The Kloof Rotary Anns are celebrating their 30th year of the Annual Open Gardens by opening four beautiful gardens to the public on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October from 9:30am – 4:30pm.
30 years ago, Fay Fenn, after an inspirational trip abroad, started Kloof Rotary Anns Open Gardens. The initiative is both about inspiring garden enthusiasts and about fundraising for various worthwhile charities as all door takings go to local NGOs such as Philakade, Vema and the Fulton School for the Deaf as well as various community feeding schemes.
The Rotary Club of Kloof is more than a service organisation that’s making a difference in the community. They are a group of people who share a passion for improving the community while having fun and meeting new people.
While inspired by the fabulous gardens – visit some of the garden nurseries in 1000 Hills so you can recreate some of the features in your own garden. Or make a day of it and enjoy a meal in a garden environment in one of the many coffee shops and nursery cafes in 1000 Hills.
Some simple guidelines to help you enjoy the gardens
Wear sensible shoes – there are areas with cobblestone paving, gravel, wooden decks or slopes!
There are many interesting/unusual trees to see so bring along a tree book.
Take a pair of binoculars if you are interested in birds – gardens create habitats which are ideal for birds.
Plan your comfort breaks
You are going to be in the sun for much of the day – wear sunscreen and a hat.
The gardens are “open” but the homes are not – please do respect the owners privacy and do not wander through private spaces..
Please do not bring any animals (no pets) to the gardens.
The gardeners are all very knowledgeable – do feel free to engage with them as they are more than willing to share their knowledge.
Please be considerate and move on after a while so that others can enjoy the area.
Garden ONE
Jacob House at Waterfall College at 111 Ngwele Road which continues from Blessing Ninela
Jacob House Garden is an indigenous garden, carefully landscaped by Miles Steenhuisen of Mass Landscapes ,which overlooks the rolling Valley of 1000 Hills,. The Organisation’s landscaping philosophy seeks to cultivate a sense of biodiversity as is reflected in this garden. Once filled with gum trees and alien vegetation, this garden now features indigenous grasses, aloes, strelitzias, irises and endemic cycads which host a variety of birds, frogs, butterflies and other small insects. Miles paid careful attention to soil regeneration and along with natural composting has led to a thriving ecosystem that rewards its custodians with an ever-changing landscape. Jacob House Garden is truly a feast for the senses of any nature-lover.
Garden TWO
Darryne and Philippa Welgemoed at 3 Inkala Place off Intengu Avenue in Kloof
An absolute garden delight awaits visitors to this property. The main front garden was completed about a year ago by Monique from MDMB Landscapes. It boasts sweeping boarders, full of colour and texture. The garden reflects both the owners’ unique characters, by blending both formal elements as well as soft flowing curves. The generous lawn, able to accommodate a family with various activities, is lush and healthy. A cobble pathway, winds its way through a small forest of trees. The herb garden, potager space and the pool garden all have been beautifully created by the couple with careful attention to the functioning of each space.
Garden THREE
Gavin and Patricia Avey at 16 Alexander Avenue off Abrey Road in Kloof
Owners of Garden Décor, Gavin and Patricia Avey have a passion for their garden, which is a retreat from their hectic business life. Monique from MDMB Landscapes has been involved with the major elements of this garden blending their French and English backgrounds with our South African indigenous plants. This has produced generous open lawns in the back garden that is highlighted by several “rooms” showing off stunning pots, water features and different planting arrangements. At the front there is a natural pond which immediately welcomes visitors along with raised banks and a newly built dry stone wall. A garden which boasts an array of unique features makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
This garden is wheelchair friendly and will have a coffee cart.
Garden FOUR
Natalie Massa at 1 Jacaranda Hill 7 Meadow Lane Kloof
This garden is a beautiful combination of colourful exotics and indigenous plants. The owner is attempting to recreate the grasslands that once adorned Kloof with delicate wild grasses, bulbs, grassland aloes and indigenous flowers to attract a myriad of insects, butterflies and birds. Pretty pathways and quaint nooks will keep your interests peaked.
Good to Know
This year there are four beautiful gardens that are open to the public on 1 and 2 October from 9:30am – 4:30pm.
The Entrance of R30 pp per garden is payable at each garden by cash or zapper. Children under 12 Free.
Please Contact Andrea on 0836306486 or email mwafras@mweb.co.za; or visit the Kloof Rotary Anns FB page
Bring cash – the Denis Hurley Centre Street Lit Book Sellers will be selling gardening and garden related books in one of the gardens