Flower power
Can a drought have a silver lining? In my dry corner of the Boland, where it’s officially winter even though the farm dams look like Dead Vlei, I find solace in the fact that I’ve got to know every flower and plant in my garden a lot better during the past few months. While the succulents, aloes, vygies and quiver trees proudly proclaim their independence and thrive, the vegetable garden, lime trees and agapanthus are surviving on grey water delivered in watering cans from the shower and kitchen. It’s the daily chore of keeping my garden alive that excites me about this month’s issue. We’ve noted the scientific names of all the flowers in our feature on page 32, but the Afrikaans names are much more evocative. Say them out loud and listen to the words rolling off your tongue: rooibobbejaantjie, katstert, volstruisvygie, bloukalossie, raaptol, gansogie, sambreeltjie, duikerworteltjie (much more polite than this particular flower’s other name, pietsnot). It’s inspiring that nature, with so few resources, can conjure up such a magnificent work of art year after year. In a way, it’s the same as our position in the media industry, where tough economic times, topsy-turvy politics and changing consumer habits challenge us daily to be more innovative so that we, too, can continue to thrive. That’s why we’ve made the decision to combine two of our sister publications, Drive Out and WegSleep, into one bigger magazine for outdoor enthusiasts. It will be called go! Drive & Camp and for the first time, Englishspeaking campers and caravanners will have access to the award-winning content published by the WegSleep team. The Afrikaans version will be called Weg! Ry & Sleep. Keep a lookout for this new magazine from late July. You’ll find Drive & Camp next to go! the same way you’ll find harlequin flowers next to rooikatsterte in the Hantam during the flower season. Standing shoulder to shoulder.