WORDS Lynette Botha PHOTOS Supplied
Explore South Africa’s most Instagram-worthy botanical gardens and outdoor art spaces.
In celebration of summer, we round up the country’s “open to the public” and infinitely snappable botanical best.
Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, Stellenbosch
Top Attraction: Outdoor Art Gallery
More than 60 of the celebrated artist’s sculptures are dotted throughout the seven-hectare Japanese-inspired indigenous gardens, flanked by mountains on all sides. Visits to the “outdoor gallery” are by appointment only. Visit dylanlewis.com/garden
Babylonstoren, Franschhoek
Top Attraction: Prickly Pear Maze
There’s not much that isn’t Instagrammable at Babylonstoren, but its prickly pear maze is one of the most snapped (and enjoyed) areas of the 200-hectare farm. Daily garden tours start at 10am; join one to learn about the more than 300 varieties of plants in the formal garden, all of which are edible or have medicinal value. Visit babylonstoren.com
Delta Park, Randburg
Top Attraction: Cosmos Field
Although a beautiful space to visit all year round, Delta Park comes alive in shades of pink and white in March and April as summer turns to autumn and the cosmos bloom. The 108-hectare park is a perennial favourite among walkers and cyclists, and offers three tree-lined dams, plus bird-watching hides.
Redberry Farm, George
Go Top Attraction: Largest Permanent Hedge Maze in Southern Hemisphere: The Maze
Redberry Farm on the Garden Route is home to the largest permanent hedge maze in the southern hemisphere. A real hit with the little people, the maze is made up of seven strawberry stations, a 25-metre underground tunnel and a lookout point. The hedges comprise more than 30 000 Syzygium paniculatum plants. Visit redberryfarm.co.za
Indiwe Park, Braamfontein
Top Attraction: Outdoor Art Installations
Braamfontein’s newest green space, Indwe Park, was brought to life by celebrated indigenous gardener Patrick Watson and artist and designer James Delaney. The serene outdoor sanctuary is alive with art – and one of its most impressive pieces is the 6m x 6m mosaic compass, designed by the late artist and community activist Andrew Lindsay, and brought to life by his Spaza Art Gallery team.
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