The enchanting mountain village of Hogsback in the Eastern Cape is preparing to welcome visitors for its much-anticipated open gardens flower show. Spanning three weekends across October and November, garden enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore 11 sprawling properties set amid ancient trees, mist-covered mountain terrain and vibrant spring blooms.
Organised by the Hogsback Garden Club, the self-guided tours highlight the unique microclimates and acidic soils of the Amathole Mountains, which allow exotic azaleas, rhododendrons and hydrangeas to flourish naturally. The local acidic soil and mountain climate create ideal natural growing conditions for these plants, making Hogsback a unique destination for garden lovers.
The Hogsback open gardens flower show will run across three weekends: 16-18 October, 23-25 October, and 13-15 November. A total of 11 sprawling village gardens ranging from 1.7ha to 9ha will be open for self-guided tours from 9am to 4pm. Tickets cost R190 for all three weekends, with free admission for children under 15, and proceeds supporting the historic Arboretum.
The new Hogsback Garden Club chair, resident Hayley McLoughlin, is au fait with the temperament of this mountainous village set high up on the Amathole Mountains plateau in the Eastern Cape. McLoughlin has lived in Hogsback for two years and holidayed there for 14 years. She and her committee are preparing to offer garden lovers the best experience when they tour the 11 village gardens.
The gardens are exceptional due to the acidic soil which is a result of 100 years of pine plantations growing in the area. The size of the gardens varies from 1.7ha to a maximum of 9ha. Some gardens offer treats for visitors to buy, including tea, coffee, cheeses, and music. However, braaiing and drinking of alcohol in the gardens is prohibited, and dogs are also not permitted.
McLoughlin's own garden, Badeboch, will be on show for the first time. The garden was previously shown years ago but has not been on show since the gardener sadly died. McLoughlin says that her garden is well-established and features two ponds, a stream that is a continuation of the 39 Steps Falls, and a view of the three ‘hogs’ from the property.
To prepare her garden to be show-ready, McLoughlin says it’s a year-round commitment and an entire lifestyle. She has two full-time gardeners who dedicate their work days to the upkeep of the garden. Visitors may use a gratitude box to donate a gift to the gardeners. Gates are open from Fridays to Sundays, from 9am to 4pm, with the last entry at 3.30pm.
Key points
- The Hogsback Open Gardens flower show features 11 unique properties set amid ancient trees and vibrant spring blooms.
- The event runs across three weekends in October and November, with tickets costing R190 for all three weekends.
- Proceeds from the event support the maintenance of the historic Arboretum, also known as the Community Garden of Love.
