ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - Garden lovers will once again have the opportunity to explore some of George's most beautiful private gardens while supporting a worthwhile community cause when the annual George Open Gardens takes place on Saturday 7 November.
Ten garden owners will open their gates to the public from 09:00 to 16:00, offering visitors inspiration for their own gardens and a chance to discover a variety of outdoor spaces.
The selection includes five established gardens that feature annually, alongside five new additions, ensuring something different for returning visitors.
The event has been a fixture on George's calendar since 2010, when it was started as a fundraising initiative for Badisa George. All proceeds go towards supporting the organisation.
Among the gardens open to visitors is Marietjie van Niekerk's. A passionate gardener and plant collector, Van Niekerk celebrates her 85th birthday on 5 November, just two days before the event. Her secluded corner garden, filled with carefully nurtured plants, has proved a popular attraction with visitors on previous occasions. This will be the third time her garden features in this event.
Another highlight is Desmond Benkenstein's garden, set around a magnificent Georgian house dating back to 1861. The property is shared by three generations of the family, who work together to shape its evolving garden. Rather than a perfectly manicured space, it offers variety, character and discovery. Benkenstein is an enthusiastic plant collector, with a particular interest in salvias and hydrangeas.
Visitors can also enjoy cake and coffee at 36 Stander Street, where Chantel van der Merwe of Vanderfax Blooms will be present a talk on soil health at 10:00. Some local artists will also be creating works in some of the gardens.
Expect roses in bloom at some of the gardens. Photo: Supplied
Tickets
R70 per adult. Schoolgoing children enter free. Tickets are available on Quicket or for cash on the day at 13 Glenwood Avenue, Glenwood. No card facilities will be available.
Enquiries: Philda Benkenstein on 071 441 9132 or [email protected]. Visit www.georgeopengardens.co.za for further details.
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