It’s time to explore!
Many gardeners countrywide are generous enough to open their gates to other busy and curious gardeners. These open gardens will inspire you.
Spring Festival, Haenertsburg 19-27 September 2015 In September the whole of Magoebaskloof and Haenertsburg is transformed into a massive spring garden thanks to an abundance of cherry- and sour-plum blossoms, as well as red, peach, yellow and white azaleas in full bloom. Visitors can visit Kuhestan Organic Farm, the Cheerio Gardens and the Applegrange Farm. Azaleas will also be sold. Tuck into home-made goods at Magoebaskloof Hotel and visit the popular orchid show by local expert Claudia Smith. You can enjoy Haenertsburg’s blossoms – and a whole lot more – at the food, wine and beer expo. Where? Magoebaskloof Hotel, Haenertsburg Contact springfestival.co.za
082 883 4449 (Anne-Marie Brook)
EASTERN CAPE
Open gardens, Hogsback 24 September - 31 October 2015 Hogsback, situated in the Amatola Mountains, is 1 200m to 1 600m above sea level and blessed with a rainfall of 1 200mm per year. A unique combination of climate and soil types allows exotic plants and trees, from the smallest rhododendron found in the Himalayas to the enormous Californian redwood, to flourish here. The town also boasts a magnificent arboretum from the 20th century. Price Guided tours can be arranged at R50pp. Get a booklet with all the details from the information centre in town. Contact hogsback.co.za 045 962 1245
KWAZULU-NATAL
Encounter East Griqualand Country & Garden Festival 30 October - 1 November 2015 Kokstad, Cedarville, Matatiele and Swartberg all deck themselves out in their best festival finery for this family weekend. Wander through the 16 open gardens in the towns and on surrounding farms, walk beside a wetland, taste Ferrero hazelnuts, and buy goodies to eat or keep at the farmer’s market. Contact encountereg.co.za
Encountereg
SOUTHERN CAPE
Cango Route Garden Safari, Oudtshoorn and surrounds 23-24 October 2015 Twenty-five gardeners in the magnificent valley between Oudtshoorn and the Swartberg Pass open their garden gates to visitors. Find inspiration in the formal gardens, farm gardens, panoramic gardens, indigenous gardens and waterwise gardens – there’s even a Biblical garden, and a few gems concealed in the ravines. Also admire the flower arrangements in the church, which has beautiful stained-glass windows; learn more about the art of bonsai; and find out how to make your own compost. If you packed your trainers and prefer walking to driving, plan to discover some of the gardens on the 5km,10km or 15km walking routes on foot. Contact 079 558 0002
bdanielategan@gmail.com
WESTERN CAPE
Open Gardens, Elgin 31 October and 1,7 and 8 November 2015 More than 20 outstanding open gardens in the Elgin, Vyeboom and Bot River districts mean you simply have to visit the Overberg on the last weekend of October or first weekend in November. You will discover old established gardens. Young modern gardens. Gardens that take up hectares and gardens that are tiny. Indigenous gardens and exotic gardens. At some of them you can enjoy tea or a light lunch, and buy plants. Or take your own picnic basket. There will also be art exhibitions, as well as wine tastings at all the cellars in the area. Information Look out for a leaflet with the details at nurseries across the Western Cape and at farm stalls in the Elgin area. Contact elginopengardens.co.za
021 844 0154 (Barbara Knox-Shaw)
WESTERN CAPE
Nature’s Magic, McGregor 10-11 October 2015 Gardening in McGregor can be a challenge, mainly due to its location in the Little Karoo climate. Discover the great ideas of 14 local gardeners and learn how they work with nature. This year, plant experts will be at the gardens to explain more about waterwise gardening, and how to use succulents and hard landscape features to create interest. Don’t miss the food gardens that are planted between beautiful old thatched houses and irrigated by leiwater furrows. Plants, pots and garden art will be for sale. Price A map indicating the various gardens, open from 10:00 to 16:00, will be available at the tourism office for R10. Contact tourismmcgregor.co.za
023 625 1954