Top 10 Gardens to visit this summer!

Cheerio Magoebaskloof

Azaleas at Cheerio Gardens, Haenertsburg

Covering 3.5 hectares of the University of Pretoria's Hatfield west campus, the MvdS BG is part of the Department of Plant and Soil Science. A botanic garden is a collection of living plants that are scientifically managed for the purposes of education, research, conservation and community service. The Manie van der Schijff Botanical Garden currently has about 3 000 plant species that cover approximately 3.5 hectares of the University's Hatfield campus. The primary aim of the garden is to raise awareness of southern Africa's indigenous flora through the dissemination and acquisition of botanical knowledge. This includes the provision of plant material for education and research purposes, the collection and propagation of rare and endangered species, as well as research into indigenous plant species with horticultural potential. The Garden had its beginnings as far back as 1924 when Pavetta species were planted on the campus for research purposes. The real impetus came in the 1930s with Berend Elbrecht, a man with passion and enthusiasm for the southern African flora that lives on in the many large trees and cycad specimens that were planted during his time at the University. In 1986 the garden was named after Manie van der Schijff to honour the contributions that he made towards the development of the Garden. The Garden is run by a Garden Committee which is responsible for formulating and implementing policy.

The Arderne Gardens is a South African Provincial Heritage Site as designated by the National Monument placard near the entrance. Our 5 hectares containing more than 400 trees are directly managed by the City of Cape Town. The garden, thanks to the extraordinary interest and commitment of its founders, also has one of the most diverse and valuable collections of exotic trees in all of South Africa. It now officially includes one of the largest trees in South Africa, the vast Moreton Bay Fig (or Wedding Tree, as it is commonly called) and quite possibly the largest Aleppo Pine in the world. These trees, along with four others, were proudly designated Champion Trees in 2008.

Located in the premier wine-growing region of the Cape Winelands against the backdrop of the Simonsberg Mountains, Babylonstoren has become a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Dating back to 1692, the historic fruit and wine farm was skilfully reimagined by its current owners ten years ago. Beloved for its garden that is laid out over 3,5 magnificent hectares (8 acres), the structure divides into 15 sections that include fruit, berries, bees for pollinating, indigenous plants, fragrant lawns, a prickly pear maze, a clivia tunnel and a plethora of trees of historical and botanical import. The design was inspired by the historic Company's Garden in Cape Town, which for centuries supplied ships sailing between Europe and Asia with vegetables and fruit. It also makes a playful nod to the mythological Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Those were (possibly erroneously) thought to have been created by Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century BC, for his wife who longed for the mountains and valleys of her youth. Together with the main garden, there is a Healing Garden with species said to cure an array of ailments (not all medically guaranteed, like those for a pining heart!), a splendid succulent collection and the Spice Garden – which tells the story of the spice trade with the East, and exhibits the main spices. Along the edge of the garden, a natural stream flows from the Simonsberg mountain to the Berg River. In the shade of wild olives, a collection of more than 7000 Clivia lilies bloom spectacularly every spring. In early summer the chamomile lawn becomes a soft and aromatic carpet, while 41 rose towers are covered with fragrant heritage varieties. Diversity is a trademark of the garden, which is the only Royal Horticultural Society Partner in Africa. It features over 300 varieties of trees alone, thousands of plant species. Curiously, everything planted in the formal section has edible or has medicinal value. Every aspect of Babylonstoren is informed by the ever-changing tapestry and botanical diversity of the garden – this includes the contemporary Farm Hotel and Garden Spa, the Farm Shop, Barn, farm-to-fork restaurants and function venues.

All grown at stephward estate south coast KZN, south Africa