Newsletters

Newsletter

January 2010

2009 was a very busy year for Honingklip. Due to the world recession we were forced, like so many others, to look at ways to save money and resources. It was hard work, but it has resulted in better control and the way stock is handled. A 25% rise in the cost of electricity was partly counteracted by putting in a boiler at our bleach/dye facility which made a big saving over previous methods of heating, while simultaneously increasing productivity.. Unfortunately there is another 35% rise in electricity on the cards this year. This, coupled, to the steep variances in the exchange rates has made pricing decisions very difficult for 2010.

Fire Lily February 2009

On the farming side, the new plantings of Compacta and Neriifolia are growing nicely and they should be ready for the first harvest next year. Production on Leucadendron cones and branches is going full steam ahead, although it is early days yet. A fire in the Agulhas National Park near Bredasdorp has caused damage to a number of our suppliers who adjoin the park, which is sad for them as they will not be able to crop any products for the next few years, but there is sufficient around so that we do not expect difficulties with supplies.

Two months after the fire.

After our big fire of 20th January 2009, the mountainside is looking wonderful at last. During the winter we of course had lots of problems with rain run-off getting into our water lines, clogging taps and sprinklers, because there was no ground cover to stop water erosion. Ash was blowing around with every gust of wind, until the rain damped it down. Then, come late August early September all kinds of plants started coming up. By end September it was a wonderland of different flowers, with something new coming up every two weeks. Particularly all the bulb species, that general come up after a fire in the “Fynbos” were spectacular. Normally we are not allowed to burn in summer because of our proximity to a State forest, but the accidental fire meant that we saw species we have never noticed before. It was really good fun to identify them in the many books on the subject of the Cape Floral Kingdom, otherwise known as Fynbos. From very scarce little Orchids to prolific post-fire species like Linaria and everything in between. The Everlastings (Capblumen) on top of the mountain are a pleasure to behold. It really is a spectacular sight to see them spread across the landscape as far as the eye can see.

Gladiolus

We would like to share a few of the pictures with you.

We wish all our clients a wonderful 2010.

Mixed regrowth

As yet unknown species.

As yet unknown species - different view.

Burnt slope

The above slope in December 2009 with a profusion of Lamb's Tails growing.