Introduction
Now that the holiday months are well behind us and life has settled back into its normal routine, we can enjoy the open gardens with the glorious flush of summer splendour and have tea with family and friends in our peaceful tea gardens
A special feature of our open gardens is that they are shared with you by people who are prepared to open their gardens for your enjoyment and for the benefit of our charities. A warm word of thanks must go to all the owners who have so kindly offered their support for our cause.
Our charities are Meals on Wheels, Ubulela and Child Welfare so please support them by visiting our gardens
We hope you will enjoy our wide variety of gardens including the indigenous, succulent, French garden and the romantic Johannesburg gardens from the Rand Lords of the past
All entrances are R 20 per person, children under 12 free.
For general enquiries regarding clubs in charge of these gardens on open days, please contact The Convenor, Margreet Gaymans 011608-2088 or 0724001559
11- 12 February 2012
Lloyd & Jean Irving,304 Olievenhout Ave, North Riding
This wonderful eight acres of indigenous garden makes you believe you are in the bush just a stone’s throw away from ' The Dome'. Because of the wide variety of indigenous trees, it also makes for an interesting visit for birdwatchers and butterfly lovers alike. The trees and shrubs are well established. One olive tree is reputed to be around five hundred years old.
One can spend time observing the antics of the frogs, dragon flies and wild ducks in the natural pond which is surrounded by a wide variety of grasses and Louisiana Irises
Ancient rocks abound. This garden is a guide to the natural world that exists in our cities if we are aware of its magic.
TEA GARDEN HERE
Contact : Margreet 011 608 2088 / 072 400 1559
18 - 19 February 2012
5, Kerry Rd
Parkview.
A long awaited garden, although relatively small, divided into two distinct styles.
The front section is Italianate with water features, formalized pathways through rose and perennial beds, giving a wonderful impression on approaching the house.
The rear section is more family oriented with lawn and pool but again with a great variety of flowering shrubs and plants.
TEA GARDEN HERE
Contact Helena: 011486 4432 /083 267 1661
Lynne 082 689 0930
Sally Earl
107 Kerry Road
Parkview
This is a delightful cottage style garden which has been divided into various garden rooms, giving the impression of a much larger garden. It has a very interesting range of plants and shrubs and a small veggie garden has been established. Every bit of space has been used in the garden and it has achieved the “old fashioned” atmosphere admirably.
Contact Helena: 011 496 4432 /083 267 1661
Lynne 082 689 0930
25 - 26 February 2012
Northwards.
21 Rock Ridge Road
Parktown
One enters through the restored gates which have been returned to their original home. To the right is the Herbert Baker memorial with a small kopje planted with indigenous plants in the background. Exotics are gradually being replaced. The main garden is off left of the car park. There is an informal herbaceous border to the right, with a pergola leading to the summer house. In front of the house and to the west there are formal gardens recalling the original Baker Italian gardens modelled on Gertrude Jekyll ideas, with gravel pathways edged with clipped and contrasting hedges of escallonia and laurel and filled with lavender and duranta "Sheena's Gold". Syzigiums have been trained up elegant metal arches and columns. The sunken garden has been planted with hydrangeas and azaleas. From the north terrace the magnificent view stretches across northern Johannesburg to the Magaliesberg in the distance.
TEA GARDEN HERE
Contact Lynne
011 706 5534 /082 689 0930
Northwards Garden
Stone House
5 Rock Ridge Parktown
Sir Herbert Baker built Stone House in 1902 and it was the private residence of this great architect. Entering the garden, to the west is a tennis court, a charming gazebo with a Japanese bird house on its roof, and an indigenous rock garden. Moving around the front of the house and looking down the bank is Vera’s rose garden, a large area filled with multi coloured roses. The garden is completed by tall Jacaranda trees, conifers and in the rockery just below the house is a tumble of lavender, plumbago, hibiscus and hydrangea. Halfway down the hill, a swimming pool, and in the wall surrounding the pool, is a plaque, noting the placement of an artillery piece overlooking Jan Smuts Ave during the Anglo Boer war
Marion Steel's Garden
17A Rock Ridge Road
Parktown
This garden boasts wonderful views north, as far as the Magaliesberg.
The steep drop from the Ridge has been cleverly broken up into terraces with varieties of different plantings, creating intimate and magical rooms. This is however a garden for the agile visitor.
Contact Sharon 0829228333
Lynne 082 689 0930/ 011 706 5534
MARCH OPEN GARDENS
3/4th MARCH
Dalene Loubser, 206 Wilson Street, Fairland
Please note no direct entry from Wilson Street. Follow the yellow pointer boards and turn into third Ave, then right into Wyoming St. Turn right into the short stretch of San Juan and drive onto the parkland, for secure parking
Beautifully tended flowers and foliage fill the flowing beds and border verdant lawns.
In this lovely garden. A rose garden has a central fountain and more roses are mixed in with the general planting. Massed hydrangeas and azaleas thrive under the stinkwood trees and the garden extends beyond the Fairland Spruit
Floral Art on sale.
Plant sale.
TEA GARDEN HERE.
Contact Peggy 011 678-2328 / 072 1934616
Renata and Joachim Zacharek, 5 Short Street Ferndale.
This garden is remarkable for the fine collection of succulents collected over the years, grown in beds and pots, with displays of rocks and farm memorabilia. Little water is needed to maintain plants which are strong and most attractive, with their bold shapes and varied colours. Renata is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the herbs and vegetables which she grows and uses, making this garden so well worth a visit. Come and sample some of Renata’s delicious herb teas.
Contact Christine 011 706 7379 /0849271075
17/18 MARCH
Melville Koppies
Melville Koppies offer a unique experience of discovering indigenous flora in a natural environment – in the middle of Johannesburg. Take a gentle stroll through grasslands, forests of Proteas and Acacias, Iron Age stone walling in a secluded copse, the Heritage archaeological site and then climb up to the highest ridge for a panoramic view to the Magaliesberg. For more information on this site, look up www.mk.org.za.
A very nice circular route has been worked out starting in 11th Ave Melville. There are shortcuts to the lecture hut. Information markers at strategic points will be out to guide the walker. The exit at the 11th Ave Gate is where there is a tea garden a stone’s throw away from Lynn Maree’s garden .
Contact Shelley Addis 0834097927
Lynne Maree
26, 11th St
Melville
A small garden but with a wonderful integration into the Melville Koppies.
Designed by Judd Kirkel, this garden incorporates a bio swimming pond, (complete with fish!), and a rainwater holding tank to facilitate watering.
Although not entirely indigenous, the levels are terraced and the endemic species meld gently into the surrounding landscape.
Tea Garden here
Contact Shelley Addis 083 409 7927 
