nature wise?
Nature j
The colours on that sunbird are unreal! And such beautiful flowers, thanks for sharing Liz.
Thanks Brian; the sunbirds really steal the show, aren’t they handsome little fellas!
Oh how lucky you are to see this beauty so close to home.
So lucky! Everywhere there are blossoms… even the weeds this year are looking spectacular.