Open Gardens Grahamstown Makhanda 2025

Gardens across Grahamstown (Makhanda) will open to the public for one day only on Saturday, 18 October 2025. From historic town gardens and lovingly restored landscapes to wild, indigenous spaces and working vegetable plots, this year’s selection offers a rich mix of gardening styles, stories and inspiration. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply enjoy a stroll through beautiful spaces, the variety on show promises something special for everyone. All proceeds go to the SPCA Grahamstown, so your visit supports a good cause too. 

Time: 9:00-16:00 

Tickets: R100 for all gardens or R20 per garden 

Enquiries: 083 377 2101 

Email: chairperson@spcaght.co.za 

Facebook: Open Gardens Grahamstown Makhanda 

1 BEDFORD ROAD, WESTHILL 

Suzanne de Villiers 

Suzanne undoubtedly has green fingers making everything turn into a colourful bouquet in her garden. From vivid bougainvillea, rambling roses to clusters of succulents, she has succeeded in turning this garden into a very beautiful space. Lamb’s ears, osteospermum daisies and lemon or rose-scented geraniums, mini bottlebrushes, salvia, forget-me-nots, Banksia roses and more, this is a garden not to be missed.  

Directions: Travelling north-west on Somerset Road, continue going straight. Take the first turning right and next turning left. 

26 KINGS HEIGHTS ESTATE, KINGS CRESCENT 

David and Megan 

After the drought a few years ago, only the fynbos and a few hardy shrubs survived. The owners had a well-planned garden as their canvas to bring out the potential of the stand. The indigenous trees, shrubs and roses have now matured and provide a pleasant space for appreciating nature. 

Time: 12:00-16:00 

Directions: Follow African Street to the traffic circle at Kingswood. Turn left into Park Road. Towards the end of Park Road, turn right into Miles Street past the complexes on the left. Turn left into Kings  Crescent, travel to the end of the road and enter through the gate (someone will be in attendance). The house is a short distance after the gates on the right. 

3 JACOBUS UYS WAY, HILL 60 

Paul and Karen Davies 

A huge property with wide open spaces, a stately home, natural swimming pool and a working garden, all harnessing natural resources for sustainable living. Paul’s vegetable garden is a must to view! A home truly at peace with nature. 

Time: 09:00-13:00 

Directions: Travelling north-west on Somerset Road, at traffic circle continue straight. Continue past pedestrian crossing speed hump and take left into Hill 60 suburb. Turn right into Willshire Crescent and first left into Stanley Louw Street. Turn left into Jacobus Uys and follow the road as it winds around the hill to number 3 on the left. Enter on foot at driveway towards the house lower down the hill. 

3 LEICESTER STREET, WESTHILL 

Sarah Chorley 

A stately Herbert Baker designed house with circular driveway leading through a beautiful garden of beds and lawn. Large purple poppies adorn the driveway during late Spring. Enjoy morning tea and scones in Sarah’s beautiful garden. 

Directions: Travelling north-west on Somerset Road, continue straight up after traffic circle. Turn left into Leicester Street. Cross the stop street and 3 is on the right. 

5 OATLANDS ROAD, OATLANDS 

Bev Watson and her daughter Viki Watson 

This historic parsonage and heritage site has been lovingly restored by the mother and daughter team, Bev and Viki Watson. The property boasts a beautiful, new landscaped garden adding fresh life and colour into this historic home. 

Time: 12:00-16:00 

Directions: Travelling north-west on Somerset Road, turn right into African Street. After the traffic circle, turn left into Oatlands Road. Number 5 is on the right. 

6 TAUNTON ROAD, SOMERSET HEIGHTS 

Adele van der Meulen 

A medium-sized town garden that has been lovingly tended to by Adele for the past 4 years. Adele has brought in many plants from her old home in Adelaide as well as new additions by taking slips and cuttings. Interesting nooks and crannies, beautifully decorated with treasured farming equipment as garden art. 

Directions: Travelling north-west on Somerset Road, at traffic circle take right into WorcesterStreet. Turn left into Milner Street and turn right into Dulverton Road. Turn right into Taunton, turn right into Glastonbury and park. Entrance on Glastonbury. 

BRACKENHILL FARM 

Wyndham Whitfield and Audrey Weyer  

Probably one of the biggest private orchid collections in the country. The mass display of cymbidiums in flower at the time of Open Gardens is difficult to capture. The homestead garden balances on the side of the mountain. A haven for birds and bugs. Wild and colourful! 

Directions: 6 km out of Grahamstown/Makhanda on the left, just after the falling rock sign (towards Gqeberha). 

CNR GRAHAM & LEICESTER STREET, WESTHILL 

Peter and Candace Myers 

Discover a lush oasis at Candace’s garden, where vibrant blooms and tranquil water features create a peaceful retreat. Come and explore this gem of a small garden, enjoy and be inspired! 

Directions: Travelling north-west on Somerset Road, continue straight at traffic circle take right into Leicester Street. At the stop sign, turn left into Graham Street – on the corner.