A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD - TO FOLLOW THE ROYAL STAR - RENEWAL OF HOPE, FAITH AND PEACE

Once again the Guiding Star is here to follow, with our hedgerows echoing the Christmas theme with an abundance of white stars. Here flourishes Carissa macrocarpa, Amatungulu with a festive array of white star petals, already to bear juicy fruit with pickling potential! The evergreen Forest Toad Tree nearby decked with fragrant scented white star clusters. In forest shade the tall star-clad stems of Chlorophytum bowkerii shimmering with blooms.

The prophecy records three Wize Men carried gifts of Myrrh reaped from the Myrrh Tree Family, then plentiful in the East. Our local habitat celebrates Commiphora harveyi with orange peeling bark still evident in Estates and Reserves. Eight other Commiphora species make up the composition northward, through to Swaziland. The gift of highly prized Frankincense originates from the Boswellia Family, is gathered for its quality of oil and perfume with Ethopia a key source of export today, also present in Oman, and Yemen. Where deserts have spread in the middle East no doubt the Boswellia species may be i declining and under threat of survival.

This year has not been without positive events, with our Sports men and women holding high the Flag at the Olympic Games, our Springbok Rugby Team maintaining top accolade, and in many regions our Tourism continuing to uphold the unique attraction our Landscape offers and deserves including the well-kept Blue Flag beaches of Blythedale and Thompson Bay. Conversely, too many sad incidents of accidents with careless loss of life, and departure of loved ones through sickness have marred the year for many families. Reflection and thanksgiving will assist to heal the void in time.

While the Sun shines from the Heavens the increase in Solar Power to off-set our daily failing Power Supply problems continues apace. Where there is excess rainfall capture into Reservoirs and Storage Tanks is increasing to enable sustainability of communities both large and small, rural and urban.

These trends will no doubt become even more critical and essential as we progress into 2025 and beyond with no sign of abatement to "Climate Change" and excessive carbon pollution. The current COP30 Conference is giving focus to "DESERTIFICATION", with increase in temperatures and spread of desert areas World-wide, causing extreme concern. Our northern neighbours are currently in the grips of devastating drought conditions, with costly loss of crops and livestock. The Government Departments concerned will need to rally to the aid of Farmers to assist survival and re-build loss of production, and Global Wildlife Organizations hopefully will respond rapidly to SAVE the Bio-Diversity of Game, reptiles, birds and rodents, and all manner of Natural Habitat and vegetation.

Along the Coastal Regions we continue to receive bounteous rainfall for our Homes and Gardens, enhancing Estate Living, maintaining our lush Parks and Gardens, the College grounds and 'Open' Spaces. Of particular note at Christmas is the arrival of the Festive Conifer or Christmas tree to be adorned with bright baubles, lights and crackers. The red Poinsettia blooms combine happily with Holly sprays with red Berries, then hang up the Mistletoe - the final romantic touch. For young folk the arrival of Father Christmas with his reindeer presents endless excitement with Wi-Fi messages to The North Pole". Church bells ring out, while our waysides blossom with Mackaya Bella - River Bells, together with Rothmania globosa large cream bells, often in profusion. In northern Climes where a "White Christmas" is cherished, the Christmas rose traditionally should be white in keeping with the snowfall!.

So once again may the joyful Christmas celebration embrace the Guiding Star which heralded the Birth of baby Jesus at Bethlehem. A star-decked pageant like the Pavetta lanceolate - Weeping Brides-bush, with a profusion of Unity, Health, Happiness, Gratitude, Hope, Faith and Peace.