Explore nature’s beauty at Open Gardens

THE Kloof Conservancy promises an entertaining weekend of gardening visits at its annual Indigenous Open Gardens show on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3.

Immerse yourself in indigenous garden splendour as there are four great indigenous gardens on show with plant experts available to assist visitors with advice and information.

Funds raised will go to Kloof Conservancy environmental projects. For more information about the indigenous gardens, contact Brigid Turner on 072 348 8346; alternatively email her on brigidturner43@gmail.com.

ALSO READ: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – Dark-capped Bulbul

The gardens are open from 09:00 to 16:00 on both days. It will cost R30 per person per garden. Children under 12 enter for free. There are no tickets. Guests pay and enter – there is an entry table at each garden. Zapper or cash only.

There will be fun activities for children which will include a nature-facts treasure hunt: R5 per form at entry gates.

Raffle tickets will be sold at each entry gate, and there will be a range of prizes from plant books, art and more.

Garden 1 – Karen and John Galt’s garden at 16-18 Quillhall Lane off Abrey Road, Kloof.

Adventure-seekers will get a kick out of this untamed natural wonderland. Guests have the opportunity to 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’s garden at 47 Alamein Avenue in Kloof

The garden offers an adventurous outdoor experience like none other. Guests can explore the 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’s Tunzini Gardens at 43 Kloof View Road in Forest Hills, Kloof

Take a walk on the wild side when you visit Pete and Brigid Turner’s ‘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 as a mini botanical to showcase the range of vegetation types in South Africa with wetland, bushveld, desert and fynbos areas added. The extensive pathways, including a river walk, provide access to all parts of the garden. The bridge sundial is a must see.

Garden 4 – Tanya Visser and Izolda van der Merwe’s famous garden at 6 Controversy Drive, Assagay

This garden needs no introduction. Trust us – you won’t want to miss out on this one! 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.