Glen Avon Farm

Bedford Country Gardens

22 – 24 October and 5 – 7 November

Coming back stronger, with an increased emphasis on the joys (and safety) of outdoor living, Bedford’s 17 Country Gardens will all be open for two weekends this year.

There’s lots of good news from a district famous for resilience. Four new gardens are opening for the first time and two favourites that have been closed for several years are re-opening. Taking advantage of the hiatus last year, gardeners at the district’s traditional favourites have used the time to make changes and additions to landscaping and plantings, several showing the influence of park and prairie, with a preference for broader recreation spaces.

In spite of extremely harsh weather conditions, Bedford’s passionate gardeners radiate the same optimism and determination as the roses that flourish here. Heritage Roses will be on sale at the SA Rosarium and general plant sales at many gardeners as well as at The Duke and Eagle Hout Nursery.

The ‘fringe’ programmes for the two weekends have been balanced so there will be two Church Bazaars, two VIP speakers, two open golf competitions, two Sunday midday concerts, and two chances to do our new forest walks, for example.

Visitors can count on relaxed country hospitality and masses of regional food along with wine and spirit tastings throughout.

Enquiries: Facebook and www.bedford.co.za

Glen Avon Farm

Alison and Bill Brown

Glen Avon Farm is a seventh-generation farm that exudes a sense of timelessness of a bygone era. The park-like garden with informal mixed borders is more like an English country garden, complementing the 200-year-old farmhouse. Stately old oak trees and a spectacular Bauhinia bowkeri add to the feeling of tranquillity.

Directions: From Bedford, take the R63 towards Cradock, then left onto N10 to Cookhouse. Turn right onto R63 and after 21km turn right at sign ‘GLEN AVON B&B’. There is 6km of good gravel road.
Entrance: R20
Time to view: 1 hour
Why visit: A beautiful garden in an historic setting

Wheelchair friendly
Craft Gin tastings: Friday and Saturday 15:00 – 17:00