For all the fairy lovers out there…
Spring is among us. Although our weather in the beloved Mother City is changing all the time, the fresh and nectar-rich breezes unmistakably convey our season’s change. Goodbye, dreary and drab winter. Hello, new flowers and garden walks!
I cannot explain how much I have yearned for the sun to peak its head from behind corners to grace us. This winter was hard and harsh – for everyone. The pandemic has delivered many trials and tribulations, but we are what we are – South Africans.
En Suid-Afrikaners buk nie net sommer vir niks nie!
The long-awaited presence of fresh and new life has definitely been a grace. To see local businesses be able to open up precariously within our streets or seeing bustling garden-scapes bursting with bees; jinne, it’s enough to make me want to hug the ground.
Speaking of which, the beautiful gardens of Tokara in Stellenbosch has become a haven of splendour. Between the 1st of October through to the 9th, the gardens are available for bookings to have guided or self-guided walking tours. I can’t think of a more romantic embrace to the season than a magical walk. I hope to see you there!
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Take a self-guided tour of the farm’s private garden and meander through tranquil walks dotted with sculptures by local artists while taking in the magnificent vistas over the large garden dam. The dedicated indigenous garden, textures in the cork oak forest and the fresh scents wafting from the terraces of the picking garden will appeal to all the senses. Other enchanting secrets worth discovering are the inspiring vegetable garden, wetlands and the gurgling mountain stream flowing into soothing lily ponds. The Tokara farm garden is open for self-guided tours between 10h00 and 16h00 from 1 – 9 October, excluding Sundays. Entry is R20 per person, payable at the farm gate.
Alternatively, join Anne-Marie Ferreira on a guided journey through her extensive garden in the morning or afternoon of Saturday, 2 or 9 October. Be sure not to miss Gert van Tonder at 12h30 on both days sharing his insight into the moss garden that he is busy creating. Guided tours are R30 per person and booking is essential. Visit https://www.tokara.com/open-garden-week/ for more information.
Besides coffee and other refreshments, Tokara will be well represented with their elegant wines and award winning extra virgin olive oils available at the Tokara Delicatessen and Tokara Tasting Lounge.
Taking inspiration from the famous flower festival of Girona in Spain, Garden Week will showcase all of Stellenbosch’s natural splendour from 1 – 10 October, offering garden tours, guided walks, art exhibitions, and plenty of wining and dining. For more information about Garden Week, visit https://www.visitstellenbosch.org/gardenweek/
