Botanical gardens are always interesting and beautiful. The National Botanical Gardens in Pretoria are no exception, and provide a lovely setting for concerts and picnics into the bargain!
Vegetation on the warmer north-facing side of the quartzite outcropping
The gardens are different from most in that two fairly distinct climatic regions are represented within the the 76 hectares which the Gardens cover.
South of the quartzite outcropping the garden is characterised by broad expanses of grass and trees
To the north of a 58 metre high quartzite outcropping the vegetation is that of a warmer, drier region, while to the south is a moister, but frost-prone area.
The South African Correctional Services band entertains visitors to the Botanical Gardens in Pretoria
The garden was founded in 1946 through the initiative of botanist Robert Allen Dyer (1900 to 1987) and officially opened to the public in 1958.
Young and older enjoying the music of the band in the Pretoria Botanical Gardens
The Pretoria National Botanical Gardens form part of a network of botanical gardens managed by the South African National Bio-diversity Institute. The network includes the world-famous Kirstenbosch Gardens.
The water feature
Within the gardens are lovely paved walks and an artificial waterfall with reflecting pools.
Tecomaria capensis growing in the Pretoria Botanical Gardens.
© Text and photos copyright Tony McGregor 2011
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