Hogsback Open Gardens 2025

This spring, take a trip to the mountains and explore the charm of Hogsback’s Open Gardens. From 10–19 October and again from 14–16 November, ten private gardens will be open to visitors – each one offering something unique, from colourful azaleas to peaceful forest walks. 

Tickets: R150 per person to view 10 gardens over a weekend, children under 15 are free. 

• Azalea Splendour: 10-19 October 2025 (over 2 weekends) 

• Magical Roses: 14-16 November 2025 (over 1 weekend) 

Enquiries: Gloria Robinson 082 934 3474 or email hogsbackgardenclub@gmail.com 

facebook.com/hogsbackopengardens

• Plant sales  

• Wine tasting  

• Food and drink  

THE ARBORETUM 

This is our Community Garden of Love. It is available to visit free of charge, always open and always very special. All proceeds from the Open Gardens ticket sales are used for the maintenance of the Arboretum where generations of Hogsback gardeners have planted trees and ornamentals to create a magical public park. The magnificent 39 steps waterfall completes the fairytale setting. As a bonus, visitors will be able to walk with a minimum effort through the enchanted rainforest bordering the park.  

Always open, approximate time to view 1 hour. Level and easy to navigate. 

THE EDGE 

Peter Colyvas and Wouter Jordaan 

The Edge Mountain Retreat Garden is surrounded by cliffs, dramatic views and unspoiled indigenous Afromontane rainforest – all part of the pristine, natural environment. A wonderful large, varied garden to explore with a centre attraction of the Labyrinth. Neatly kept with pockets of flowerstenderly planted alongside the circular path. The adjacent Bluff walk offers a spectacular view of the Edge. Entrance through the Labyrinth cow gate.  

Approximate time to view: 1 hour, level, easy navigation. 

WOODSIDE GARDENS 

Julie and Wayne Dunn 

A unique, mature landscaped garden comprising of 32 garden rooms divided by tall hedges. Each room exhibits special features. Walking this garden feels like an adventure, with surprise views awaiting at each turn. Featuring a colourful array of azaleas, rhododendrons and other ornamental 

shrubs nestled in-between majestic beeches and oaks trees.  

Approximate time to view is 1 hour. Level and easy to navigate. 

BRAMBER 

Eric and Gloria Robinson 

A recently rejuvenated old garden with beautiful spaces formed by large trees and open areas. The gently sloping walking path leads to a most inspiring view of the Hogsback mountains, a proteas terrace and a rose garden. A charming, eccentric house adds to the sense of a fairy tale setting.  

Approximate time to view: 0,5 hours. Gentle slope and easy to navigate. 

MISTLEA 

Dave and Jane Pledger 

A showstopper unique heritage garden to behold, with ancient trees and beautiful, unique Japanese maples. One will discover delightful romantic water features surrounded by an exquisite array of azaleas in October. A garden where the roses will romance you with their magnificent colours and fragrance. Set in a gorgeous terraced forest walk. A special experience!  

Approximate time to view: 2 hours+. Sloped in areas with some steps, those not steady on their feet to proceed with caution.  

Azalea Nursery Open 09:00-13:00, 14:00- 16:00 

HURRY 

Dave and Alba Bilsbury 

An exquisite, large, and beautiful Heritage garden to behold. Meander through wide, grassy paths under rare exotic trees and ornamentals with many special deciduous azaleas and rhododendrons. You will be surrounded by a burst of heavenly colours and be enthralled by the sweet-smelling fragrance as you wander through this magical garden. Gentle slopes lead you to a beautiful pond area. A delightful garden to relax and unwind.  

Approximate time to view 2 hours with gentle slopes, relatively easy. 

ST PATRICK’S CHAPEL GARDEN 

Carol Nieth (Garden Guardian) 

The much loved little chapel in Hogsback is picture perfect and a must see when visiting. A lovely Prayer Walk which offers a beautiful view down below and a peek in the chapel itself is a must.  

Approximate time to view: 0,5 hours, gentle slopes. 

APPLEGARTH 

Sandy and Rob Wicks 

Applegarth will be on show for the first time this year. It is a majestic semi-formal garden bursting with colours in spring. Azaleas, rhododendrons, dogwoods and magnolias line up an enchanted path through ancient trees. There will be 2 guided tours every day. Strictly no dogs and children under 12 will be admitted. Open in October only.  

Approximate time to view: 1 hour. Level and easy to navigate. 

LITTLE TIMBERS 

Helen and Tony Chappel 

A huge heritage garden with the quaintest English country home! Take time out to immerse yourself in this majestic garden. Beautiful massive pond area with water lilies and swathes of irises, surrounded by showy ornamental trees. Showcasing colourful roses, azaleas and rhododendrons in the most English romantic setting. A relaxing walk will take you around the whole property. This garden offers the opportunity to explore a huge area of the indigenous forest as well. 

Parking is at St Patricks Church. 

Approximate time to view: 2 hours. Vast and quite steep in places so would be a challenge for those with mobility issues.