Johnman Gardens

The Johnman Gardens was developed by Charles and Dorothy Johnman. They were passionate conservationists who wanted their home to be a place where music and a love of gardens could thrive. When Dorothy passed away in 1995, she left the house and its historic garden in the heart of Stellenbosch to be enjoyed by future generations. Today, the Johnman Garden is the only property in the historic Herte Street neighbourhood open to the public, making it a rare surviving example of an Old Cape garden and well worth a visit.

Landscaper Pietman Diener restored the garden by preserving its original layout and historic trees, removing only self-sown growth to let in more sunlight. Thanks to traditional leiwater irrigation, resident caretaker Paula Raubenheimer and two gardeners maintain the space throughout the year. The heritage garden is open to visitors on the first Thursday of every month (booking essential). The Johnman home, Camido, also houses the Johnman Music Centre, where tuition takes place, while intimate concerts are held in the nearby Johnman Cottage. The Johnman Trust additionally preserves a cluster of heritage houses in the area, contributing to this uniquely historic streetscape.

8 Herte street Stellenbosch

See other gardens in Stellenbosch