STELLENBOSCH – The fifth annual instalment of Garden Town Stellenbosch returns to the City of Oaks from Friday 23 October to Sunday1 November, bringing 10 days of gardens, creativity, food, wine and outdoor experiences to the destination.

A Stellenbosch Municipality initiative hosted by Visit Stellenbosch, Garden Town invites residents and visitors to discover Stellenbosch in new ways through a programme celebrating its gardens, horticultural heritage, creative community and distinctive outdoor lifestyle.

Throughout the festival, gardens, streets, businesses, creative spaces and outdoor venues across the town will come alive in a destination-wide celebration of spring.

Visitors can explore private gardens rarely open to the public, enjoy the colourful Grand Flower Parade on Tuesday 27 October, and discover a mix of free and ticketed events, from food, wine and markets to hands-on workshops.

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Exploring gardens

“Garden Town is a wonderful example of what makes Stellenbosch such a distinctive destination,” says Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch.

“By bringing our gardens, food, wine, creative talent and local communities together, we create experiences that give people more reasons to visit, stay longer and explore beyond the familiar. It is also about creating opportunities for local businesses and communities to benefit from tourism. That is what successful destination management is about: connecting our assets, our people and our businesses to create value for Stellenbosch.”

Some of the highlights of this year’s programme include the Town Hall Garden Show, Market & Tea Garden at the Stellenbosch Town Hall, the Grand Flower Parade, the Stellenbosch Street Soirée, private and public gardens access to more than 14 private home gardens and more than 12 public gardens.

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Packed programme

This year, Garden Town Stellenbosch is also giving back, as profits from entry fees to participating private gardens will be donated to the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch.

Furthermore, a programme of more than 40 workshops, talks and displays will explore gardening, biodiversity and more sustainable ways of living, creating opportunities to learn about and connect with nature.

The programme includes the new Dorpplaas venue, with multiple workshops co-curated by Hanlé Hill and Tamma Louw.

Visitors can also explore Kayamandi’s community vegetable garden, attend an art class or food demonstration, or join a guided walking tour with Wilton Sikhosana, head of nursery and horticulture at Spier Wine Farm.

Working together

“Garden Town Stellenbosch is a strong showcase of what our community can achieve when residents, businesses and creative partners come together,” says mayor Jeremy Fasser.

“Municipality-led events like this unite our community and create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs. We are proud to support a celebration shaped by local participation and invite residents and visitors to join us.”

With a dedicated programme running across the full festival period, attendees are encouraged to plan an extended stay and explore at their own pace.

• Find the full Garden Town Stellenbosch programme online at www.garden-town.co.za.

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