This garden, on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, spans a valley between picturesque dolerite koppies. The natural vegetation comprises tall grassland and woodland, dominated by magnificent wild olive and karee trees.
The harmony of the Garden has been achieved by retaining and highlighting the best elements of the natural landcape. The Garden covers 70 hectacres, and is home to about 400 species of plants, mainly from the Free State, Northern Cape and Lesotho. It also includes a fine collection of decorative and hardy trees indigenous to the area.
Lion's ear (Leonotis), red-hot pokers (Kniphofia) and the dwarf coral tree (Erythrina zeyheri) provide touches of colour against a restful woodland backdrop. A series of vistas leads one naturally through the Garden, to the wooded koppies, up onto the rocky outcrops, which overlook the Garden, and back down to the dam, to the bird hide and the lawns.
From November to March, most of the plants in the Garden are in full leaf and from March to June, the colourful autumn shades of yellow and red dominate.
The natural areas of the Garden are a haven for wildlife, including 144 bird species, 54 reptile species and about 32 mammal species.
