Underberg Himeville Open Gardens 2026

Garden lovers can look forward to a weekend in the countryside as the Underberg Himeville Open Gardens takes place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026. From established English country gardens and rose-filled landscapes to productive farm gardens and spaces shaped around the natural terrain, this year’s selection offers plenty of variety against the impressive backdrop of the Southern Drakensberg.

The gardens will be open from 09:00 to 16:00, with tickets priced at R100 per person, giving visitors access to all participating gardens. Enquiries can be directed to Underberghimevillegardenclub@gmail.com

Highlands Farm

Created by Derek and Adelle Nicholson, Highlands Farm is a personally grown garden filled with character. Antique features and old farm implements sit among rhododendrons, azaleas and beautiful roses, while views across the Berg add to its country setting.

Directions

From Underberg Spar, travel 4.6 km on the R617 towards Kokstad. After crossing the Umzinkhulu River, turn right onto Bushmansnek Road. Continue for approximately 6 km, turn left onto the D1 and travel for about 8 km. Highlands Farm will be on the left.

Nonnins Farm

Lauren Draper’s Nonnins Farm is a garden shaped by its surroundings. Built into the foot of a hill, the garden has had to work around shale and steep banks, resulting in terraces and flower beds positioned wherever the landscape allows. Nature is very much part of the approach here, with blackjacks left for bees and dandelions used for tea.

Directions

To reach Nonnins Farm, take the R617 from Underberg Spar towards Kokstad and travel for 23 km. At the top of the hill, turn left at the Coleford Lodge sign and continue for 5 km along the dirt road. Turn left at the Tranquillity Valley sign, cross the bridge and follow the parking signs.

Ericsburg

Set on a dairy farm, Paula and Brian Hein’s Ericsburg is a sprawling English-style garden overlooking the Drakensberg beyond the Umzimkulu River. The historic pioneer homestead is surrounded by herbaceous borders planted in a mixture of formal and informal styles, with interesting combinations of colour and texture. Visitors can also enjoy a cottage garden, rose garden, formal vegetable courtyard and woodland area.

Directions

From the Shell Garage on Main Road in Underberg, take the R617 towards Kokstad and travel 2.3 km. Ericsburg is on the left.

Rose Water Lodge

With Big Bamboo Mountain providing a dramatic backdrop, Shaun van Huysteen’s Rose Water Lodge overlooks a peaceful bass dam filled with waterfowl. A broad lawn runs from the lodge to the water’s edge, creating a relaxed setting for walks, picnics and time spent enjoying the surrounding countryside.

Directions

From Underberg Spar, travel 4.6 km towards Kokstad. After crossing the Umzinkhulu River, turn right onto Bushmansnek Road and continue for 11.5 km. Turn right onto the D600 at the Splashy Fen Farm turn-off, then travel another 2.2 km. Rose Water Lodge is on the right.

Redlands Farm

The garden at Redlands Farm, belonging to Sally and Craig Egberink, has been developed and cared for over two generations. Its collection includes a wide variety of plants and shrubs, many of which have been passed down through the family. The result is a garden strongly connected to farming, family tradition and years of shared care.

Directions

From Underberg Spar, travel 4.6 km on the R617 towards Kokstad. Cross the Umzinkhulu River and turn right onto Bushmansnek Road. After approximately 6 km, turn left onto the D1 and travel for around 3.5 km until you reach the Redlands Farm turn-off on the right. Continue along the driveway for approximately 1.2 km and follow the signs to the garden.

Tegwan Farm

Shaun and Laurian van Huyssteen’s Tegwan Farm is described as a true family garden, combining natural scenery with abundant planting and productive areas. One of its standout features is a collection of more than 2,000 roses. A recently developed orchard adds another dimension, with a variety of fruit trees contributing to the productive character of the property.

Directions

From Underberg Spar, travel 4.6 km on the R617 towards Kokstad. After crossing the Umzinkhulu River, turn right onto Bushmansnek Road and travel for 10.5 km. Tegwan Farm is on the left.

Breakfast Hill

For lovers of traditional English country gardens, Tarrin Champkins’ Breakfast Hill offers old stone terraces, fragrant roses in soft colours and a pathway running beneath a series of rose-covered arches. Mature oak trees provide shade, while weathered rock walls contribute to the garden’s established country character. Mountain views in the distance complete the setting.

Directions

From Underberg Spar, travel 4.6 km on the R617 towards Kokstad. After crossing the Umzinkhulu River, turn right onto Bushmansnek Road. Travel for approximately 6 km and turn left onto the D1. Continue for around 8 km until you reach the Breakfast Hill turn-off on the left.