The Durban Botanic Gardens first opened in 1851 and still charms tourists and locals to this day.
It is quite amazing how one feels the calmness and serenity as you step into this tranquil and beautiful park; it's as if you're being enfolded by the giant trees along the pathways. A kind of revered silence is in the air as visitors stroll to admire the natural beauty.
Sacred Lotus & Red-capped Robin
This park really is a birders' paradise with the sound of many species of birds all around.
The striking Red-capped Robin has the most vivid scarlet breast and crown with black wings and truly lives in paradise among the Lotus flowers and the calm pond!
They were darting between the lush foliage so I could not capture them too well, one has to look carefully in these images to see them, you'll even see a nest if you look closely!
Once the petals of the Lotus flower drop, it leaves a sponge as is visible in the images above.
The Lotus flower is sacred in many countries and symbolizes Eternity, Plenty, and Good Fortune.
I was very surprised to hear that the flowers, seeds, young leaves, and roots (rhizomes) are all edible!
Egyptian Geese
Egyptian Geese are the most prolific birds here and are very tame. One can buy Geese food at the entrance so of course they know where to come for food. It not only gives one the chance to get up close and personal with these birds but also is a good way to help feed these beautiful birds who look so gracious.
That is until they start their loud squawking, and running awkwardly if you dare go near the little goslings.
Sculptures
The most amazing sculptures are on display and I will show you some of them.
Earth Mother
This sculpture symbolizes the abuse suffered by women and Mother Earth
The Greatest Shoal on Earth
Depicting Whales, Sharks, Dolphins, Game Fish, Birds, and of course, Sardines, which is referred to as The Greatest Shoal on Earth, this is an amazing work of art! Climate change sadly has started disrupting this annual migration in recent years.
Consider Us
This sculpture appeals to world leaders to consider children before making decisions.
John Medley Wood
Curator and Director of the Botanical Gardens as well as founder of the Natal Herbarian.
Orchid House
The lighting was not good inside so I will only show you a couple of images. The Orchids are stunning and do very well in our humid climate. We met an elderly lady, well into her silver years, who tends to the Orchids as a contractor.
As you walk into the Orchid House, the sound of water rushing down two miniature waterfalls greets one. It is even more tranquil sitting inside there.
The Magnificent Trees
This odd-looking gigantic tree (yes, it's one tree) is called the Indian Banyan Tree and symbolizes Wisfulfilling, Long Life, and Abundance. One specimen growing in Pradesh, India, is said to cover an area of 19 107 square metres!
The tree below would be perfect for children to climb on, but of course no one is allowed on it.
These massive tree trunks fascinated me, they must be ancient!
A Bismarck Palm
Gorgeous Cycads
Stepping into the Butterfly Garden, but I'm not sure where they were that day, or perhaps we didn't see them as we had to get going because it was getting late and being a #silverblogger, I avoid peak traffic at all costs!
Remember I shared Organ Donation - You can save 7 lives with you the other day? I took a closer pic of this section as it had the names of donors/ families.
Please read and share that blog and consider doing this selfless deed.
Trail of Lights
Source
The park is currently hosting a magical, botanical outdoor Trail of Lights to celebrate Christmas, and this is something I will not miss, so I hope to go to that and share it with you. It must look like a fairyland judging by hundreds if not thousands of fairy lights in a Christmas theme all over the park.
The food court behind me is only open in the evening for these shows which are held on the hour once the sun goes down with numbers restricted during the pandemic.
There are many Christmas-themed displays all over the park at the moment.
Should you ever visit the city of Durban which is famous for its beaches, do make time to visit this park; you have the choice of strolling or being taken on a golf cart by a really friendly and very knowledgeable tour guide.
I'm actually planning on taking 90-year-old Mom Lily next week for a ride on a golf cart with a tour guide as a Christmas gift as he fetches the elderly and disabled from their cars with the golf cart; it will be a total surprise as we'll tell her we're just going for a drive. She walked this park about a decade ago, but sadly cannot do that today!
The Clock of Life
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