Nkosi Nursery

The first tree name Alex March learned when studying horticulture was Erythrina lysistemon. The second was Citharexylum quadrangulare (a.k.a Fiddlewood). Fortunately, the indigenous coral tree had more appeal, and in a short time Alex became, by his own admission, an ‘indigenous nut’. Part of the course requirements was to learn the names of 2000 plants….

Hilton Rail Trail

“This thing is contagious,” quips Dave Ballance while pouring cappuccino for the enthusiastic locals meeting at Station Stop Coffee Shop. The topic of conversation is the Hilton Rail Trail – a concept that has captured the imagination of Hilton (and Midlands) residents.   Back in 2019, artist Jono Hornby got community energy on the rise with…

An Impendle Summer

Plant enthusiasts find floral treasures wherever they wander. Sharp eyes spot interesting things along roadsides, on working farms and in residential areas – often in unexpected places.   The Impendle area is rich in special flora. Kniphofia laxiflora are particularly spectacular, Plenty of Kniphofia buchananii . The altitude in Impendle is much higher than the surrounding midlands, so it…

Cumberland Rocks!

When Stella Behn was just 10 years old, she remembers a neighbour calling her dad to help with an African Rock Python that was in the bath.  “I wasn’t allowed inside but watched fascinated when they brought the huge snake out.”  Needless to say, Stella is not afraid of snakes.  Over the years, there have…

Coral Tree

Erythrina lysistemon, Zulu name: umSinsi Have you seen the orange blaze at the bottom of the Umngeni Valley Nature Reserve that is a group of Erythrina lysistemon in flower?  This variety is not usually found in this area and certainly not in the misty midlands.  There are some splendid specimens to be found planted in…