GARDENISTAS and nature-lovers will this weekend explore the Eastern Cape midlands’ country roads to linger in lovely farm gardens and discover soulmates at the Bedford Garden Festival which will be held from tomorrow until Sunday (October 18-20).
Ten farm gardens are open this year with refreshments at most.
Light lunches will be served at Eildon, Skelmkloof and Cavers with picnics at Belmont and Albertvale farms. The cream scones at Donkerhoek are a legend.
This year the Olivewoods farm garden, which is 9km from Cookhouse on the R63, will also be open for viewing.
The beautiful lush, park-like garden surrounded by majestic old trees and richly planted steep banks will delight the eye and provide lots of inspiration.
In the Bedford village, there are more open gardens, the SA Rosa-rium, plant nurseries, a country market, live music, and scrumptious food the region is known for.
There is no official entry point and visitors come in from all over, starting their visit wherever they fancy. Visitors also pay for entry at each garden gate.
In the village there will be plenty of diversion from food stalls, walks through the old part of town, art exhibitions, plant sales, golf, and butterfly talks, to yoga, a fun run and township garden tours.
Sunday’s traditional garden concert at Cavers farm is the grand finale of the live music programme which sees various performers popping up at the Country Market, Eagle Hout and The Duke of Bedford Inn.
- For more information, a route map and full programme visitwww.bedford.co.za
