*The garden is closed from the 1st of May 2013 and will be open on the 1st of October 2013

Brenthurst is one of South Africa's most magnificent gardens. In a city dedicated to change, it has enjoyed a unique continuity.

Of all the mansions built for the Randlords a century ago, this is the only one that has survived with its setting intact.

Its trees and shrubs, planted over generations, have had the rare luxury of time and space to grow to a spectacular maturity. Within these sixteen hectares of what is essentially woodland, gardens of different styles and moods, formal, informal and wild, have evolved over time and with the help of a succession of remarkable gardeners into a harmonious whole.

The 21st century has brought a new era of naturalism - and a pioneering new role for the garden.

"Nothing could be more enjoyable or more rewarding for me than to share this garden - and the ideas in which I believe so passionately - with other gardeners and nature lovers.
We began the implementation of organic, ecologically friendly garden practices here in 2001. At the same time we have gradually been adapting the planting to its Highveld setting, introducing plantings of indigenous grass and endemic plants. We have seen the gardens come alive in a new and enthralling way, with many new birds and many more butterflies and insects in a rich and fascinating web of diversity.
Gardening becomes so much simpler, so much more enjoyable, when you work with nature, rather than against it. A haven for wild life can still be a beautiful garden and we hope you will be able to see the proof of this at Brenthurst and join us in this great adventure." -

Strilli Oppenheimer