Spring time on the West Coast brings an array of wonderful wildflowers. It also means it’s time for the annual Darling Wildflower Show from 14 – 16 September 2018 at the Darling Golf Club. The indoor exhibition of indigenous flowers is fascinating and will spark an interest to get into the nature reserves to discover these many specimens in their natural environment. The show also has activities for the whole family and is not to be missed.
This Q&A article was first published on the SA-Venues blog: http://blog.sa-venues.com/provinces/western-cape/love-darling
Hi, I’m Paul Martin from Aloe Cottage in Darling.
Darling IS BEST KNOWN FOR its wonderfully diverse spring flowers, the Voorkamerfest Theatre and Arts Festival, Evita se Perron (the home of Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout), great wine farms, art galleries, country-style restaurants and bistros, the Duckitt orchid nursery, the friendly small-town atmosphere and relaxed country life.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Evita se Perron where you can pose as “the most famous white woman in South Africa” and take a humorous trip down South Africa’s memory lane at Boerassic Park.
THE BEST spring flower PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Tinie Versfeld Wildflower Reserve, Waylands Flower Reserve or at the orchid open days at Duckitt Nurseries on the first Saturday of the month from May to November.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS CAN BE TAKEN while sipping wine at some of the local wine farms like Ormonde, Cloof, Darling Cellars, Groote Post and Tukulu.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO cycle around the village and farmlands with my camera. The Nguni cattle at Oude Post Farm are particularly beautiful with their speckled hides and long horns.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO browse the amazing selection of books at Book League.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS any time of the year, BECAUSE summer offers trips to nearby Yzerfontein beach and long warm evenings around the braai. The Darling Music Experience classical festival takes place in February. Autumn is ideal for wine tasting while the vineyards turn to orange and gold. Winter brings misty morning walks, and cosy nights with good food and wine. Spring brings the annual Darling Wildflower Show, Voorkamerfest, Rocking the Daisies music festival and so much more …
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST The Marmalade Cat.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Bistro Seven, TRY THE Eisbein.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Café Mosaic, known by the locals as ‘The Stoep’.
MY FAVOURITE bargain hunting SPOT IS The Mantis Trading Store.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Kraalbosdam on a Friday night.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the Darling Country Market on the first Saturday morning of the month at the Nitrophoska Building.
Darling’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the local butchery, Darling Vleismark, perfect for stocking up before returning to the city. And don’t miss the cheap homemade jams at the till!
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS enjoy the local beer, Darling Brew, available at most restaurants in Darling.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY making your own wine at the annual Darling Cellars Crush Day.
MY FAVOURITE WALK IS with my dogs at the Renosterveld Reserve at the top of the hill, where you have panoramic views of the village and surrounding farmlands.
MY FAVOURITE gift and homeware SHOP IS is the beautiful warehouse at the back of The Marmalade Cat.
MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS from the kitchen window at Aloe Cottage, where the weaver birds put on a fantastic display building their nests and showing off their dexterity.
MY FAVOURITE MUSEUM IS Darling Museum. Discover how Darling got its name and don’t miss the little shop; Ouma’s Treasures.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS Koekemakranka Backpackers, FOR ITS creative and whacky interior, created by local artist and co-owner Omnia Grobler.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Lelieblom Farm Restaurant where the kids can see and touch farm animals. Enjoy a lazy weekend lunch where you dine with your hosts and enjoy true country hospitality.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS taking a leisurely drive around the countryside.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO go wine tasting, stock up my cellar with excellent local wines, then enjoy a celebratory meal at Hilda’s Kitchen at Groote Post.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the difference that one person, Pieter-Dirk Uys, has made to a community by putting Darling on the map and giving so much to support development projects in the area.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Aloe Cottage, of course!
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support The Darling Trust.
I ♥ Darling BECAUSE the people are friendly and welcoming, the village is authentic and not overly touristy, and it’s an hour from Cape Town… but a world away!
Aloe CottageAloe Cottage offers luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Darling, near to Cape Town, South Africa. We are pet-friendly! The holiday home has been beautifully decorated with top quality linen, furniture and artwork and enjoys possibly the best views in Darling — over rolling hills and farmlands to the distant mountains. Aloe Cottage is the perfect romantic getaway for couples as well as for weekends away with friends or family holidays.
Visit Aloe Cottage
View Rates or make a Booking
Chicory Cheese — +27 (0)72 852‑6644
Brig’s Barn — +27 (0)22 492‑2451
The Marmalade Cat — +27 (0)22 492‑2515
Bistro Seven — +27 (0)22 492‑3626
Café Mosaic — +27 (0)22 492‑2307
Kraalbosdam — +27 (0)22 492‑3803
Lelieblom Farmhouse — +27 (0)82 573‑7736
Click to download the full Flower Report – 29 Aug 2011 as a PDF file.
DARLING
www.darlingtourism.co.za or www.darlingwildflowers.co.za for more info.
LOCATION OF FLOWERS:
Darling Renosterveld Reserve (At top of village behind the Darling Primary School);
Darling Groenekloof Reserve (R315 alongside the SPCA premises)
Tienie Versfeld Reserve (R315 Darling – Yzerfontein)
– at all the above reserves visitors need to park their cars and walk in the veld
Duckitt Nurseries Wildflower Reserve – farm road through reserve (R307 Darling – Mamre – in front of Duckitt Nursery);
Waylands – farm road through reserve (R307 to Mamre)
TYPE OF FLOWERS:
All around Darling the flowers are coming along splendidly. The flowers that are most prominent are:-
Spiloxine canaliculata – Geel Poublom; Spiloxine serrata -Goue Sterritjie; Babiana nana -Sandveld bobbejantjie; Dorotheanthus bellideformis – bokbaai vygie (all the colour variations); Drosera cistiflora -snotrosie/sundew; Dimorphotheca pluvialis – reenblomitjie; Arcotis hirsute -Gousblom
Groenekloof: The Groenkloof Reserve is looking more and more spectacular but you must go in and walk around mainly on the road side of the reserve:
Oxalis; Romuleas; groot tulp (Moraea flaccida); the odd bloupypie (Gladiolus gracilus); clumps of orange gousblom (Arctotis); Gazania; Arums /varkblom (Zantedeschia) are well developed, as are Euphorbia and veldsuring (Rumex); yellow eendekos (Cotula), and of course the white ones, ganskos; viooltjies (Lachenalias); Spiloxene, Drosera, Lachenalia, Trachyandra, Moraea, Lapeirousia, Gladiolus, Wachendorfia, Indigofera, Muraltia, Tripterus, Felicia, Dimorpotheca,
Flowering bushes: Roemenaggie (Struthiola) bushes; Metalasia; poproos (Hermannia); bokmaellie (Microloma); platannadoring (Arctopus); lots of the geel klapperbrak (Tetragonia herbacea) and wit kinkelbos (Tetragonia nicgrescens); wilde knoffel (Tulbaghia Capensis); tabakbos (Senecio pubigerous);
Most of the above will be evident in the other reserves and fields and more will be visible in the upcoming days.
Tienie Versveld Reserve – as impressive as Groenkloof because it was also burnt. Super displays of Cotula and Blue flax especially at the top dam.
Renosterveld Reserve – worth visiting but it is rather impenetrable in places with many bushes. Many varieties can be seen along the paths but if visitors are prepared to go off the pathways they will see a greater variety in bloom.
Duckitt Nurseries reserve now also open:- Beautiful swathes of blueflax are most prominent but visitors should get out and walk to enjoy the finer species flowering between: poproos (Hermannia); sterretjies (Spiloxene); surings (oxalis); froetang (romulea); Lachenalie(viooltjies);Snotrosie(drosera); Dimorphotheca pluvialis – reenblommetjie, etc
Waylands now open. The reserve is dominated by the prolific early blue flax and the yellow coloured flowers. The contrast is very pretty. Here is a list of some of the species found: Late and early flax; Pyjama Bush; Various Bobbejaantjies; Lachenalia;Sterretjie –Poublom,Orange star and the small yellow star; Snotrosie; Chinese Lantern; Purple vygiebush; Bok Baai vygies; Yellow Gousblom; Agt dae Genees bos; Gheizhorrheiza: Small yellow and small blue ones; Felicia; Cineraria; Small yellow nemesia; Yellow ixia.
A birdwatcher from Finland was most chuffed to have seen his first Clapper Lark.
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Plenty
Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: Burgherspost Wine Estate Nature Reserve
Wildflower game drives at Burgherspost Nature Reserve.
Please book in advance – Contact Jacques vd Merwe Conservation Manager
Tel: 022 492 2830 Fax: 086 653 7479 Cell: 084 606 3470
e-mail: nature@cloof.co.za www.burgherspost.co.za www.cloof.co.za
TYPE OF FLOWERS: Cape rain daisies (Dimorphoteca pluvialis); Bloupypies (Gladiolus carinatus, G. gracilis) ; Geelpypies (Gladiolus trichonemifolius); Rooipypies (Gladiolus watsonius); Uintjies (Morea tripetala, Morea speciosa); Tulpe (Morea minuata, Morea flaccida); Sporries (Heliophylla africana) ; Bobbejaantjies (Babiana ambigua); Leipoldt-se-bobbejaantjie (Babiana leipoldtii); Pajamabush (Lobostemon fruticosa) ; Skilpadbessiebos (Muraltia spinosa) Rotstert (Babiana rigens)
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Plenty
(Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee)
LOCATION OF FLOWERS:
Roadsides along the R315 (Darling –Yzerfontein road) and along the West Coast Road R27
Roadsides along the R307 (Atlantis – Darling)
TYPE OF FLOWERS:
white rain daisies (dimorphoteca pluvialis); orange arctotis
Lewertjies (indigofera); bloupypies
Oxalis – all different types and colours; yellow vygies
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Patches
Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
FLOWER SHOWS:
Name: Darling Wildflower Show
Date & Time: 16 – 18 September 2011
9am – 5 pm daily
Venue: Darling Sports Club
Admission: Adults R25 scholars R15 / Special discount for pensioners R15 ONLY on Friday (The entrance fee includes entry to the landscaped hall as well as a free ride on a tractor drawn wagon to see the Oude Post
Contact: Enquiries Con Meyer cell 084 916 111
Stalls: Ingrid Wilson 083 655 4237
Name: Duckitt Nurseries Orchid Show
Date & Time: 15 – 18 September 2011
9am – 5pmdaily
Venue: Oudepost Farm Darling
Admission: Adults R25 scholars R15 / Special discount for pensioners R15 ONLY on Thursday and Friday
Contact: 022 492 2606 info@duckittnurseries.com
Biedouw
West Coast Flowerline – 071 320 7146
MATZIKAMA AREA
HARDEVELD
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: On the N7 from Nuwerus towards Bitterfontein.
On the road to Kliprand east of Bitterfontein flowers can also be seen and is approximately 80km from Bitterfontein.Beware it’s a gravel road and one should drive slow.
Route towards Rietpoort towards the towns of Stofkraal & Molsvlei.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: Gousblomme, Perdebosse & Vygies.
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Fields
Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
VANRHYNSDORP
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: R27 west to Vredendal & east to Nieuwoudtville.
On Zandkraal farm (Maskam Guestfarm) various routes to see flowers aswell.
Urionskraal road, Gifberg road and Kobee road. One can also do a cirular route – Mouerskop.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: Karoo Daisy/Poublommetjies (Osteospermum); Purple Vygies; Beetle Daisy (Gorteria), Yellow and Purple Hongerblom (Senecio) Skaapbos (Tripteris) Perdeblom& Perdebos(Didelta) Fields of Froetangs, Sporries,Bobbejaantjies,Weeskinders.
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Fields
Please note that this is someone’s
perception, and not a guarantee.
FLOWER SHOWS:
Name: Succulent Show
Date & Time: August and September 2011 Every Day 08:00 – 17:00
Venue: VANRHYNSDORP
Admission: R10.00 PP
Contact detail: 0272191062
VREDENDAL & KLAWER towards LUTZVILLE , STRANDFONTEIN & DORINGBAAI
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: From Klawer along the R362 & the R363 towards Vredendal.
Along the R363 from Vredendal towards Lutzville. Along the R362 towards Strandfontein & Doringbaai.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: Purple & white vygies , yellow perdebosse, namaqua daisies (white & orange) & gazania’s.
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Fields
Please note that this is someone’s (Fields here and there with patches all over)
perception, and not a guarantee.
CEDERBERG AREA
CLANWILLIAM
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: IN TOWN: around Reenblomstreet and Ou Kaapse weg,VredeOordCemetery,RamskopNatureGarden.
OUT OF TOWN: Biedouw Valley, R364 from Clanwilliam towards Nieuwoudtville over the Pakhuis Pass and the Botterkloof Pass, N7 between Clanwilliam and Citrusdal, Ou Klawer pad from Clanwilliam towards Klawer, Nadouwsberg, Boskloof.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: AtRamskopNatureGarden you can find more than 350 diffirent species flowering at the moment. Other areas mentioned above have the following flowers: Elandsvy, Kapokbos, Jakkalsblom, Wit Soe, Jakkalsbos, Clanwilliam madeliefie, gousblom, Haarbos, Perdebos, ridderspoor, pietsnot, skildpadbessie, Muraltia Heistra, Hongerblom, sambreetljie, kalkoentjies, sporrie, bokbaaivygie, vygiebos, kappieblommetjie, osteospermum pinnatum, dassiegousblom, berggousblom, botterblom,
Doornrivier
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Fields / Plenty
Please note that this is someone’s
perception, and not a guarantee.
FLOWER SHOWS:
Name: ClanwilliamWild Flower Show
Date & Time: 25 to31 August 2011
Venue: Old Dutch ReformedChurch (Blomkerk), Clanwilliam
Admission: R30 for adults, R25 for pensioners, R5 for children
Contact detail: cederberg@lando.co.za – 027 482 2024 – www.clanwilliamwildflowershow.co.za
For photos and feedback, also visit the following blog: http://citysearchblog.yellowpages.co.za/citysearchblog/post/459092#more-459092
citrusdal
location of flowers: in town :Citrusdal turn off from the N7 to town,
OUT OF TOWN: The Baths turn off;Muller Street turn right,drive straight to Boontjiesrivier towards Boschkloof; Voortrekker Street(ou pad)from Citrusdal towards Clanwilliam, N7 between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam; Beginning of the Cederberg, Algeria turn off towards Cederberg Cottage.
TIPE OF FLOWERS: Katstert(vuurpylfamilie), Proteas/suikerbos, Vygiebosse, Skijlpadbessie(laaste blommetjies), klokkiebos, Heide(Erica glabra), Bokhorinkies/kannetjies, Katstert(aarbossiefamilie), Barroe(lobeliafamilie), Filecia(bloublommetjies), Donkiebos, Kapokbos, Clanwilliamharpuis, Reënblom/Cape rain daisy, Bergmagriet(plenty), Ridderspore, Clanwilliam daisy
LAMBERTSBAY
LOCATION OF FLOWERS On the R364 from Lambert’s Bay towards Clanwilliam.
Erven in town. Golf Club. Suurfontein.
TYPE OF FLOWERS Vygies (Lampranthus sp), white daisies (Arctotis merxmuelleri). Pietsnot (Grielum humifusum) Sorrel (Oxalis sp).
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Patches
Please note that this is someone’s
perception, and not a guarantee.
BERGRIVIER AREA
PIKETBERG
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: On the R399, all along the road from Piketberg to Velddrif.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: A variety of Ramnas, Gousblom, Namakwa Daisies, Geel siering and Hongerblom (Senecio).
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Patches
Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: Along the N7, from Koringberg towards Piketberg.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: A variety of Namakwa daisies, geel siering and hongerblom ( Senecio).
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Plenty / Patches / Few
Please note that this is someone’s
perception, and not a guarantee.
VELDDRIF
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: Vygielaan and Bergrivier Golfcourse, open piece between Jakaranda street and Tecoma avenue, open plots in town, tar road to Dwarskersbos. Tarred road (R399) between Velddrif and Piketberg.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: White, yellow, orange Gousblomme. Botterblommetjies. Geelbobbejaantjies, yellow surings, Astertjies, white reënblommetjies/rain flowers, red katsterte (on the road to Dewarskersbos)
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Patches
Please note that this is someone’s
perception, and not a guarantee.
SALDANHA AREA
HOPEFIELD
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: In town on vacant plots (Mainly Sand and Oakroad)
Next to library whole field covered
On road to Langebaanweg (R45)
1st 25km from Hopefield to Velddrift on the
roadside(R234)
Drive slowly along road.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: White & Orange Gousblomme (Daisies) Patches, Arumlilies (along river), Skilpadbessiebos (New name Muraltia Spinosa), Protea (Sugarbush) Few, Bloupypies (In roadbushes) Few, Drumsticks (Mauve Verbenas) Patches, Duinebessiebos (New name Muraltia Scoparia), Sewedae Geneesbossie) Patches (Groen bos met blou blommetjies), Bruin Salvia (Bruin Saliebos) Patches, Geel Hongerblom, Bitoubos, Restios, Pers Cineraria, Bokbaaivygies, Volstruisdoring, Pers Vygiebosse
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Patches / Few
Please note that this is someone’s
perception, and not a guarantee.
FLOWER SHOWS:
Name: Hopefield Fynbosskou
Date & Time: 25-28 Augustus 2011
Venue: Hopefield Sportklub
Admission: Gratis by hek. Betaal slegs om blommesaal te besigtig.
R15 Volwassenes, R12 Seniors, R5 Kinders
Contact detail: Fiona Kotze 0227830856 (Leave message on answering
machine if necessary)/ 0832862457
Lizelle Strydom 0227231720 / 0731876764
JACOBSBAAI
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: +3km from the main road.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: Bietou/Chrysanthesmoides,Geel Melkbos/E Maritanica,Ossierapus/O Cylindrica, Soetkopdikblaar/S sarcoides,Rotsvygie/C rostrata.
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Plenty
Flowershop open from 11H00 – 15H30
Contact Detail: Koos & Elise Claasen: 022 715 3116
LANGEBAAN
Location of Flowers :Langebaan Gate to Seeberg Hide
Type of Flowers :Orange gousblom, Yellow Suring, Skilpad Tebossie(Yellow),
Sukkelbossie(Whtie Flower),Bobbejaankool(Yellow Flower),
Spinnekopblom Stems, Hongerblom(Yellow & Pink).
Location of Flowers :Road Langebaan Gate to Geelbek:
Type of Flowers : Kaopkbossie(White Flower),Bobbejaankool (Yellow flower)
Strand Sallie(Brown Flower),Harpuisbos/Euryops(Yellow
Flower),Restio/Riet(Brown Flower),Blombos(White Flower),
Geelmelkbos(Yellow Rossete).
Location of Flowers :Geelbek
Type of Flowers : Pink Hongerblom,Restio/Riet(Brown Flower).
Location of Flowers :Road to Geelbek to Kraalbaai
Type of Flowers :Bietou(Yellow Flower),Blombos(White Flower),
Geelmelkbos(Yellow Rossete),Strand Salie(Brown Flower),
Rooi Naeltjie,Truitjie(Red Flower).
Location of Flowers : Kraalbaai to Tjaarbank
Type of Flowers : All the above shrubs.Helder Kuip Vygie(Yellow Flower)
Vygiebos(Bright Purple),Ice Plant,Suring/Sorrel(Yellow &Pink)
Location of Flowers :Postberg Gate Left to Plankiesbaai
Type of Flowers :Suring/Sorrel(Yelllow&Pink),Reenblommetjies,
Eendekos(Yellow button flower),Vygiebos(Bright Purple)
Pronk Tulp/Tulip(Pink),Petsnot(Yellow Flower).
Location of Flowers :Road between Langebaan & Saldanha
Type of Flowers : Reenblommetjies (White)
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Plenty / Patches
PATERNOSTER AREA
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: On smallholding Pelgrimsrust just before Patrnoster.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: Trachyandra falcate (Namakwa Kool)
Trachynadra ciliate (hotnots Kool/Wildeblomkool)
Ornithogalum cooperi (Geldbeursie)
Danbeya zeyheri (Bobbjaanhoek)
Romulea elliptica (Vredenburg Froetang)
Lapeirousia jacquinii (blou Koringblom)
Carpobrotus quadrifidus (Elandsvy)
Carpobrotus edulis (Suurvy)
Othonnacoronopifolia (sand Bobbejaankool)
Arctotheca calendula (Seepampoen)
Arctotis hirsuta (Gousblom)
Dimorphoteca pluvialis (Reenblommetjie)
Arctopus echiniatus (Platdoring)
Ballota Africana (Kattekruie)
Oxalis luteola (geel Suring)
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Patches
Please note that this is someone’s
perception, and not a guarantee.
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: On the road between Paternoster and St Helena Bay. Beware it’s a gravel road and one should drive slow.
TYPE OF FLOWERS: GLachenalia unicolor (pers Vioolltjie),Zantedeschia aethiopica (Varkblom), Carpobrotus quadrifidus (Elandsvy)
Carpobrotus edulis (Suurvy),Ruschia tecta (regop Vygie)
Cotula turbinate (Ganskos),Arctotis hirsuta (Gousblom),Arctotis stoechadefolia (kus Gousblom)
Oncosiphen suffruticosum (Stinkkruid)
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: CapeColumbine Nature Reserve otherwise known as Tietiesbaai
TYPE OF FLOWERS : Albuca flaccida – slang Tamarak,Albuca juncifolia – klein Tamarak,Arctotheca calendula – Cape weed,Ballota africana – Kattekruid,Carpobrutus acinaciformis – Elandsvy ,Chrysanthemoides monilifera – Bietou,Cotula coronopifolia – Eendekos,Cynanchum africanum – Bobbejaantou,Cysticapnos vesicarius – Klappertjie,Didelta carnosa – see Gousblom,Dimorphotheca pluvialis – Reenblommetjie,Dorotheanthus bellidiformis – Bokbaai Vygie,
Euphorbia arceuthobioides – klein Steenbokbos,Ferraria crispa – Spinnekopblom,Grielum humifusum – Pietsnot,Gymnoidiscus capillaris – Geelkruid,Hemimeris sabulosa – sand Geelgesiggie,Hermannie anifolia – bos Poproos ,Indigofera complicata – silver Lewertjie,Lampranthus vredenburgensis – Vredenburg kruip Vygie,Various other typs Mesembryanthemaceae,Limeum africanum – Koggelmandervoet,Microloma sagittatum – Bokmaellie,Nemesia versicolor – bont Leeubekkie / Weeskindertjies,Oxalis pes-caprea – Suring / Sorrel,Pelargonium fuldigum – rooi Malva,Salvia africana-lutea – strand Salie,Senecio aloides – groot Dikblaar,Senecio sarcoides – soet Dikblaar,Sutherlandia frutescens – Kankerbos,Tetragonia namaquensis – Namaqua Kinkelbossie,Thesium spinosum – steek Groenbasbossie,Trachyandra ciliata – Wildeblomkoo,Trachyandra falcata – Namakwa Kool,Zygophyllum spinosum – Spekbos.
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Patches
Please note that this is someone’s
perception, and not a guarantee.
SALDANHA
LOCATION OF FLOWERS:
SAS Nature Reserve : Moreson and Baviaansberg.
(Gravel road to the Reserve): Behind the Farm House
TYPE OF FLOWERS : White Daisies
Yellow Vygies
HOW MANY FLOWERS : Plenty
ST HELENABAY
TYPE OF FLOWERS HOW MANY FLOWERS LOCATION
Oxalis pes-caprae Surings Patches Throughout town
Arctosis hirsute Gousblom Patches Around Da Gama Monument
Hermannia alnifolia bos Poproos Patches Around Da Gama Monument
Senecia maritimus strand Hongerboom Plenty Along entire coastline
Dimorphotheca pluvialis Reënblommetjie Plenty Throughout town
Mesembryanthemum guerichianum Lizard plant Patches Coastline through town
Pelargonium capitatum kus Malva Patches Britannica Heights
Berkheya rigida Disseldoring, Krammedik Patches Britannica Heights
Bulbina annua geel Kwassie, Kopieva Patches Britannica Heights
Eriocephalus africanus Kapokbossie Patches Britannica Heights
Heliochrysum revolutum strand Sewejaartjie Patches Britannica heights
Lessertia frutescens Kankerbos Patches Britannica Heights
Salvia Africana-coerulea bloublom Salie Patches Britannica Heights
Trachyandra muricata rolbos Kool Few Britannica Heights
FLOWER SHOWS:
Name: Flower Power Arts & Crafts & Food Market
Date: Saturday 27 August 2011
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Venue: Shelley Point Hotel, St Helena Bay
Admission: Free
Contact detail: Karin Board 082 215 8423 / Margie Burgoyne 072 029 9084
SWARTLAND AREA
DARLING
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: Darling Renosterveld Reserve (At top of village behind theDarlingPrimary School);
Darling Groenekloof Reserve (R315 alongside the SPCA premises)
Tienie Versfeld Reserve (R315 Darling – Yzerfontein)
TYPE OF FLOWERS: Groenekloof: is now really worth a visit – after the fire last year the flowers are so much more visible and in profusion. It is still a little early for most of the bulbous varieties but numerous buds are now evident.
Oxalis; Romuleas; groot tulp (Moraea flaccida); the odd bloupypie (Gladiolus gracilus); clumps of orange gousblom (Arctotis); Gazania; Arums /varkblom (Zantedeschia) are well developed, as are Euphorbia and veldsuring (Rumex); yellow eendekos (Cotula), and of course the white ones, ganskos; viooltjies (Lachenalias); Spiloxene, Drosera, Lachenalia, Trachyandra, Moraea, Lapeirousia, Gladiolus, Wachendorfia, Indigofera, Muraltia, Tripterus, Felicia, Dimorpotheca,
Flowering bushes: Roemenaggie (Struthiola) bushes; Metalasia; poproos (Hermannia); bokmaellie (Microloma); platannadoring (Arctopus); lots of the geel klapperbrak (Tetragonia herbacea) and wit kinkelbos (Tetragonia nicgrescens); wilde knoffel (Tulbaghia Capensis); tabakbos (Senecio pubigerous);
Most of the above will be evident in the other reserves and fields and more will be visible in the upcoming days.
Tienie Versveld Reserve – as impressive as Groenkloof because it was also burnt.
Renosterveld Reserve – worth visiting but it is rather impenetrable in places with many bushes. Many varieties can be seen along the paths but if visitors are prepared to go off the pathways they will see a greater variety in bloom.
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Patches
Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
LOCATION OF FLOWERS: Burgherspost Wine Estate Nature Reserve
Wildflower game drives at Burgherspost Nature Reserve.
Please book in advance – Contact Jacques vd Merwe Conservation Manager
Tel: 022 492 2830 Fax: 086 653 7479 Cell: 084 606 3470
e-mail: nature@cloof.co.za www.burgherspost.co.za www.cloof.co.za
TYPE OF FLOWERS: Cape rain daisies (Dimorphoteca pluvialis); Bloupypies (Gladiolus carinatus, G. gracilis) ; Geelpypies (Gladiolus trichonemifolius); Rooipypies (Gladiolus watsonius); Uintjies (Morea tripetala, Morea speciosa); Tulpe (Morea minuata, Morea flaccida); Sporries (Heliophylla africana) ; Bobbejaantjies (Babiana ambigua); Leipoldt-se-bobbejaantjie (Babiana leipoldtii); Pajamabush (Lobostemon fruticosa) ; Skilpadbessiebos (Muraltia spinosa) Rotstert (Babiana rigens)
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Plenty
(Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee)
LOCATION OF FLOWERS:
Roadsides along the R315 (Darling –Yzerfontein road) and along the West Coast RoadR27
Roadsides along the R307 (Atlantis – Darling)
TYPE OF FLOWERS: white rain daisies (dimorphoteca pluvialis); orange arctotis
Lewertjies (indigofera); bloupypies
Oxalis – all different types and colours; yellow vygies
HOW MANY FLOWERS: Patches
Please note that this is someone’s perception, and not a guarantee.
FLOWER SHOWS:
Name: Darling Wildflower Show
Date & Time: 16 – 18 September 2011
9am – 5 pm daily
Venue: Darling Sports Club
Admission: Adults R25 scholars R15 / Special discount for pensioners R15 ONLY on Friday
(The entrance fee includes entry to the landscaped hall as well as a free ride on a tractor drawn wagon to see the Oude Post wetland )
Contact detail: Enquiries Con Meyer cell 084 916 111
Stalls: Ingrid Wilson 083 655 4237
Name: Duckitt Nurseries Orchid Show
Date & Time: 15 – 18 September 2011
9am – 5pmdaily
Venue: Oudepost Farm Darling
Admission: Adults R25 scholars R15 / Special discount for pensioners R15 ONLY on Thursday and Friday Contact detail: 022 492 2606 info@duckittnurseries.com
For updated weather reports, you may visit the following websites:
Monthly throughout 2011
Duckitt Nurseries Open Day
Date: First Saturday of every month May to November
Venue: Duckitt Ochid Nursery, Oudepost Farm,R315 Darling
Tel: +27 22 492 2606
E_mail info@duckittnurseries.co.za
Website : www.duckittnurseries.co.za
Darling Country Market
Date: Last Saturday of each month
Time: 9h00 until 12h30
Venue: Nitrophoska Building, Main Road, Darling
Tel: 082 927 6225
February 2011
Darling Music Experience – Concerts in the Country
Date: 25 – 27 February
Venue: Various in Darling
Tel +27 22 492 3996
Darling Cellars Crush day
Date: 26 Feb
Venue: Darling Cellars R315 Darling-Malmesbury
Tel: 022 492 2276
Ride the Wind with the CA2C – Cycle Race
Date: 26 Feb 2011
Venue: From Clara Anna Fontein in Durbanville to Darling
March 2011
Adenco 400 (Absa Off Road Championship)
Date: 11 – 12 March
Venue: Darling Club, Darling
Tel: 082 8077 797 (Bill Bright)
April 2011
Darling Passion Play
Date: Good Friday 22 April
Time: 16:30 for 17:00
Venue: The Vlei – opposite Evita se Perron, Darling
Tel : 074 369 8212 (Sarie Vlotman)
Admission is free (although donations are always appreciated)
May 2011
The Wonderful Wines of Darling at Trinity Lodge
Date: Every Saturday night in May
Venue: Trinity Lodge
Tel 022 492 3430/083 325 4148 (Shaun Mc Laughlin)
Darling Museum Crafters Day
Date: Sat 21 May
Time: 10h00 until 14h00
Venue: Darling Museum
Tel +27 22 492 3361
Darling Half Marathon
Date: Sat 21 May
Venue: Darling Primary , Kalkoentjie Street Darling
Tel: Mary Ashford 082 684 5575
July 2011
Xmas in July
Date: Weekends throughout July
Evita se Perron
Tel: Bookings (022) 492 3930
August 2011
Wildflower Game Drives
Date: mid-Aug to mid-Oct
Venue: Burgherspost Wine Estate
Tel: +27 22 492 2830 / 084 606 3470
e-mail: nature@cloof.co.za
www.burgherspost.co.za http://www.cloof.co.za
September 2011
Wildflower Game Drives
Date: mid-Aug to mid-Oct
Venue: Burgherspost Wine Estate
Tel: +27 22 492 2830 / 084 606 3470
e-mail: nature@cloof.co.za
www.burgherspost.co.za http://www.cloof.co.za
Darling Voorkamerfest
Date: 02 – 04 Sept
Venue: Evita se Perron
Tel : Tasha Reid 082 321 7542
www.voorkamerfest-darling.co.za
Duckitt Nurseries Orchid Show
Date: Thurs 15 -Sun 18 Sept
Venue Oudepost Farm, R315 Darling
Tel: (022) 492-2606
Darling Wildflower Show
Date: Fri 16 Sept to Sun 18 Sept
Venue: Darling Club, Jacaranda Street Darling
Tel: (022) 492-3361
http://www.darlingwildflowers.co.za
Wildflower Game Drives
Date: mid-Aug to mid-Oct
Venue: Burgherspost Wine Estate
Tel: +27 22 492 2830 / 084 606 3470
e-mail: nature@cloof.co.za
www.burgherspost.co.za http://www.cloof.co.za
Renosterveld MTB Cycle Race – Ride the Rhino
Date: 30 September to 2 October 2011
Venue: Three day, stage race starting in Langebaan, Darling, Malmesbury ending in Durbanville.
E-mail info@renosterveldmtb.co.za
October 2011
Rocking the Daisies music festival
Date: 7,8,9 October
Venue: Cloof Wine Estate, Darling
Darling Gymkhana
Date:
Venue Darling Club, Darling
Tel: 022 492 3013
Wildflower Game Drives
Date: mid-Aug to mid-Oct
Venue: Burgherspost Wine Estate
Tel: +27 22 492 2830 / 084 606 3470
e-mail: nature@cloof.co.za
www.burgherspost.co.za http://www.cloof.co.za
November 2011
The Wonderful Wines of Darling at Trinity Lodge
Date: Every Saturday night in November
Venue: Trinity Lodge
Tel 022 492 3430/083 325 4148 (Shaun Mc Laughlin)
December 2011
Evita se Perron Christmas Season
Date : Throughout Dec
Venue : Evita se Perron, Arcadia Street Darling
Tel: 022 492 3930
E-mail: bookings@evita.co.za
LOCATION OF FLOWERS:
Beautiful flowers are now out in full bloom in all reserves around Darling as well as on roadsides. It seems that with this year’s peculiar weather it is going to be an exceptional year for the wonderfully scented Blue Pypie, Bobbejaantjies, Kelkiewyn Moraeas, Romeleas and many others. The yellow and white daisies are also out in abundance
Darling Renosterveld Reserve (At top of village behind the Darling Primary School);
Darling Groenekloof Reserve (R315 alongside the SPCA premises) Park at the SPCA and enter through the small gate in the corner;
Tienie Versfeld Reserve (R315 Darling – Yzerfontein);
Contreberg (along R307 to Mamre)
– at all the above reserves visitors need to park their cars and walk in the veld
Duckitt Nurseries Wildflower Reserve – farm road through reserve (R307 Darling – Mamre – in front of Duckitt Nursery); No buses
Waylands – farm road through reserve (R307 to Mamre)
Visitors must please take care not to drive off the road in the Waylands and Duckitt Nurseries reserves as the veld is very wet and they may get stuck. No buses.
The Darling Hills road past Groote Post wine estate is looking beautiful at the moment so well worth a drive along there (gravel road but in good condition)
Wildflower game drives at Burgherspost Nature Reserve.
Leaving 9.30 every morning except Sundays and depending on the weather @ R150 pp (min. 2 people) from Cloof Cellar.
Please book two days in advance – Contact Jacques vd Merwe Conservation Manager Tel: 022 492 2830 Fax: 086 653 7479 Cell: 084 606 3470
e-mail: nature@cloof.co.za www.burgherspost.co.za www.cloof.co.za
TYPE OF FLOWERS:
Waylands Wild Flower reserve is looking really beautiful. There are lots of the White Stars and Sundews out. We saw a lot of the yellow Ixia and the little yellow Geissorhiza, as well as the very pretty Babejana that look like a Kelkiewyn. We even saw some Kelkiewyn, which is very early for them. All in all it looks as if the flowers are already out for Spring Day! The chincerinchees are out, but not yet in flower. Hopefully they will be opening by the weekend. The late Flax has started flowering, and together with the early Flax which is still out, give the veld a very pretty blue haze. This weather seems to suit the daisies very well, as they are looking particularly colourful this year.
Tienie Versfeld
Awash with white and yellow daisies as well as a large variety of bulb species.
Darling Renosterveld Reserve
Spiloxene (poublom), muggiegras (acrosanthes); sneeuvygie (pharnaceum) bokbaaivygies, yellow spiloxene; purple romulea; orange romulea; pink ixias just starting, bloukappie (sparaxis) butterfly lily (wachendorfia) will be out soon; lewertjie (indigofera); lachenalias also starting, moraeas, a few bloupypies, bontrokaandblom (hesperantha); hermannia (poproos); sandgeelgesiggie (hemimeris) Reserve is bushy and visitors must walk off the path to see best flowers – walk to right in front of reservoirs
Darling Groenekloof Reserve:
Hermannia (lanterns-Poproos), Arctotis (daisies), Drossera (Snotroesie), Chlorophytum, Moraeari tripetala (blue), Homeria flaccida (Moreaea), Indigofera (Lewertjie), Dimorphotheca pluvialis (rain daisies) , Muraltia, Arums, Lachenia, Oxalis, yellow Spiloxene – all looking good – people must walk through and around the reserve to see.
Duckitt Nurseries Reserve:
Masses of blue flax (Heliophila); white raindaisies (dimorphotheca pluvialis); yellow cape daisies; bloupypies (gladiolus gracilus); hermannia (poproos); bobbejaantjie (babiana); gifkool (chlorophytum undulatum) and in the dam rhysblommetjie (onixotis atricta)
Burgherspost Wine Estate & Cloof Wine Estate:
Sandveld
Bloupypies (Gladiolus carinatus) – widely distributed, one-one
Cape rain daisies (Dimorphoteca pluvialis) – starting to come out now
Botterblomme (Arctotis breviscapa) – here and there, not abundant
Babiana ambigua – a beautiful little bulb starting to flower now – never abundant, but nice to see.
Gymnodiscus capularis – weedy – loads on the old fields – tiny yellow flower
Ganskos – Cotula turbinatata – also a weedy – loads along the sides of the roads and on old fields
Sugarbush (Protea repens & Protea burchelli) – almost at the end of its season.
Wetlands
Geel pypies (Gladiolus trichonemifolius) – dense patch in the wetlands – smells really nice
Leipoldt-se-bobbejaantjie (Babiana leipoldtii) – Critically endangered – quite a few – one-one
Sterretjies (Spiloxene spp.) – patches here and there.
Bleek Viooltjies (Lachenalia mutabilis) – nice little bulb flowering in patches here and there.
Leucodendron lanigerum – flowers throughout the year, but looks at its best now – not a colorful shrub, but very rare and has some interesting value.
FLOWER SHOWS:
Name: Darling Wildflower Show
Date & Time: 17 – 19 September 2010
9am – 5 pm daily
Venue: Darling Sports Club
Admission: Adults R25 scholars R15 / Special discount for pensioners R15 ONLY on Friday
Contact detail: Enquiries 022 492 3361 info@darlingtourism.co.za
Stalls: 083 655 4237
Name: Duckitt Nurseries Orchid Show
Date & Time: 16 – 19 September 2010
Venue: Oudepost Farm
Admission: Adults R25 scholars R15 / Special discount for pensioners R15 ONLY on Thursday and Friday
Contact detail: 022 492 2606 info@duckittnurseries.com
LOCATION OF FLOWERS:
Best reserves in the Darling area at the moment for shows of flowers are the Tienie Versfeld reserve which is awash with white and yellow daisies and the Duckitt Nurseries reserve which is covered in blue flax.
Darling Renosterveld Reserve (At top of village behind the Darling Primary School);
Darling Groenekloof Reserve (R315 alongside the SPCA premises) Park at the SPCA and enter through the small gate in the corner;
Tienie Versfeld Reserve (R315 Darling – Yzerfontein);
Contreberg (along R307 to Mamre)
– at all the above reserves visitors need to park their cars and walk in the veld
Duckitt Nurseries Wildflower Reserve – farm road through reserve (R307 Darling – Mamre – in front of Duckitt Nursery); No buses
@ Cloof and Burgherspost Wine Estates
Wildflower game drives probably next week depending on how the flowers look. At the moment it’s still early, just here and there – nice for botanists interested in the little obscure flowers and rare and endangered things, not fields covered in daisies.
Minimum of three people @ R100 per person – the drive takes about two hours.
Contact Jacques vd Merwe Conservation Manager
Tel: 022 492 2830 Fax: 086 653 7479 Cell: 084 606 3470
e-mail: nature@cloof.co.za www.burgherspost.co.za www.cloof.co.za
TYPE OF FLOWERS:
Tienie Versfeld
Awash with white and yellow daisies
Darling Renosterveld Reserve
Spiloxene (poublom), muggiegras (acrosanthes); sneeuvygie (pharnaceum) bokbaaivygies, yellow spiloxene; purple romulea; orange romulea; pink ixias just starting, bloukappie (sparaxis) butterfly lily (wachendorfia) will be out soon; lewertjie (indigofera); lachenalias also starting, moraeas, a few bloupypies, bontrokaandblom (hesperantha); hermannia (poproos); sandgeelgesiggie (hemimeris) Reserve is bushy and visitors must walk off the path to see best flowers – walk to right in front of reservoirs
Darling Groenekloof Reserve:
Hermannia (lanterns-Poproos), Arctotis (daisies), Drossera (Snotroesie), Chlorophytum, Moraeari tripetala (blue), Homeria flaccida (Moreaea), Indigofera (Lewertjie), Dimorphotheca pluvialis (rain daisies) , Muraltia, Arums, Lachenia, Oxalis, yellow Spiloxene – all looking good – people must walk through and around the reserve to see.
Duckitt Nurseries Reserve:
Masses of blue flax (Heliophila); white raindaisies (dimorphotheca pluvialis); yellow cape daisies; bloupypies (gladiolus gracilus); hermannia (poproos); bobbejaantjie (babiana); gifkool (chlorophytum undulatum) and in the dam rhysblommetjie (onixotis atricta)
Burgherspost Wine Estate & Cloof Wine Estate:
Sandveld
Bloupypies (Gladiolus carinatus) – widely distributed, one-one
Cape rain daisies (Dimorphoteca pluvialis) – starting to come out now
Botterblomme (Arctotis breviscapa) – here and there, not abundant
Babiana ambigua – a beautiful little bulb starting to flower now – never abundant, but nice to see.
Gymnodiscus capularis – weedy – loads on the old fields – tiny yellow flower
Ganskos – Cotula turbinatata – also a weedy – loads along the sides of the roads and on old fields
Sugarbush (Protea repens & Protea burchelli) – almost at the end of its season.
Wetlands
Geel pypies (Gladiolus trichonemifolius) – dense patch in the wetlands – smells really nice
Leipoldt-se-bobbejaantjie (Babiana leipoldtii) – Critically endangered – quite a few – one-one
Sterretjies (Spiloxene spp.) – patches here and there.
Bleek Viooltjies (Lachenalia mutabilis) – nice little bulb flowering in patches here and there.
Leucodendron lanigerum – flowers throughout the year, but looks at its best now – not a colorful shrub, but very rare and has some interesting value.
FLOWER SHOWS:
Name: Darling Wildflower Show
Date & Time: 17 – 19 September 2010
9am – 5 pm daily
Venue: Darling Sports Club
Admission: Adults R25 scholars R15 / Special discount for pensioners R15 ONLY
on Friday
Contact detail: Enquiries 022 492 3361 info@darlingtourism.co.za
Stalls: 083 655 4237
Name: Duckitt Nurseries Orchid Show
Date & Time: 16 – 19 September 2010
Venue: Oudepost Farm
Admission: Adults R25 scholars R15 / Special discount for pensioners R15 ONLY
on Thursday and Friday
Contact detail: 022 492 2606 info@duckittnurseries.com
