Garden Town Stellenbosch 2024

Friday 25 October – Sunday 3 November 2024

Garden Town Stellenbosch is an exciting ten-day garden and nature-themed event that celebrates the beauty of nature and Stellenbosch’s rich horticultural heritage. It offers a wide range of activities and experiences for garden enthusiasts, families and anyone looking to connect with the outdoors.

Open Gardens

Private Home Gardens will open to visitors on Fridays, 25 October and 1 November and on Saturdays from 26 October and 2 November. These exclusive opportunities provide a rare glimpse into some of the most beautifully curated and maintained private gardens in and around Stellenbosch. Visitors can explore diverse garden styles, gain inspiration and perhaps even meet the gardeners and owners who bring these spaces to life.

In addition to the private gardens, several large gardens will be open to the public, typically charging an entry fee. These gardens showcase a variety of plants, landscaping techniques and garden features, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Stellenbosch in a more accessible format.

Visitors are advised to check the programme to see which gardens are open and when.

Workshops, Talks And Tours

A series of workshops, presentations and seminars will be available throughout the event. Topics include flower arranging, recycling, nature arts and crafts. Experts and enthusiasts will share their knowledge and skills, providing valuable insights into sustainable gardening practices and creative projects. Outdoor tours and experiences are also available, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region and learn about the local flora and fauna.

Tickets: A R100 day pass to visit Private Home Gardens. Available online or at Visit Stellenbosch, 47 Church Street, Stellenbosch. R40 single Private Garden entry tickets will be available at the Private Home Gardens. Tickets for all other Garden Town events are available through the website.

Enquiries: info@visitstellenbosch.org or 021 886 4310

The programme goes live on Spring Day, 1 Sept www.gardentown.visitstellenbosch.org

Private Home Gardens

Friday 25 – Saturday 26 October 2024

3 Morgenster Road

Mostertsdrift

The garden was layered over an older traditional Mostertsdrif garden 30 years ago. It features green textures and shades. It’s a summer garden, focussing on shady corners with water features.

Times: 10:00-17:00

Bonne Esperance Farm Garden

R44 (north of Stellenbosch)

Big farm garden with little ‘fyntuin’, terraces and great views of the surrounding mountains. Large lawn for children to play on. Terraces with steps to lower levels. A special feature is a stone fruit garden with 125 varieties of fruit trees.

Times: 10:00-17:00

De Goede Hoop

Opposite Boschendal, Groot Drakenstein

A Cape Dutch farm in an elevated position on the northern slopes of Simonsberg. The garden is divided into several sections, including a fynbos garden, a vegetable garden, and expansive lawns and mixed beds.

Times: 11:00-16:00

Gouws Sculpture Garden

1 Bergboschstraat, De Bosch Estate, Saffraanstraat, Die Boord

Using a formal layout and circular shapes that have become his trademark, Henk Scholtz, the designer, transformed this property into an inspiring landscape. From the circular lawn to pink terracotta planters near the swimming pool to circular spaces containing aloes, succulents, indigenous grasses and shrubs, and just beyond the fever tree forest.

Times: 10:00-16:00

The Herb House

2 Kleinvallei street, Onderpapegaaiberg

A fragrant wild herb and flower garden. The Herb House Garden has given all its custodians and visitors a gift. There is love, peace, and wildness to be found in the garden. Birdsong, geckos, a chameleon hiding on a branch, lizards, butterflies, bees, and the lingering smell of honeysuckle, lavender, sage, and jasmine.

Times: 10:00-17:00

Friday 25 – Saturday 26 October,

Friday 1 – Saturday 2 November 2024

De Zeven Guest Lodge

Zevenrivieren Road, Banhoek

The garden has a bit of everything, from cottage English to arid aloes to succulents and water-wise wild grasses that take up nearly half of the ±4ha of land. This garden was initially created by Rentia Hobbs in collaboration with the owners, Siobhan and Uys Meyer.

Times: 11:00-14:00

Utopia ACVV Retirement Facility

171 Pastorie Road

A bright and serene garden proudly planted and kept by residents of the Utopia Retirement Facility. Beautiful trees triumph over colourful shrubbery. Sheltered spots soak up the garden’s beauty with the wild birds that enjoy everything green and edible. Image credit: Marina van Zyl

Times: 10:00-15:00

Zevenrivieren Homestead

Zevenrivieren Road, Banhoek

Zevenrivieren is a large country garden with dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. Venerable trees in large lawns frame exuberant mixed borders and structured perennial plantings.

Times: 10:00-17:00

Saturday 26 October,

Saturday 2 November 2024

Droombos

11 Fairways Street, Die Boord

The garden was started after several traumatic experiences as part of the owner’s therapy and healing process. It is divided into several garden rooms, each resembling a part of her mourning process. All sculptures in the garden were created by the late Xolile Williams.

Times: 10:00-17:00

Saturday 28 October,

Saturday 4 November 2024

3 Rowan Street

Mostertsdrift

Mature trees and beautiful shady spots. The Garden adjoins the historical Mill Stream. Wide variety of plants, taken care of with great passion and enjoyment by the owner and the enthusiastic gardener.

Times: 10:00-17:00