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Open Gardens of the Eastern Free State 2024

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Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 November 2024
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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.
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Time: 9:00-16:00

Tickets: Adults R50pp per garden or R200pp for 5 gardens, children 3-18 years R10 per person per garden or R40 for 5 gardens. Infants 0-2 years free Cash at each garden or contact Toni to purchase tickets for all 5 gardens.

Enquiries: Toni Barrett 072 621 0674 info@boschfonteinmountainlodge.co.za
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BOSCHFONTEIN FARM
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Essex and Janet Barrett
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Boschfontein’s 1885 sandstone farm-house is surrounded by a variety of large trees and shrubs with a profusion of roses, azaleas, hydrangeas, agapanthus and other frost-sensitive plants able to survive the harsh winters. Situated on the slopes of Joala Boholo mountain, the garden is terraced with hidden nooks providing tranquillity. There are magnificent views of the Lesotho mountains. At the garden’s highest level, a sunken sandstone reservoir fed by mountain springs waters the garden and supplies numerous cattle drinking troughs. It is drained and cleaned in summer to serve as the family swimming pool.
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Directions: About 12 km from Ficksburg/30 km from Fouriesburg (on the R26), there is a turnoff with signboard for Boschfontein. 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. Travel along this road until you see the red-roofed main house about 3 km from the tar road. (Note: Boschfontein and Rensburghoek are relatively close to each other).

Time to view: 30 minutes to 1 hour
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  • Art
  • Food and Drink
  • Picnic Spots
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RENSBURGHOEK THE WAY OF LIFE
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Elsie de Jager-Olsson
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Protected by mountains, imbedded between forests, meadows and cherry orchards, this terraced and landscaped garden flourishes in its secluded tranquillity , attracting unique birdlife. The 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.
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Directions: About 18 km from Ficksburg/28 km from Fouriesburg (on the R26), there is a turnoff with signboards for 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).

Time to view: 30 minutes to 1 hour
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  • Plant Sales
  • Food and Drink
  • Picnic Spots
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SAXON PARK FARM
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Friedl and Lindie von Maltitz
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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.
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Directions: From Sasol Garage, Ficksburg. Leave Sasol Garage Ficksburg and drive towards the R26 (Bethlehem/Bloemfontein Road). At the 4-way crossing, drive over the R26 towards Hammonia on the S67 for about 26 km. Turn left at the S343 T-junction (also signposted for Imla Guest Farm). Drive for about 4.8 km until you see Saxon Park Farm on your right. (Note: Saxon Park Farm, Omdraai Guest Farm and Venue, and Imla Guest Farm are relatively close to each other).

Time to view: 30 minutes to 1 hour
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  • Food and Drink
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IMLA GUEST FARM
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Johan and Janet Smith
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The garden is set amidst the stunning backdrop of the Eastern Free State landscape. Rolling hills, open fields, and clear skies provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The garden showcases a variety of indigenous plants and flowers that are well-suited to the local climate and environment. Carefully landscaped features enhance the garden’s appeal. As a working farm, it also features fruit orchards and vegetable gardens.
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Directions: From Sasol Garage, Ficksburg. Leave Sasol Garage Ficksburg and drive towards the R26 (Bethlehem/Bloemfontein Road). At the 4-way crossing, drive over the R26 towards Hammonia on the S67 for about 26 km. Turn left at the S343 T-junction (see sign for Imla). Drive for about 4.8 km until you see Saxon Park Farm on your right. Continue past Saxon Park for about 6.9 km until you see a sign for Imla Guest Farm on your left. Turn left and drive about 800 m to the parking area. (Note: Saxon Park Farm, Omdraai Guest Farm and Venue, and Imla Guest Farm are relatively close).

Time to view: 30 minutes to 1 hour
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  • Dogs Allowed
  • Food and Drink
  • Picnic Spots
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OMDRAAI GUEST FARM AND VENUE
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Bonnie Ackerman
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This family-owned establishment has been open for five decades and offers distinct garden quarters with unique designs and inspirations. The year-round garden evolves continuously, providing beauty and tranquillity in every season. The garden is worth visiting for its unique and captivating yearly experience. Each meticulously designed quarter showcases diverse flora and landscaping styles. Visitors can enjoy vibrant colours, seasonal blooms, tranquil pathways, and the harmonious ambience of nature.
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Directions: From Ficksburg, proceed on the R26 towards Fouriesburg/Bethlehem. Turn left onto the R70 towards Rosendal. After about 6.7 km, take a left onto the S541 gravel road and continue for 9 km. Look out for two farms with identical names; proceed to the second Omdraai Farm, recognisable by its sandstone wall at the entrance. Turn right into the farm and continue straight until you reach the farmhouse.

Time to view: 30 minutes to 1 hour
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  • Food and Drink
  • Picnic Spots
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The Gardener