OGC 2014

We are very excited about Open Gardens Constantia 2014, taking place on November 14th and 15th, 2014. The open days are the result of years of planning, organization and growing. And perhaps a stress-tantrum or two.

Garden guides from the organizing garden clubs will be on hand in each of the five gardens to help visitors who have identification or other garden questions.

Follow the link for ticket information. Advance tickets cost R50, and tickets at the gates on the day are R60. Both include tea, cake and sandwiches.

Here is a synopsis of the five gardens open to visitors. Flags will be posted outside the open gardens to make them easier to spot.

1. Colleen (above)

A magical, wrap-around cottage garden through which winding paths meander between abundant plantings of roses, lavenders and annuals such as delphiniums, foxgloves and larkspurs. New pebble pond and vegetable garden.

2. Nicholas 

A modern suburban garden, planted with attention to colour and foliage texture with masses of roses and a beautiful water feature in front, linked by a shady path to a tranquil and lush rear courtyard.

Fresh produce as well as beadwork from the lady-microfarmers of Abalimi Bezekhaya will be available for purchase, here.

3. Julie

A young garden transformed from bare concrete yard to fynbos-hedged, lushly terraced beds, planted predominantly with white flowers and green and grey foliage plants. A vegetable garden and Mediterranean courtyard with formal water feature complete the picture.

4. Rosemarie

A garden of many rooms with a magnificent eco-friendly swimming pond, fynbos and formal vegetable garden. Fully wheelchair accessible.

The PLANT SALE and raffle at this garden.

5. Carol

A large, park-like garden, featuring an eclectic mix of English Country style  planting and fynbos, with a newly planted organic kitchen garden.

TEA  will be served here.

Photos: Marianne Alexander, Nicholas Walker, Rosemarie van der Pas, Saskia Taylor