PS: Learn about Fynbos Pollination with sixty minute talks by Green Mountain Trail guide, Andreas Groenewald, on each morning of Elgin Open Gardens. Book your spot by reply email
Fynbos pollination; triple whammy; ever quickening cyber-attacks; POOR HORACE
Good Morning
I am torn between two contrasting worlds when sharing what’s on my mind this week: The resilience of the fynbos in the mountains above us and the urgent calls for financial resilience. First the financial world but please do read on for the more colourful fynbos and garden bit.
A few days back the BBC wanted to keep Kristalina Georgieva’s message brief, but the MD of the IMF soldiered on, comprehensively sharing what her institution sees as a ‘triple whammy’ financial forecast. Being busy with lighter matters, I listened with only half an ear. She urged policymakers to cut excessive debt, counter growing inequality and better monitor AI financial risks.
A recent northern hemisphere Green Mountain Trail hiker urged us to liquidate our collectables in preparation for the financial storm he believes is coming. Remembering this advice and hearing the BBC IMF soundbite, urged me to dive deeper while White House Secretary intrigue swamped the news.
An economic triple whammy is a situation where three distinct negative, difficult, or damaging economic events happen at the same time or in rapid succession, multiplying the harm to an economy, a market, or a financial system. Collins Dictionary
As I understand it, if the AI expected returns do not materialise, the vast loans financing the AI associated infrastructure will not be serviced, this in addition to the equity investment losses. Second, countries have been borrowing heavily, some to the value of their GDP. The geopolitical shocks and the wars that continue to drive volatility in energy prices, food costs, and global inflation are the third whammy.
While there is not much you and I can do to influence the forecasted Triple Whammy, urgent action is recommended. Small businesses are urged to defend themselves against ever quickening cyber-attacks, specifically insuring against such attacks instead of relying on general liability insurance. ‘IMF board member Van Rij highlighted smaller businesses as uniquely vulnerable targets due to their constrained resources and lower capacity for robust cybersecurity investments.’ NL Times
In an entirely other world, the extreme plant diversity and evolutionary richness of the Cape Fynbos is underpinned by natural Pollination, the vital link between flora and specialized animals (Table Mountain Fund). Intense competition for pollinators has shaped the vast variety of fynbos species. A phenomenon well illustrated by the ground protea. In order to prevent birds and insects from stealing their nectar, rodent pollinated proteas have modified their leaves to keep birds and insects out (Grootbos Foundation).
Learn about the extraordinary pollination stories that make Cape Fynbos a recognised site of UNESCO World Heritage. Here at Wildekrans Country House Andreas Groenewald, Green Mountain Trail guide, will talk to this exciting subject each morning of the two Elgin Open Garden weekend, 31 October, 1, 7 and 8 November. If you have not yet booked your seat, please email info@greenmountain.co.za
We’ve been playing in the garden more than usual while preparing for Open Garden season (and a family garden wedding). SHEEP ARE SAFELY GRAZING has been moved from the lawn to the indigenous bed. Come and see what else we have been up to garden wise.
Wilma Cruise’s POOR HORACE will take residence here for these weekends. ‘Poor Horace inverts the notion of horse as noble beast representing power and movement. In various manifestations of bronze, resin and marble dust, he is depicted immobile and inert. His power removed. He becomes a cipher for all that is ill in the world.’ Wilma Cruise
This artwork is one of a few for sale. Wilma Cruise is planning an artistic reset and I will be visiting her studio this week to see what is on the cards.
Placed between the joy of art and fynbos, and the financial storm brewing, I feel both a sense of exhileration and a sense of certain unease. Excited then, to find 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature winner Anne Carson’s ‘Let me share a bit of wisdom’, an English translation and adaption of a speech from Euripides’ ancient Greek tragedy Alcestis (483 BCE).
“Come here, let me share a bit of wisdom with you.
Have you given much thought to our mortal condition?
Probably not. Why would you? Well, listen.
All mortals owe a debt to death.
There’s no one alive
who can say if he will be tomorrow.
Our fate moves invisibly! A mystery.
No one can teach it, no one can grasp it.
Accept this! Cheer up! Have a drink!
But don’t forget Aphrodite–that’s one sweet goddess.
You can let the rest go. Am I making sense?
I think so. How about a drink.
Put on a garland. I’m sure
the happy splash of wine will cure your mood.
We’re all mortal you know. Think mortal.
Because my theory is, there’s no such thing as life,
it’s just catastrophe.”
With love
PPS: Fynbos Pollination Talks by Andreas Groenewald – 60 minute morning sessions, R100 per person. Book by reply mail.
PPPS: Sign up now to join hiking groups on these dates:
• 📅 26 October 2026 – Green Mountain Trail
• 📅 30 November 2026 – Green Mountain Trail
• 📅 07 December 2026 – Green Mountain Trail
• 📅 28 December 2026 – Green Mountain Trail
• 📅 11 January 2027 – Green Mountain Trail
• 📅 01 February 2027 – Green Mountain Trail
• 📅 22 February 2027 – Green Mountain Trail
To walk with your own group, book these dates: 🏞️
• 📅 9 November 2026 – Green or Blue Mountain Trail
• 📅 18 January 2027 – Green or Blue Mountain Trail
Follow @greenmountaintrail for trail news. Book online – greenmountain.co.za or by reply email.
