When I saw that Christine took part in the Neighbourhood Walkabout, I was so keen to show my side of Cape Town – the rural village of Philadelphia, deep in the heart of wheat country. As we are coming to the end of summer, the gardens all seem a bit tired. The wheat fields are dry and it really is not very interesting in terms of what’s growing. But it is a pretty village with all of 25 houses, a Post Office, a Church, a corner store, coffee shop and crystal shop! So, sit back and enjoy the walk through my simple village life.
This is the front garden of my house situated in a cul-da-sac. No traffic and just the place to relax and unwind.
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Right next door to me we have garden lovers and this you can see with the beautiful urns by the front gate. Right next to that we have the horse stables where animals run free and the sheep eat everything in sight.
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Bougainvillea abound in our village and these are still in full colour. Here we have the bougainvillea just at the beginning of our street, behind the local store.
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This red bougainvillea is next to the famous old Mill that has been converted into a fuction venue – De Malle Meul (this means The Mad Mill). It is also next to the old Dutch Reformed Church which always gets a new coat of paint every year!
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The Main Street bustles on the weekend with town folk shopping in our local mineral shop and enjoying the shade of the huge Pepper Tree at the coffee shop.
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Then here are a few sneak shots of my neighbourhood gardens. I just love the old fashioned-ness of the place. Roses and lavender seem to be common in all the gardens.
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Then, in between the begonias and pansies, the neighbourhood birds are always looked after by the locals – well fed and watered. The doves and pigeons seem to hang out at my watering hole!
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The Pepper Tree seems to be a favourite in Philly. Giving shade against the harsh summer heat.
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The Philadelphia buildings have become well-known amongst Film Companies, using them in many local and international movies. Just an interesting snippet!
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Thank you for joining me on my Neighbourhood Walk! Why not join in – visit A Tidewater Gardener for details about the “Winter Walk Off Challenge”, visit other neighbourhoods around the globe and then let us sneak a peek at your neighbourhood! I hope I made the deadline – 19th March, the last day of summer here in South Africa xxx