Vergelegen wine estate’s International Camellia Garden of Excellence in Somerset West – the only international camellia garden in Africa, and one of only 39 international camellia gardens in the world, is putting on a spectacular show of pink, white and red blooms.
A visit to this garden is the perfect winter outing for the whole family, and the good news is that bookings have opened for Vergelegen’s annual Camellia Celebration Weekend. It takes place on Friday, 11 and Saturday, 12 August, 2023.
Camellia garden tour
Tickets are limited to 40 people daily, at a cost of R150 pp. A ticket includes the access fee to the estate, a camellia garden tour with resident horticulturists Richard Arm and Chris Randlehoff, plus coffee or tea with a delicious slice of cake, or scone, at Café Fleur. This restaurant interior, adorned with fresh flowers and botanical-inspired art, has three fireplaces to keep guests cosy.
The tour starts at 9am on each day, departing from the Wine Tasting Room. The tour is one and a half hours, followed by refreshments from 10.30 am to 12pm.
About 550 cultivars
Camellias were first established decades ago at this exquisite 323-year-old wine estate, a provincial heritage site. The remarkable collection comprises about 550 cultivars, developed locally and as far afield as France, Japan and America. There are about 1000 specimens, with glossy foliage and a glorious array of beautiful blooms.
The camellias flourish in three main garden areas: at the bottom of the Great Lawn; near the Café Fleur restaurant; and below an expanse of yellowwoods accessed by a swing bridge over the Lourens River, the only South African river that is officially a Protected Natural Environment.
International Camellia Gardens of Excellence are ambassadors of the International Camellia Society across the world. They are intended to promote appreciation and knowledge of camellias, and to encourage the conservation and sustainability of camellia collections.
What: International Camellia Gardens of Excellence
When: 11, 12 August 2023
To book: Here
Contact: 021-847 2111, customerservices@vergelegen.co.za
Info: International Camellia Gardens of Excellence
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