Straight from the pages of a Country Garden magazine - or so it should be! The most sought after venue for weddings, family portraits and special occasions is smack bang in the heart of our semi desert farming community. Tucked away like a precious jewel and little known to the outside world. This magnificent garden epitomizes all that I have come to know and love of my Karoo home. Surrounded by miles of dust and rock and barren expanses. Where only the hardened and determined survive; this pristine English garden is like a beacon of life, hope, serenity and vitality! In the shade of the mountain range, fed by mountain waterfalls and underground springs; there is no other way this eighth generation farm would flourish.
The farm was established by the marriage of British and Dutch settlers. The peacemaking tradition lives on in the family of the British descendent farmer and his Afrikaans wife - whose forefathers would've been on opposite sides of the Blood River in bygone centuries. Their family graveyard bears the names of both British and Dutch sides.
Now, while her husband and their sons farm the lands, the lovely (and aptly named) Joy nurtures her gardens.
Her rose bushes too have been there for generations and their incredible scent fills the air. Mingling intoxicatingly with wisteria, hyacinth, alyssum, magnolia and gardenia.
Bird songs fill the air. Occasionally broken by the obnoxious call of their flock of peacock or a faraway tractor. Bees and butterflies move in exhilaration among the perpetual blooms. The distant murmur of the waterfalls trickling into their numerous dams is a delight to the ears.
Although her private home, the gracious lady is always welcomes guests to view her pride and joy. Sipping tea in the shaded gardens and hearing her historical accounts is like a trip in a floral time machine. The experience is surreal.
The special garden has hosted many weddings and Joy's floral arrangements have comforted many sad hearts. It is a haven to many and when not tending it like a mother hen, she is arranging her gift of flowers for various celebrations.
Despite being winter, the garden of Joy still beckons the lonely, sad and weary. It seems like time and season barely has an effect on this delightful oasis.
