Beautiful route through Benoni
The weather was perfect, the gardens were beautiful and the joy of seeing six gardens in one day was absolute bliss for hundreds of Benonians this past weekend.
The Beautiful Gardens of Benoni was held for the 18th year on January 30 and 31.
The event is a prime fund-raiser for the Rotary Anns of the Rotary Club of Benoni van Ryn.
Judy Bath, convener of the Beautiful Gardens of Benoni, said between 800 and 900 people attended this year’s spectacular.
Gardens in Northmead, Farrarmere , two in Lakefield and two in Rynfield were on display.
Bath said the gardens bring joy to visitors.
“Apart from looking at the gardens and having a weekend out, it’s such fun when you see people you recognise,” she said.
“It’s a real highlight.”
Veronica de Kleyn has attended the Beautiful Gardens of Benoni for over 10 years and said she loves the annual event.
“It’s one of my favourite activities of the year,” she said.
“I look forward to the end of January to do this.”
The Morehill resident said the beauty of this year’s gardens exceeded her expectations, as she thought the drought might have affected them.
Marcelle Stevenson, who had her Scott Street Garden on show, said she has been an avid supporter of the project over the last eight years.
“It is one weekend a year my family knows I am unavailable,” she said.
Stevenson said this was the first time she displayed her garden and she really missed seeing the other gardens on show, as she was stationed at her home.
Bath said the event was a success.
“There is lots of laughter, happiness and smiling faces all over; it’s always a feel good weekend,” she commented.
Bath said people who would like their gardens displayed next year may contact her on 011 849 5369 or 082 255 6966.
The amount of money raised for charity was not available at the time of going to print.
