Mystery plant

I have these great plants growing wild all over my garden. I think that they’re great, but my housemate is concerned that they’re not indigenous. They look to me to be part of the philodendron family? Does anyone know what these plants are, and if they’re not indigenous, whether or not they’re ‘bad’ plants; e.g. do they take water from other plants?

Check out the studs that form at the base of the plant when a new leaf is growing. Fantastic!

Roadside Aloe

I have posted these elsewhere and Niall also posted some pics but I thought I should share these beautiful Aloes we came across on the side of the road in the Eastern Cape. Happy Monday!

Beautiful Aloe 1

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Bats in the Belfry

I’ve moved into a new house with a new garden (more on that later).  It is a more established garden than my old one, with large trees and a jungly feel.  It also has many more insects and animals, including these super bats who take off each evening at dusk and can be watched from the comfort of the balcony, drink in hand.

In the third photograph, it looks as if the bat is holding a youngster on its belly.  Any idea if it is common for a bat to fly around with its young?  Also, please post any more information on these fascinating creatures in the comment section.

Bats in the Belfry

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Green Landscaping Guide

The eThekwini Municipality has put together a series of green guidelines, including one on green landscaping, as part of their Greening Durban 2010 Programme.  This is an initiative aimed at ensuring that the 2010 Fifa World Cup is hosted in an environmentally sustainable way, and that a positive environmental legacy is achieved from hosting the event in Durban.

Topics include ‘Why Creating Greener Landscapes is Beneficial’, ‘The Principles of Green Landscaping’, ‘Green Landscape Design Approaches’, ‘Green Landscaping Guide’ and ‘Maintenance’.

Download the Green Landscaping Guide.

Happy Bloggity Birthday!

Sprig is 1 year, 196 posts, 212 tags and 716 comments old today – happy birthday!

Thanks to all who contributed, commented and read this blog in the past year.

Photograph by Amber S. Wallace