More Madiba magic

Today I went to see the reconstruction of the Kirstenbosch exhibit that won a silver medal at the Chelsea Flower Show in London earlier this year. I had seen the model when it was unveiled, and seen photos of the exhibit in London, but it is really lovely to see it for real. The proteas were fresh (even though its quite hot today and the tent is really warm!) and beautiful, and the daisies - the ice-cream coloured Barberton Daisies (Gerbera) and the orange gazanias - were delectable.

I was particularly struck with this pink protea (top photo) named after our much-loved Madiba (Nelson Mandela) to mark the occasion of his 80th birthday in 1998. It seems to be a hybrid of the King Protea (Protea cynaroides). More exotic flowers today.