HIDDEN GEM

Tucked into the southern corner of a historic Cape property, the boutique nursery at Stellenberg Gardens offers a treasure trove of special plants and old-world blooms

- HEIDI BERTISH

A visit to Stellenberg Gardens is the plant equivalent to stepping into a secondhand book store. A green library of the most cherished classics, where books and botanical prints come to life as real-life plants and delicate flowers such as hyssop, penstemon, columbine and meadow rue.

The Stellenberg nursery started almost 25 years ago and evolved as a practical extension to the magnificent gardens created by Sandy Ovenstone, on the historical property of the same name. The style of the nursery grew very simply out of the need to supply the garden with plants and allow a space for the rehabilitation and propagation of those plants in the garden that had passed their prime.

By using only traditional horticultural practises and everyday garden conditions, the array of shrubs, softly scented climbers and enchanting perennials may look delicate but are tough as a result. As the number of plants in the nursery grew, and along with it, the team’s infectious desire to share the love of plants and gardening, it was a natural decision to open to the public.

Visitors have always been a key element at Stellenberg. The house and its garden are of historic importance to both Cape Town and South African garden heritage. As a result, a wide range of visitors has crossed through the gates: local and international horticulturalists and gardeners, historians, artists, artisans, diplomats and royalty. The most important though, have been the people who have supported the Gardens Open Day, and the many garden clubs who have visited Stellenberg. With all of them have come enthusiasm, questions, advice, stories, seeds, plants, books and gifts.