One of the 12 gardens on display during the Helderberg Hospice annual Open Gardens, in October.
Featured this week, is “James’ Garden” - one of 12 that will be open to the garden lover to visit during the Helderberg Hospice Open Gardens Festival, which takes place on Saturday October 10 and Sunday October 11, from 9am to 4pm.
Having worked for a landscaper for many years, James Busimani has accumulated a great deal of knowledge and experience, particularly with indigenous Cape fynbos and Western Cape climate.
James and Krystyna Smith met in 2013. Krystyna and her husband had moved to Somerset West from Pretoria a year before.
Being an ardent and experienced gardener herself, Krystyna had already had her expansive new garden professionally and beautifully landscaped, and was looking for someone who could help her maintain it.
James has now worked for Krystyna for seven years, and knows every plant in this stunning garden.
He not only propagates new seeds; he meticulously tends to each plant, and does all the manual hard work himself.
This was recently particularly challenging for him when two large trees were blown down by the fierce wind and their weight damaged the shrubs beneath them.
During lockdown Levels 5 and Level 4, when he couldn’t work, James would sometimes telephone Krystyna, asking her to check on a particular plant or shrub that he was nurturing.
His passion for plants and his knowledge of medicinal plants is extensive. James’ favourite place to visit is Kirstenbosch Gardens, where he can relax and immerse himself in the beauty of the exquisite surroundings.
In his caring, dignified way, and under Krystyna’s caring guidance, he has brought a large slice of Kirstenbosch heaven to the Helderberg Basin.
Tickets available from Quicket, Helderberg Hospice at 21 Old Stellenbosch Road, or from any of the Helderberg Hospice shops. Call 021 852 4608 for information.