Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Sign of Autumn!

While driving along the N3 highway from Johannesburg to Durban we saw fields and fields of pink, mauve and white flowers all along the route. I have always loved Cosmos, but they are extremely untidy and don’t work well in a manicured garden! We stopped off at a little tea-room where they had huge vases filled with them - they were so pretty!

Cosmos are a sure sign that autumn has arrived, and winter is on it’s way! They are also a reminder of the Anglo-Boer war. There is a well-known story about Cosmos and how the British soldiers relied heavily on oxen and horses. Especially in winter time, fodder was limited. To over-come this problem they imported hay from Argentina and mixed up in the hay were the Cosmos seeds which were then planted where-ever the British army and its animals went.
Aren’t they beautiful? As long as there are many of them! I didn’t notice a fragrance at all! I must remember to take notice of that next time.

8 comments:

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

I agree. Cosmos is breathtaking in the veld, but doesn't make for the best garden flowers. You needs a whole field full to get the full impact of its beauty.

We went up the Zuurberg this weekend and the heather just covered the mountains. Same idea, different flower.

Eleanor said...

Dear Janet, I was just about to do a blog on cosmos and there I found yours also with the interesting info about how they came to South Africa. Your photos are lovely. Yes, and there is a nip in the air in the early mornings although the afternoons are still pretty warm. I just love this time of the year in Gauteng!

Hayley said...

Love the Cosmos. Wow, diid not know the story behind them...thanks!

Jeanette said...

Serious, I didn't know that!! Fascinating.
I LOVE cosmos, I need to take a trip to Muldersdrift this weekend to take some photos of it I think

Avril said...

Oh .. very, very pretty! I LOVE them too! Pretty on the road verges and the vast fields once you get out of town! I tried picking them for the vase - very pretty the first day and then they have a 'weed' smell! Can be done but the water needs changing every day.
Such a pity it's a sign of autumn and pending winter !!!!

Pam said...

Beautful flowers and interesting history. Once again, you always teach me something new about your part of the world!

Taylor said...

That must be so beautiful to see. Very pretty pictures!

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

It would be so pretty to see those in fields while driving by.