The 314-year-old Vergelegen estate is holding a Camellia Celebration Weekend on 2 and 3 August when you can join horticulturist Richard Arm on a guided tour of discovery.
The Cape winter is not only the season of crackling fires and good red wine, but also the prime time to view the magnificent pink, red and white blooms of South Africa’s first, and only, International Camellia Garden of Excellence, at Vergelegen in Somerset West.
Vergelegen’s renowned collection of over 1000 camellia bushes comprises about 550 different camellia cultivars, from as far afield as France, Japan, America and South Africa. It was named one of only 17 such Gardens of Excellence in the world, and one of only two in the southern hemisphere, by the International Camellia Society in 2010.
““There are many wonderful varieties and some of the most beautiful and rare include Francie L and Anticipation from New Zealand, Grace Albritton, Tiffany and Lasca Beauty from the USA, Laurian Brown from South Africa and Tama Electra from Japan,” said Arm.
Relax afterwards with tea or coffee and a selection of cakes at the ‘Stables at Vergelegen’ bistro-style restaurant. The cost is R100/person (including tour, refreshments and entrance fee).
WHEN: 2-3 August 2014; 09h00-10h30 and 14h30-16h00
WHERE: Departing from the Stables at Vergelegen Wine Estate, Lourensford Rd, Somerset West, Cape Town 7130
COST: R100.00 pp (including refreshments and entrance fee)
Booking essential: 021 8472156 | stables@vergelegen.co.za
Vergelegen is open every day from 09h30 to 16h00 at a cost of R10/head, with a reduced rate of R5/person for pensioners. Personalised tours of the camellias and other gardens at Vergelegen may be organised by arrangement for gardening clubs and other interested parties. There are 18 diverse gardens extending over 10 hectares, part of a cultural heritage area spanning 60 hectares.
