Boksburg Open Gardens a dazzling affair

It is estimated that approximately 400 people supported this year’s Boksburg Open Garden tour.

2 hours ago

Jani de Beer 4 minutes read

Black woman with glasses holding a white rose between her hands — Stop and smell the roses. Machere Maphoto, of Parkrand. Photo: Jani de Beer

Despite their immense artistic talent, neither Van Gogh nor Monet could create a picture as perfect as the seven suburban oases that took part in the fifth annual Boksburg Open Gardens – A Garden Affair on October 11.

Using nature as their paintbrushes, each garden, created and perfectly curated by gentle hands, was a picture of beauty and passion.

From 10:00 to 16:00, all roads from Sunward Park, Parkrand, and Libradene led to the exquisite gardens that participated in this year’s fundraising event in aid of the Suid Afrikaanse Vroue Federasie (SAVF) Kowa Pienaar Old Age in Elspark, with an estimated 400 visitors streaming through the garden gates.

Woman wearing a dress and sun hat standing in a garden — East Village’s Yolanda Swanepoel, was giddy with excitement as she prepared to welcome visitors to the fifth annual Boksburg Open Gardens – A Garden Affair, on October 11. Photo: Jani de Beer

The previous night’s downpour further enhanced the tour’s beauty, with drops sparkling on the petals of blooming buds and creating an aura of magic.

Snapping pictures at Yolanda Swanepoel’s East Village timeless cottage garden, Calett van Zyl of Impala Park said the tour is part of her retirement plan.

“My husband and I will soon be retired teachers. When we have more free time, we dream of transforming our garden, creating a haven where we can enjoy the slower pace,” she said, her fingers gently grazing over towering foxgloves.

Woman wearing green shirt standing next to flowers — Calett van Zyl, of Impala Park took notes at Yolanda Swanepoel’s garden which she intents on replicating once she retires from teaching. Photo: Jani de Beer

Welcomed by 246 rose bushes, Marinda Hawthorn’s multi-dimensional, layered garden in Sunward Park enchanted visitors with its whimsical persona. At the same time, Edward Wilson’s Botanical paradise in Sunward Village gave new meaning to the term man-cave with its 55 cycads from 31 different species.

“The gardens have been breathtaking, but this is by far my favourite,” said budding garden enthusiast, Vangi Mogajane, of Alberton.

“The cycads remind me of African crowns. They are rugged, yet the brightly coloured flowers surrounding them bring the gentleness of Mother Nature.

Two black women stand smiling with cycads in the background — Enjoying Edward Wilson’s rustic approach to gardening are Vangi Mogajane and Didi Mofekeng, of Alberton. Photo: Jani de Beer

“I am pleased that I came on the tour; it has inspired me to dig my fingers into the ground.”

Marisa and Bernard McDonald’s Greenhouse, also in Sunward Park Village, is a space created to escape the busyness of city living, using blooms to create swoon-worthy masterpieces.

Libradene’s little pocket English garden, tended to by Carin Mathee, illustrated how smaller spaces can be transformed, where planning can create the illusion of grandeur and beauty.

Donning a flower-print shirt, Colin Leshou’s Buttler’s room to bloom in Parkrand, said that as a former complex resident, he is determined to preserve his home’s rolling lawns.

“Having space to call your own is underrated. Gardening has become part of my daily routine as a means of maintaining positive mental health,” he said.

Man and woman sitting in the grass, relaxing — Enjoying Buttler’s room to bloom’s sprawling lawns are Matthew and Tammy Carlson, of Sunward Park. Photo: Jani de Beer

“I am set on preserving the greenery, yet I find great pleasure in planting colourful seedlings to frame the spaces.”

Just around the corner from Colin, Surieta Esterhuizen’s La Vie en Rose beckoned, luring visitors into the tranquil annex to enjoy fresh-baked goods in the many nooks of her enchanted garden.