Aloe ferox by the roadside

This generously flowering Aloe ferox repeats the performance every winter outside Riversdale on the inland road through the Garcia Pass. Farmers, towns, lodges and others who plant shrubs, succulents, trees or especially indigenous plants by their gates or along the road running past their properties improve the mood of passing travellers.

There is a giving aspect to planting something pretty for all to see on the open road, as opposed to doing it only in one’s own garden. As if culture comes closer to nature in generosity. Notable sights of this kind occur along roads near Nelspruit, some Limpopo towns, Ashton in the Western Cape and many more.

The often hard working trees doing duty at roadside resting spots along national and other long trip roads are appreciated by the resting coffee drinkers; probably not so much by those who litter when they stop for refreshments.

Between Robertson and Bonnievale every farmer has a unique species lining the route past his vineyards and orchards in a continuous roadside display, meticulously maintained. Companion planting may aid fruit tree pollination or serve as early warning regarding arrival of pest species.

Winter is special on the road between Caledon and Villiersdorp, the wheat fields green and many planted roadside aloes flowering red.