Maartlelies
As the evenings cool down, days become shorter, and the March lilies start to bloom - we know that the scorching summer is reaching its end.
Amaryllis Belladonna, better known as a "Maartlelie" (directly translated to march lily) is an indigenous flower that blooms just before the upcoming winter's first rainfall. The beautiful pink and white lilies colour the barren river beds during March and April. Not only does its colour brighten up the beds, but its sweet smell dances through the sky. They only bloom once a year and will last more or less two weeks if you pick them. The lilies reappear in the same areas each year because they have a bulb root system.
March is the time of year when soil preparation for the upcoming crop season starts to take place. Some lands are burned, and others are towed with old tyres. Preparing the lands before planting the crop makes a huge difference on the harvest. A farmer's way to success lies in the essence of good preparation. Chalk is scattered over the lands to adjust the pH level of the soil. The scattering of chalk often happens in the evening, as the wind picks up in the afternoon and then the chalk can't be scattered efficiently.
March is an ideal time for camping and we enjoyed hosting many families of the easter period. We love to see how our campers enjoy the quiet farm nights under the stars, hearing the owls echoing and the fire crackling. March is the month when the season starts changing from warm and dry, to cold and cozy rainy weather. Guests still enjoy the crispy Berg River water before the cold season approaches - where the fireplace becomes your best friend.
Sunsets on the farm alight the sky with vibrant oranges that evolves to a pink pallet. Then after the bright sun disappears behind the Porseleinberg mountain, stars start sparkling in the sky. We often have photographers come to the farm because of the stars. There are not big towns around the guest farm so our starry sky is always a highlight for our guests coming from the city.
From sunrise to sunset, there is always something happening on the farm. Nevertheless, it is a calm and quiet atmosphere which provides a space for children to run and play around and their parents can just relax and switch off from their work life. We enjoy seeing all the different generation visiting our farm and relaxing in their own different ways.