Where wild things grow - Elgin Open Gardens

There is an art exhibition at Wildekrans County House, called Where Wild Things Grow, on Saturday and Sunday, November 2 and 3, and November 9 and 10.

Invigorate your senses; walk through the gates of the historic 1811 Wildekrans Country House and step into a world of wonderment.

As one of nine homesteads participating in Elgin Open Gardens this year, this diverse landscape is guaranteed to enchant.

Situated at the foot of the Houw Hoek mountain range, the gardens at Wildekrans Country House are home to abundant birdlife and tumbling natural beauty.

Here you can wander next to streams and water ponds, heirloom roses heady in scent, shaded lawns, olive groves, fruit trees and contemporary sculptures.

Alison Green and Barry Gould have been avid art collectors for more than thirty years.

Wildekrans Country House boasts a contemporary collection that includes Bruce Arnott, Deborah Bell, George Pemba, Wilma Cruise, Guy du Toit, Robert Hodgins, William Kentridge and Hylton Nel.

Every year, Alison and Barry invite younger artists to exhibit on the estate during the charity garden show.

For 2024, they have specifically selected Joanna Lee Miller and Caryn McArthy, whose works sync magically with the wild surrounds. Where Wild Things Grow is an exhibition of Joanna and Caryn’s fynbos-and floral- inspired works.

To enhance the theme of natural beauty, Alison and the artists are transforming the time-worn barn at Wildekrans into an Alice in Wonderland world of whimsy.

Expect fresh flowers, flowers, flowers and more flowers – against walls the colour of a magician’s cape.

The Wildekrans County House gardens and art exhibition will be open to everyone for walk-in visits. Country-inspired refreshments will be on sale.

These gardens are open to the public only two weekends a year, so be sure to diarise your visit. To book a walkabout, an art tour of the collection, an overnight stay or a special visit, email info@wildekrans.co.za