Green welcome at Grahamstown Gardens
A small but enthusiastic group of members of the Horticultural Society visited three local gardens on 11 March.
The first garden was that of Liz Thomas, owner of a B&B.
We were led round the shade garden of tall cycads, clivias, asparagus ferns and liriope clusters.
This cool greenness was nestled under rhus and cabbage trees with an inviting path to the guest rooms. An ancient mulberry tree sprawled over the front entrance.
We were invited to return when the clivias bloomed.
The next garden was Alison Terry’s.
Cold mint water greeted us on this hot afternoon – a reminder of the Bedford Gardens, where every home had jugs of cold lemonade or infused water.
Alison has a variety of plectranthus, from white to purple, also a potting shed with strawberries and fuchsias (her speciality), an impressive herb garden and a net- work of water-saving pipes. We all received a coleus slip to take home.
The last garden belonged to Este Coetzee.
Up the solar lamp-lit path we went from one terrace to another of indigenous plants.
A cow-proof grid has been placed at the vehicle entrance, as cows have taken over Este’s garden from time to time.
Bright-red crassulas and sun-loving gazanias welcomed us as we stopped for tea.
A ‘private “nook” with a variety of coloured plectranthus was hidden to the side of the house.
We would really to like to grow our membership.
To the many gardeners out there, join the Albany Horticultural and Lilium Society. There is so much to learn from the experts and each other.
For further details, contact Heather Surridge to be placed on the membership list.
Membership is R50 per annum. Heather’s email is