Namibia in the Boland

“We found large boulders when we dug our home’s foundations in 2009. Naturally the rocks spoke to me, as I was born in Namibia. Right there, I decided to start a rock garden – a piece of Namibia in the Boland. It grew to such an extent that my whole front yard soon became a succulent garden. As a substitute for the Namibian camelthorn tree, I planted a fever tree and further decorated the garden with different kinds of desert roses, sour figs, grasses and a tree aloe.

The garden is striking, it requires little attention and water, and I think it was cheaper to establish than a “traditional” garden. It’s lovely when your neighbour comes across to tell you your garden looks so pretty, even though it’s very dry at the moment. And she always asks for cuttings – and readily shares hers, too.

Someone once said to me: ‘Your garden only needs to appeal to you.’ Well, that’s what’s happened with me. My garden is a source of joy, a place where I find peace, where I can simply be and breathe and listen. A place where I marvel at nature and where every day something new is waiting to be noticed.” Ursula James,