Failure of Candelabra Bulbs
For the first time in recorded history flowering of our much loved Brunsvigia orientalis bulbs were a dismal failure with only 75 blooms counted.
This compares with over 800 more than 10 years ago, a previous low of 200 some 5 years ago, and nearly 500 two years back. We have no explanation to offer but did observe that flowering commenced in February, some 6 weeks later than normal. The good news is that the bulbs are now "pushing" all over and particularly in those areas that produced no blooms in the flowering season. It is comforting to know that the bulbs are still there and that, for reasons unbeknown to us, they decided to remain largely dormant in the flowering season.
The Weather - Graph
Whilst rainfall in January and February was in line with the 10 year average, March and half way through April were well below. This was despite murky wet days over the Easter holidays that our holiday makers had to put up with. Since
then we have enjoyed beautiful autumn weather.
Annual general meeting
This year’s AGM was disappointing with only 25 members attending but those that were there enjoyed the get together, especially the snacks and refreshments out on the Boat Club deck on a most beautiful evening.
During the meeting Prof. Brian Alanson made an impassioned plea for increased vigilance in nurturing and protecting the valuable salt marsh beds, the life blood of the Knysna estuary. On a motion from one of our members it was agreed that greater publicity be given to the Municipal bye-law requiring dogs in public areas to be on leads. The LIRA notice board at the entrance to Leisure Isle has reflected this for over a year and all the Steenbok notice boards have now been updated to reflect this requirement.
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East-end Parking Area
This parking area is an eye-sore and below the standard that has been achieved in other areas of the Reserve.
Utilising a contingency reserve created over the past few years it has been decided to pave this area with brick pavers. Work will commence at the end of the month and for ten days the parking area will be closed. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Leisure Isle Festival
The Leisure Isle Festival will be held this year over the weekend of 26/27 October and again will feature the popular Plant Sale. Steenbok gardeners and the ladies of Gardening at Leisure are busy potting-up plants to sell. No longer having access to a large potting-up area potted plants are now being looked after in many different areas of the Indigenous Garden.
Events in Steenbok Nature Reserve
Following a decision by LIRA not to support the use of Steenbok Nature Park as a venue for public events the Management Committee of Steenbok has decided to limit public events to small meetings and gatherings of an educational / environmental nature; marathon, cross country and walking events through the Reserve; and limited school sporting events. Applications to hold such events should be emailed to info@steenboknaturereserve.org.za
Trustees
Keith Hollis (Chairman), James Botha, Peter Godsell, Myles Ruck, Brian Steele, Esther Townsend and Roger Voysey.
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Management Committee
Councillor Lizwani, Councillor Hart, and Jonathan Mabula nominated by Knysna Municipality, Keith Hollis and Roger Voysey by LIRA, Peter Godsell by Friends of Steenbok, Maretha Alant by SANParks and James Botha and Dave Edge co-opted by MANCOM.
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Operations committee
Roger Voysey (Chairman & Manager), Peter Godsell, Andrew Campbell, Susan Richards, Esther Townsend and Leonie Twentyman Jones. |
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