CAPE TOWN - Stellenbosch, is pulling out the stops for gardeners in a new, week-long festival that will transform its streets and surrounding countryside, encompassing everything from horticultural tours to landscape art; dining to hiking; and, guest specialists to music in majestic settings.
In addition to a host of highlights for fans of flora and mother nature, there will be a flower parade, which officially launches Garden Week Stellenbosch on September 30.
The event is an initiative of Visit Stellenbosch, a destination marketing organisation comprising the region’s tourism stakeholders, with the aim of growing the tourism and experience economy in Stellenbosch.
“What better way to celebrate the start of Spring than through this one-of-a-kind festival,” Stellenbosch Executive Mayor, Gesie van Deventer said.
“As an avid gardener, I regularly get my hands dirty and love the multitude of beautiful gardens we have in our area. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting residents who take great pride in their gardens – from lush traditional havens, to smart waterwise and newly established green paradises. I encourage all residents and visitors to participate in this unique event and to support our local tourism and experience economy for the benefit of all communities.”
Some of the region’s public gardens will be open to visitors, including the historic Old Nectar estate in the Jonkershoek Valley; the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Paradyskloof; Spier Wine Farm, whose workshops include one for children; and, Delaire Graff Estate.
The Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens has compiled a special programme of daily walks and talks to be presented by acclaimed specialists. Workshops will also to be presented at the Rupert Museum; Blaauwklippen Wine Farm off the R44; Jordan Wines; Spier Estate and Babylonstoren, where tours will be presented by Ernst van Jaarsveld. Topics include flower arranging, dye art, photography, growing-your-own and learning about bees.
For budding artists, the Stellenbosch Arts Association will present a botanical drawing workshop.
For more information, visit https://www.visitstellenbosch.org/
Cape Times