It’s a biggie for Kloof Rotary Ann’s, who celebrate three decades of the Annual Open Gardens, and you’re invited!
Kloof Rotary Ann’s Open Gardens, which was started by Fay Fenn after an inspirational trip abroad 30 years ago, was launched not only to showcase some of the most beautiful gardens in the Upper Highway, but also as a means of raising much-needed funds for the organisation’s supported local charities that include Philakade, Vema and the Fulton School along with other feeding schemes.
Through the years this annual event has been nothing short of splendid for green-fingered residents and visitors who travel from across greater Durban to enjoy an outing and the chance to explore some incredible garden spaces. And this year will be no different. There are four gardens that will be open to the public across the weekend of October 1 and 2. Here’s a look at what they offer.
Garden 1
111 Ngwele Road which continues from Blessing Ninela
Jacob House at Waterfall College is a feast for the senses of any nature-lover. Overlooking the rolling Valley of 1000 Hills, this garden’s landscaping philosophy seeks to cultivate a sense of biodiversity. Once filled with gum trees and alien vegetation, this garden now bursts with indigenous grasses, aloes, strelitzia, irises and endemic cycads which are home to a variety of birds, frogs, butterflies and other small insects. Careful attention was paid to soil regeneration, and along with natural composting, it has led to a thriving ecosystem that rewards its custodians with an ever-changing landscape.
Garden 2
3 Inkala Place, off Intengu Avenue, Kloof
An absolute garden delight awaits you on this property. The main front garden was completed about a year ago, and it boasts sweeping boarders that are full of colour and texture. The garden reflects the unique characters of owners, Darryne and Philippa Welgemoed, by blending formal elements as well as soft flowing curves. The generous lawn, able to accommodate a family with various activities, is lush and healthy. A cobble pathway, winds its way through a small forest of trees, packed with interest. The herb garden, potager space and the pool garden all have been very beautifully created by the couple with careful attention to the functioning of each space.
Garden 3
16 Alexander Avenue, off Abrey Road, Kloof
Owners of Garden Décor, Gavin and Patricia Avey have a passion for their garden, which is a retreat from their hectic business life. The landscaping of all the major elements of this garden, blend their French and English backgrounds with our South African indigenous plants. This has produced generous open lawns in the back garden that is highlighted by several ‘rooms’ showing off stunning pots, water features and different planting arrangements. At the front there is a natural pond which immediately welcomes you along with raised banks and a newly built dry stone wall. It’s a garden boasting an array of unique features and makes for a truly unforgettable experience. This garden is also wheelchair friendly and will have a coffee cart.
Garden 4
1 Jacaranda Hill, 7 Meadow Lane, Kloof
This garden is a beautiful combination of colourful exotics and indigenous plants. Owner Natalie Massa is attempting to recreate the grasslands that once adorned Kloof with delicate wild grasses, bulbs, grassland aloes and indigenous flowers to attract a myriad of insects, butterflies and birds. Pretty pathways and quaint nooks will keep your interests peaked.
Kloof Rotary Ann’s Open Gardens 2022 will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Entrance fee is R30 per garden and payable at each garden by cash or zapper. Children under 12 enter for free. Details: Contact Andrea on 083 630 6486 or e-mail [email protected] . Follow their Facebook page: Kloof Rotary Ann’s.
