Franschhoek Open Gardens

Take a walk through some of the French Corner’s most beautiful gardens and reconnect with nature

The Cape Winelands is famous for having some of the most awe-inspiring scenery the world around, and Franschhoek is no exception. What many people don’t realise, though, is that South Africa’s lauded French Corner also claims manicured gardens exquisite enough to rival even the surrounding landscapes. Now, flora enthusiasts and those just on the hunt for a leisurely afternoon amongst gorgeous grounds can take in these flower-filled terraces and courtyards thanks to the upcoming Open Gardens festival from Friday, 31 October to Sunday, 2 November 2014.

The occasion is a treat for nature-lovers, with 10 gorgeous private gardens opening for the public, a large majority of which have never been open for the public before the event. So visitors will be getting the exclusive on some of the best horticultural sites in Franschhoek.

There will be a map available, detailing the whereabouts of each garden, so that visitors can be assured that they get to see all the highlights and scenery. Each garden has a unique history, horticultural theme and different kinds of flora.

Visitors to the Open Gardens can also get to see the first-ever horticultural Pot Competition. For this inaugural competition aspiring township gardeners will each be given a pot to fill with their own plant creations. The finished pot plants will be on display at the Plant Sale in front of the Town Hall for the duration of the event, and stellar prizes are up for grabs for competitors.   

For thirsty patrons, there will be a tea and bubbly garden catering to the public on the Town Hall lawns. If you’re looking for festivities to stay entertained, keep an ear out for the wondrous live music wafting through the lawns.

PARTICIPATING GARDENS AT THE 2014 FRANSCHHOEK OPEN GARDENS FESTIVAL

• Montpellier
• La Motte
• Artemis House
• Garden House
• Barbara & John Gardner
• Carl & Sonia Atkinson
• Kleinhof
• Bergsig
• La Brie
• Aliki Starke

TICKETS FOR THE 2014 FRANSCHHOEK OPEN GARDENS FESTIVAL

Entry to the festival costs R100p/p, and R80p/p tickets are available for block bookings of 10 or more. Ticket are available in front of the Franschhoek Town Hall and at selected gardens on the route (La Motte and Montpellier) on the days of the event.

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