For years, visitors to the Garden have wandered among indigenous plant collections before finding their way to this treasure trove at the corner of Neethling and Riebeeck Street. Now, this beloved local institution has extended its reach through a beautifully realised e-commerce platform, bringing its carefully selected collection to supporters worldwide.

The Marloth Collection: Honouring Botanical Heritage

At the heart of the online shop sits the Marloth Collection, named in honour of Dr Rudolph Marloth (1855-1931), one of South Africa’s most distinguished botanists. Marloth dedicated his life to documenting and understanding our indigenous flora, producing the monumental six-volume Flora of South Africa that remains essential reading for botanists today.

The collection bearing his name reflects his spirit of scientific curiosity and deep reverence for South African plants. From botanical prints reproducing vintage illustrations to educational materials that make complex concepts accessible, each item celebrates the beauty and importance of indigenous flora.

Shopping with Impact

What distinguishes the SUBG Gift Shop from countless other retailers is its fundamental purpose. This isn’t simply a shop that happens to be in a garden – it’s an integral part of the Garden’s conservation mission.

Every purchase – whether from the Marloth Collection or any other product range – directly supports vital conservation and research projects. The funds help maintain living plant collections, support scientific research into South African flora, facilitate educational programmes, and ensure the Garden continues its important work for generations to come.

This commitment honours the remarkable legacy of the late Dr Donovan Kirkwood, whose vision and dedication helped shape the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden into the internationally respected institution it is today. When you shop here, you’re not just buying a gift – you’re investing in the future of botanical conservation.

Thoughtfully Curated, Sustainably Sourced

The shop’s range reflects careful consideration and a commitment to quality and sustainability. Products include:

Botanical-Inspired Design: Ceramics, textiles, and homeware featuring indigenous plant motifs created by local artisans

Educational Resources: Books, field guides, and learning materials for plant enthusiasts of all ages

Garden Essentials: Seeds, growing kits, and care products to help you cultivate your own green space

Artisan Crafts: Handmade items from local makers who share the Garden’s values of sustainability and excellence

Distinctive Gifts: Unique pieces that capture the essence of Stellenbosch’s natural beauty

Each product has been selected for its quality, its connection to South African botanical heritage, and its alignment with principles of sustainability and ethical production.

Two Ways to Experience the Magic

In the Garden: The physical Gift Shop remains a cherished destination for Garden visitors. There’s something irreplaceable about browsing after a morning spent among living collections, where knowledgeable staff can guide you toward the perfect selection and share stories about the products and their makers. The shop is open during Garden hours at the corner of Neethling and Riebeeck Street, Stellenbosch.

Online from Anywhere: The new e-commerce platform extends this experience to supporters worldwide. The online shop features the same thoughtful curation, with detailed product descriptions, beautiful photography, and the stories behind each item. With nationwide and international shipping available, distance is no barrier to supporting conservation or finding that perfect botanical-inspired treasure.

Join the Community

Subscribe to the SUBG newsletter to stay connected with new products, Garden updates, and conservation initiatives. Newsletter subscribers receive 10% off their first purchase as a welcome gift.

Whether you’re a regular Garden visitor, a passionate plant lover, a supporter of conservation, or someone seeking gifts that give back, the SUBG Gift Shop offers something rare: the opportunity to acquire beautiful, meaningful items while supporting work that truly matters.

Discover the collection at https://subggiftshop.co.za/ and see how every purchase plants seeds of change.

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A curated selection of fine art, 20^th century design, antiques, ceramics, silver, jewellery, coins and more will be on offer. Fair highlights include: a magnificent vitrified porcelain tile by Esias Bosch (presented by Riaan Bolt Antiques); a focus on the artist John Henry Amshewitz (presented by The Old Corkscrew); a beautiful opalescent glass lamp by Marius-Ernest Sabino (presented by Jeremy Stephen Antiques); and a striking mid-century gold, amethyst and diamond dress ring (presented by Bancroft).

SAADA is steeped in history and tradition. Founded in 1963, it is the oldest association of its kind in South Africa. Keeping up with the ever-changing times, SAADA has evolved into the modern association it is today by including Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, and Jewellery into its portfolio. For them it is all about quality and authenticity.

Unveiling

The Old Corkscrew will host an exclusive exhibition featuring the artworks of John Henry Amshewitz, a distinguished British/South African artist at this years’ SAADA Cape Fair.

Born in England, John Henry Amshewitz earned a prestigious scholarship to study at the Royal Academy schools, where he refined his artistic skills under the guidance of renowned artists like John Singer Sargent and Sir George Clausen. His early career was marked by numerous accolades and exhibitions at the Royal Academy.

In 1907, Amshewitz was commissioned to create four magnificent frescoes for the Liverpool Town Hall, a testament to his exceptional talent. His artistic journey continued with commissions for murals and portraits, including a notable one from Queen Mary in 1915.

Despite facing an injury during his work on the Liverpool murals, Amshewitz embarked on a theatrical engagement in South Africa during World War I. He later settled in Johannesburg, where he skilfully captured the essence of local life and the beauty of gold mining scenes. His commitment to nurturing young artistic talent resulted in the establishment of an art school and a vibrant sketch club.

In 1918, Amshewitz entered a new chapter of his life by marrying and welcoming a son. His impressive body of work includes portraits of notable figures and poignant war memorials, such as “The Great Comforter” in 1921. After a brief return to England in 1922, he continued to exhibit his art and excelled in etchings and dry points, with his work published in renowned publications.

Amshewitz’s art transcended borders and garnered international acclaim, with exhibitions in Italy and France. His pieces found homes in the collections of esteemed individuals, including Prince George and Princess Alice. He also made significant contributions to South African history through artworks such as the three large murals created for South Africa House in London.

Amshewitz’s journey came full circle as he returned to South Africa in 1936, continuing to produce captivating artwork until his passing in 1942, just before his sixtieth birthday. In recognition of his profound contributions to South African art, a street in Johannesburg was named in his honour, spelled Amschewitz Street in Rooseveldt Park. In 1943, a memorial exhibition was held at the City Hall of Johannesburg, graced by Lord Harlech, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in South Africa.

Amshewitz’s art can be found in collections by the V & A in London, the South African Gallery in Cape Town, the Africana Museum in Johannesburg, the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and The Metropolitan Museum in New York. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore his self-portrait and a collection of family paintings, providing an intimate glimpse into the artist’s personal world.

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