Durban’s Botanic Gardens was founded in 1849 on the banks of the Umgeni River and intended, like the Gardens in Cape Town, to grow food and medicinal plants for the developing community. Today the gardens enjoy a wide role in conservation, research, and education, and can be enjoyed on many different ways throughout the day. It is a wonderfully peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
The lake is surrounded by trees and luxuriant plants – and ducks, birds, geese, and herons.
The paths wind through the trees and the main walks are lined with indigenous palms.
There is a small orchid house but I think this was not the best time of year.
It was very hot indeed and the tea house produced yummy cream scones – and cheeky weaver birds!
The Cycad Collection has been built up since the start of the gardens and is apparently the rarest collection in the world. (I am going to post separately – they are amazing plants!)
And then there are the wonderful trees….
