Open gardens of perfection

Sherlee Wade is proud of her town. So she should be. She can trace her Dundee roots back to the town’s founding father, Peter Smith, who is her great-great-grandfather.
Sherlee and a dedicated team of gardeners are also intensely proud of where they live at Eventide Mews, adjacent to Dundee Hospital.
Despite the dry weather and harsh winter, the gardens there are immaculate in preparation for the open gardens weekend, October 11 to 12, when the public will have the opportunity to see the fruits of the more green-fingered among us.
“The real heroines are Jean McRitchie, Arlene Nebbe and Joy Scott – I am just the co-ordinator of the open gardens weekend,” she said. Jean completely re-designed the garden in front of what was once the old Dundee High School headmaster’s house, which is now a guest house for those visiting relatives at the Eventide Mews complex.
“That took about a year, and we had many residents donating plants and assisting. Joy and Arlene and their workers did marvellous work. We also received a donation of 1 000 roses, which have all been planted.”
Visitors who come to the open gardens from 10am to 4pm on October 11 and 12 will view clivias, roses, companulas, foxgloves, gaura, iris in abundance and many more.

They will even have the chance to chat to the gardeners, ask their advice and exchange ideas. A golf cart will trundle visitors around the complex, which accommodates some 35 units.
“All residents are keen gardeners here. All we need is a little rain and the gardens will be at their peak by the time the open gardens weekend comes around. 
“The cost to enter is R20, and you even get a free coffee or tea and a scone. You can also buy cakes, curry and rice and wors rolls – please support our open gardens weekend!”