Garden Town Stellenbosch: A Flourishing Festival in 2023

Garden Town Stellenbosch

Garden Town Stellenbosch returns under the theme of “Common Ground,” celebrating the love of gardening and building strong communities. This festival focuses on our shared passion for gardening and nature.

"Nurturing communities and relationships around the love of gardening and our warm environment gives birth not only to vibrant spaces but fosters connections that endure," says Mayor Gesie van Deventer of Stellenbosch. “We are all interconnected in our roots, and just as a tiny seed blooms into a flower, shaping understanding and nourishing aspirations leads to success for all."

Jeanneret Momberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch, shares her excitement for the event: "Garden Town Stellenbosch is more than just an event; it embodies our collective bond to gardening and our promise to foster strong and united communities. With the theme 'Common Ground,' we highlight both the universal appeal of gardening and the importance of spaces that unite people."

Guests can look forward to vibrant shades of Viva Magenta, the Pantone Color of the Year 2023. Immerse yourself in a world of colorful hues and inspiring experiences—wear your finest magenta outfit and join the flower parade on October 31.

Festival Events

The heart of the Festival will be located at the Stellenbosch Town Hall, which will host an "Inner Oasis" – a botanically inspired art exhibition curated by the Voice Collective, featuring unique pieces that reflect hope. The PJ Olivier Art Centre will showcase student work on the theme of "Blooming." In addition to the floral display, the Western Cape Association of Flower Arrangers will host the Viva Magenta Floral Art Show from November 1 to 5. The Town Hall will also welcome the STS Floral Night Run on November 1 and the Rosé Soiree on November 4.

What makes Garden Town Stellenbosch distinct is its decentralized approach, which includes workshops, talks, and tours at a variety of locations. The event offers the chance to explore private and home gardens on October 27, 28, and again on November 3, 4. This experience is unique, giving insight into numerous landscapes, from vast agricultural expanses to compact residential projects. In addition to this, eleven gardens will be open to the public during the festivities.

The "Weekend Pass," priced at R200, grants access to the gardens and events during the respective weekends.

Garden Town Stellenbosch is not for garden lovers alone. The festival invites local restaurants to present innovative plant-inspired dishes along with creative window displays and outdoor arrangements. Moreover, visitors can enjoy rosé-themed promotions and accommodation offers. Many incentives exist to stay overnight and fully engage in this annual celebration.

The workshop and event schedule is promising an unforgettable experience. Participants can immerse themselves in several activities, including the Babylonstoren Specials Collection Tour by Ernst van Jaarsveld, a drawing workshop by Diane Harper using natural dyes hosted by Dylan Lewis, Gelli Plate Monoprinting with Hermien van der Merwe, the Spiers Fabulous Fungi & Food Experience, and Grow Your Own Microgreens Workshop at Lanzerac.

Nature enthusiasts can partake in the Hazendal Garden Walks, guided tours through the Botsanical Garden of Stellenbosch University, nature and wine walks with plant expert Cobus Smit, or a Sunset Walk at Glenelly followed by dinner at the Vine Bistro. The Garden Town Wrap-Up MTB ride for Renosterveld, at the Jordan Wine Estate, is a fitting conclusion.

The detailed program for Garden Town Stellenbosch can be found here.