Eastern Free State Open Gardens 2026

Experience some of the Eastern Free State’s most beautiful private gardens during the Eastern Free State Open Gardens weekends on 14 to 15 November and 21 to 22 November. Visitors are invited to explore a collection of distinctive gardens, from historic English-style landscapes and terraced mountain retreats to colourful country gardens and heritage estates. 

Each garden offers its own unique character, with many featuring plant sales, food and refreshments, picnic spots, art, wine tasting, and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Entrance fees range from R30 to R50, with proceeds at selected gardens supporting local charities. 

Whether you are a keen gardener, nature enthusiast, photographer, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, the Eastern Free State Open Gardens provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, warm hospitality, and remarkable gardens at the height of the spring season. 

BOSCHFONTEIN FARM, FICKSBURG 

Essex and Janet Barrett

Boschfontein’s 1885 sandstone farmhouse is surrounded by a variety of large trees, shrubs, roses, azaleas, hydrangeas and agapanthus. The terraced garden has hidden nooks providing tranquillity. There are magnificent views of the Lesotho mountains. A sandstone reservoir fed by mountain springs waters the garden and serves as a swimming pool. 

• Times: 09:00-16:00
• Tickets: R50. Goes towards local charity. Cash at the gate. 
• Plant sales  
• Food and drink  
• Picnic spots  
• Art  
• Enquiries: Janet Barrett 083 654 9952 
• Email: info@boschfonteinmountainlodge.co.za 

RENSBURGHOEK THE WAY OF LIFE

Elsie de Jager and Salome Prinsloo

Protected by mountains, embedded between forests, meadows and cherry orchards, this terraced and landscaped garden flourishes in its secluded tranquillity, attracting unique birdlife. Intriguing topography, with a great variety of trees and plants, provides shade and hideouts, contrasting with the open lawns and offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. 

• Times: 09:00 – 17:00 
• Tickets: R50. Cash at the gate. 
• Plant sales  
• Food and drink  
• Picnic Spots  
• Enquiries: Elsie de Jager 082 572 7713 and Salome Prinsloo 079 519 6595 
• Email: info@thewayoflife.co.za 
• Website: www.thewayoflife.co.za 

Directions: About 18 km from Ficksburg/28 km from Fouriesburg (on the R26), there is a turnoff with signboards ‘Rensburghoek Guest Farm’. Turn onto the narrow gravel road and continue straight through an iron gate and between some outer buildings for 1 km to the main entrance and parking area. Note: Boschfontein and Rensburghoek are relatively close to each other. 

THE ROSE HOUSE AND MILE HIGH VINEYARDS

Trish and John Critchley 

The house was built approximately 103 years ago, and a garden was planted at the same time. When they renovated the house, they started re-planting the garden, keeping much of the old flowering quince hedges, huge poplar trees and a 100-yearold oak. Plantings include a colourful front garden with roses, pink harebells, agapanthus, and salvias, among other shrubs and perennials.

• Times: 09:00-16:00 
• Tickets: R50 includes a small glass of one of our red wines and a donation to Charity. 
• Dogs allowed  
• Plant sales  
• Food and drink  
• Enquiries: Trish and John Critchley 072 142 3183 
• Email: critch@netactive.co.za 
• Websites: www.therosehouse.co.za and www.milehighvineyards.com 

KIRKLINGTON 

Rina and Eric

As seen in episode 8 of the documentary ‘Around the World in 80 Gardens’, Kirklington Garden makes careful use of scarce water resources. Water culverts cut into the sandstone cliffs above the garden channel rainwater towards the beautiful English-style garden. 

• Times: 09:00-16:00 
• Tickets: R50. Cash at the gate. 
• Food and drink  
• Enquiries: Rina Beukes 078 325 9001 
• Email rina.beukes@gmail.com 

Directions: Leave Sasol Garage Ficksburg and drive towards the R26 (Bethlehem – Ladybrand/ Bloemfontein Road). At the 4-way crossing, turn left onto the R26 towards Ladybrand. After approximately 18 km, turn right onto the S927 (gravel road). Turn left at the train tracks and drive for about 5 km. Continue along this road for about another 3 km until you see the sign on the right, Kirklington – Garden in the veld. Turn right and follow the road to the house (approx. 2 km).