If you don’t have your own green garden, here’s a reminder that our country has no shortage of lush, enchanting outdoor spaces to enjoy. We look at what’s on offer in the Cape.
To make it easier for you to take an inspiring photo, the free gardening app Candide has put together a list of some of the most Instagrammable green spaces and gardens in SA. So, get a few friends and a picnic together, grab your phone and capture some perfect moments in these delightful green spaces gardens. Here are our favourites in the Cape.
THE CHART FARM: ROSE GARDEN (WYNBERG)
Why here? There are roses galore in all colours
Who knew there is a historic farm in Cape Town’s southern suburb of Wynberg? This farm-style retreat is a little gem of more than 12ha with an abundance of all things beautiful – the prettiest being the famous rose garden, which is possibly the main attraction for social media butterflies. Here you will find more than 500 rose bushes, some dating back to the 1900s, with newer varieties planted two years ago. You are advised to stop and smell the roses, including the Double Delight, Esther Geldenhuys, Blue Moon, Garden Princess, Garden Queen, Johannesburg Sun and Duftwolke varieties, all while soaking up the sunshine.
THE BOOMSLANG: KIRSTENBOSCH CENTENARY TREE CANOPY WALKWAY
Why here? It’s where you’ll find the Boomslang walkway
One of the star attractions in the popular Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, set against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, is the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, a curved steel and timber bridge inspired by a snake skeleton (which is why it’s often called the Boomslang, after the agile green snake). It winds through and over the trees of the Arboretum and is a spectacular walk, especially in terms of views across the treetops.
NORVAL FOUNDATION (STEENBERG)
Why here? You can join the antics of the Holderstebolder
There are many inspiring photo opportunities in the green spaces gardens here, such as the quirky Holderstebolder boulder man, a creation by sculptor Angus Taylor. The catapulting figure – buttocks in the air, arms and legs stretched out – looks like he is about to roll down the hill. This “interactive antimonument” can be found in the play area of the Norval Foundation Museum.
STELLENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDEN
Why here? You’ll see orchids in glasshouses
Stellenbosch is home to some of the most beautifully curated green spaces gardens offering everything from miniature bonsai trees to lusciously tall bamboos. Here you will find the prominent “gian” bamboo, which is not native to SA but has been accepted as a naturalised species since its introduction into the country during the 1600s. Follow the Bamboo Trail for great picture-taking opportunities and especially look out for the giant water lilies and redwood trees.
DYLAN LEWIS SCULPTURE GARDEN (STELLENBOSCH)
Why here? The sculptures and gardens
A visit to the Sculpture Garden is a special visual experience where more than 60 sculptures by this world-renowned artist are set along a 4km path in a garden that has been created intuitively. Here sculptures seem to “gather” in specific areas as the garden evolved over time, rather than being placed according to a plan. Please note that visits to this green spaces gardens are by appointment only. A privately guided tour can be arranged with advance booking and is recommended.
THE CHAPEL AT BOSJES (WORCESTER)
Why here? You will see a remarkable chapel
There are many reasons to visit the family farm Bosjes and the striking architecture of the chapel here is without a doubt one of them. Add the beautifully converted farm buildings, landscaped green spaces gardens, vineyards and fynbos surrounding the chapel and you won’t run out of photo opportunities. Bosjes is situated in the Breedekloof Valley at the foot of the Waaihoek and Slanghoek mountains.
BABYLONSTOREN (KLAPMUTS)
Why here? You can get lost in a prickly pear maze
A walk through the prickly pear maze here may have you imagining yourself as the famous painter Frida Kahlo in Mexico or somewhere in Central America, instead of at an old Cape Dutch farm in the Franschhoek wine valley. The maze provides abundant opportunities for striking cacti as photo backdrops and apart from the prickly pears in the maze, there are 11 more varieties on the farm. The Candide app has a wealth of information on green spaces gardens and green-inspired destinations to visit around SA. You can download Candide from the Apple App and Google Play stores.
