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| Spring (September - November) is the most magical time of the year, when the garden suddenly comes to life again after a cold and dry winter. The mauve-flowering doringvygie (Ruschia spinosa) forms patches of vivid colour on the kopjes (rocky hills) and with the rising temperatures trees such as white stinkwood (Celtis africana) and river bushwillow (Combretum erythrophyllum) don their new soft green foliage. |
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Tamboekie thorn (Erythrina acanthocarpa) is a handsome plant which can stand fairly severe frosts and has a large succulent root which helps it to endure long periods without water. |
| It is at this time of the year when the garden welcomes migrant swallows, and together with a host of other bird species, they start to build their nests and prepare for the summer breeding season. Late in Spring, the Free State Province flower emblem, Orange River lily (Crinum bulbispermum) comes into flower. |
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A walk along the kopje trails will give you an opportunity to enjoy a splash of mauve-pink flowers displayed by the hardy wild aster (Felicia filifolius ). The spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla) is one of the most spectacular plants of Southern Africa is also in flower now. This endangered species is endemic to Lesotho. |
| Daytime temperatures are generally warm but evenings are still cool. First rains tend to fall towards the end of the season. |
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