What is a city garden without a pond? Probably a place where the water can no longer be spared for such purposes in our thirsty times. The Pretoria National Botanical Garden has this pond and more, even a waterfall, all hopefully safe into the distant future.

And what is a pond without some water plants and water birds? Not particularly privileged. The cormorant, maybe a reed cormorant, sits scouting for frog or insect to become its next meal. The waterlilies are in flower.

Most visitors go home satisfied.