JOHANNESBURG CLASSIC

October 31, November 1, 2 & 3

Deep shade, sunlit lawns, roses, fountains, lily ponds . . . Beechwood has all the classic charm of an old, gracious northern suburbs garden.

Exceptionally beautiful mature trees include black oaks, pin oaks, a rare copper beech and a colossal water oak, most of which were planted by the legendary Joane Pim, pioneer of landscape architecture in South Africa. Pim, who combined a classic English training with an uncompromising and innovative spirit, laid out the 3.5-acre garden in 1945.

Using the excellent bones she gave the garden, present owners Christopher and Susan Greig have moved the garden into a new era with sensitive and imaginative additions that include an elegant colonnade, a rainforest with automatic misting, a new lotus pond and a superb vegetable garden. The planting, which features new varieties of annuals, perennials and numerous bulbs, is quietly colourful. A smooth pathway has also been constructed through the garden, making it wheelchair-friendly.

Management is entirely organic and extensive use is made of mycorrhizal soil treatments. The results, especially in the vegetable garden, will be of great interest to gardeners.

Entrance is R40. The garden is situated at 25 Christopherson Road, Hyde Park. As always, an alfresco lunch will be available over the weekend and a tea garden every day. For more information call Lynne on 082-774-4440 or Helena on 083-267-1661.