Today I am grateful that gardening has taught me to appreciate other gardens. I used to sail through life without ever glancing at the beautiful gardens in my neighbourhood, without any appreciation for the time and effort put into our beautiful South African Botanical Gardens and without ever stopping to smell the roses or admire the look of a friends garden.
Now I am quite obsessed with looking at other gardens and plants. A simple drive to the shops will have me reminding myself to keep my eyes on the road rather that gawking into other people’s gardens. I love admiring the different types of gardens, the various ways people lay out their gardens and the many different gardening styles. For this new appreciation of gardens, I am grateful.
Photo – Sparaxis: Another South African native, I planted Sparaxis from bulb in my garden this year. Unfortunately they did not do very well. I don’t think they got nearly enough sun in my garden although I planted them in the sunniest spot I could fine. Win some, lose some, I won’t plant them again as I cannot give them the right environment for them to thrive.
Sparaxis (Harlequin Flower) is a genus in the family Iridaceae with about 13 species endemic to Cape Province, South Africa. All are perennials that grow during the wet winter season, flower in spring and survive underground as dormant corms over summer. Their conspicuous flowers have six tepals, which in most species are equal in size and shape.
About the 30 Day Challenge
Cat of The Whimsical Gardener, has invited Garden Bloggers the world over to join her in the 30 day challenge of posting a photograph and sentiment that you are thankful for – every day for 30 days. Find something you are thankful for every day, for 30 days, can’t be too difficult, can it? See all Barbie’s and my posts filed under “30 Day Challenge“.