There are no Fairies at the bottom of our garden, however you might get to kiss this Common River Frog and see if Royalty arrives.
Frogs have been around for millions of years, with some species dating back as far as 200 million years with the Dinosaurs.
In many cultures, it is believed that if you see a frog in your house, it is a good omen. It can symbolize transformation, luck, and positivity among other good things.
Frogs typically symbolize prosperity, good luck, purity, fertility, transformation, and potential. Frogs may also symbolize renewal, growth, rain, natural cycles, healing or plague depending on context, use, religion, and culture.
It goes faster with a racing stripe…
Frog African Symbolism:
Many African cultures, such as the Egyptian cultures, believe that frogs are symbolic of renewal and fertility due to their association with water. They also believe that frogs symbolize balance, which is based on a cultural legend.
Seeing that Spring has sprung here on the Highveld and that the next road trip is still a few weeks away, I thought I would hone my skills and take a wander around our suburban garden and share it with you…
Time to fork off? Not yet. Please stay awhile have a look at what has arrived in our garden this Spring.
Fucia loxensis: This species is endemic to Ecuador, yet here it is in an unban setting in Johannesburg.
Iris formonosia: Also known as the African Iris it is indigenous to South Africa.
Pink knotweed is native to Asia, yet is has now become naturalized in several countries, including South Africa.
Jasmin azoricum is lemon-scented and is the epitome of the arrival of Spring in our garden. It is native to the Portuguese island of Madeira.
Tillandsia aeranthos is an air plant that has a striking set of leaves that grow upward in an almost cone like fashion. This variety will bloom in wonderful fashion, showcasing flowers that are both purple and pink.
This particular plat lives in a knot-hole in the Common Ash tree that is the centerpiece of our garden.
The Inca Lily is originally form South America and specifically the Andes Mountains. A stunning addition to any South African garden.
Felis silvestris catus is not a plant, but seeing that our boy spends so much time in the garden, we think that he identifies as one.
Bulbine frutescens: Snake Flower A succulent perennial that has many therapeutic uses.
It can be used to treat diverse ailments such as acne, burns, cold sores, cracked lips insect bites. Also useful for treating wounds, sores and rashes on animals.
A Wildebeest skull covered in Spekboom.
Directly translated from the Afrikaans, Spekboom means Bacon Tree. Hence, as far as I am concerned, bacon is a fruit and has nothing to do with a pig.
An easy plant to grow in an urban garden, this succulent needs very little to make in the way of maintenance.
In return, by sucking a leaf it can quench thirst, treat exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke. Use crushed leaves to provide relief for blisters.
Chewing the leaves can treat a sore throat and mouth infections.
Juiced leaves can be used as an antiseptic to soothe skin ailments such as pimples, rashes, insect stings and sunburn.
Pincushion: This flower is one of the best plants you can grow if you want to attract butterflies to your garden.
Imp: noun (obsolete) A young shoot of a plant, tree etc.
Elf noun (Norse mythology) A luminous spirit presiding over nature and fertility and dwelling in the world of Álfheim (Elfland). Compare angel, nymph, fairy.
Imp: noun A young or inferior devil; a malevolent supernatural creature, similar to a demon but smaller and less powerful.
So no fairies, but there are imps/elves at the bottom of our garden.
Rope from the Indian Ocean that I schlepped along a beach in the pouring rain and then brought home in the boot of our car.
Something different in a Highveld garden.
Syringa…which, like the Jacaranda, makes a mess of swimming pools and roads but is does smell wonderful.
Arum Lily, also known as the Calla Lily, is one of eight species native to southern Africa from South Africa north to Malawi.
The genus can be found on all continents except Antarctica.
Goodbye and thank for visiting. We hope to welcome you back again soon…
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