Gladiolus carmineus in collaboration

An obliging pelargonium is providing useful ground cover around some flowering Gladiolus carmineus plants in the hot, dry season at Hermanus. Equally neighbourly, the gladioli hold their flowering torches high over the jagged blades of their not yet flowering partner, sharing their spectacle. Small, narrow stem leaves as well as pale bracts higher up are present on the stems below the flowers.

The lesson for constructive cohabitation from this? One does not even need a brain, just do it! It's instant, available to all. It's in the genes, even in the jeans.