BREAKING NEWS: Tokara is number 47 on the World’s 50 Best Vineyards list, announced on October 26, 2022.
Garden Town is happening in Stellenbosch until this Sunday, October 30 and it’s well worth a visit. My advice is to get there early and plan well. I did neither, and ended up visiting only Tokara but I have no regrets.
I met Gert van Tonder, who has spent three years so far creating this Japanese-style garden planted with indigenous moss. In his previous life he was a robotics engineer and a neurologist, spent 30 years in Japan and has lectured at universities all over the world. He gave it all up to follow his dream and passion to create this garden, and if that’s not a career 180 I don’t know what is. It was fascinating, but the hot sun drove me to seek the shadows along the mountain stream walk. I also think this location is a missed opportunity for a refreshment station, preferably with wine; the deli is very far away.
There’s an indigenous garden with strelitzias – bird of paradise – and clivias; a wisteria walk which must be breathtaking when in bloom, a lily pond, flower terraces, fruit and food gardens, and indigenous wetland. I concluded by walking around the dam (678m as the map informed me; it did not alert me to the steep uphill on the far side but the view was marvellous). What a privilege to have been able to experience this.
It encompasses activities from horticultural tours to floral art; dining to hiking; and, guest garden specialists too. Experience DIY vegetable gardening, wine tasting, painting, guided bird walks, wreath making, moss garden tours, and much more. The Stellenbosch CBD will be decorated with colourful craft flowers, upcyled flower garlands and mobile installations, so come even if it’s just to see the spectacle.
This year, Garden Town Stellenbosch collaborates with KAMERS/Makers, hosted at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate from 25 to 30 October. On offer is a combo ticket that provides entrance to both KAMERS and home gardens. KAMERS/Makers is South Africa’s biggest retail pop-up, and between the trees and flowers guests will have hours to search for the most unique and proudly South African products.
The full list of activities, times, dates, locations, relevant costs and reservation details are listed on the Garden Town website. For more information about all the upcoming garden festival events and bookings, click here, or call 021 886 4310.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bianca Coleman ©