Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Cape Town
Anton Smit Sculpture, Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town
“When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open and love steps forth to heal everything in sight.” Michael Bridge
African Lily Flower, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town
“Flowers. Every flower goes through stages of budding, opening, closing and wilting. Each of them has a preferred season and environment. They are unique. Like us. Each of us is unique. And like flowers, we each have a preferred season. So why do we expect ourselves to be in bloom all year round?” ― Rebecca Ryder
African Daisy Flower, Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town
"The African Daisy, scientifically known as Osteospermum, is a vibrant and colorful flower native to South Africa. It is well-known for its daisy-like appearance, often featuring a central disc surrounded by colorful petals. The petals come in various shades, including purple, pink, white, orange, and yellow, sometimes with contrasting dark centers.
African Daisies thrive in sunny environments and are commonly grown as ornamental plants in gardens or containers. They are part of the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and chrysanthemums. These flowers are relatively easy to care for, requiring well-drained soil and regular watering, but they also appreciate a bit of drought once established. They're popular for their resilience, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies." (Source: ChatGPT 2025)
Cape agapanthus (African Lily), Kirstenbosch, Cape Town
"The Cape agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus) is a beautiful flowering plant native to the Western Cape of South Africa. It is well-known for its striking blue or white flower clusters that bloom in the summer. The plant is also quite hardy, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance but visually appealing addition to their landscapes." (Source; Microsoft Copilot 2025)
Wild Flowers (African Daisy), Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town
Flower / Small Bird Photography with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Kirstenbosch Garden provided me with another opportunity for experimenting with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II paired with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens - to be used as my main pairing when visiting Kirstenbosch Garden (across al seasons). We arrived a bit late with the light on the the over-exposed side on the whiter flowers / subjects.
I am quite confident that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is more than just a subtle full=frame megapixel upgrade on the beloved Canon EOS 6D Mark I have used for close-up, harden and other photography for the past decade. Lens of choice for Kirstenbosch Garden: still the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens for a variety of small subjects.
Photography Conditions: Sunny / No Wind
Camera / Lens for Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Photography (Vernon Chalmers Images)
- Canon EOS 6D Mark II (Full-Frame)
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens
- Lexar Professional 64GB UHS-I 160MB/S /1066x Speed
Exposure / Focus Settings for Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Flower Photography
- Autofocus On
- Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
- Apertures (f/5.6 and f/11)
- Auto ISO (100)
- Shutter Speeds (Various)
- Image Stabilisation On
- Zone-AF Mode
- Handheld
Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Photography, Image Post-Processing
Lightroom Classic (Ver 14) - Minor Adjustments / RAW to JPEG Conversion
All Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography : Vernon Chalmers Copyright Policy
More About Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the jewels of Cape Town. Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it's renowned for its stunning display of native South African flora, and it's part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, bird watcher, or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, Kirstenbosch offers an extraordinary setting. There are winding paths through lush gardens, with a variety of plants that showcase the incredible biodiversity of the region. The Boomslang Canopy Walkway is a popular feature, providing breathtaking views of the garden and surrounding mountains.
It’s a great spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, and even concerts on summer evenings. The garden also features art installations and a botanical society shop where you can find locally made crafts and books on the region's flora.
What To Do At Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town?
Visiting Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town is a treat! Here are some must-do activities:
- Explore the Gardens: Take leisurely walks through the beautifully landscaped gardens. Don't miss the Boomslang Canopy Walkway for stunning views.
- Picnic: Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the lawns with a backdrop of Table Mountain.
- Concerts and Events: Depending on the season, there are often concerts and events held at Kirstenbosch, which are fantastic for both locals and tourists.
- Botanical Diversity: Marvel at the diverse flora, including indigenous plants and rare species.
- Hiking Trails: If you're up for some light hiking, Kirstenbosch offers trails that lead into the surrounding Table Mountain National Park.
- Birdwatching: The gardens are a haven for birdwatchers, with many species to spot.
- Tea Room and Restaurant: Relax at the tearoom or grab a bite at the restaurant, both offering great views of the gardens. (Source: ChatGPT 2025)
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