Beautiful Gardens dazzles again

Despite damaging rains the gardens bloomed in magnificent hues.

January 29, 2025

Jani de Beer 1 minute read

The younger generation, Elara (9) and Oliver (7) Webb, also enjoyed the tour and spending quality time with their beloved grandparents.

Chatter, laughter and gasps floated over the walls of the eight properties in the 23rd Rotary Anns of Benoni van Ryn’s Beautiful Gardens of Benoni tour on January 25 and 26.

Cars lined the streets as visitors flooded through garden gates in Cloverdene, Farrarmere, Aphen Park, Lakefield and Western Ext to get an exclusive peek at the gardens primped and pruned for the event.

Welcoming visitors to his abode, in exchange for a carrot is one of Johan van Eeden’s majestic stallions.

With a welcoming neigh, Arabian horses greeted visitors to Johan van Eeden’s plot in Cloverdene.

His youngest son stirred and served coffee and his older brother guided visitors around the expansive property.

Beautiful Gardens of Benoni ‘frequent flyers’ are Sandra, Nikita and Duarte Azevedo.

While carrots were in high demand, ticket holders took great delight in petting the mild-mannered mares and stallions.

Trekking back to the hustle and bustle of suburban living, revellers quietly read odes dedicated to those who inspired Bronwyn Engelbrecht’s garden.

She was only nine days old when she first accompanied dad and mom, Jeff and Tiffany Meyers on the garden tour and now the two-year-old Rebecca enjoyed the full splendour of the event.

“This is the best way to spend a Saturday,” said Juliette de Swardt from Edenvale as she ushered her friends back to a candy apple red bus.

“Walking through these gardens, accompanied by great friends, is food for the soul. Every property is beautiful, and the blooming flowers make your soul feel weightless.”

Taking a stroll to splendour are Juliette de Swardt and Helen Campbell.

Sitting under the lazy swing of willow trees’ branches, nestled on the banks of Homestead Dam, visitors could enjoy decadent delights prepared by the Anns.

Speaking from the comfort of her home, enjoying a break following a busy weekend, one of the organising members of the tour, Sally Matthee, said the Anns were overwhelmed by the immense support for the event, which forms part of the club’s key fundraising efforts.

There is no such thing as too many cooks, seen here are Rotary Anns of Benoni van Ryn’s Rhoda Tokes, Maria Pinho and Sally Matthee.

“We are grateful to the hosts, who opened their gardens to us. Not only was each garden unique and beautiful, but your participation contributed to another successful tour,” she said.

“We have been inundated with positive feedback and believe this community event leaves visitors feeling inspired and refreshed.”

Ivonne Taylor’s hanging pumpkin patch caused quite a stir amongst visitors. Seen here is Maria Vassilaros.

She said once the aroma of sizzling pregos and indulgent chocolate cakes subsites, the organisation will hit the ground running to prepare for the 2026 tour.

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