Once upon a pot...

This is a small daisy, flowers all year, but enjoys Spring. Up close a feast of colour and subtlety.

NATURE, which is a cyclical process of being and essentiality, has an astonishing way of doing her thing. Bountiful rains this winter in Cape Town have nourished, and replenished, the drought-dry soil. But what is interesting here is that all these pictured plants grow in pots. They endure sizzling heat in January, gaspingly hot gale-force winds in February and the challenges of water restrictions in March - and yet, against all odds, they survive. And when one bends close to these plants, and listens, and looks, an amazing micro-world of purpose emerges. Each species is intent on reproduction, growth and sustenance. And each species has its own unique way of doing things, from dazzling colours, hooked stamens laden with pollen, to hairy stems preventing insects from climbing on them to reach fruit. 

A forest of scented lavender.

 

Flowers hardly bigger than a human thumb put out signals for bees.

Geranium. Tough and hardy, but in blushing colour.

The humble nettle. Let if flower and see its beauty, hooked stamens waiting to embrace pollinating insects.

Cherry tomato vine. Hairy stems telling caterpillars to buzz off.

A spiky succulent putting out a  tender Spring message.

Perfumed jasmine after a shower.

Birds hover, waiting to catch unwwary insects.

Hibiscus after rain.

Edible nasturtiums with a seductive blossom.

Geranium flower head, ready to explode.

Sweet mint.

Spring is a season of extraordinary growth.

© Shafiq Morton 2018