SPCA Open Gardens Grahamstown Makhanda

Garden lovers in Grahamstown/Makhanda can look forward to the SPCA Open Gardens 2026, with two opportunities to visit a selection of private and public gardens during spring.

The programme begins with a Spring Preamble on Saturday 19 September 2026, followed by the main Open Gardens event on Saturday 31 October 2026. The participating gardens range from carefully tended town gardens and indigenous spaces to large country properties, orchid collections and the historic Makana Botanical Gardens.

Proceeds from the event support the local SPCA.

SPCA Open Gardens 2026 Dates

The event takes place on:

Spring Preamble: Saturday 19 September 2026
Main Event: Saturday 31 October 2026

Spring Preamble, 19 September 2026

The Spring Preamble runs from 09:00 to 13:00.

One of the highlights is Brackenhill Farm, where visitors can see an impressive private orchid collection. The property features masses of cymbidium orchids in flower, together with oncidiums and dendrobiums. Audrey’s mountain garden also brings plenty of spring colour as it prepares for the warmer months.

The Makana Botanical Gardens will also be open, with formal guided tours at 09:30, 10:30 and 11:30 on 19 September. Entry to the gardens is free, while the walking tour costs R50, with the fee going to Friends of the Botanical Gardens.

Tickets: R20 per person
Children under 12: Free

Main Event, 31 October 2026

The main SPCA Open Gardens event takes place on Saturday 31 October from 09:00 to 16:00.

The October event offers visitors the chance to see a diverse range of garden styles around Grahamstown/Makhanda.

Tickets: R100 for access to all participating gardens, or R20 per individual garden
Children under 12: Free
Card facilities: Available

Gardens to Visit

33 OATLANDS ROAD

Andrew and Bridget’s garden is almost entirely indigenous, with several plant species native to the Eastern Cape.The garden is completely water-wise and receives no irrigation. Different sections provide variety as visitors walk through the property, with a calm atmosphere throughout.

Wheelchair access.

6 TAUNTON ROAD

Adele has spent the past five years developing this medium-sized town garden. Many of the plants moved with her from Adelaide, while new additions have been grown from slips and cuttings. The garden also features repurposed farming equipment used as garden art, clivias and water features, with new elements continually being added.

Wheelchair access limited

1 FREDERICK STREET, SUNNYSIDE

This garden, tended by Mark and Lynn, is tucked away in a quieter part of Grahamstown. Paths wind up the hillside through an indigenous garden divided into several distinctive spaces. Birdsong and natural planting contribute to a peaceful setting, with the garden offering visitors an opportunity to spend time among indigenous vegetation.

Plant sales are available.

3 JACOBUS UYS WA, HILL 60

Paul and Karen’s large property combines wide open spaces, a substantial home, a natural swimming pool and a productive working garden. The property focuses on making use of natural resources for more sustainable living. Paul’s vegetable garden is one of the notable features.

The garden is open from 09:00 to 13:00.

BLACKWOODS

Claudia Chandler’s garden combines established and newer planting. It has a rambling, informal quality while also incorporating more structured and formal elements. The peaceful garden is shared with the owner’s animals and offers a relaxed environment for visitors.

Wheelchair access
Plant sales

18 STONES HILL

This is a deliberately informal country garden where donkeys help keep the grass down and chickens form part of everyday garden life.Visitors can expect unexpected corners and broad country views. The property also offers picnic spots.

BRACKENHILL FARM

Owned by Wyndham Whitfield and Audrey Weyer, Brackenhill Farm is home to one of the country’s larger private orchid collections. During the October Open Gardens, visitors can see mass displays of cymbidiums, while the homestead garden sits against the mountainside and features an abundant mix of colour and planting.

Plant sales
Food and drink
Picnic spots

16 HILLSVIEW ROAD

Robyn and Allan, together with Tony, open a stately home surrounded by a park-like garden.Large established trees provide shade, while rolling lawns and flowerbeds create a more formal garden setting. An interleading gate at the bottom of the garden connects to the neighbouring property, recalling a time when children regularly moved between the two homes.

The garden is open from 09:00 to 13:00.

Wheelchair access
Plant sales
Food and drink
Picnic spots

MAKANA BOTANICAL GARDENS

The Makana Botanical Gardens, associated with Rhodes University and Makana Local Municipality, are among the area’s most historically significant garden spaces. Established in 1853, the 16-hectare gardens are a Provincial Heritage Site. They include formal beds, large lawns, more natural sections and a network of pathways. The gardens feature more than 140 bird species, indigenous and introduced plants, historical features and a stream. The main entrance is framed by towering dragon trees estimated to be around 160 years old. The lower areas include introduced trees forming part of the original arboretum, including conifers and other mature specimens, while upper sections feature a variety of indigenous species.

On 31 October, the gardens are open all day, with formal tours at 12:30, 14:00 and 15:00. Entry to the Botanical Gardens is free. A Friends of the Botanical Gardens walking tour costs R50.