Die volgende natuurboeke het onlangs by Struik Nature, ’n afdeling van Penguin Random House, verskyn. Al drie hierdie Engelse publikasies sal pragtige vertoonstukke op ’n koffietafel wees. Ek het dit baie geniet om deur die boeke te blaai. Die inligting is geweldig leersaam en insiggewend, en die foto’s is van puik kwaliteit. Dit is hartsverblydend om te sien dat skrywers en fotograwe so ‘n liefde vir ons natuurskoon het en dit met hulle lesers wil deel. Struik Nature verdien spesiale vermelding dat hulle investeer in boeke wat ons wondermooie natuurskoon so treffend uitbeeld.

Veld The gardens and landscapes of Patrick Watson

Gareth van Niekerk, ’n pryswennerjoernalis en kurator, het hierdie volume saamgestel as ‘n tribuut aan die lewenswerk van die talentvolle en innoverende landskapargitek, Patrick Watson. Die boek fokus op 23 tuine en landskappe wat Watson veldtuine noem.

Die uitgewersbrief lui: “Lauded for his pioneering approach to the restoration of degraded land, and for his use of indigenous species, [Patrick Watson] has created hundreds of gardens in Africa, and many others beyond – ranging from extensive mega-landscapes to exquisite small home gardens and tranquil spaces for quiet contemplation. [He combines] artistic intuition with extensive botanical knowledge and a deep concern for the conservation and restoration of nature. His gardens are creative, unconventional, inspiring and often bold, and he uses plants along with colours and landforms to design spaces that are both visually and emotionally captivating. Veld beautifully showcases the complexity of modern garden design, while also serving as a record of the knowledge, creativity and intuitive powers of a gifted artist.”

Die ervare fotograaf Elsa Young en kunstenaar Heidi Fourie het ook ’n reuse-aandeel in die boek gehad. Die publikasie is moontlik gemaak met die ondersteuning van die Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation.

Skaf jou kopie hier aan. (ISBN 9781779890221)

Kirstenbosch the most beautiful garden in Africa

Brian J. Huntley, ‘n internasionaal gerespekteerde natuurbewaarder met meer as 10 dekades se navorsing en bestuurservaring in Afrika-ekosisteme, werk as onafhanklike konsultant vir die Verenigde Nasies. Hy het ook drie handboeke oor die bewaringsgeskiedenis, biodiversiteit en ekologie van Angola geskryf. Sy jongste boek beslaan 11 hoofstukke en fokus op die Kirstenbosch Nasionale Botaniese Tuin aan die voet van Tafelberg.

Die uitgewersbrief lui: “Kirstenbosch is a name that resonates around the world as the home of a uniquely rich flora in a setting of unsurpassed beauty. Established soon after the unification of South Africa in 1910, the Garden continues to draw both tourists and locals to its enchanting spaces and botanical riches. This book tells of how the Garden came to be, its setbacks and triumphs, its benefactors and heroes. It outlines the Garden’s scientific eminence as the repository of knowledge on our prized flora and presents its many attractions. In this new edition, the story is brought up to date with details of new developments and attractions, making it a quality memento for visitors and the thousands of locals who flock there annually.”

Skaf jou kopie hier aan. (ISBN: 9781775848950)

The ways and wonders of South African trees

Willem Frost, ‘n skrywer en amateur-dendroloog, het al dekades in die Afrika-bos deurgebring om fauna en flora te bestudeer en te fotografeer. Hy het ‘n aantal tydskrifartikels oor bewaring en jag geskryf. Sy vorige boek se titel is The Antelope of Africa.

Die uitgewersbrief lui: “A celebration of the rich diversity and beauty of indigenous trees, The Ways and Wonders of South African Trees uncovers the fascinating world of trees and how they function. Presented in two parts, the first explores the physiology and behaviour of trees and the second the grandeur of a select number of species, richly supported by photographs. Part 1 focuses on the complex life of trees and unpacks the important process of photosynthesis and its benefits to all other life. It explores the ways in which trees defend themselves, their role in pollination, and symbiotic relationships with other plants and animals. Record-breakers, such as the oldest, tallest and biggest trees, are also featured. Part 2 of the book showcases some 160 conspicuous species, including the iconic baobab, sausage tree and mopane tree, as well as lesser known but interesting trees such as baboon’s breakfast. These accounts describe the unique traits of different trees and their various parts and discusses how they are used by animals and birds, and by humans.”

Skaf jou boek hier aan (ISBN: 9781775848875)

Pippa Parker is die uitgewer van al drie hierdie publikasies en Roelien Theron die redakteur.