Tall chestnut trees line the opposite bank of the river that runs through Mandy's property. Unfortunately, the chestnut season is at its very end in August when I visit, and new leaves are already sprouting. Her neighbour Francis has the most spectacular hydrangeas, or Christmas Roses, as we call them. Francis is very generous, and invites us over every Christmas morning to pick armfuls for our Christmas table. We add some of Mandy's agapanthus and lavender, some Dorothy Perkins climbing roses, open a bottle of JC le Roux Champagne and then all of a sudden, it's Christmas! Mandy calls them "see perdjies" (sea horses). A rose by any other name would smell as sweet! Don't know their actual name, but I love all purple and blue flowers. This beautiful spot is enjoyed by the local bird life as well, with the peacocks and guinea fowls taking prime position, being fed by all the families who live along the river. ...
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