A pond where one may find solitude and serenity is a blessing. Cities caring for such places enhance resident quality of life. This one lies among the eastern suburbs of Pretoria in the city's National Botanical Garden.

Waterlilies and some planted crinums in the foreground add to the ring of trees where the ambler may indulge a pensive mood, reflecting on events of the world or escaping from them.

Hearts yearn for far-off places seen yesterday, long ago or never. Peace of mind switches on the surprising appeal of a familiar local open space. Rediscover the back garden.

The small bird exploring the grass outside the window alerts the receptive mind to the same magic as the elephant in the wild that takes leaves from a bushveld tree.