Over the weekend of 5 and 6 October, Kloof Rotary Anns will host its Open Gardens, boasting a combination of six exotic and indigenous gardens of different shapes and sizes. For those who look forward to this annual garden extravaganza, here’s a look at what you’ll be treated to….
Garden One 36 Haygarth Road, Kloof
The home of Kevin and Nolene Dunn, this garden is said to have a spirit of place. It has a dramatic sweep of lawn with a deep informal border of mixed plantings on the one side and layers of interesting shrubs on the other. Very old, established trees, together with a canopy of borrowed landscaping, gives the garden a feeling of yesteryear. There is a mixture of exotic and indigenous plants, and roses thrive in sunny spots. At the back of the house, stone walls give rise to a second garden and sweeping lawn, which surrounds a large pool and entertainment area. An enclosed vegetable and herb garden are also on this level.
Garden Two 19 Meadow Lane, Kloof
This inspiring and prestigious SALI Gold award-winning old Kloof garden invites you to meander through a fun and quirky space that gives it a stamp of originality. The basic plant palette is based on repetition and unity of species to create a garden of structure with added focal points and places of interest. JPJ Landscapes has been extensively involved in the direction of this garden over the past eight years. The owners, Arnold and Julia Vermaak, continue to nurture their investment with great joy.
Garden Three 15 Roosevelt Road, Gillitts
Belonging to Ollie and Michelle Sinclair, this is a garden in the early stages of creation… Indigenous features to draw in wild life including butterflies, bees and birds, and aloes, grasses, succulents and trees have replaced exotic hedges and bushes. Although there are still small areas still containing such plants, the owners are slowly turning their space into a natural wheelchair-friendly paradise for the family and the wildlife. A place where they can play, breathe and enjoy.
Garden Four and Five Hillcrest Country Retirement Estate
Garden Four, located at 17 Barbet Boulevard within the estate is an inspired, small garden owned by Anthony and Barbara Dowds. This garden has incorporated a raised bank at the back of the property which, in turn, has enabled a variety of planting (boasting a multitude of colour during each season), as well as the creation of space which would otherwise not have been possible.
Garden Five, at the home of Glen and Clare Schnell located at 85 Thrush Terrace within the estate, enjoys wonderful views. It is five years old, and was created on fill. Neat sleeper paths lead you through the garden which consists of exotics and indigenous plants. It has an attractive raised rockery dominated by a wild fuchsia tree, and the road frontage consists of a raised bed with succulents and aloes. Good use has been made of sitting areas to catch the sun.
Both gardens in this estate have made use of the small space to full advantage.
Garden Six
Situated at 10 Tunzini Road, Hillcrest, this garden is owned by David Terblanche and is a well-established work in progress – it changes by the day. Interesting and full of colour, this is a garden with a large variety of indigenous and exotic plants and shrubs, as it is tended to with love and amateur enthusiasm by its owners!
Event Info
Ludwig’s Roses is on the route this year for you to visit. Highbury Centenary Hall will serve tea and crafts, and there will be a selection of art, flowers and plants on sale. Wors rolls will be available at Garden 3. Tickets, that include entrance to all six gardens and refreshments, are available at the entrance to each garden and also prior to the event at Kloof Village Mall Super Spar and Watercrest Super Spar. No charge for children under 12. All gardens are wheelchair-friendly. To arrive at the first garden from Durban on the M13, take Exit 24 marked Abrey Road. If you’re coming from Pietermaritzburg on the M13, it is marked Exit 24, same signage and follow the signs to the gardens. For more info contact Wendy on 083 661 7337 or visit www.kloofrotary.co.za
