Garden enthusiasts enjoy talk on Namaqualand
Members of Johannesburg South Garden Club enjoyed a talk and slide show on guest speaker, Judd Kirkel Welwitch’s trip to the Namaqualand at their meeting on Tuesday October 27.
KLIPRIVIER NATURE RESERVE – “Probably the best time to visit this phenomenon which never ceases to amaze, is in August and September, although to see succulents, April is a good time to go,” said Judd.
The Namaqualand Flower Route is enjoyed by thousands every year and Judd explained how it’s not a good idea to get up too early and expect to see the best of the flowers. “Only begin to head out to see the flowers around 12:30 as many only flower from 14:00. Tourists are often disappointed to travel to Namaqualand only to see closed flowers and this will certainly be the case if you are up and about early or if it’s raining.”
Judd went on to describe some of the flowers he saw and how beautiful their colours are. “From the pinkest of pink to the brightest of oranges, white and yellow, you’ll be treated to a floral fantasy. Every year, because of different weather patterns, you’ll get to see a different selection of flowers. Pop in at the local tourist information bureau to find out where that year’s best flower displays are and you’ll need at least two to three days to take in the extent of the flowers, if the desert is experiencing a good year.
Included in the wild flower route are the Richtersveld National Park, Goegap Nature Reserve and Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve.
The members thoroughly enjoyed Judd’s talk and some said they are looking forward to a visit to Namaqualand next year.
For more information on Johannesburg South Garden Club and next meetings, or if you would like to become a member, please phone Maud Pickup 011 435 0852/ 082 854 9212.
