SEE THE WILDFLOWERS THROUGH THE EYES OF A LOCAL.
There is no better way to learn about the beautiful wild flowers that attract people from around the world for a few weeks every year than to speak to a local who knows the farms, communities and all the little secrets and attractions. Meet Alicia Erasmus from Cederberg Click Click.
At this time of year, wildflowers bloom and paint the landscape with their vibrant colours, bringing a touch of joy and beauty to the world. The arrival of wildflowers reminds us that spring is here, ready to breathe new life into the earth.
We count ourselves lucky, as for two consecutive years we have experienced an unbelievable floral extravaganza in the Cederberg, as well as in and around Clanwilliam. Clanwilliam lies at a convergence of several biomes, which is why there is such a wide variety of flora in this region.
The Cederberg, a Fynbos biome, is home to an incredible array of plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. One of the most iconic plant groups in the Fynbos is the proteas, which are known for their large, showy flowers and diverse forms. Other prominent plant families in the Fynbos include heaths (Ericaceae), restios (Restionaceae).
Fynbos vegetation is not only visually striking but also plays a crucial role in supporting a wide range of animal species, making the Fynbos biome a hotspot of biodiversity and a unique ecosystem worth conserving.
However, in the Biedouw Valley, a lowlying Succulent Karoo biome, we see an array of very different plants and flowers. The blue flax flowers (Heliophila coronopifolia, blousporrie) that bloom in the Biedouw Valley are a stunning sight to behold. These delicate flowers with their vibrant blue petals are a distinguishing trademark of the Biedouw.
Walking through the fields of blue flax in the Biedouw Valley is a serene experience. Spring is a time when nature truly shows off its artistic flair, turning the Biedouw Valley into a masterpiece of blues, greens and yellows.
It is a sight that stays with you long after you have left, a memory of a magical moment in time when everything seemed perfectly in harmony in the valley of blue flax.
Also, make sure not to wait too long to visit Ramskop Nature Reserve, situated on the outskirts of Clanwilliam. Our local garden is currently in full bloom, offering breathtaking views over Clanwilliam Dam. The veld adjacent to the garden is adorned with white rain flowers and orange daisies. Take pleasure in savouring a cup of rooibos tea or a light lunch on the stoep while admiring the stunning flowers and quiver trees. Pieter van Wyk and his team cannot wait to serve you their homemade delicacies!
Locals are invited to visit the garden (R50 per adult and R10 per child).
If you snooze, you lose. Don’t say we didn’t warn you—wildflowers don’t last forever. Over the past week, we experienced two days of east winds, and we all know what that means. If you haven’t had a chance to see the flowers this year, now is the time! Don’t wait!
