A trip to the annual Garden Festival holds the promise of a glorious encounter with nature in its finest splendour All’s coming up roses in Bedford
MENTION the words Bedford Garden Festival and friends will look at you either with delight or disdain. While I erred on the side of the latter, how could I turn down my enthusiastic friend Kim Venter – even if it was just to explore the beautiful Eastern Cape?
Another friend, Tarryn Hiscock was equally excited, and Kim’s sister Kate Naude was also on board.
Attempting to make an early start, we set off on our journey at 7am on Sunday.
A girls road trip meant endless chatter ensued as we travelled inland from East London.
In King William’s Town we stopped for some coffee and promptly hit the road.
The sun was shining brightly and we passed through thick mist, which held the promise of a glorious hot day. We drove past a tortoise that had stalled in the middle of the road. Kate insisted Kim turn around so she could save the tortoise from imminent death.
“What if it’s a trap and someone’s going to attack us,” said Kim.
Kate jumped out and flagged an oncoming car out of the creature’s way. Everyone scanned the area, the tortoise was sent on its merry way and we all quickly jumped back in the car. A good deed done for the day and we still had so much more to accomplish.
We arrived in the quaint town ofBedford and headed straight for the church where some market stalls beckoned us closer. Pancakes with freshly squeezed lemon juice were purchased for breakfast.
Some stallholders told us they’d heard the best garden this year was Maasström farm and said we should save it for last. I suggested we see Maasström first, because time always runs away. It was a great decision as the garden was very close to town.
It cost R20 each to enter. As we walked up Doreen and Peter Freese’s path there was a great big tree with tons of orange clivias underneath.
Further up, as we entered the garden, we were met with a magnificent sight.
Lush green grass and impressive flower beds were set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Lots of footpaths and archways made this an interesting garden to explore.
The roses smelt like perfume, their scent so intoxicating we couldn’t resist sniffing them. They reminded Kim and I of the roses in the gardens of Versailles in France.
Striking irises in deep purple, soft lilac, peach and burgundy were a sight to behold.
Benches strategically placed around the garden made it difficult to leave this sanctuary.
Our next stop was the South African Rosarium. There was also a R20 entrance fee, but people are allowed to visit throughout the year, whereas some of the gardens on show are only open during the festival. The SA Rosarium is a national collection of old roses.
Gorgeous climbing roses hung over us – it felt so regal.
We walked around, sniffing roses and admiring some succulents when an elderly woman in a white cotton shirt and broad brimmed hat approached us.
Barbara Long started sharing the history of roses and the story of how the garden came about.
She said it was important to preserve these ancient rose bushes as they were so different to the modern varieties. The SA Rosarium aims to preserve the valuable genetic traits of old roses brought to the Cape of Good Hope from the early 1600s onwards.
Bees buzzed all over the roses, their tiny legs bulging with golden pouches of pollen.
Barbara said no insecticides were used in the garden and the underplanting was all indigenous.
The impressive succulent beds surrounding the rose bushes was a truly harmonious combination and I think the bees agreed as they flew between the flowers of both plant species. She added that the garden was looking gorgeous after two years of drought. And it was – a testament to the tender care, hard work and expertise of those for whom gardening is a labour of love. “This garden holds all of my memories,” she said.
The sprightly woman, with a pair of red clippers peeking out the back pocket of her jeans, then darted off to show us her favourite rose – Mademoiselle Franziska Krüger, which had striking dark pink buds and peach coloured flowers, with the edges delicately dipped in light pink.
We drove through the dusty streets back towards the centre of town and stopped off at boutique clothing and decor shops.
On the opposite end, doors opened out onto the Duke of Bedford and Hope Street hub – it was like stepping through a magic cupboard into a different world.
Escaping the heat, we headed straight to The Apprentice Deli and claimed a table right under the shade of some trees and ordered lunch. Everything about the place was just glorious and the food was delectable.
We lingered for quite a while at this spot and then headed off to Lloydii Succulent Nursery.
The variety of succulents was astounding. Kim sat on a chair under a tree with some women who had just finished their afternoon tea.
“I’m absolutely exhausted,” said Kim. While the rest of us perused succulents to buy, Kim started talking to the women about her baby and motherhood, and in return they gave her some advice on life.
As we said our goodbyes, one of the women told Kim: “It gets easier the more you have, I had four, and it does get better. We’ve all been through it and survived.”
The afternoon heat was scorching hot, so we stopped at the Eagle Hout Padstal for cooldrinks. This is also where The Upcycled Garden by Lana and Ben Blom was located.
Time was dwindling away as we made our way to Cavers, which would be our last stop for the day.
The green grass was so inviting we all plopped down to admire Karen and Ken Ross’s picturesque all-white flower beds.
Flowers became more colourful as we walked further in towards the Cavers Country Guest House for tea and cake.
Tarryn said: “I’ve been shocked with what Bedford has to offer. I never thought I would be so surprised by a place and the roses.”
Kate said: “My favourite part was talking and interacting with the friendly people of Bedford. Especially listening to Barbara and the history behind those gorgeous roses at the SA Rosarium. She was so friendly and knowledgeable.”
With the dappled afternoon light starting to set in, we knew it was time to head home and we all agreed we’d be back next year. With so much on offer that we didn’t get to see, we considered making it a girls’ weekend away.
See you there next October.