Highlights

Town Hall Garden Show, Market & Tea Garden (23 to 31 October)
Stellenbosch Town Hall becomes a botanical-themed show and market, curated by Cobus Smit and the local creative collective Skeppend. Over 70 vendors will be selling locally made products, botanical décor and creative work, and you can meet the makers yourself. Lounah Cup runs the coffee cart and Tea Garden, so you can have a coffee, a glass of bubbly or a light lunch between stalls.
Hours: weekdays 10:00 to 18:00, weekends 10:00 to 15:00, and 10:00 to 13:00 on 31 October.

The Grand Flower Parade (Tuesday, 27 October)
A celebration of spring with flowers, music and community spirit. Gather at Die Braak in central Stellenbosch from 17:00. The parade sets off at 17:45 and winds through town to the Town Hall. Watching is free, and so is taking part.

The Stellenbosch Street Soirée (Wednesday, 28 October)
The Street Soirée season opens on Drostdy Street, with local food, wine and creativity under the oak trees from 18:00 to 20:00. Tickets are R280 per person on Plankton.

Private and public gardens
More than 14 private home gardens that are rarely open to visitors will open their gates, along with over 12 public gardens. Participating spots include Tokara, the Gouws Sculpture Garden, Slee’s Meadow Garden, Spier and Babylonstoren. Profits from private garden entry fees will go to the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS).

Workshops, talks and tours
Over 40 workshops, talks and displays cover gardening, biodiversity and more sustainable living. This year’s programme includes a new venue, Dorpplaas, with workshops co-curated by Hanlé Hill and Tamma Louw. You can also visit Kayamandi’s community vegetable garden, join an art class or food demonstration.

Plan Your Visit

Events are a mix of free and ticketed, so check the full programme and book ahead where needed. With ten days of activities, it’s worth making a longer stay of it and exploring at your own pace.

Visit Stellenbosch’s CEO, Annemie Liebenberg, says the festival is about giving people more reasons to visit, stay longer and explore, while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities. Executive Mayor Jeremy Fasser adds that it shows what happens when residents, businesses and creative partners work together.

Garden Town Stellenbosch runs from 23 October to 1 November 2026.

Maps & Programme

Click here for this years map and programme, click here to book tickets or visit the Garden Town website.

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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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Walking down Ryneveld Street, it’s impossible to pass Flowers in the Foyer’s green sign without wanting to pop inside – whether or not you’re looking to buy a bouquet.

Once visitors walk through the shop’s doors, they are not only visiting a florist, but stepping into an enchanted garden, says owner and founder Hermien Coetzee.

“Our shop has always been about the people of Stellenbosch,” she says. It didn’t take long after opening for the doorstep of

the shop to become worn down by the many who came through, and this connection to the community remains just as strong today. While the shop has evolved over the years, one thing remains constant: the team’s unwavering passion for floral artistry.

Rooted in Stellenbosch

Hermien’s love for floristry was sparked by watching her mother, Gerda, arrange flowers for weddings in the 1970s. By the late 1990s, Hermien saw a need for a more innovative, bohemian approach to floral design in the Winelands’ wedding and events scene. Her free-flowing style drew inspiration from the opulent gardens around her.

Soon she was known as the woman with buckets of flowers and a trestle table in the Dorp Street Art Gallery’s foyer. Customers referred to the business as ‘Flowers in the Foyer’ – and the name stuck.

It wasn’t long before Hermien’s gift for floral design spread through Stellenbosch like wildflowers, prompting her to move into two rooms next to a spice café in Church Street. A few years later she had to relocate again, this time to Dorp Street opposite the Moederkerk, where hundreds of brides have walked down the aisle holding one of her signature bouquets.

Eventually, Flowers in the Foyer found its forever home in Ryneveld Street’s Skuinshuis, surrounded by bustling cafés and a steady stream of passers-by.

Local Identity and Community

By working with the seasons and drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape, Flowers in the Foyer evolves creatively through colour, texture and styling, while staying firmly rooted in its local identity.

“Stellenbosch is woven into everything we do, from the flowers we source to the clients we serve – community is central to our work,” says Rebekah Brits, operations and marketing manager. “Whether it’s designing for a graduation, a wedding in the Winelands or a small business opening, we take pride in being part of the rhythm of local life.”

This rhythm extends into Stellenbosch’s student life – from huisdans posies to wedding arrangements for couples who met as students.

While the team has worked in various environments – including farm barns, industrial warehouses, Cape Town’s imposing Convention Centre and St George’s Cathedral – Hermien’s favourite venue is the stage at Stellenbosch University’s Endler Hall.

“I love doing mass arrangements there,” she says. “It’s exciting to work alongside rehearsals on stage.”

Creating with Purpose

Through its online store, Flowers in the Foyer allows people from all over to send flowers to loved ones in the Winelands, connecting families and friends worldwide. Despite the use of modern technology, their service remains deeply personal, says Hermien. “I use the magic of flowers to tell clients’ beautiful stories. Each bouquet carries an emotion, possessing a botanical quality that evokes sincerity.” For Hermien, flowers are more than decorative; they convey secret messages, declarations of love, celebrations of life or heartfelt condolences.

Each season brings its own floral gems, but Hermien’s personal favourites include late- winter magnolias and flame lilies, the opulent pompom blooms of spring viburnum and the abundance of larkspur, wild wisteria and the season’s first roses. “I find beauty in every stage of a flower’s life,” she says. “From the tight bud to its full, expressive bloom.”

Focussing on intentional, expressive florals that tell a story, the shop’s style is refined yet rootedinnature.Alwaystailoredtotheoccasion, it is never generic. Whether for intimate gatherings or large corporate events, the team doesn’t just recreate a client’s brand; they often transform blank, stark environments into lively spaces filled with energy and colour.

“Clients often come to us because they’re looking for something personal, thoughtful and beautifully styled,” says Rebekah. “In a busy industry, we stand out by slowing down and creating with purpose.”

Flowers in the Foyer’s deep understanding ofStellenboschandtheWinelandsgivesits work a distinctive sense of place. “The more a bouquet can look like an abundant gathering from a garden, the more my heart is filled with joy,” says Hermien.

The Team Behind the Twine

From working with small local farmers to behind-the-scenes collaboration, the Flowers in the Foyer team’s shared passion has kept the shop thriving for 27 years. Alongside Hermien, Norman Moses and Ingrid Adriaanse are the shop’s longest-serving employees, as delivery driver and shop manager respectively.

Ingrid believes that genuine presence and attention make all the difference. “As soon as someone walks in, I stop what I’m doing and greet them with a warm smile and eye contact,” says Ingrid. “Every client must feel seen and welcomed. From there, it’s about listening and being attentive.”

Ingrid’s favourite bouquets include unexpected winter blooms like orchid stems, celosia and stocks. “There’s something magical about creating warmth with flowers when everything outside feels quieter.”

Norman takes pride in every flower delivery, from heavy arrangements to surprise bouquets. However, his favourites are the weekly deliveries to regular clients.

“Even though the deliveries are regular, the flowers always look different and fresh,” he says. “The customers’ faces light up when they see the flowers. It makes every stop worth it.”

Florist Irene Nkunkwana, who started at Flowers in the Foyer as a cleaner, has grown into an exceptional artist, known for her outstanding flower selections and combinations.

Connection through Craftmanship

From a small trestle table to 27 years of floral creativity and fostered connections, Hermien has shaped Flowers in the Foyer into a space without boundaries, where authentic designs come to life.

“I’m grateful that I can express people’s stories through my craftsmanship,” she says. “It’s a gift and a lifelong passion that I’m honoured to share with others.”

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Babylonstoren: Simplicity Becomes Sensational

At Babylonstoren, every inch of the farm is curated yet rooted in authenticity. Think cobbled paths winding through botanically diverse gardens, crystal-clear water furrows, and chickens clucking contentedly among the vines.

Babylonstoren’s accommodation is as thoughtfully cultivated as the gardens. Guests can choose between beautifully restored Cape Dutch farm cottages and sleek, contemporary suites – all set within the working farm. Every room opens out onto a view – be it orchards, vineyards, or the Simonsberg mountains – and encourages a slower rhythm.

Guests are invited to roam barefoot through the gardens, join the daily harvest, attend hands-on gardening workshops, or simply unwind in the spa with its hammam and herbal tea rituals. It’s more than a place to stay, it’s an immersion into farm life at its most elegant.

Spier Wine Estate: Connecting Sustainability

Spier Wine Farm effortlessly marries sustainable farming with a rich cultural offering. As one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms, the estate’s ethos is grounded in the regeneration of soil, community, and spirit. Here, centuries of history blend seamlessly with innovative thinking and a deep commitment to regeneration.

Spier Hotel elegantly blends contemporary comfort, authentic farm living, Cape artistry, and wellness, catering to a wide variety of guests, including couples, families, wine-lovers, and eco-conscious travellers alike.

Guests can cycle through vineyards, taste organic wines, or dine under the stars on ingredients grown metres from the table. A visit to the Spier Craft Market or a stay at their art-filled hotel proves that meaningful luxury isn’t about excess, it’s about connection.

Boschendal: Authentic and Contemporary

Boschendal has emerged as one of South Africa’s most iconic agritourism destinations. With its mountain views, curated picnics, horseback trails and beautifully restored cottages, the estate invites guests to experience authentic farm living with a contemporary feel.

Whether you’re foraging for mushrooms with a chef or sipping rosé beneath ancient oaks, you’ll feel part of the land. Their deliciously nourishing, soil-to-fork fare is created especially by their artisan chefs, butchers, growers and bakers.

From award-winning wine and culinary adventures to exploring the spectacular landscape by foot, horse, or bike, Boschendal invites guests to explore, play, and discover the best of farm living.

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The journey to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a long and hard one. Following a four-year absence and after longstanding sponsors had pulled out because of the tough post-Covid climate, it became increasingly likely that the world’s most prestigious flower show would never see a protea again.

But this year was different. Despite all the challenges, a small group of passionate individuals and the private sector came together to secure the funds necessary to send Team SA to London once again. Flights booked and budgets drawn up, we set about designing a display inspired by the mountain ranges of the Western Cape.
Undulating cracked-earth panels would weave through the presentation, dividing and connecting different zones of fynbos. The cracked-earth texture came to represent our contrasting seasons in the Cape as well as the fragility of its habitats. In addition, as if carved by the infamous ‘South-easter’, holes dotted these panels to provide vistas into the next zone.

The design sorted, we shifted our focus to the flowers, the stars of the show. Sourcing 22 000 stems of high-quality fynbos cut-flowers from farmers across the Cape would be no mean feat. The most obvious challenge was to find blooms that would be ready in time for the flower show in May, as most protea varieties only start blooming from June and continue to November. We visited farms from Citrusdal to Bredasdorp to see what would be available and to draw up an extensive wish list for D-day or ‘harvest day’. The weather needed to be on our side during this period and thankfully it was.

Boxes of some of the finest fynbos cut-flowers eventually arrived at Cape Town International Airport, all transported at a frosty 4°C to preserve the fresh blooms.
Meanwhile, the unglamorous but important work of compiling the paperwork for each species was going on behind the scenes so that the relevant papers would accompany the mass shipment to Customs. All was in order and we were given the all clear for take-off.

As well as having to withstand the transit from Cape Town to London (the tight budget meant a stopover in Dubai as well), the blooms had to last almost three weeks from time of harvest until the end of the show. Fortunately many fynbos species, especially proteas, are incredibly tough while in transit. Their woody stems are perfectly adapted to hold the flowers in place and they have the remarkable ability to rehydrate when placed in water. But even with this in our favour, it would all count for nothing should our wonderful selection of flowers fail to pass the rigours of UK Customs. A stray frog, a fleck of disease or a wandering gogga could spell the end of all our hard work.

Thankfully, our pristine flowers passed the test and when they arrived at the showground in Chelsea we knew half the battle was won. By this time our team had already been working tirelessly to complete the clay structure that would become the backdrop for the flowers. Although we had done tests back home in South Africa, it was always going to be nerve-wracking to find out if the clay would indeed ‘crack’ the way we wanted it to. For a while it remained wet, glossy and smooth, the exact opposite of what we wanted. But after a couple of days the London weather finally turned sunny and dried out the clay to produce a network of cracks on the surface. We were once again back on track; the design was beginning to come together.

After 10 gruelling days of set-up, often starting at 7am and ending at 10pm, our team in now-muddy high-vis vests could finally take off their steel-capped shoes. It was time for the judges to get to work, and for our anxious wait to begin. The morning after judging we went to check our display and were greeted by a Gold Medal award! The team were overjoyed and relieved that all our hard work and sacrifice had been worth it.

But the best was yet to come. The president of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Keith Weed, named our display the ‘Best Exhibit in the Great Pavilion’ and the ‘Best New Design’. With perfect scores from the judges and a full trophy cabinet, our hearts were so full with pride and gratitude.

When the show officially opened to the public, perhaps the most rewarding part for us was hearing all the positive comments from not only visitors, but all the South Africans sending messages on social media. Many of those who marvelled at our exhibit were not familiar with ‘fynbos’, let alone the wide variety of hybrids and cultivated forms on display. Yet very few regions of the world have such a recognisable kingdom of plants.

For many South Africans, the protea is far more than just a flower; it has come to symbolise home and national pride. This was evident when hundreds of South Africans now living in London saw the exhibit and had an immediate emotional response to the display. The sheer abundance and richness of our natural heritage pulled at the heart strings of those who missed home. Even King Charles took the time to meet us at our display and admired the selection of proteas, which His Majesty remembered fondly from visits to Cape Town.

The display was a celebration of not only our diverse flora, but also our booming cut-flower industry, which contributes immensely to the rural economies where proteas and their ilk are grown. It also inspired visitors from all over the world to come and visit South Africa to see these magnificent plants in their natural habitat.
Thank you to all our sponsors and to my incredible team for once again putting South Africa on the map as a destination for flowers. Our natural heritage is something to be celebrated and conserved. V

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There is a useful map of Garden Town showcasing highlights like the Garden Town Classics, the Garden Show and Market taking place in town hall and the ever-popular street soirée. Here are our recommendations for Garden Town events and activities taking place in and around Stellenbosch. 

Must-See Gardens

Gouws Sculpture Garden

Open on 25-26 October, the Gouws Sculpture Garden offers a stunning showcase of waterwise and indigenous plants, demonstrating the beauty that can be achieved without relying on vibrant perennials. The sculptures throughout the space add a creative and artistic dimension, making it a must-visit for those seeking inspiration for sustainable and visually captivating garden design.

Tokara Farm Garden

Usually closed to the public, Tokara Farm Garden will be open on 1-2 November, with a special preview during the Tokara Rare Plant Fair on 26 October. A highlight not to be missed is the Adamastor Moss Garden Tour led by renowned landscape artist Gert van Tonder, offering a rare glimpse into this exquisite, private space.

Zevenrivieren Homestead

Open on 25-26 October and 1-2 November, the Zevenrivieren Homestead garden showcases beautifully structured perennial plantings, including camellias, azaleas, and hydrangeas. This private garden offers visitors a chance to experience a lush, timeless landscape filled with vibrant blooms.

Inspiring Talk

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Presentation

Don’t miss the chance to be inspired by award-winning landscape designer Leon Kluge as he presents his RHS Chelsea Flower Show experience at the stunning Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. This talk promises to be a highlight for garden enthusiasts, offering insights into world-class garden design.

Guided Tours or Walks

Story Trees Walk with Brian Bredenkamp and Leon Visser

Explore the rich history behind Stellenbosch’s iconic trees. Read more.

Sunset Guided Walk on the Stellenbosch Art Mile

Discover art and nature on this scenic evening walk. Read more.

Biodiversity Walk on Stellenbosch Mountain (5 km)

A scenic trek through the unique biodiversity of Stellenbosch. Read more.

Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden Tour with Diane Harper

A guided tour blending art and nature in this breathtaking garden. Read more.

Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden Guided Tour

Explore the diverse plant life of South Africa’s oldest botanical garden. Read more.

Interactive Workshops

Plant Your Own: Heritage Fruit Orchard & Veggie Garden at Babylonstoren

Get your hands dirty as you learn how to plant your own fruit trees and veggie garden. Read more.

Herbal Health Workshop at Spier

Learn the benefits of medicinal herbs and how to grow and use them in this immersive workshop. Read more.

Hidden Gems

Sustainability Institute Food Garden

Discover how sustainable farming practices are being used to grow organic food in this educational garden tour. Read more.

Eco-Maties Student Garden Tour

A unique opportunity to see how students are leading the way in eco-friendly gardening at Stellenbosch University. Read more.

Vegetable Gardens at Love to Give, Kayamandi

Visit the community vegetable gardens at Love to Give in Kayamandi and see how urban gardening is transforming lives. Read more.

Day Visit

If you only have one day to experience Garden Week, Saturday, 2 November, offers a perfect itinerary.

Start by purchasing a Day Pass to explore as many private gardens as possible. Then, head to the Stellenbosch Town Hall for the Garden Show and Market, where you can shop for garden essentials and local crafts. While there, don’t miss the stunning “Benches in Bloom” exhibition by the PJ Olivier Art Centre. Cap off your day with the enchanting Garden Town Classics concert, a delightful open-air musical experience.

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Nothing if not cosmopolitan, the Winelands’ restaurant scene has welcomed Japanese influence on fine dining, as Richard Holmes discovers. And, he learns, the influence isn’t just culinary …

When South Africa’s culinary star first began to shine, sometime in the early 2000s, it was largely thanks to chefs interpreting European haute cuisine in a Cape vernacular. Continental fine dining was given a contemporary spin, as cooks tweaked the classics with a healthy dose of local produce and African inspiration.

But as our palates have gone global, there’s been a steady infusion of Asian influence to restaurants across the Cape – including the Winelands – as chefs dabble with dashi and toy with the endless ways that Asian culinary traditions introduce umami onto the menu.

From FYN’s trend-setting Afro-Japanese cuisine – which took it to 60th spot on the respected World’s 50 Best Restaurants List this year – Asian cuisine, and Japanese in particular, is proving to be the most exciting dish in town.

In the heart of Stellenbosch, Genki has become a firm local favourite for its menu of sushi, ramen and Japanese tapas, while Gochu Gang brings a bold approach to Asian street food. But perhaps a better bellwether of the trend is found atop the Helshoogte Pass, where a 2023 revamp of Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa saw Indochine restaurant transformed into a contemporary Japanese dining destination

Hōseki (‘jewel’ in Japanese) was originally envisaged as an intimate Japanese eatery, but when head chef Virgil Kahn presented his first dishes to the owner, Laurence Graff, plans quickly changed.

“He loved the menu so much, he decided to switch everything around!” says Virgil with a chuckle. And so the Indochine Lounge was created, serving a menu of global small plates, and the main restaurant was transformed into Hōseki. Elements of Japanese decor were infused into the space and the menu was reimagined into a fine-dining experience that takes its cue from Japanese culinary traditions.

“I’ve always had a love for Japanese cooking and there were a lot of Japanese elements on the Indochine menu, but in opening Hōseki we really had to focus on specific ingredients and techniques and let them shine. And that was the challenge,” observes Virgil.

But he is always up for a challenge and in just two months – including a research trip to Dubai – Virgil and his chefs created a menu filled with inspired interpretations of Japanese plates, all infused with the artistry we’ve come to expect at Delaire Graff.

“Enormous attention went into the experience,” he adds. “There’s a lot of thought that goes into everything, from the crockery to the chopstick rests. Even the menus are hand-threaded.” Similar attention is paid to seasonality and sourcing, all while working within the constraints of a fine- dining restaurant.

“Wherever we can, we work with local fish, but obviously at this level we also need to focus on the luxury experience and there are certain ingredients that we simply have to offer.” So while some may clock up the food miles, yellowfin tuna is usually from local boats and the excellent wagyu – offered on the menu with a marbling scale as a guideline – is from Ken Forrester’s estate just outside Stellenbosch.

There’s a delightful array of ways to experience Hōseki too. Of course, there’s à la carte, and Virgil suggests a sushi starter – the sashimi is exceptional – followed by a selection of cold and hot plates. Lunchtime also offers a four-course set menu, or a bento box for those looking to dine and dash.

But the evening is when Hōseki comes to life, with the eight-course omakase (‘I leave it up to you’) menu that sees the chef decide which dishes to serve.

Across the menu, Virgil brings his own creative take to Japanese flavours, whether it’s the ostrich tartare with tamago or the playful Hōseki ‘pizza’ – a tortilla disc with soy glaze, layered with tuna carpaccio, ponzu and pickled shimeji mushrooms. “We’re not trying to be authentic Japanese,” he says. “We’re in South Africa, working with different produce, but we want to take those flavours and traditions and put our own spin on them.”

Restauranteur Ryan Shell takes a similar approach at Ōku, his charming Asian-inspired eatery in Franschhoek.

“Our ingredients taste different from what you’d find in Japan, so the dishes we produce immediately lose some authenticity,” he says. “Japan is also more cosmopolitan in its food style than people think.

It’s close to Korea, it’s close to China. So we incorporate those elements on our menu.”

And an impressive menu it is too, with a collection of pan-Asian small plates. The heart of the Ōku experience is the 15-course kaiseki menu, a carefully curated tasting menu that showcases the skills of the kitchen. “Kaiseki is a journey, a linear trajectory,” says Ryan. “We make sure there’s a certain flow, there’s a crescendo and a chorus. These are not just individual dishes, they’re chapters of a longer story.”

Across the menu expect a remarkable discovery of Asian cuisine, from the layered complexity of a clear prawn broth through a collection of sashimi and tataki plates to a Norwegian salmon with kombu dashi.

Ryan also subtly introduces local flavours and produce into the experience, including wild springbok and warthog in hunting season, and yellowtail tataki to tap into the best local fish.

A more concise four-course menu is also available, and patrons can select from à la carte options in the quiet winter months. Here, be sure not to miss the incredible Korean fried cauliflower that will make you see brassicas in a whole new light.

But Japanese influence in the Winelands extends beyond the dinner table. In Stellenbosch look to the university’s Botanical Garden, which is home to a remarkable collection of bonsai trees, including a Becky Lucas pine tree from 1940 that is thought to be the oldest example of bonsai in Africa.

A more contemporary expression of Japanese horticulture is found in the private garden of Anne-Marie and GT Ferreira, the owners of Tokara wine estate. The latest addition to the diverse landscaping around the homestead is a remarkable ‘moss garden’ created by South African neuroscientist and moss garden designer Gert van Tonder.

“In Japan, the garden is the most important thing,” says Gert. “Many of the most important gardens are in temples, and while the names of the monks and abbots come and go, the name of the gardener is always remembered.” Locally at least, mosses are an under- estimated and misunderstood group of plants. Most people would associate them with cool and damp environments, but the majority of the more than 750 species of moss found in South Africa grow in the Little Karoo, where they are remarkably adaptable to their environment.

“Mosses really are a cosmopolitan group of plants,” explains Gert. “Fortunately many of the most desirable species, and the staples in Japanese gardens, we also have here.”

In creating the ‘Adamastor’ garden at Tokara, Gert had to work as much with rock as with moss, chiselling and shaping the locally sourced granite that provides form and structure to the garden. With the structure in place and the moss settling in, he is about to begin the final stage of the garden: the installation of a Japanese sukiya-style house handcrafted from cedar and cypress wood. Gert himself will build it, using traditional techniques and precision joinery without the use of nails or bolts. “This is not the kind of garden where you sit on a little bench,” he adds. “You need an architectural space where you can sit properly, protected from the elements.”

And good news for garden lovers is that the

Tokara garden will be open for the public to admire this spring, with the Rare Plant Fair and Open Garden taking place on Saturday, 26 October 2024. Once you’ve wandered the garden, you certainly won’t go hungry.

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“After years of hard work and preparation, it is wonderful to share all the knowledge we’ve acquired with like-minded people who appreciate handwork and craftsmanship,” says Adele Johnson, Head of Soetmelksvlei. Adele, alongside her team, are thrilled to welcome guests to the farm.

What to expect

Soetmelksvlei is an interactive farmyard set up like a small village in the late 19th century to honour the legacy of artisanry, all constructed and curated by Babylonstoren’s team of master builders and historians.

Museologist Elsa Vogts, who oversaw the curation of this multi-sensory, immersive journey through time, is fascinated by the culture of self-reliance that was required by farm life in 1897. “It was a self-contained ecosystem where everything was handmade and repaired on site, with a surprising level of sophistication,” she says. 

The Farmhouse and Garden

Visitors can interact with master craftspeople as they go about their daily chores on the farm. Through immaculately recreated interiors, the Farmhouse honours what home life looked like in the 19th century. Here, you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of moerkoffie at the rustic kitchen table, along with a rusk or still-warm bread and home-churned butter, while observing the kitchen methods of the 19th century cook.

Outside the kitchen, gardeners are at work to teach you about heritage fruit and vegetable varieties in Soetmelksvlei’s kitchen garden. Just around the corner, the Gardener’s Cottage boasts a display of dried medicinal herbs.  

Eat, Drink and Shop

The Old Cellar is a wonder room in the true 19th century sense of the word, being part exhibition space, part playhouse and part reading room. 

Wholesome refreshments are available at the Old Stables Restaurant, which offers outdoor seating and a view of the outdoor children’s play area.

After lunch, browse the Jonkershuis Farm Shop for old-world treats and keepsakes, including traditional favourites like rusks, pickles, preserves, hand-knitted and crocheted blankets, mittens, slippers and children’s jerseys. Soetmelksvlei’s blacksmith also creates beautifully crafted, durable cast-iron pans, oven dishes and braai tools, available at the Farm Shop.

Daily Activities

Daily activities, like milking cows, cream separation, butter churning and wheat milling, are carried out at specific times throughout the day at Soetmelksvlei for guests to observe and interact.

Soetmelksvlei hosts a variety of workshops where a new craft can be acquired or an existing skill honed. These include cooking, woodwork, distillation and more. Culinary workshops are hosted in the Meat Room or Creamery, while the blacksmiths, carpenters and leathercrafters ply their trade in the Workshop. Additionally, Soetmelksvlei’s distillation master teaches guests how make their own mampoer. Workshop dates are fixed and must be pre-booked online. 

Animals

As animals are an integral part of any farmyard, Soetmelksvlei is home to a lot of them. The fowl house houses chickens and ducks, with a separate enclosure for doves. The kraal area has a dedicated cow shed and horse stables, with smaller enclosures for sheep and Soetmelksvlei’s miniature donkeys, Faf and Tjokkie. Despite his beautiful mane, Faf is the timid one, whereas Tjokkie will give a friendly nip or nudge to keep the attention coming. Here, visitors can observe and participate in the feeding and care of all animals. 

Learn More

To visit Soetmelksvlei, meet at the Babylonstoren Ticket Office at the appointed time and hop on a shuttle. The shuttle departs Babylonstoren at 30-minute intervals from 08h30 to 13h00, and returns to Babylonstoren at 11h00 and every hour, on the hour, until 16h00.  

During winter, Soetmelksvlei is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday, 09h00 to 16h00. During summer, Soetmelksvlei is open to the public every day from 09h00 to 17h00. 

R300 entrance fee per adult (includes an annual Babylonstoren membership valued at R100). R200 entrance fee per adult with valid Babylonstoren membership. R100 entrance fee per child aged 4–17. Free entry for children aged 3 and younger, provided they sit on an adult’s lap for the shuttle ride from Babylonstoren to Soetmelksvlei. 

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WHEN I ARRIVED to take up my position at Babylonstoren, there were two large wooden planters containing exotic shrubs at the entrance to the hotel. The leaves wilted on hot summer days and the plants did not emphasise the striking setting and environment.

We replaced them with two indigenous fan aloes (Kumara plicatilis, formerly known as Aloe plicatilis), endemic to the Drakenstein and surrounding mountains. The fan aloe/ waaieraalwyn is a beautiful tree-like shrub with strong architectural features. The bluish-green leaves are arranged in the shape of a fan, and bold orange-red flowers appear in spring.

We have never had to water the aloes again as they are completely self-sustaining, illustrating the first principle of waterwise gardening. Plant the best of local indigenous plants as these are adapted to the local climate and reflect the character of the place. Visitors to South Africa want to see plants unique to the areas and delighted tourists compliment us on the fan aloes.

Architectural plants with their bold features provide excellent focal points for an entrance. The beautiful Suurberg cycads (Encephalartos longifolius), for example, can be used in fynbos gardens, and are a longterm investment for any site. Most of these architectural plants grow among rocks or boulders, which complement the plants and vice versa. Therefore, the use of local geology is of utmost importance.

Some architectural plants such as elephant bush/spekboom (Portulacaria afra) and the krantz aloe (Aloe arborescens) grow widespread from the southern parts of South Africa to the Limpopo Province and can be used in almost any town in the eastern parts of South Africa, while others such as quiver trees are confined to the dry western portion of South Africa.

These beautiful flagship plant species are literally shaped by suffering, which resulted in evolutionary creativity. They reflect millions of years of hardship – for us to enjoy.

I have mostly chosen some long-lived plant species with strong features from South Africa and Namibia, suitable for planting as focal points at entrances.

Winter Rainfall Region

The best time to plant is during autumn, the start of the growing season. Once established, the plants are self-sustaining (no sprinkler systems needed) and require minimal maintenance. It is important to help them get established and one should, in the first two years, stake them against strong winds and provide moisture if the rainfall is not sufficient.

Fynbos and Strandveld Garden

Suitable plants include the various aloe species: Cape bitter aloe/bitteraalwyn (Aloe ferox), the krantz aloe/kransaalwyn (A. arborescens), mountain aloe (A. succotrina) and the Westcoast aloe (A. framesii). The fan aloe (Kumara plicatilis) grows up to 3m tall but is a slow grower. Among the cycads, the Suurberg cycad/ Suurbergbroodboom (Encephalartos longifolius) makes a bold statement with its leaf colour varying from bluish to olive.

Recommended smaller plants include the doringpol (Euphorbia loricata) and the Suurberg cushionbush (Oldenburgia grandis). The dune aloe (Aloe thraskii) from KwaZulu-Natal grows well in seafront gardens in the Western Cape. The elephant’s foot (Dioscorea elephantipes) is suitable for dry fynbos gardens. Trees to consider are the mountain cypress (Widdringtonia nodiflora) and the Willowmore cedar (W. schwarzii), which grows to a large tree.

Suitable local rocks include Malmesbury shale, silcrete, monkey stone (quartzitic sand- stone), granite and dolomite. It’s best to use the same kind of rocks throughout the garden. Silcrete is common in the Western Cape, especially in Renosterveld regions. It represents a type of sandstone superficially resembling monkey stone.

Succulent Karoo Garden

Succulents are often dominant within the Klein Karoo and Namaqualand. The vegetation of the Succulent Karoo is extremely rich and the diversity to choose from is great. Suggested plants include various aloes such as the quiver tree/kokerboom (Aloidendron dichotomum), the smaller maiden’s quiver tree/nooienskokerboom (Aloidendron ramosissimum), Khamies aloe (Aloe khamiesensis) and the Helskloof aloe (Aloe pearsonii). The Clanwilliam aloe (Aloe comosa), and the Cape bitter aloe (Aloe ferox) are single-stemmed.

Take your pick from the various euphorbias available. The grootmelkbos (Euphorbia dregeana) and gifmelkbos (Euphorbia mauritanica) are large, rounded shrubs. The avasnoors

(Euphorbia avasmontana) with a candelabra growth and the klipnoors (Euphorbia heptagona) are smaller, with densely arranged ascending succulent stems.

Succulents come in all shapes, sizes and hues. The botterboom (Tylecodon paniculatus) is a thickset large summer deciduous shrub, the leaves bright yellowish green. The evergreen silver dollar/beestebal (Crassula arborescens) has grayish leaves. The silver-leaved caputia/tonteldoosbossie (Caputia tomentosa) is a small shrub with rounded shape. The spekboom (Portulacaria afra) and wolftoon (Portulacaria namaquensis) are larger shrubs and the mesemb/boomvygie (Stoeberia arborea) with its rounded succulent leaves grows to 3m high.

Suitable rocks to be used includes local granite, shale, dolerite, sandstone and dolomite.

Summer Rainfall Region

In my book, Waterwise Gardening, I also deal with plants that are suitable for the summer rainfall region, which is rich in a great diversity of plants with bold features. The plants with architectural features are generally much larger in size. Best time to establish them is during the spring with the onset of rainfall. Initial care is needed, but once established, the plants should be self-sufficient. In regions with heavy frost, sensitive plant species should be protected, or frost-adapted plants should be given preference.

Bushveld and Highland or Grassland

GARDEN Trees with strong shapes include the flat-topped acacias such as the paperbark thorn (Vachellia sieberiana), the umbrella thorn (V. tortilis), and the baobab/kremetart (Adansonia digitata). Plant the star chestnut/ sterkastaiing (Sterculia rogersii) and sesame tree (Sesamothamnus spp.) for their beautiful bark and the tamboekiethorn (Erythrina acanthocarpa) for its stunning, large flowers.

Aloes are typical of the dry African savanna and light up cold winter months with their colourful orange to red candelabra candles that attract birds too. Aloes to consider: the mountain aloe (Aloe marlothii), Windhoek aloe (A. littoralis) and the Limpopo aloe (A. excelsa) with solitary stems or branched shrubs like the cat’s tail aloe (A. castanea) and the bush aloe (A. rupestris).

Do not forget the cycads. Modjadji palm (Encephalartos transvenosus) and the Penge cycad (E. inopinus) are perfect for warm Lowveld gardens and E. fridericiguilielmi, E. lanatus and E. middelburgensis for the Highveld garden.

Also consider planting shapely euphorbias for their decorative and spiny stems: the grootdoringnoors (Euphorbia grandicornis) and the Penge euphorbia (E. grandialata). The smaller pincushion euphorbia or miershoopnoors (E. pulvinata) is frost-tolerant and looks stunning with its neatly rounded shape. When planting candelabra trees, avoid contact with the toxic milky latex, which can cause blisters. For flowery displays, few can beat the impala lily or Sabi-star (Adenium multiflorum) with its striking pink-and-white flowers in mid-winter (not frost-tolerant) and the Bushveld pig’s ear (Cotyledon barbeyi) with its satiny red tubular flowers. For the colder grassland region, there’s the cabbage tree (Cussonia paniculata var. sinuata) and Senecio barbertonicus, a bold shrub with sweet-scented bright yellow flowers.

Subtropical Coast and Thicket Garden

This region from the eastern and south-eastern coastal regions has a mild climate and boasts many sculptural plants.

Among the trees, the tallest you will want to consider, is the forest cabbage tree /boskiepersol (Cussonia sphaerocephala) and false cabbage tree (Schefflera umbellifera). The two tree aloes, Aloidendron barberae and the smaller Tonga tree aloe (A. tongaensis), are regularly planted in gardens. Both are tolerant of shade.

The wild bananas (Strelitzia spp.) are striking. The larger includes the similar looking S. nicolai, S. alba and S. caudata, all with tall stems and large leaves. The smaller crane flower (S. reginae) and its close relative S. juncea are very striking. The red banana (Ensete ventricosum) is a fast-growing wild banana, with conspicuous red-veined leaves.

Indigenous palms such as the wild date palm (Phoenix reclinata), Pondo palm (Jubaeopsis caf- fra) and vegetable ivory (Hyphaene natalensis) do well in the subtropical garden.

There are several suitable cycads, all with strikingly bold forms. The bluish-leaved species include the Kei cycad (Encephalartos princeps), Suurberg cycad (E. lehmannii) and the two spiny cycads (E. horridus and E. trispinosus). Among the green-leaved cycads, consider the Tonga cycad (E. ferox), valley cycad (E. altensteinii), forest cycad (E. villosus) and the Natal cycad (E. natalensis).

Suitable aloes include the French aloe (Aloe pluridens), the tilt-headaloe /slaphoringaalwyn (A. speciosa), Kariega aloe (A. africana) and the Cape bitter aloe (A. ferox).

Euphorbias are well-suited to the thicket garden. Choose species such as the valleybush euphorbia/ruigtenoors (Euphorbia grandidens), river euphorbia /riviernaboom (E. triangularis), and the map tree/grootnoorsdoring (E. tetragona). The noorsdoring (E. ledienii, E. coerulescens) have ascending stems.

Suitable tall shrubs include the thicket baboon cabbage/ruigtekool (Othonna triplinervia), valley cabbage tree/valleikiepersol (Cussonia nicholsonii) and the dwarf cabbage tree/dwergkiepersol (C. arenicola).

For a flowery display, the kerkei (Crassula ovata) with its masses of pink sweetly scented flowers or the spekboom (Portulacaria afra) with tiny, star-shaped pink flowers in late winter are good choices.

Rocks in the region which could be used include sandstone, dolerite (also known as ironstone or blou-ysterklip), shale or granite.

Karoo and Desert Garden

The upland region of the Karoo and desert areas is subject to frost, but the lower riverine and coastal parts are without frost or with light frost. Rainfall here is more unpredictable, and the northern coastal portion is extremely dry.

For the SOUTHERN UPPER KAROO the cabbage tree (Cussonia paniculata var. paniculata) and the Karoo cycad (Encephalartos lehmannii) with their bluish leaves are good choices. Suitable aloes include the snake aloe (Aloe broomii) and Herero aloe (A. hereroensis). The quivertree (Aloidendron dichotomum) will also do well in regions where frost is not severe. The kobas or nooiensboud (Cyphostemma), typical of the northern desert include Cyphostemma currorii, C. uter, C. bainesii and C. juttae). The ghaap (Hoodia gordonii) has a cactus-like growth with maroon flowers.

Suitable species for the WESTERN LOWER ALTITUDE REGION include the giant quiver tree (Aloidendron pillansii), avasnoors (Euphorbia avasmontana), gifnoors (E. virosa), the large-leaved spekboom (Portulacaria armiana), wolftoon (P. longipedunculata, P. namaquensis) and various species of desert corkbark or kanniedood (Commiphora).

Other suitable aloes include the Kaoko aloe (Aloe kaokoensis) and Mocamedes aloe (A. mocamedensis). There are also three species of sesame trees (Sesamothamnus benguellensis, S. leistneri and S. benguellensis) with decorative, thickset stems.
Suitable rocks for landscaping include granite, sandstone, shale and dolomite. The Upper Karoo dolerite rocks are ideal.

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But this visit was about much more than aesthetics; it was about celebrating the profound connection between art and the environment, and the ever-growing importance of sustainability in the world of creativity.

^{Stellenbosch Visio 2023 Spring issue’s fashion pages shot at the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. Photos: Jacques Weyers}

Inspired by Nature

“The garden is inspired and influenced by nature … it’s very organic and similar to the Japanese style of gardening, where they took the principles of nature and distilled them into the garden’s essence,” says Dylan Lewis, renowned South African sculptor and founder and creator of the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden.

According to Dylan, the garden is an intuitive and loose interpretation of some of the distilled aspects of nature, and specifically relates to the surrounding Stellenbosch landscape.  

“Many of the sculptures are on specific sightlines with the distant mountains, some of the shapes in the garden are echoed in the distant mountains,” says Dylan. “Sometimes it’s a contrasting form or shape where the mountains may be sharp and ragged, and the gardens soft and contour.” 

^{Dylan Lewis speaks on the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden and its connection to the surrounding Stellenbosch landscape. Video: Karla de Bod}

He adds that each element and approach of the garden uses the borrowed landscape or the backdrop of the mountains within its context — this is what creates a sustainable experience for visitors.

Sustainability within Experience

“[The theme of sustainability] is found within the context of the experience itself and the fact that it’s based on nature. Much of the sculptures are nature-based; the stories behind the sculptures have to do with our relationship with both art and our inner nature,” says Dylan.

While he says that the garden is not a platform for sustainability specifically, he hopes that the experience encourages visitors to become more aware of nature — both their own nature and the nature surrounding them.

^{The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. Photo: Supplied}

Dylan does not have preconceived notions as to how people need to experience the garden, but enjoys knowing that everyone has a different perspective of the garden. In this sense, he sees the garden as being a mirror for each visitor. 

Art as a Mirror

“For me as the artist, I’m making something that are in some ways deeply personal to me. But for the person looking or engaging with it, it’s a mirror,” says Dylan. “The experience says very little about me, and more about them. It’s a mirror of their own experience in the world.”

As we conclude our exploration of the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, we are left with a profound appreciation for the fusion of art and nature that this sanctuary represents. Dylan Lewis’s sculptures stand as testaments to the majesty of the natural world, where art, nature, and sustainability converge in perfect harmony.

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