Morning from a warm and sunny Cape Town. It is meant to be winter here at the moment, but it feels like summer!! Sadly we have not had enough rain for a while and I found myself watering some wilting plants this morning!!!
I will be joining Watery Wednesday. Please follow the link to visit other posts from around our wonderful world!
I will be joining Watery Wednesday. Please follow the link to visit other posts from around our wonderful world!
I took myself of to the historic Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West last week on a misty morning to view their collection of Camellias. For a map and detailed directions to the estate click here
There are 17 themed gardens for visitors to enjoy and of course there is the historic homestead, wine tours and tasting and much much more. But I came to see South Africa's newest National Treasure ~ its first International Camellia Garden of Excellence and the second in the southern hemisphere. There are over a thousand camelia bushes in the most exquisite woodland setting.
So, come and have a peek through the gate...
...at these magnificent gentle giants...
The Camphor Trees are the oldest living documented trees on the sub-continent!! Planted around 1700 - 1706 these five remaining giants will still be around for another 150 - 200 years! The other Camphor Trees at Vergelegen are seedlings from these magnificent giants!
Pond reflections....
I adore urns and will always snap a picture....
And here are the beauties I came to see....
It is so difficult to choose a favourite colour or plant...
The collection of Camellias at Vergelegen is the second Garden of Excellence in the southern hemisphere. The other, being in Melbourne's Botanical Garden in Australia. Here at Vergelegen there are about 550 cultivars and over a thousand bushes! Loads of stunning plants.
Love the blooms strewn about the bush...
As it was a weekday morning I was all alone in the garden and was more than happy to have the boardwalk to myself where I could sit and listen to the birds..what bliss!
A view of the river through the bamboo..
It was a rather frosty morning in Somerset West unlike Cape Town, and I needed to warm up with a cuppa and cheesecake before I crossed the river...I was determined to enjoy the outdoors though and sat outside!
Some other beauties adorned the river bank....
Across the swing bridge over the Lourens river is a wonderful woodland walk with some more camellias planted under an expanse of yellow woods which I had all to myself!!
But, first I found a tree cave!!! Have a look. Imagine sitting in there and reading the Faraway Tree to your kids, live prop at hand to enhance the magic tale...
Some beauties from the woodland...
The best time to visit is right now to see the Camellias. They start from April though, the early varieties.
There is so much more to Vergelegen than just wine...
...and of course...
I do hope that you will visit to view the camellias and enjoy the amazing gardens and history. Of course there is a whole lot more to see as well as a restaurant and you can also enjoy their Camphor forest picnic. booking are essential and via the restaurant. The menu looks great. Have a look here.
That's it folks!
Live well, Live the Mother City Magic
Veronica
xxx
All images are my own with the exception of the table in the woodland. kindly email me should you need any further information at mothercitymagic@gmail.com
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