SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Please refer to "Maps", "Gardens", "Where to Eat", "Exhibitions", "Programme", etc. on the web and review them in conjunction with these suggestions. Combine Garden Routes with the myriad of things to do in the Village, including browsing and buying, teas, talks, delicious and decadent meals, exhibitions, Touch Farm, Child Care, See Currie Cup Final at the Bedford Club on large flat screen..golf…...
Pop into our Visitor Centres: Eagle Hout Furniture Factory on the Adelaide/East London entrance to Bedford or Modern Service Delta on the Grahamstown/Johannesburg/Patryshoogte access point., for leaflets and advice.
Gate Fees: Generally R10 per garden.
LOOK OUT FOR ROUTE MARKERS AND FESTIVAL SIGNALS: BALLOONS & SIGNAGE
THE VALLEY ROUTE : Allow half a day.
This route combines the gorgeous Cowie Valley and elegant Primeston gardens.
Within the Cowie Valley view some internationally celebrated gardens. See magnificent and extensive Cavers, spectacular beds and exquisite trees at Kelvinside; the famous Spring Grove/Mill Cricket Ground, and, at the top of the Valley, lovely Glen Gregor melding into splendid forest.
Return to the R63 for Primeston . A beautiful and elegant formal garden with an inspiring new African addition.
Refreshments : Teas, pub, and light lunches at The Mill. On Sunday 26th The Mill to host a Midday Concert by Port Elizabeth’s Grey Junior School Bands. (Concert tickets R20. Scholars free)
DIRECTIONS: The Cowie turnoff is on the R63 to Adelaide about 9 kilometres from Bedford (signs to both Cowie & Mill Cricket Ground) To visit Primeston return to N63, direction Adelaide, for about 5 kilometres. As Primeston is approximately five kilometres from Adelaide, visitors approaching from East London, or Adelaide, might well stop here first.
PLAINS ROUTE: Complete this trip in under two hours.
Baviaanskrantz, an extraordinarily innovative marvel, several ingenious formal episodes, fine use of colour, a garden cultivated under highly testing conditions
Albertvale: Two gardens, two imaginations, terrific synergy: this is what you'll find in the adjacent Van Niekerk grounds - Kim and Ola’s. There are large trees, extensive informal plantings, the prettiest beds All maintained with two querulous companions, hard frosts and brack water.
DIRECTIONS Two ways to access the route, either from Bedford or Cookhouse. BEDFORD: From Modern Service Info Centre look out for markers, take the gravel road. COOKHOUSE: On the N10, +/-2KM on the Cradock side of Cookhouse take the "Patryshoogte" turnoff and travel the seven plus kilos to Baviaanskrantz . Albertvale is a further 12 KM on the dirt road to Bedford.
VILLAGE ROUTE- Half a day recommended for Gardens.
LOOK FOR BALLOONS WHEN CHOOSING YOUR SNACK STOP!
Township Gardens : Also include The Congregational Church and Thembani Special day care centre where the children entertain with brief routines and face painting. Gardening triumphs under difficult conditions. See the vegetable tunnel.
Town Gardens :
17 Stockholm Street, en route to the Golf course. A superb farm garden in town!
32 Graham Street : Nettie's Whimsical cottage garden. Seed packs for sale
.45 Porter Street. Fabulous Fuchsia’s to buy or admire.
4 Van Riebeeck Street, Sylvia Gaiser’s creative and composed garden.
7 Stockholm Street. Camelot Manor House An arboretum, The "Sixteen Tree Walk", and delicious luncheons.
La Pietra: Historic and atmospheric gaol being extensively renovated. Stylish, vigorous vegetables, and a fascinating stone structure.
Maastrom : An internationally acclaimed sensation. New pleasures every year.
MOUNTAIN ROUTE : A FULL day trip.
Wonderful gardens enveloped by the dramatic mountains of the Baviaans River Valley. Destinations begin with those closest to Bedford.
Chestnut Grove: Blueberry fields in a beautiful little valley several kilometres off the Mountain Route.
Refreshments at the Glen Lynden churches are the next suggested stop. View a splendid photographic exhibition on the history of these national monuments
Fairholt, Glen Ross, and Belmont, offer super surprises on an artery off the main Valley Route. Worth the detour. Buy charming beads, plants, wire art, etc.
Next stop : Silverbrook: Griet Marais' garden another delight! Ingenuous combinations of indigenous plants and traditional material.
Huntly Glen :View their unique lithop and butterfly collections. Talks by acclaimed naturalist Ernest Pringle. Closes Sunday 26th at 11:30 AM
Eildon : An historic farm with the most beautiful English garden juxtapositioned against imperious and majestic mountains. Luncheon Platters on the pool patio.. Stop by the cottages of green-fingered farm staff.
The Final Three : Craig Rennie, 100% organic garden managed under testing conditions, Lower Clifton, a charming family garden, beautiful trees and roses, special conifers. Upper Clifton, an extensive collection of peonies is one of the extraordinary features of this peaceful retreat.
DIRECTIONS: If approaching on the N10 (From Cradock or Cookhouse) take the R63 (To East London) and turn onto Baviaans River/Tarkastad gravel road +/- 10 kilometres from Eastpoort turnoff. Those familiar with the area could take the Belvedere/de Klerksdal short cut.
From Bedford: Take R63 to Cookhouse, after 10 kilometres turn right onto Baviaans River/Tarkastad road.
IMPORTANT 'PHONE NUMBERS
Ambulance 101 77
Bedford Police Station 046 685 0019 / 046 685 0246
Hospital - Adelaide 046 684 0066
Hospital - Bedford 046 685 0043