So it was and is very safe, at the main-gate each visitor’s temperature is check and you have to wear a mask before you can gain entree. In 1660, by order of Jan van Riebeeck, a hedge of Wild Almond and brambles was planted to afford some protection to the perimeter of the Dutch colony. There is a few places to eat at like the Tea-Garden, Fynkos restaurant, Moyo restaurant. Rated one of the BEST botanical gardens in the world, be sure to set aside several hours, Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular botanical gardens, covering 1,300 acres, showcasing largely south African plants with the stunning Table Mountain as a backdrop. The views are spectacular. The perfect place to spend a peaceful and relaxing day. It is a level IV accredited Arboreta by the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum.[1][2]. The land now occupied by the Kirstenbosch Gardens was bequeathed to the Nation by Rhodes, who died in 1902. Since 1996, the collections have been based in a new, modern research complex. The outdoor spaces of the gardens are open daily, dawn to dusk. …What an amazing place to visit as we decided to go on the Sunday afternoon after Boxing Day and we were surprised to see how many people decided to do the same considering that the price per adults is R 75.00 per head, only on Tuesdays they allow pensioner to enter for free. He spent many years turning it into a haven for indigenous South African plant life both common and ra… When Kirstenbosch was founded in 1913 to preserve the flora native to the South Africa’s territory, it was the first botanical garden in the world with this ethos, at a time when invasive species were not considered an ecological and environmental problem. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town is famous for beauty and diversity of Cape flora on display against the magnificent backdrop of the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Two large land grants were made, with a Colonel Bird building a house, planting chestnut trees, and establishing a bath (still extant) fed by a natural spring. All Kirstenbosch concerts take place irrespective of rain. Address: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Cape Town South Africa Tel: +27 21 799 8783. In 2014 it was renamed Bothalia – African Biodiversity & Conservation to reflect the broader scope of SANBI. Outdoors, the focus is on plants native to the Cape region, highlighted by the spectacular collections of proteas. Browse 480 kirstenbosch botanic gardens stock photos and images available, or search for south africa or shark to find more great stock photos and pictures. However, a chance arrangement allowed for a botanist by the name of Harold Pearson to start transforming the land. Pearson commenced work in the area of Kirstenbosch known as "The Dell", planting cycads which are still visible there today. One of the world’s first botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden hosts more than 7,000 plant species from throughout Southern Africa. Explore {{searchView.params.phrase}} by color family {{familyColorButtonText(colorFamily.name)}} This must be one of the most beautiful garden's in the world. Kirstenbosch Gardens Phone and Map of Address: Rhodes Dve Bishops Crt, Newlands, Western Cape, 7700, South Africa, Cape Town, Business Reviews, Consumer Complaints and Ratings for Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. The area was overgrown, populated by wild pigs, overrun with weeds and planted with orchards. In 1940, this was moved to where the Bolus Herbarium had once stood. Many of the artists are associated with Chapungu Sculpture Park in Zimbabwe. Shine Safely at Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. No pollution. The many Information boards posted around the park in the flower-beds is real-lii a very cool way of distributing the necessary information and is so educational. [9] Kirstenbosch has won 29 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show in 33 appearances. The area was bequeathed to the South African government by Cecil John Rhodesback in the early 1900s. These luscious gardens serve as both a tourist attraction and information centres. Those who love gardening and gardens could easily take days to take in all that the 36 cultivated hectares of Kirstenbosch gardens have to offer. A large library with relevant books is available for researchers. Only in 1988 did they become the property of the South African National Biodiversity Institute. We saw the most beautiful proteas and many other flowers too. Five distinct formal gardens are contained with 1,100 hectares of nature reserve, nestled into the slopes of Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. One of the high-lights of our visit here was “The Tree Canopy Walkway” its the wobbly walkway suspended in the air and winds just like the “Boom-Slang” as its nicknamed. Prof. Robert Harold Compton, the second director of Kirstenbosch, kept a small herbarium in his office since 1937. The spectacular, 90-acre plant haven forms part of a nature reserve that borders Table Mountain National Park. No refunds are permitted. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. In 1996, it was moved to Kirstenbosch and incorporated into the Compton Herbarium. There will be no designated smoking areas. The task confronting Pearson was formidable. The Wellesley College Botanic Gardens include thousands of plants from more than 150 plant families. $14.00 from Gossler Farms. It was under their stewardship that the area was farmed more formally, being planted with oaks, fruit trees and vineyards. One of the trails, up a ravine called Skeleton Gorge, is an easy and popular route to the summit of Table Mountain. The hedge is a Provincial Heritage Site. In 2008, the Kirstenbosch exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show won a gold medal for the most creative display and the President's Cup (a new award by the Royal Horticultural Society president Peter Buckley to his favourite stand). Botanical Garden. Located at the eastern foot o. We weren’t able to attend, but have heard this is the place to be on Sundays between the end of November and the beginning of April . The herbarium is mainly geared toward studying the plant species of the winter rainfall region. Contact Now! Enjoy the beauty and diversity of South Africa's extraordinary indigenous flora in the magnificent landscape of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The Compton Herbarium, which conducts research activities including identifying and describing new species, is located at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.[7]. [4] The area of the botanical garden was used for the harvesting of timber during this period. Best I have ever seen it. Money was tight, and the budget was supplemented by the sale of firewood and acorns. Since 1956, the three herbaria have been housed at Kirstenbosch with the Compton Herbarium, but they remain a separate union. The bosch part of the name is a Dutch word for 'forest' or 'bush'. In 1825, the Danish botanist Christian Friedrich Ecklon brought 325 species to the museum. There was no money set aside for a salaried director's position, but Pearson accepted the position without pay. He lived in the gardens in difficult and reduced circumstances. The Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden is one of the Cape’s most well-known tourism draw cards, as well as being a favourite with locals as a picnic spot. For more information go to: www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch Kirstenbosch Cape Town (2017), view to the west. Kirstenbosch is an important botanical garden nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town. Relaxed outing no worries about distancing as there is so much space. The craggy edge of Table Mountain is visible in the background. The handover of ownership of the colony to Britain in 1811 brought changes in the use of the Kirstenbosch area. Many plants and trees were clearly marked (unlike some gardens we have visited), the variety of plants and trees were fabulous, Kirstenbosch is an exceptional multi-sensory experience that you'll wish to immerse yourself in again & again. In 2004 the National Botanical Institute was absorbed into a broader configuration, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA). The Ferguson Greenhouses are open daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. except during the summer. But just make sure you have your comfy shoes on or you’ll land up with very sore-feet. Fahad Shaheen May 23, 2016 Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the world's most admired botanical gardens. The same contour path can be followed to the north for many kilometres and it will take the hiker past the Rhodes Memorial to the slopes of Devil's Peak and beyond. The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are musical concerts, held on the lawns of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Today it is one of the world's Top Seven Botanical Gardens and a highlight of any visit to Cape Town. Plenty of lovely spots to picnic, and lots to see. Local and foreign botanists research proteas, heaths, amaryllis, and orchids. On the slopes above the cultivated parts of the garden, a contour path leads through forests to Constantia Nek to the south. There is also a biggish Bookshop that sells different goods even post-cards. The gardens are at its most beautiful during springtime, which is from August to October. Tip: Take a walk on the " boomslang " wooden walkway for even better views of the gardens . Up until 1913, nothing much happened to the area itself. Kirstenbosch places a strong emphasis on the cultivation of indigenous plants. Kirstenbosch is an exceptional multi-sensory experience that you'll wish to immerse yourself in again & again. Situated in a near paradise, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens boasts the world-class Silver Tree and ‘European Deli-style’ Fynbos Restaurant. The grounds are well maintained and very easy to walk. The garden celebrated its centenary in 2013, issuing the commemorative book Kirstenbosch: The Most Beautiful Garden in Africa.[5][6]. This collection contains many valuable plants from all over the world; the oldest herbarium in the country, it is also one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. So peaceful even though you are in a major city. There are many stone sculptures place in various sections of the park and I believe that they can be purchased. The garden is one of ten National Botanical Gardens covering five of South Africa's six different biomes and administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). 1 gal. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Founded in 1913, this famous botanical garden was the first in the world dedicated to its country’s own flora. Children under 6 years do not require a concert ticket for the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts. The variety of flora is unbelievable the kaleidoscope of colours to be encountered in one place is just so awesome. This place is absolutely gorgeous. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town's Table Mountain. The history of the area as a botanical garden has its origin in Henry Harold Pearson, a botanist from Cambridge University who came to the Cape Colony in 1903 to take up a position as professor in the newly created Chair of Botany at the South African College (the predecessor of today's University of Cape Town.) Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Newlands, (10,265.31 mi) Cape Town, South Africa 7700 This route is also known as Smuts' Track after Prime Minister Jan Smuts who used this route regularly. more, Browse our largest collection of experiences, No stress transit for your arrival and departure, Explore on your feet—and never miss anything. Dr. Karl Wilhelm Ludwig Pappe came into possession of the collection in 1855, and was appointed the first Colonial Botanist in the Cape in 1858. This is a venue competent to meet the wishes of every individual and exploit the beauty of every season! 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