ON THE HIKE FOR LEOPARD

"There are leopard in your mountains?! Will we see them?"

"Hopefully not. But the aloes are blooming and we'll see the most incredible indigenous winter flowers all over the mountains."

The disappointment was tangible. Wild flowers are not as appealing as a pride of lion or family of rhino. In the hope of spotting a stray hyena we pulled on hiking boots, grabbed water and whistled for our (not) terrifying Lion-dog (aka Rhodesian Ridgeback). We started our hike up the gorge, behind our house, into the mountains. Recently we've had family visiting from the UK. Granted; they are of SA origin but they still expected the big five to be free ranging on our homestead. Instead they met with bad tempered cows, naughty goats, lively horses and chickens laying eggs on the doorstep.

Welcome to the wilds of Africa!

There are all types of gardens, and all types of gardeners. Or lack thereof. But the most extraordinary by far is the one planted and nurtured by no man. We work our homestead with blood, sweat and not a few tears. And still we have many failures. Poor germination. Stunted growth. Crop failure. Pestilence. Predator - yes, even leopard. And no, they aren't vegetarian leopard. They take out our sheep. While the jackal and crows go for the lamb. Farm life is not for the faint hearted.

When I feel overwhelmed and at the point of despair; I hike. No, I don't really have time to do it, but then again I can't afford not to. A strenuous hike pumps the heart, clears away the gloom and floods me with hope.

The views are spectacular. And nature's wild gardens are not to be replicated. Step by step along the rugged terrain the vegetation is ever changing.

In winter the veld is transformed. It is vibrant and beautiful. The most delicate flowers cover the horizon as far as we can see. Or walk.

In such harsh conditions the tiny flowers thrive. A lesson to self. Despite the insurmountable, we will thrive. Not just survive - but thrive.

Succulents, grasses, rock formations. The landscape is a picture of colour and life. From a distance it is beautiful. Ahh but close-up. Close-up it is breathtaking!

It seems so dry and yet it is lush. Somewhere distant we hear our waterfall running. We seldom see it but we know it is there.

The warm winter wind whispers. The little flowers dance gently in the breeze. There are signs of animals and birds everywhere. We cannot see them either but you can feel them watching you pass by.

July Garden ChallengeThe indigenous mountain garden is indescribable. If you are prepared to brave the harsh terrain and hike into the mountains. Another lesson. Take time. When you feel you don't have the time. Take it! Life is not merely about surviving. It truly is about thriving. So take time. Pull on your hiking boots to hike over the rough terrain lying ahead and then, stop to appreciate the wild flowers. This is by far one of the most wonderful gardens I have ever experienced and worth sharing with our very own floral @dswigle and @generikat this