ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank the photographers who all contributed individual professional skill and personal enthusiasm: Tasha Seccombe (KZN), Warren Health (CT). Vanessa Lewis (Jhb), Christoff Hoffman (Jhb) and Marc Chamillard (CT). Thanks also to Marielle Renssen and Chloe Rolfes for assisting me with editing, and Jane Angus for assistance with the directory.

I would like to give special thanks to certain individuals who have gone out of their way to help me with this book. They are Gill McMaster for introducing to me to some of the most beautiful gardens in the Cape; Chloe Rolfes who not only housed me when I returned from France, but also helped me with the book; and Sandy Munro for assisting me to identify most of the plants.

I especially want to thank the owners of the gardens who were so helpful and who generously shared their own garden secrets: Johnathan Edwards, RS Agri staff, Marc Chamaillard, Kate Mason (Montebello Garden Nursery, Newlands, Cape), Joan Burgess, Mike Bryant, Gavin Godfrey, Karin Jenkins and Michael Sturrock whose beautiful verandah is featured on pages 2–3, Jill and Johnny Stirrup, June Commerell, Muffin Commerell, Ronnie Ramsay, Petal Palmer, Mecky Yorke-Mitchell, Jocelyn Boyley, Debra and Colin Stroberg, Sue Tarr, Jilly Walters, Olivia Bremner, Marina Niven, Fleur van Maasdijk and Mouse Poynton.

ALEXANDER BRUCE (SANDY) MUNRO - HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT

Sandy has been involved with plants since an early age. Although a horticulturist by profession, his passion lies primarily in conservation.

His particular interest is the diversity of species in their natural habitat, which has taken him to many interesting parts of southern Africa. He is a great believer in the ‘natural way’, which forms the core of his philosophy both in and out of business.

During his career he has been a propagator, landscaper and retailer, and is presently a freelance consultant. He presents the ‘Garden Chat’ on Fine Music Radio and is a popular speaker at horticultural forums. Sandy is based in Cape Town and spends much time in the beautiful surrounding areas. Contact: horticulture@telkomsa.net