Explore gorgeous gardens with Kloof Rotary Anns

FOR many years, the Rotary Anns of Kloof have welcomed visitors from near and far to view the wonderful selection of private gardens on show to raise much-needed funds for its outreach projects. The event, with three fantastic gardens on show, will be held on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3 from 9:00 to 16:30.

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we had to cancel the Gardens last year for the first time ever, so we are delighted to be able to host Open Gardens 2021. The hard work and dedication of our local gardeners is inspiring and we are so lucky to have them on our doorstep. Take time to amble around the gardens, stock up on ideas or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings,” said the organisation.

The ticket price is R25 per person, per garden and children U12 enter for free. Cash and Zapper is accepted.

There will be a limited number of crafts stalls, boerewors rolls and coffee available as well as a raffle, with wonderful prizes up for grabs.

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Garden 1: Bill and Janice Hogg (12 Greenacre Place, Kloof)
When the owners moved in during 2001, there were only a few plants and four large fruit trees, there were no fences and the garden was open to the railway line. As time progressed, they added a rock pool and, with the help of Phill Skirret of Enchanting Gardens, developed the bottom garden by adding footpaths and limited ground covers.

They transformed an old concrete tennis court into an enchanting garden with a koi pond and a sunken fire pit as the main features. The area was divided into five rooms: woodland, aquatic, grassland, succulent and Mediterranean. There is a balance of 75% indigenous and 25% exotics. The garden is a great attraction for a variety of butterflies and birds.

Garden 2: Peter and Linda Cottrell (11 Jan Smuts Avenue, Winston Park)
The contrasting colours and textures, with seasonal interest, is part of why this garden is so successful. When it was designed in 2013, the main trees and mature shrubs were left as a foundation on which the rest of the garden was built.

The planting palette is mostly indigenous, which has been key in sustaining insect and bird life. The garden was mainly designed and currently maintained by Monique of MDMB Landscapes.

There are two water features, one formal and one is a gentle stream, a rendition of a berg river and provides much peace and tranquility. The key features include a pleached hedge as well as gorgeous Strelitzia Juncea, with formal and informal spaces that blend seamlessly into one another. The area is completed with a meandering pathway that will allow you to experience the garden from all angles.

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Garden 3: Fay Fenn (2 Eagle Downs, 27 Reservoir Road, Winston Park)
When Faye moved into the home two years ago, she was faced with a steep site. With the help of a good team, consisting of Garden Heart Designs and Tania Visser, they created a terraced wonderland that is filled with garden rooms.

The garden is divided into quadrants that are made up of an English country area, a formal rose garden, a shade room with wonderful foliage plantings of various textures. A water feature boasts three spouts, each cascading gently into the water below. The garden also boasts a productive veggie garden. The balance is indigenous.

The garden is home to many birds, butterflies and bees and will appeal to all gardeners because of the diversity of the plantings.

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