BENVIE GARDENS

BENVIE GARDENS
by an enthusiastic beginner photographer

OPEN GARDENS: BENVIE GARDENS
Sunday 24 September

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/BenvieOpenGarden/

WEATHER: My app announced intermittent clouds on the day, which meant intermittent light – several times standing patiently waiting for the sun to reappear. Even at 10am, the light was dappled enough not to be too harsh.

Frisky, icy wind which did not affect Benvie as most of the garden is sheltered by the huge number of beautiful trees.

GETTING THERE: Turn onto the Karkloof Road in Howick, and reset your counter to 0. Road becomes dirt, which is when it becomes a bit unpleasant. A plethora of pot holes, ruts, mud and little rocks need to be negotiated. My little red car, a non 4×4, coped pretty well though, so high clearance and 4×4 vehicles will do fine.

At 33.2km on your counter, there is a faded green sign announcing New Hanover, and a little black and white sign indicating Benvie Gardens. Follow the road, which, after heavy rains the night before, was quite squelchy. Well signposted.

TIME: Approx 1 hour from Pmb (slow going on the dirt road)

OPEN: 9am to 4pm. 23 Sep to 8 October

TOILETS: yes, 2 on the property

COST: R50 per adult, kids free

PARKING: Lots

CROWDS: By the time I left at 12.30, about 20 cars there, but property big enough to not feel like a disco

DESCRIPTION: Benvie Gardens is beautiful, especially if you are an azalea, clivia or tree fanatic. A mossy, shaded path encircles the property, with large open spaces in the middle for kids to play. It took me approx 2 hours to walk and photograph, so mobility and a low level of fitness is good to have (hell if I can do it…).

BIRDS: Heard many, saw few – very shy things. Little dam with weavers weaving, and a long-legged lily pad hopping bird (sorry twitchers, I don’t know birds) , and some other little brown and black jobs flitting between the trees.

PHOTO OPPS: So as a photography lover but not a garden fanatic, I was well, how many photos can I actually take of azaleas and clivias? Did get some nice shots, especially as the rain drops on the flowers were still there from the rain the day before. But half way I was a bit bored. Stopped the photos and just enjoyed the surroundings. Fanatics, you will be there all day…

STARTLING FACT: No bees! Not one. Is the world coming to an end that quickly? Run for the hills!