Spring and Autumn in a Cape Winter. Part Two

Freesia – after a winter rain storm, ready to bloom

A Western Cape Winter lasts about four months, and Summer eight, with a few perfect days of transition in between that pass for Autumn and Spring. Right through Winter there is much greenery, much blooming and dying off. It is Spring and Autumn all the time.

Rose Bud – Orson Welles

This rose bud was the last of the winter roses. Amazingly, my floribunda rose bush produced copious amounts of blooms all Summer and right through Winter. This bloom had just died last week, when it was time for me to prune the rose bush. Already vigorous new growth is sprouting like mad; looks like another bumper rose crop again this year.

Apple Tree

I only have one tree in my garden that is reminiscent of the Autumns I knew growing up in England; this apple tree. Very late into Winter, when it is nearly Spring, the apple tree turns its leaves golden. However, it hangs on to them for the longest time, letting a few fall here and there. Already it has new buds growing, ready to produce delicate apple blossom.

Of course, we are now heading into Spring proper, when everything grows at a frantic rate. But why do weeds always outpace flowers?