It’s time to immerse yourself in a weekend of incredible natural beauty at Kloof Conservancy’s 2022 Indigenous Open Gardens.
Four beautiful gardens from the Upper Highway area will be on display over the weekend of July 2 and 3, with a special Nature Facts Treasure Hunt for kids and raffle prizes (plant books to art and more). All funds raised will go to Kloof Conservancy environmental projects.
Here is a list of the gardens you can enjoy…
Garden 1, Karen and John Galt, 16 to 18 Quillhall Lane off Abrey Road, Kloof
Adventure-seekers will get a kick out of this untamed natural wonderland featuring Birdlife Port Natal and Pat McKrill on reptiles. Trek along garden trails and boardwalks full of native trees and shrubbery. The garden overlooks the indigenous grasslands between Kloof and Westmead, and on a clear day you can get great views of the Indian Ocean! With highlights like the little rock pool and waterfall across the valley, this open garden will be one for the books – especially if you don’t mind getting your shoes a little sandy, but that’s part of the fun!
Garden 2, Chris and Pamela Dalzell, 47 Alamein Avenue, Kloof
This garden offers an adventurous outdoor experience like none other. Guests can explore winding bark-chip pathways and discover an indigenous garden surprise around every corner. A haven for birdlife and nature-lovers alike, the garden’s steep slopes are home to some of our nation’s most beautiful tree and shrub species, such as the Erythrina, Albizia Flat Crown, Natal Bottlebrush and African Dog Rose. And its expansive cliffside view is simply out of this world!
Garden 3, Pete and Brigid Turner, Tunzini Gardens, 43 Kloof View Road, Forest Hills, Kloof
Featuring BotSoc, LepSoc, Flora and Fauna Publications Trust, wire/bead crafters of garden ornaments, Robyn Ansell Art, indigenous garden expert Elsa Pooley and bee-passionate sculptor and designer Helena Vogelzang, guests can take a walk on the wild side when visiting this ‘mini botanical garden’ – celebrating some of our country’s most treasured biomes. It’s an immersive and educational outdoor experience that’s fun for the whole family! The garden was designed to showcase the range of vegetation types in South Africa with wetland, bushveld, desert and fynbos areas added. The extensive pathways including river walk provide access to all parts of the garden. The bridge sundial is a must visit. Refreshments and plants will also be on sale.
Garden 4,Tanya Visser and Izolda van der Merwe, 6 Controversy Drive, Assagay
This garden needs no introduction. Tanya Visser and Izolda van der Merwe’s famous garden is one you don’t want to miss out on! Meander through the succulent greenhouses, explore the vibrant rose garden, pop in at the air plant house, peep into the potting shed, and wander through the fern home. With so many gorgeous colours, textures and floral smells to experience, this garden is truly a treat for the senses. Refreshments and plants will be on sale.
OPEN GARDENS INFO
The gardens are open from 9am to 4pm on both days. Entry fee is R30 per person per garden. Children under 12 enter for free. There are no tickets to pre-book. There is an entry table at each garden. Zapper or cash only. Raffle tickets will be sold at the entrance to each garden.
The Nature Facts Treasure Hunt for kids is R5 per form at entry gates. Get the kiddies involved with an environmental task in each garden. Once the task is completed, drop off the completed entry form at the gate. You do not have to visit all five gardens to enter, as each entry form is applicable to one garden.
Details: Contact Brigid Turner on 0723488346, email [email protected] or visit kloofconservancy.org.za/indigenous-open. You can also follow them on FB: Kloof Conservancy
