While several northern hemisphere bloggers have been saturated with rain, here in the southern part of the globe we have relished getting enough rain to soften the ground and to encourage the trees and other plants to grow. The most recent rain was accompanied by strong winds that cause the pliable branches of the Natal fig tree to bend and sway at almost impossible angles. I am always surprised that it manages to shake itself back into shape once this wind has stilled. Birds nests are a sad casualty of strong winds. This is one of two broken eggs I found on our garden path:
Its contents has spilled out onto the flat stones below. Try as I might, I cannot find the nest from whence these eggs came, such is the tangle of branches and leaves above the path.
Speaking of leaves, it is a gloriously affirming sight to see new leaves shining in the warmer sunlight:
These new leaves still unfurling belong to one of several Dais cotinifolia (Pompon) trees, some of which are already sporting their beautiful pink, pompon-like flowers.
Another plant which is sporting a wonderful flush of flowers is the potted sage, which hasn’t bloomed for an awfully long time:
As you can see, it is growing next to our swimming pool. Thanks to the rain, it is filled to the brim – which is as well for we have no domestic water in our taps for the second day running.
Even though it looks inviting, I find the water is still a tad chilly to encourage me to take a dip. The damp ground has nonetheless encouraged a variety of moss to grow in the shadier parts of the garden:
Lastly, while this is not the best of photographs, it is evidence that the long silent amphibians are coming out too after the rain. When I came home the other evening, I nearly stepped on this toad sitting on the kitchen steps in the dark:
Something Over Tea 