Vergelegen Heritage : Gardens  

Vergelegen has been a gardener's paradise from the time the land was first tamed by Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1700.

Not content merely to be a farmer, Willem Adriaan was also a botanist, forester and a horticulturist and wrote the "The African Gardeners' and Agriculturists' Calendar". Much of which he wrote centuries ago is still relevant to this day. Evidence of his skills are still visible on Vergelegen - the five camphor trees gracing the front of the Homestead, the oldest oak tree in South Africa and an ancient mulberry tree.



Upon entering the Octagonal Garden, whatever the season, one's senses are immediately heightened. Brilliant colours and heady perfumes pay homage to the foresight of Lady Philips.

After purchasing Vergelegen in 1987, Anglo American Farms Limited appointed Ian Ford and Associates to restore the gardens and grounds in the historic core of the estate.

Ian and his team adopted the approach of reflecting the retention of the best from all periods. The historic core is approximately 60 ha in extent and includes the famous trees, the magnificent Octagonal Garden, the North/"White" Garden, the newly planted Rose Garden, and the surrounding immaculately luscious lawns.

North/ White Garden A formal hedged garden has been created to enhance the recently restored north wing. Using the two existing ponds as a starting point, Ian Ford evolved a design that reflects the period of the Walgate/Phillips alterations.

Rose Garden A new formal rose garden has been cultivated on the site of the old tennis court and over 800 bushes have been planted.

Margaret Roberts Herb Garden In May 1993 Margaret Roberts opened the newly planted herb and vegetable garden that is adjacent to the Visitors Reception area.

Resident horticulturist Erich Theron and his team currently tend to the superb gardens and grounds, ensuring that each season brings new delights for visitors to the estate.