Growth rings are the result of new growth in the vascular cambium, a layer of cells near the bark that is classified as a lateral meristem; this growth in diameter is known as secondary growth. Visible rings (as seen in a horizontal cross section cut through the trunk of a tree) result from the change in growth speed through the seasons of the year; thus, critical for the title method, one ring generally marks the passage of one year in the life of the tree.

The rings are more visible in temperate zones, where the seasons differ more markedly. The inner portion of a growth ring is formed early in the growing season, when growth is comparatively rapid (hence the wood is less dense) and is known as "early wood" (or "spring wood", or "late-spring wood"); the outer portion is the "late wood" (and has sometimes been termed "summer wood", often being produced in the summer, though sometimes in the autumn) and is denser.

Given a sample of wood, the variation of the tree-ring growths provides not only a match by year, it can also match location because the climate across a continent is not consistent. This makes it possible to determine the source of ships as well as smaller artifacts made from wood but which were transported long distances, such as panels for paintings and ship timbers.

In some areas of the world, it is possible to date wood back a few thousand years, or even many thousands. As of 2013, fully anchored chronologies in the northern hemisphere extend back 13,900 years.

Source: Wikipedia

How to pot a herb

1. Select your herbs - When making an herb garden, it is essential to have a good variety of herbs and companion plants that will assist your culinary pursuits.
2. Prepare the pot - Make sure that your pot has holes in the bottom for good drainage. Insert a piece of fibrous cloth to prevent soil from draining out of the holes, and then place your drainage stones into the container to about a fifth of the pot's depth. This will help water drain out from the bottom of the soil.
3. Fill the pot - Once the drainage is in place, start to fill the pot with a multi-purpose, or soil-based compost. This should fill approximately three quarters of the pot's remaining depth.
4. Start planting - Place the herb plant into the pots. Squeeze each herb gently from its temporary pot, and tease the roots from the root ball; this will encourage them to spread out.
5. Fill in around the planted herbs - Once you are happy with the positions, start to fill the gaps between the plants with more soil. Firmly push the soil into the gaps by pushing your fingers deep into the soil that you have just added, being careful not to damage any roots. Add more if necessary. Leave a couple of centimeters between the pot's rim and the soil, so that the pot does not overflow when watered.
6. Finish it off - Neaten up the look of the pot by adding decorative pebbles on top of the soil and around the herb.
7. Top the herbs - Cut the tops off the taller plants, roughly halving them in height. This will encourage each herb plant to bush out and provide more leaves to pick at harvest time.
8. Water - Water thoroughly, until the water starts to drain out of the bottom of the pot (the soil needs to absorb a lot on first watering). Continue to water over the coming months, at least every few days, or when the soil seems dry. Herbs like to dry out between water, and some herbs such as Rosemary can easily be over-watered.

Images : courtesy SABC 3 Afternoon Express Show

Blue waters and colourful fish galore

Translated into english Ponta do Ouro means "Point of Gold". There are many different stories as to the origin of the name, from a sunken ship carrying gold bars, to a beautiful golden sunrise. The historical truth might never be known, but the modern day value of what is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled bays in the world, can certainly lay claim to golden treasures.

Ponta Do Ouro's remarkable diversity and unique combination of traditional African bush, sub-tropical coastline, sweeping coastal plains, savannah, dense forests, majestic inland lakes and pristine beaches, make it one of the richest natural treasure chest in the world.

The small town of Ponta do Ouro consists of a motel, a petrol station (petrol/diesel), a local market, butchery, curio centre, local pubs/restaurants.

It is recommended to have a drink of the local beer, 2M and Laurentina, which arguably (very arguably) rivals world famous beers. Also indulge in the famous Tipo Tinto Rum which is locally produced and tastes slightly of Vanilla (it goes best with Pineapple or Raspberry juice which is available from the local market).

The diversified accommodation offers the visitor a wide range of accommodation, ranging from Luxury Lodges to self-catering Houses, chalets, a Motel, Camping, Spa's, Dive camps, Dive Charters, camping, Bed & Breakfast's and a host of alternate venues to suit any taste and budget.

With the view of the bay and such beautiful surroundings, it can be said that this is an idyllic island lifestyle, with a short walk onto beach being all you need to get to the heart of it.

Swimming, surfing, diving, fishing and all sorts of other activities are available in the bay area that are sure to provide you with enough excitement to keep you busy for quite a while. If you want a more relaxing holiday, then walks on the beach, or up to the lighthouse, will give you a chance of seeing turtles laying eggs (October to December), or some of Ponta's dolphins surfing in the waves.

For more information visit Ponta do Oura accommodation