Get your Beautiful Gardens of Benoni tickets
Tickets will also be available at participating gardens on the day.
Young and in love, André and Henriette Neethling crossed their t’s and dotted their i’s securing the purchase of a beautiful home with an expansive garden, in Lakefield.
Now, five decades later, their garden in Nagel Street is filled with glorious blooms, each serving as a time capsule of core memories guarded in magnificent hues.
Under a towering tree flanked by a majestic moon flower one can still hear the hum of a little girl hosting a teddy bear picnic in its shade, the rolling lawn still echoes with the cheers of boys who broke their previous lawn cricket scores, and lilies of the Incas have eternally captured the moment a beautiful bride vowed her undying devotion to her groom.
Dressed in soft pink, Hendriette speaks of her garden as if is a key member of the Neethling family.
“André and I both love gardening and have since 1974 toiled in these beds together,” she said
“We planted delicate seedlings, sowed a variety of seeds, up-rooted and replanted throughout the years, each new season reflecting new chapters in our lives.
“All of this has grown from our hands, taking root from our faith and is thriving due to André, the dedicated patriarch of our home’s care.”
With not an inch of soil visible among the lush flowers and shrubs, Henriette said another green-fingered member of the household, Bongani Sidanada, ensures that the picturesque garden continues to grow, unabated.
“With his gentle hand, Bongani wills every plant to burst into magnificent colours,” she said, her passion for nature exploding through her words.
“He not only understands how special this space is to us, he uses his talents to ensure its growth.”
Standing outside the fence that encloses this floral haven it is impossible to imagine what wondrous splendour lies within its confines, however gardening enthusiasts and members of the community, will have the opportunity to stroll through the Neethling’s slice of Eden.
On January 25 and 26 the gates of this property, along with seven others, will swing open for the 23rd annual Beautiful Gardens of Benoni.
Tickets for the highly anticipated Rotary Anns of Benoni van Ryn’s garden tour are on sale, so hurry and get your tickets for the two-day fundraising event.
From Cloverdene to Western Extension ticket holders can take leisurely strolls through the gardens while working up an appetite as they make their way to Victor and Stephanie Dick’s Alphen Park home, where the customary delightfully delicious tea garden with be hosted.
From pretty petunias to prego rolls, this tour is a must for friends and families.
Tickets are now on sale at R60 per ticket, valid for both days and children under 12 enter for free.
Gates open at 10:00 to 16:00.
The event is sponsored by Heckers Garden Centre as well as RE/MAX Dazzle Benoni and will feature the following gardens:
• 9 Sixth Road, Cloverdene
• 34 Saturnus Street, Farrarmere
• 5 Lawrence Street, Farrarmere
• 8 Amarella St, Alphen Park
• 163 Woburn Avenue, Western Extension
• 207 Kempston Avenue, Western Extension
• 3 Gleneagles, Kilfenora Street, Lakefield
• 9 Nagel Street Lakefield.
For more information or sales contact Sally Matthee on 082 602 4272, Maria Pinho on 082 390 8606 or Judy Bath on 082 255 6966.
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