Babylonstoren

Date: 12 April 2012

Location: Babylonstoren, near Klapmuts in the Cape Winelands

Walkers: Jenny, Iain, Michele, Helen and Aafke

It was a quick drive from Cape Town to the Babylonstoren farm near Klapmuts (between Stellenbosch and Paarl). While we waited for the rest of our party to arrive we said hello to the friendly donkeys.



And then we started our stroll around the estate, past the manor house and werf first. This was of particular interest to Aafke as the property was owned by her family many years ago. Her grandfather grew up here. I love classic white-washed Cape Dutch architecture, and the grand old trees.




It was a cool cloudy morning, with the mist low on the hills.



We made our way into the garden proper. This is a formal kitchen garden, enormous in scale. So much to see and explore!



We were drawn to the water troughs near the main entrance.







And the rather clever Babylonstoren labyrinth.



Mass planting borders of Tulbaghia encouraged us to explore further.




The vegetable gardens.... wow!





Abundant produce.






We walked up and down the various avenues. It is all exquisitely laid out and so, so neat. The work that must go into maintaining a garden like this boggles the mind. I took hundreds of pics but unfortunately the misty conditions were not ideal for photographs.




A magnificent green house stands in one corner of the garden.



Simple perfection in all the detail and decoration.




Sea monster fountain...



... berry canes (my idea of heaven!) ...



... secluded mulberry garden...



... prickly pear maze.




I particularly liked the mixed beds along the southern edge.




Although the end of summer is not the best time for flowers we saw quite a bit of colour.






Once we'd worked up an appetite we went back to the Glasshouse for a light lunch. Delicious sandwiches.



Later on the mist lifted and the sun came out.




We even got to see the hill. Next time we'll climb up there.



Babylonstoren is truly an impressive garden and a super place to visit. I'd like to go again in the springtime and have a meal at the Babel restaurant.


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