Underberg Himeville Open Gardens 2025

Explore the Underberg Himeville Area Open Gardens on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November. Eight diverse gardens will be open, each offering something unique – from colourful family-friendly spaces to indigenous beds and country views. 

Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 November 

Time: 9:00-16:00 

Tickets: R70 for access to all 8 gardens. Tickets are ONLY available at the Himeville Museum on 1 and 2 November, from 08:30, CASH ONLY. 

Enquiries: underberghimevillegardenclub@gmail.com 

22 LUND ST, HIMEVILLE 

Anita and Tex Turton 

Anita has an energetic gardening style, with a sense of beauty and scale, using vibrant roses, azaleas and rhododendrons in generous sweeps. The driveway is lined with flowering cherries and hydrangeas. The wide, well-maintained, lawn and a splendid framed view provide the perfect setting for her large hospitable family. The garden has now almost reached maturity and there are many varieties of roses. 

Directions: Opposite the Himeville Museum, go down George Street. After 130 m, turn right into Thomas Street. After another 850 m turn left into Mckenzie Street and round the bend into Lund Street. No. 22 is the last house on the right. Follow the yellow arrows. 

RIPON FARM GARDEN, HIMEVILLE 

Edmund and Erika Smith 

Five cottages each have their own interesting garden style and scrap metal garden art. There are six exciting new indigenous garden beds. The beauty of the garden is plain to see, and the views of the Drakensberg mountains are unlike any other! 

Directions: From the Himeville Museum, head North along Arbuckle Street, through Himeville and then straight on towards Lower Lotheni. After 8.8 km turn left onto Ripon Farm. Travel 1 km on the farm road to the garden. Follow the yellow arrows. 

Enquiries: Erika Smith 082 688 6759 

Email: ripon@futurenet.co.za 

• Plant sales  

• Food and drink  

HIMEVILLE FORT & MUSEUM 

This living exhibition is designed to educate the visitor about ethno medicinal remedies and give an opportunity to get close to and touch the indigenous plants that grow in our specific locality and which are considered to be ‘muthi plants’. Himeville Museum would also like to highlight and create deeper awareness of the conservation efforts that are made to protect these plants which are under threat of illicit, unsustainable supply and exploitation. Certain plants are already on the critically endangered list and most are considered vulnerable. 

Time: 08:30-16:00 

Enquiries: Kitt Du Preez 071 898 7892 

Email: HimevilleMuseumKZN@gmail.com 

Directions: From the N3 near Howick/Merrivale, take exit 99 onto the R617 to Underberg. After about 110 km turn right at the Underberg Shell Garage onto Sani Road. After 5.3 km, the Himeville Museum is on the right. 

• Plant sales  

• Wheelchair access  

• Food and drink  

• Picnic spots  

61 THOMAS STREET, HIMEVILLE 

Ilene and Terence van Dyk 

This practical, family-friendly garden offers a relaxed atmosphere where functionality meets charm. With plenty of space to play, unwind, and entertain, it’s a true reflection of everyday outdoor living. A garden made to be used and enjoyed – informal, inviting, and full of down-to-earth ideas. 

Directions: Opposite the Himeville Museum, go down George Street. After 130 m turn right into Thomas Street. Travel 550 m to No. 61 on the left. Follow the yellow arrows. 

Enquiries: 082 925 7869 

Email ilenevandyk1@gmail.com 

5 THOMAS STREET, HIMEVILLE 

Kathy Tedeschi 

This bright and quirky garden is inspired by Kathy’s granddaughters, their playhouse (a replica of a Swiss chalet, shaded by an exotic Japanese cedar) makes a charming focal point. The beds feature a variety of roses in all colours, amongst lots of interesting plants. 

Directions: Opposite the Himeville Museum, go down George Street. After 130 m turn left into Thomas Street after another 650 m, No 5 is on the right. Follow the yellow arrows. 

29 THOMAS STREET, HIMEVILLE 

Rob and Lea Leenhouwers 

The front garden consists of lawn areas, sweeping flower beds, a rockery, a fishpond and other interesting nooks and crannies. The plants are a mix of exotic and indigenous which attract bird and insect life. The back garden is to grow fruit and vegetables. From the terrace is a magnificent view of the Southern Drakensberg. 

Directions: Opposite the Himeville Museum, go down George Street. After 130 m turn left into Thomas Street. Travel 150 m to No. 29 on the right. Follow the yellow arrows. 

Enquiries: Lea 082 085 9750 

Email Lealeenhouwers@hotmail.com 

www.justartstudio.co.za 

• Art 

• Food and drink  

19 THOMAS STREET, HIMEVILLE 

June and Marlene 

This garden enjoys beautiful mountain views and is planted with birds, bees, butterflies, and all creatures in mind, who are integral to the creation of a sustainable ecosystem. An organic vegetable garden provides seasonal produce. Shrubs, roses and perennials bring colour to the garden with the annual delight of self-seeders. 

Directions: Opposite the Himeville Museum, go down George Street. After 130 m turn left into Thomas St. after another 350 m, No. 19 is on the right. Follow the Yellow Arrows. 

Enquiries: June Richardson 078 306 1758 

Email: juner@futurenet.co.za 

• Plant sales  

8 LUND STREET, HIMEVILLE 

Hylton and Ruth Crouch 

Ruth has set about establishing a new garden, creating rooms which symbolise various and meaningful aspects of her life. She is concerned about the cost of water, so she is endeavouring to make it more waterwise. 

Directions: Opposite the Himeville Museum, go down George Street. After 130 m turn right into Thomas Street. Travel 850 m and turn left into Mckenzie Street and round the bend into Lund Street. No 8 on the right. Follow the yellow arrows. 

Enquiries: Ruth Crouch 084 207 3057 

Email: ruthcroucholdleaf@gmail.com 

• Dogs allowed  

• Wheelchair access  

• Picnic spots  

64 THOMAS STREET, HIMEVILLE 

Taryn May 

Step into a garden where every flower tells a story. As you wander through colour-blocked beds, you’ll discover an artist’s touch with each section intentionally designed. This vibrant space, inspired by the children of a young working family, is filled with roses and plants gifted by treasured friends, blooming with love and meaning. 

Directions: Opposite the Himeville Museum, go down George Street. After 130 m turn right into Thomas Street. No 64 is on the right. Follow the yellow arrows.