Gardens – Colour Dots

ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Historical Garden

carynkaleido — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:02:37 +0000

ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij is South Africa’s leading research institute for deciduous fruits, vines (viticulture), and wine, part of the ARC (Agricultural Research Council), known for innovation, developing new cultivars (like low-chill apples). They conduct R&D in areas like disease resistance, sustainable farming, and creating healthier fruit/wine products, even producing experimental wines for research and sale ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Historical garden The garden in the grounds is not widely known, but for lovers of history and horticulture it is an interesting place to visit. The trees and other plants in the garden have historical, scientific or religious associations. Some are offspring of famous trees, such as one from Isaac Newton’s apple tree, a willow that originates from Napoleon’s grave on St Helena and a mulberry tree descended from one planted by Shakespeare at his home in Stratford-upon-Avon. Entry is free Banghoek Road, Stellenbosch See other gardens in Stellenbosch

The post ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Historical Garden appeared first on Colour Dots.

Arderne Gardens

carynkaleido — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 10:16:15 +0000

Spanning five hectares and boasting many trees, the Arderne Gardens was started in 1845 by Ralph Henry Arderne who was a successful timber merchant and cabinet maker from Cheshire, England. There are about four hundred trees in the garden with walkways ponds and grassed areas where you can relax and read a book or have a picnic. The arboretum is home to many creatures large and small, including guinea fowl, geese, ducks, and koi fish. You can enter this area and feed the fish and ducks. Entrance is free .222 Main Rd, Claremont, 7708 here

The post Arderne Gardens appeared first on Colour Dots.

Babylonstoren

carynkaleido — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:50:52 +0000

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest farms in the Cape. Simon van der Stel granted the farm Babylonstoren to burgher Pieter van der Byl. Until that time, the Drakenstein Valley had been inhabited by nomadic Khoisan for centuries. Pieter van der Byl planted the first vineyards on the farm and altered the water courses to provide irrigation. Some of the farm’s earliest structures remain on the farm. Babylonstoren’s Cape Dutch werf is typical of the architectural style of the 17th and 18th centuries. It is considered to be one of the best-preserved farmyards in the Cape today. The original buildings include a manor house dating back to 1777, a Koornhuis (for storing wheat), an old cellar and an ornate fowl house. The dovecote, the leaning bell tower and the historic gates date back to the 1750s. The old cowshed was renovated to accommodate the Babel restaurant. New accommodation was added for the Farm Hotel, careful planning ensured that the design was sympathetic with the architecture of the original buildings. This offers an authentic experience of 1700s Boland farm life, with all the luxury of modern convenience. The name Babylonstoren refers not only to the “Toren”, a hill where there is a spectacular 360 degree view of the farm but also to the numerous slaves that came from many corners of the world, all speaking different languages referencing the story of the tower of Babel. Today, Babylonstoren is a farm, a farm hotel, a restaurant, a greenhouse, a bakery, a larder, a spa, a cellar, and a learning centre for our people. Babylonstoren is also home to an organic food garden of great diversity: eight acres of vegetables and aromatic herbs. Babylonstoren Gardens The design of the Babylonstoren gardens on 3,5 hectares (8 acres) was inspired by the Company’s Garden in Cape Town. Since the 1600s, this garden in the city supplied ships sailing between Europe and Asia with vegetables and fruit. The garden also pays homage to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which are mythologically attributed to Nebuchadnezzar, who lived in the sixth century BC. The garden at Babylonstoren was designed by French architect Patrice Taravella. It includes vegetable patches and orchards of fruit and nuts. There are areas planted with fragrant indigenous plants. On the property is a prickly pear maze to get lost in and a mass of trees of historical or botanical significance. It features more than 300 varieties of trees and thousands of plant species. Other features are a Healing Garden, a Succulent House, and a Spice House, which tells the story of the spice trade with the East. There is also a garden shop. The tour of the fruit and vegetable garden starts at the Farm Shop at 10h00 daily, and during the week, you can join their special collections garden tour, which also departs from the Farm Shop at 11h30. Depending on the time of year, guests will be taken to see the succulent collection, the cycads next to the stream, or for a walk through the Healing Garden. Garden tours continue, whatever the weather. You could also join one of the hands-on workshops given by their chefs and gardeners. Children will love to visit Old Bullfrog, a water wonderland featuring creatures from their garden, such as frogs and lizards. The centre of the park has a big bullfrog fountain. The garden also includes a prickly pear maze! Other activities children will enjoy Feeding the donkeys Cooling down in the ponds and fountains Visiting the chickens, ducks and turkeys Hiding in the large bird nests picking and eating fruit from the trees It is essential to Book for the Garden Tours and Workshops. Other things to see Soetmelksvlei is a fascinating window into the past; a living museum where visitors can witness and interact with artisans and craftspeople from late-19th century as they go about their daily tasks of milling, forging, distilling and doing carpentry work. The Story of Wine explores terroir, wine history, even wine poetry with an informative and intuitive audio guide. The Garden Spa offers a world-class oasis of peace and relaxation. Complete with an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, indoor heated vitality pool, tropical rain showers, a salt room (built with blocks of Himalayan salt) and a gym Where is Babylonstoren? Babylonstoren lies at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain, between Paarl and Franschhoek in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Klapmuts Simondium Rd 7655 Franschhoek,

The post Babylonstoren appeared first on Colour Dots.

Barrydale Herritage Garden

carynkaleido — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 12:08:53 +0000

The Barrydale Herritage Garden has unique plants. You can explore and enjoy the peace. Every visit is different. You may be lucky enough to see the Glottiphyllum Barrydalensis or any of the other interesting specimens. Barrydale in bloom Facebook Barrydale Cellar Complex,

The post Barrydale Herritage Garden appeared first on Colour Dots.

Bishopsford bonsai nursery

Bishopsford — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 08:31:16 +0000

Visit the Bishopsford bonsai nursery to see a beautiful bonsai garden and a nursery that has been in business since 1970. They offer a large selection of ready-grown Bonsai, and they also stock all bonsai requirements such as pots, tools, soil, mesh, starter trees, fertiliser, pest care, and suiseki. With over 51 years of Bonsai experience, we offer Bonsai courses and services such as repotting, pruning, boarding, bonsai corporate gifts, and anything you need that is bonsai-related. 3 Muscat Lane South, Constantia

The post Bishopsford bonsai nursery appeared first on Colour Dots.

Bosjes gardens

carynkaleido — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:47:16 +0000

Bosjes Gardens in the Breedekloof Valley is a working farm surrounded by mountains, vineyards & orchards. Anchored by a remarkable chapel, it has three eateries, a guest house & a spa room, as well as curated fynbos gardens. BOSJES’s massive gardens stretch across three interconnected slopes. Take the family & enjoy the landscaped gardens that are full of surprises with water features, play areas, shaded paths & walkways through the forest & fynbos. R43 BETWEEN WORCESTER AND CERES

The post Bosjes gardens appeared first on Colour Dots.

Bosky Dell Farm and Rose Garden

carynkaleido — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:37:23 +0000

Bosky Dell Farm and Rose Garden is a formal Rose Garden set on the Bosky Dell Farm in Plettenberg Bay. The Rose Pavilion is one of the Garden Route’s most unique indoor/outdoor wedding & function venues. It offers guests a ‘miles away from anywhere experience just 10 minutes west of Plettenberg Bay. The Pavilion is at the centre of an award-winning rose garden on Bosky Dell Farm and is surrounded by fynbos and natural forest. Bosky Dell Farm, Holt Hill Plettenberg Bay

The post Bosky Dell Farm and Rose Garden appeared first on Colour Dots.

Chart farm

carynkaleido — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 08:22:25 +0000

Chart Farm is situated in the heart of the Southern Suburbs near Wynberg Park, The farm prides itself on being the only place in the Cape Peninsula where you can select and pick your own roses in an English-style rose garden. The farm is family-owned and has been in the family ever since 1934. This historic place currently has over 12 hectares of arable land with magnificent views all the way to False Bay. There is also a farm stall with a coffee shop and a nursery on the premises. Find other places to pick fruit and flowers here admin@chartfarm.co.za Klaassens Road

The post Chart farm appeared first on Colour Dots.

Craft market at Spier

carynkaleido — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:15:51 +0000

The Craft Market at Spier takes place every day during summer (October to May). It is situated on the shady lawns in front of the Tasting Room. The craft market showcases authentic and innovative pieces of art, all made by hand, and ranging vastly in terms of size and medium. You can expect everything from gallery-level collectors’ paintings and head-high wooden carvings to jewellery, leatherwork, textiles, and ceramics. Visit the pop-up stand next to the Farm Café on a good weather day. The Butterfly Garden at Spier This garden offers visitors a chance to learn about butterflies. Wander along winding paths surrounded by lush greenery. Many of these paths are lined with beautiful flowering plants that attract butterflies. Spier also offers educational programs to promote environmental awareness. The garden preserves local biodiversity. The garden provides an opportunity for an interactive experience that combines fun and learning. So. There is a wonderful elemental garden with a treated water feature, which is safe for children to splash about in. See other gardens in Stellenbosch Annandale Road, R310 Stellenbosch .

The post Craft market at Spier appeared first on Colour Dots.

Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary

carynkaleido — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 14:08:07 +0000

Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary is an isolated bird sanctuary located near the estuary of the Lourens River. It used to be the site of wastewater treatment works but is now protected within the Lourens River Protected Natural Environment. It is managed by the nearby Helderberg Nature Reserve with help from the Somerset West Bird Club, and it is now a habitat for a great many water birds The Western Cape is home to hundreds of bird species. For full identification and seasonal details, see this comprehensive Western Cape bird guide. Broadway Boulevard, Somerset West See other gardens in Somerset West

The post Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary appeared first on Colour Dots.