Ficksburg Open Gardens 2023

Friday 3 – Sunday 5 November, Friday 10 – Sunday 12 November

For the first time, the Ficksburg Agritourism Forum launches their open gardens in the Free State. With summer rainfall and natural springs, gardens in the eastern Free State are usually at their best in November. Visitors to the area are often pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the eastern Free State landscape and the variety of plants flourishing in the gardens. Ficksburg is well known for its cherry production and fresh cherries are available between October and December.

Times: 9:00 – 16:00
Tickets: R50 cash
Enquiries: Toni Barrett 072 621 0674 or Janet Barrett 083 654 9952, email info@boschfonteinmountainlodge.co.za

Boschfontein Farm – Essex and Janet Barrett

A large, terraced garden leading up to a sandstone mountain backdrop. Sandstone cut on Boschfontein Farm has been used in the garden design to create different rooms. Old garden roses, huge trees and the 1885 creeper-covered home keep the farm’s history alive and the variety of plants bring colour to the garden.

Directions: About 12km from Ficksburg/30km from Fouriesburg (on the R26), there is a turn-off with signboards for Sandstone Estate, Boschfontein, Kromdraai, Charlie’s Cherry Products and Stars of Sandstone. There are also old tractors and a windmill at the turn-off to the gravel road. From there, follow the gravel road straight over the railway line, keeping right. Drive past a staff village and through an avenue of tall poplars. Carry on along this road until you see the red roofed main house about 3km from the tar road.

• Art
• Food and drink

Kirklington

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

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 18km, turn right onto the S927 (gravel road). Continue along the S927 (past a village on the left) until you reach the train tracks. Turn left at the train tracks and drive for about 5km. On your left will be the Gumtree Milling building (tall, historical sandstone building). Continue along this road for about another 3km, until you see the sign on the right for Kirklington – Garden in the veld. Turn right and follow the road to the house (approx. 2km).
Enquiries: Rina Beukes 078 325 9001, email rina.beukes@gmail.com

• Food and drink

Rensburghoek The Way of Life

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

Directions: From Ficksburg follow R26 to Fouriesburg for about 18 – 19km. On left side of the road at the start of the mountain foot there is a sign: RENSBURGHOEK GUEST FARM. Turn left onto the narrow gravel road and continue straight through an iron gate and between some outer buildings for 1km to the main entrance and parking area.
Enquiries: Elsie de Jager-Olsson 082 572 7713, email: saamstroom@gmail.com

• Plant sales
• Food and drink
• Picnic spots

Special Event

Picnic and Music in the Garden Dates: 4, 8 and 11 November
Time: 11h00 – 14:00

Includes:

• Welcoming and introduction
• Walk through and experience the garden
• Picnic-style harvest table
• Live music by Salome, our talented and unique green keeper/ gardener/ singer/ songwriter Ticket price: R300 per adult, R150 children 5-12 years
• Booking in advance essential: Maximum 12 people

Saxon Park Farm

The garden was laid out and started by Fritz von Maltitz in the 1940s, after a visit to Italy. He carted sandstone blocks by oxen to build terraces and pathways. The garden is a mix of formal and open parkland styles. The garden evokes the feeling of being in a park with glimpses of the surrounding farmland through the trees.

Directions: Leave Sasol Garage Ficksburg and drive towards the R26 (Bethlehem – Bloemfontein Road). At the 4-way crossing, drive over the R26 towards Hammonia. Drive on a gravel road for about 26km until you reach the S67. Turn left at the S67 T-junction. Drive for about 4.8km until you see Saxon Park Farm on your right.
Enquiries: Lindie von Maltitz, 083 457 8278, email: lindievonmaltitz@gmail.com

• Food and drink