Visitors explored Africa’s only International Camellia Garden of Excellence during guided tours led by the estate’s horticulturist.
Visitors immersed themselves in the beauty and history of Vergelegen Wine Estate’s renowned camellia collection during the annual Camellia Walk, held on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1.
The guided tour, which ran from 10am to noon, was led by Vergelegen horticulturist and gardens manager Richard Arm, who shared the history of the estate’s camellias, explained what makes the collection internationally recognised and offered gardening tips to attendees.
An internationally recognised collection
Vergelegen is home to Africa’s only International Camellia Garden of Excellence, a title awarded by the International Camellia Society (ICS) in 2010. The Somerset West estate is one of only two ICS-accredited gardens in the Southern Hemisphere and one of just 39 worldwide.
The estate’s collection includes more than 1 000 camellia shrubs spanning around 550 varieties, with some dating back to the 1920s when Sir Lionel Phillips and Lady Florence Phillips owned Vergelegen.
“The best time to see the greatest number of camellias flowering at one time is during the end of July and early August, so this is the month to come and visit us,” Arm said.
Why the camellias thrive
Arm explained that Vergelegen’s camellias flourish because of the estate’s naturally acidic soil, plentiful water and shaded growing conditions.
“The reason we are a Camellia Garden of Excellence is because we have a very varied selection and collection of camellias,” he said.
He added that the estate renews its Garden of Excellence accreditation every 10 years by maintaining the standards required by the International Camellia Society.
The collection was expanded in 1995 when retired camellia nurseryman and ICS member Jan van Bergen donated his collection to Vergelegen. The estate has since planted about 300 additional shrubs.
Camellias bloom at Vergelegen from April to September. Visitors can view them near the Great Lawn and along the banks of the Lourens River before enjoying refreshments at the Rose Terrace Tea Room or Firehorse restaurant.
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