Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden

Sculpture of Walter Sisulu at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens (WSNBG), located in Roodepoort Johannesburg, is an incredibly beautiful garden filled with indigenous gardening inspiration. The nature reserve covers over 300 hectares and was established in 1982. While there are several hikes and trails through the reserve the 25 hectares that are cultivated as gardens gives one ample opportunity to explore this botanical beauty. A highlight of visiting this garden is the beautiful Witpoortjie Waterfall which cascades into a calm stream that meanders through the gardens.

History

In the later 1800s the nearest stop for people to visit the gardens was the railway station in Krugersdorp named Witpoortjie Railway Station, which is believed to be where the waterfall received its name. The gardens were first known as the Transvaal National Botanic Garden and could only be visited by special arrangement. In 1987 it was opened to the public daily as the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden. In March 2004 it was renamed the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in honour of the late ANC stalwart Mr Walter Sisulu (1912-2003). Walter Sisulu is best known for leading the struggle for a democratic South Africa together with former president Nelson Mandela. (SANBI)

Upon entering the WSNBG one is welcomed by circular stone clad walls surrounding a water feature and statue of Walter Sisulu. We visited in December when they had festive light displays and you could visit the garden in the evening to see the Christmas lights. They often have other events and festivals which are popular and well attended.

Gardens

Following the path past the concert lawn you will be enticed to explore several planted areas off the main path including the Geological Garden, People’s Plants Garden and the Succulent Rockery. The Geological Garden has some interesting and beautiful rocks on display. In the Succulent Rockery you will find many different types of succulents. with stone pathways meandering its way through. Throughout the garden there are information boards with explanations to learn from. The Waterwise Garden also has educational information on how to conserve water in your garden.

Restaurant

If you continue on the main path you will arrive at the restaurant on your left and children’s play area on your right and if you carry on further you will reach the waterfall area. The restaurant has a tea garden where you can sit and relax and this venue can also be hired for functions. This is a lovely place for a picnic below the large trees.

Restaurant

Children’s Playground

Waterfall

The Witpoortjie Waterfall is a natural waterfall fed by springs upstream and is 70m high. It is regarded as the source of the Crocodile River which flows into Hartebeespoort Dam. Picnicking on the lawn at the waterfall is not allowed because of the high foot traffic in this area. A remarkable Olinia emarginata (Mountain Hard Pear) is in the centre of the lawn and although struck by lightning several years ago it is still alive and being supported to prevent it from falling over.

Birdlife

Over 240 bird species have been recorded in the gardens and it is a renowned breeding spot for Verreaux's Eagles (formerly known as Black Eagles) and popular with birding enthusiasts. The bird list can be requested from sisulugarden@sanbi.org.za

Vegetation

The Garden consists of three main natural vegetation types: Northern Afrotemperate Forest, Egoli Granite Grassland and Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld. This variety of habitats includes over 600 naturally occurring plant species. There are incredible specimens of trees throughout the garden and some impressive examples of Celtis africana and Combretum erythrophyllum can be seen along the Forest Walk that follows the Crocodile River running through the reserve.

If you are interested in indigenous gardening (and I hope you are!) then you will not leave this garden without learning something new or seeing something inspiring. There is always something new to discover.

Visiting the Gardens

The garden is open every day from 08h00 to 17h00.

Remember that there are no bins and you need to take everything that you bring home with you again and No Cash Payments are accepted.

Read more about other Botanical Gardens:

• Lowveld Botanical Gardens

• Harold Porter Botanical Garden

• Emmarentia - Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

• Durban Botanic Gardens

• Pretoria Botanical Gardens

• Karoo National Botanical Gardens

• The Wilds

SANBI Website - Walter Sisulu - SANBI

Beautiful Buddleja saligna (False Olive) in flower

Gardens at Brahman Hills, Midlands

A magical garden has been built in the Midlands, just off the N3 Highway, at the luxurious Brahman Hills Estate and Wedding Venue. The well known Windmills Road Stall and Restaurant is adjacent to the Estate and an entry point to the gardens.

Retaining walls beautifully clad with stone create several terraces and levels to explore. Pergolas and curved archways form tunnels to walk through and stop to pause and enjoy the space and views over the surrounding area. The formal layout makes use of cobble edging, walls and hedges to create the overall structure while the planting, water and pathways add contrasting curves to the garden design.

Stone Retaining Walls with remnants of Snow

We visited the gardens in August after it had snowed the day before and thousands of people traveled to Nottingham Road to take part in the special experience. The Gardens are still relatively new as they were constructed in 2020 during the COVID19 lockdown when the staff were unable to serve guests or do their usual work.

An excerpt from the website explains: “The chef was transformed from a culinary connoisseur to an irrigation specialist as he laid out pipes and set out the watering system. Meanwhile, instead of pouring drinks and waiting tables, the bar staff were in the trenches digging ditches and bringing structure to the flower beds. Even our general manager got in on the garden act and become chief cement specialist mixer and pourer, creating winding pathways that weave through the greenery and curve around into circular focal points built around central landscaped beds or water features. Everyone was hands-on and willing to take on roles outside their respective areas of expertise, and their toil has paid off in spades!” (https://www.brahmanhills.co.za/blog-post/come-and-play-in-our-brand-new-magical-garden-at-brahman-hills)

The team effort has been commemorated with a plaque including all the names of the people involved.

Plaque with the Name of Every Person Involved in Construction of the Gardens

The gardens aim to provide the perfect setting for wedding photographs, engagement shoots, romantic picnics and a unique experience during ones stay at the hotel.

The Chapel

Repetition of Timber Planter Boxes

A large part of the garden has been planted with edible plants, herbs, fruit trees and vegetables to provide homegrown organic produce to be used in the hotel kitchen.

These pictures are taken at the peak of winter (literally snowing) so I am sure in Summer the gardens will look even more spectacular!

For more information see their website Brahman Hills and their Blog Post detailing the garden installation

You may also like previous posts on Babylonstoren and The Herb Farm

Salt Rock Tidal Pools

We travelled to Kwa-Zulu Natal post lockdown to the small seaside town of Salt Rock, north of Ballito and Shaka’s Rock. The town is a popular holiday destination and has beautiful beaches and a lovely new shopping centre called Mount Richmore Village.

Salt Rock is a family friendly beach and Granny’s Pools is a popular spot for young kids as the water is clear, calm and shallow. Another feature my kids loved was the historic tidal pools built into the rocks in front of the Salt Rock caravan park.

I contacted the Salt Rock Hotel Beach Resort to ask them for any insights into the history of the tidal pools. Evan Mitchell shared the following, “The Salt Rock tidal pools were built in the forties by sugar cane farmer Basil Hulett, grandfather of the current owners of the hotel and great grandson of Sir Liege Hulett. He was the township developer who started Salt Rock and built the hotel and surrounding golf course and Country Club. He originally sold off very reasonably priced plots of land to his friends in an attempt to entice people to build homes and live in Salt Rock.” (see their website https://www.saltrockbeach.co.za/)

The Salt Rock Caravan Park and Campsite overlooks the Tidal pool

The walls are built out of stone and mortar and create a unique sense of place. The pools are created by several concrete walls that fill up with water crashing over the rocks from the sea. Walking along the walls and up to the small lookout is an adventure for young and old alike A highlight for my kids was the stream of overflow water that cascades into a small waterfall on the side of the tidal pool where the small stream runs back to meet the ocean.

Waves crashing into the tidal pool

Exploring the Lookout Point

There is another tidal pool at Thompsons Beach (a 5 minute drive from main salt rock beach) which is larger but also has more fish and other coral in it, including sea urchins. A good spot for snorkeling as we even enjoyed watching the beautiful fish from the side.

There is an indigenous nursery called Claremont Farm (http://claremontfarm.co.za/) nearby which I was hoping to visit but didn’t get to fit it in. Hopefully next time!

An Enchanted Orchid Garden

I must confess that I have absolutely no knowledge of orchids or how to grow them (Shhhh..don’t tell anybody ) I can barely keep them alive at all, let alone get them to flower again each year. But someone who is incredibly knowledgeable about these plants and who is able to grow them successfully in his own garden is a close family friend named Mr D who lives in Nelspruit.

I asked Mr D, “What started your passion for Orchids?”

He answered that a family friend gave him one as a gift several years ago and from then on his interest in the plant family was sparked. He explained that there are several wonderful specialist nurseries stocking orchids in the Nelspruit area and he started visiting these as well as orchid shows and so his collection grew. He accredited the mentorship of Louise Stevenson, who was generous with both her knowledge and plants over the years, as an important part of the journey as well as the encouragement of the Lowveld Orchid Society.

Plant Composition

There are thousands (yes.. that figure is correct, not hundreds but thousands) of orchids carefully positioned onto logs and each individually and lovingly attached with rope or cable ties. The Lowveld climate is well suited to growing these plants and they can grow outdoors without the need for a greenhouse since temperatures rarely drop below zero. The orchids are elevated above a variety of other tropical plants including Arum Lilies, Paintbrush Lilies, Begonias, Impatients, Bromeliads, Air Plants and Ferns. Old Mans Beard is also scattered throughout the display adding foliage and contrast with its delicate silver strands. An irrigation system runs through the array of interconnecting logs ensuring enough moisture reaches the plants, especially when the weather is hot and dry.

This garden, although not very large, feels like an enchanted wonderland and you can get lost in discovering the myriad of plants, arranged in the garden like sculptures with bursts of colour that change with every season. These images were taken in Spring when many of the species are flowering and the logs look like trees covered in flowers.

The Patio

The Patio of this home overlooks the garden and epitomizes the term ‘Lowveld Living’. Lazy afternoon drinks spent with family and friends surrounded by an oasis of botanical beauty. The tables on the patio are also used to display magnificent orchids in bloom. The sides of the patio are adorned with creepers (Jade Vine and Lady Slipper Vine) to create additional shade and to cover the brick walls.

How This Garden Started

A few years back Mr D and his wife moved from their large family home to a smaller complex and the size of their garden was dramatically reduced. On the positive side the new garden could be started from scratch as there was only a blank canvas of lawn to begin with. They started by transporting several of the logs and orchids from their old garden as well as planting an impressive amount of new indigenous trees.

Trees

The list of new trees is worth mentioning as these are some amazing species: Erythrina latissima (Broad Leaved Coral), Schotia brachypetala (Weeping Boer Bean), Vachellia sieberiana var woodii (Paperbark), Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild Plum), Warburgia salutaris (Pepperbark), Bolusanthus speciousus (Tree Wisteria), Dais cotinifolia (PomPon Tree), Dombeya rotundifolia (Wild Pear), Antidesma venosum (TassleBerry), Halleria lucida (Tree Fuschia), Heteropyxis natalensis (Lavender Tree), Afzelia quanzensis (Pod Mahogany), Cassia abbreviata subsp. beareana (Sjambok Pod), a Cussonia and a Ficus. What a collection, which will grow into an impressive forest garden and attract many birds and other creatures.

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This garden is uniquely crafted to maximize the number of orchids on display and is a visual feast for the eyes and a truly unique experience.

Lowveld Orchid Society - www.orchids.org/organizations/lowveld-orchid-group

Some of the Nurseries in the Nelspruit Area selling Orchids:

Afri Orchids - afriorchids.co.za - Alkmaar

Van Rooyens Orchids - orchidssa.co.za - White River

Fever Tree Nursery - fevertreenursery.co.za - Nelspruit (Halls)

Some More Pics:

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Dylan Lewis Sculpture Park

The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Park is situated outside Stellenbosch in the Cape and is a remarkable display of artistic genius. The artist uses the landscape to compliment the artworks and create an immersive experience for the visitor. Visits to the Sculpture Park are by appointment only (see contact details below).

About the Artist

Dylan Lewis is an internationally acclaimed South African sculptor, best known for his metal sculptures of large cats. His international career spans two decades and includes exhibitions in Paris, Sydney, Toronto, Houston and San Francisco, as well as numerous one-man exhibitions in London, where he is among the few living artists to have held solo auctions at Christie’s London.The leopard was his primary subject and he spent much time studying them, even dissecting them to further study their anatomy. The sculpture garden displays both his big cat and animal sculptures as well as his more recent work depicting human form and more abstract representations.

About the Garden

Mulberry farm had been Dylan’s studio since 1993 it was in 2009 that is started taking shape into the sculpture garden it is today. He hired an excavator to create a level play area for his children and began shaping the land much like he would begin creating a sculpture. For two years the earth was shaped with earth-moving equipment to create the ponds, hills and depressions that characterize the space. In March 2017 the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Park was officially opened.

The garden is filled with spaces that are each unique and have their own character and mood. Certain spots are intimate and secluded, others expansive. The garden has been intuitively designed to create a sensory experience and every element, from sculpture to boulder, has been placed with great care. The paths were laid out over many years with great attention to detail and every bend, contour and viewpoint has been taken into consideration. The artist has recommended a specific route for visitors to walk (indicated on the map you receive on arrival) in order to pass sculptures in a way that enhances their movement and presents certain views in the sequence he has envisioned.

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Planting

The planting is an artwork in itself and the plant palette is used in a way to add beauty to the spaces and define the different areas. Vegetation is predominantly fynbos which is local to the Cape and several species were sourced from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Retios dominate where the earth has been shaped to create dams and waterways while other areas are covered with area specific planting. An impressive total of 32 Erica species are listed on the plant list while 15 Pelargonium species have also been used. (See Plant List Below)

Fiona Powrie, an indigenous plant consultant oversees the garden botanically has ensured that an almost completely indigenous plant palette is used. The exotic species on site are reminders of a layer of historical planting.

The beauty of this sculpture park is that in every season there will be interest provided, not only by the variety of different indigenous flowering species, but from shape, form, texture, composition, experience, and the impressive backdrop of the mountains and their reflection in the water.

Water

The garden’s four sources of water are a natural perennial spring, a seasonal mountain river, a borehole and agricultural water. These provide water to the different ponds and wetlands as well as the large lake in the centre of the garden. The stepping stones over water are symbolic of the passage into mythical space.

An incredibly beautiful space to visit with nature as the canvas for this artist’s creations.

Contact Details

https://dylanlewis.com/

Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden: reservations@dylanart.co.za

Tel: +27 (0)21 880 0054
Fax: +27 (0)21 880 0588

Dylan Lewis Studio and Sculpture Garden, Mulberry Farm, Paradyskloof Road, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa

Plant Checklist can be obtained from the Sculpture Park

5 Outdoor Nature Activities to do with Kids in Cape Town

Spending time outdoors is healthy, fun and educational and in Cape Town you are spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor nature activities. With kids there are some limitations to where you can go and how much you can do so it’s always good to know which activities are good options to choose from. We visited in April for a few days and decided on these things according to the time we had available and close proximity to our accommodation so that we could come home to re-energize between outings. Thanks to our local guide Juli for all the tips and insights!

1. Table Mountain

A visit to the top of this beautiful and iconic landmark by CableCar is exciting and memorable (or if your kids are older and fitter you could hike up to the top). It is advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand and remember that afternoon rates are lower than morning rates. If you present your South African ID to show it is your birthday month you get free entry. Once at the top you can buy a drink from the restaurant and enjoy the scenery or a walk along the various trails on offer. See Table Mountain’s official website.

There are lots of signage and information boards for you to learn from

2. Walk along the Promenade

This broad walkway runs along the coastline at Seapoint and is a popular outdoor space for people to exercise, do yoga, picnic, or walk their dogs. There is a lot to see and it makes for a lovely afternoon outing. There are several restaurants along the route and places to stop and enjoy the view. If you are not up for walking there is the fun option of renting bikes.

The Mouille Point Park, located along the Promenade next to the Mouille Point Lighthouse, is a great playground with a variety of play equipment and the most beautiful setting of the sea and Lion’s Head behind.

3. Green Point Park

We made sure to park in Park Road near an entrance to Green Point Park so that we could get ice-cream from the amazing Creamery Cafe in Mouille Point (we even went back the next day!). Green Point Park has several biodiversity and educational gardens as well as age appropriate playgrounds that are well maintained and well used by residents of the City of Cape Town. The park is beautifully laid out (it was designed by OvP Landscape Architects) and has a series of scenic waterways that are filled with birds and pathways that highlight the surrounding scenery of Stadium, Lion’s Head and Mouille Point Lighthouse.

4. The Beach

Yes, this one had to be on the list! Kids love the sand and sea (even if it is freezing cold) and there are several options to choose from. We went to Glen Beach, Camps Bay Beach and Camps Bay Tidal Pool. Llandadno is a bit more of a drive but more sheltered if weather isn’t the best.

5. Signal Hill

Watching the sunset from this vantage point is a beautiful way to end the day. You can drive relatively close to the picnic area so it not a far walk (depending on how busy and how many cars are parked along the road). Take a blanket with drinks and snacks and enjoy the amazing view over the ocean and Robben Island. Remind your children of the sacrifices people made to live in a free and democratic South Africa and how we continue to live with hope for a better future despite the challenges we face.

We weren’t able to visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, but this will definitely be on our list for the next time we visit!

Trees to fall in love with in the Cape

Amazing Camphor Forest to explore at Vergelegen Wine Estate

Trees are amazing - immovable, peaceful, serene, fearless, stoic, content, connected, grounded, complex and beautiful. Here are a few I enjoyed seeing on our holiday to the Cape in April:

The Camphor Forest at Vergelegen Wine Estate

These are really some of the most spectacular trees I have seen and a whole forest of them is something to witness. Visitors are able to enjoy classical picnics in the camphor forest from November - April by pre-booking (no private picnics). The five enormous camphor trees in front of the Homestead are over 300 years old and were planted by WIllem Adriaan van der Stel in 1700. (See previous post on Vergelegen as well as Vergelegen’s Website)

5 Enormous Trees in front of the Homestead at Vergelegen Estate

Royal Oak Tree at Vergelegen Wine Estate

Another beauty on the same estate is the Royal Oak which was planted in 1928 and was grown from one of the last acorns of King Alfred’s Oak at Blenheim Palace, England. It has an emormous crown diameter and stand majestically in the lawn. The plaque below the tree reads “Acorns from this tree were personally collected on 23rd of April 1947 by His Majesty King George VI for replanting in Windsor Park” as well as “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II unveiled this plaque on 21 March 1995 in commemoration of her visit to Vergelegen”. The oldest Oak tree to be recorded (planted around 1700) is a stone’s throw away but is not nearly as spectacular.

Ficus at Natte Valleij Wine Farm

I discovered this tree while we stayed at accommodation (the Hen House) on Natte Valleij wine farm in Stellenbosch. The wine farm is not very large or well known so the tree is a bit off the beaten track. The buttress roots are as thick as any average tree trunk and they snake their way across the ground like large limbs. The smooth grey roots are thick enough to sit on and we had fun jumping our way around the main trunk.

Trees at Newlands Forest

While many of these species are Pine trees there are clumps of indigenous vegetation along the hiking routes and if you are a tree lover you will appreciate any beautiful tree whether they are exotic or indigneous.

Also worth visiting is The Company Gardens in the city centre where an enormous Rubber Tree can be seen as well as several other historic and beautiful trees. There are so many more to talk about, some we pass by each day without really noticing them. Open your eyes to the wonder all around you!

Melville Koppies

Like many people who have lived in Johannesburg for many years (some even their whole lives!) I had never visited the nature reserve in the heart of Johannesburg.

I had heard so much about it - the beautiful views, the amazing birdlife (over 200 spp), the incredible flora and the rich history that this nature reserve held so I was so excited to finally visit it. I met with a group of friends in the Marks Park Sport Club parking lot off Judith Road and we crossed carefully to enter the Main Gates framed by stone walls.

The reserve has recently changed its opening times to every Sunday morning from 8 to 11.30am. Visitors are welcomed on arrival by volunteers and given a map so that they can explore the trails at their own pace. The cost is R80 per adult and R40 per child and all proceeds are used towards the maintenance of the Park. Guided tours for small groups can be arranged.

The Central section was proclaimed a nature reserve in 1959 and is a declared national heritage site. The 50ha area can be explored through pathways and there are information boards detailing the heritage and history of the area as well as the fauna and flora to be found there.

The reserve is made up of three sections namely Melville Koppies Central, Melville Koppies East and Melville Koppies West. The East and West sections are open public space and access is not controlled. The East side is only 10ha in size and is frequented by dog walkers while the West section is 100ha large and borders the Westpark Cemetery. There are security issues here so it is advisable to only hike in groups with security. I was surprised to see security guards actively patrolling the nature reserve (Central) when we visited on Sunday and this really added to a sense of safety which is always a concern when visiting public spaces in Johannesburg.

Map from the Melville Koppies Website (www.mk.org.za/mkcal.htm)

Map of Melville Koppies Central Walking Paths

More information on the geology of the reserve can be found on their website www.mk.org.za

Vegetation

The vegetation of the Koppies is entirely indigenous and is a remarkable example of the richness of highveld grasses, flowers, and trees so close to a city centre. The variety of the flora can be seen in the 500 identified species within the eight undisturbed plant communities that have been identified. There are also 56 species of grass recorded and the dominant trees include Acacia robusta, Acacia caffra, Euclea crispa (Blue Guarri), Celtis africana (White Stinkwood), Brachylaena rotundata and (Mountain Silver-oak). The Protea caffra and Mundelea sericea (Corkbush) were also lovely to see.

Along the western boundary where the Westdene Spruit flows a beautiful riverine forest can be found with large Celtis africana (White Stinkwood), Combretum erythrophyllum (River Bushwillows), Olea europea (Wild Olive), and Kiggelaria africana (Wild Peach). The trees were planted in the 1960s to show people how beautiful our indigenous trees are. This part of the reserve is known as the Arboretum and was a highlight for me - the flowing water is calming and the trees beautiful and shady.

Water

This stream, the Westdene Spruit, is one of the many streams flowing north from the Witwatersrand watershed. Among them are the Braamfontein Spruit and the Jukskei, and they all eventually join the Limpopo River, which enters the Indian Ocean at Xai-Xai in Mozambique.

History

Melville Koppies carries evidence of ancient hunter-gatherers, early farmers as well as the first iron-age miners of the Witwatersrand. In 1989 Professor R J Mason published a "Guide to Archaeology Sites: Johannesburg". The purpose of the paper was as much to inform and educate the public as to make a plea for greater awareness of the heritage we are losing.

He identified seven archaeological sites on what we call Melville Koppies Central: African Iron Furnace Models; A second Tswana Iron Furnace; Tswana hut floor and pottery - 300 years old; 1880s gold prospecting; 1900s gun emplacement and Early 1900s quarries. There are information boards and examples of some of the tools and implements on display at the lecture hall.

The fascinating history of how the original Braamfontein farm passed to Louw Geldenhuis during the gold rush in 1886 and how the northern suburbs evolved out of this can also be viewed on an information board at the lecture hall.

Volunteers

The nature reserve would not be what it is today without the involvement of passionate and dedicated volunteers. The Melville Koppies Management Committee works hard to maintain the paths, control alien invasive vegetation, pick up litter and control illegal access to maintain the reserve on an ongoing basis. They also are always looking for ways to raise money for the reserve so that the salaries of the staff they employ can be paid as well as the additional security they hire.

Richard Hall devoted over 25 years to the maintenance of Melville Koppies and together with David Mpilo, a Council worker they tackled projects of cleaning, weeding and restoring the reserve. Wendy Carstens began to work with Richard Hall from 1997 and is still actively involved today. She received the honorary Ellen Kuzwayo award from the University of Johannesburg for ‘Her commitment to conservation and tourism at Melville Koppies’.

How can you help

You can help firstly by visiting (have you?) and also by making donations to Melville Koppies (bank details on their website) or by registering them as a MySchoolMyVillageMyPlanet beneficiary.

Contact Wendy Carstens wendavid@mweb.co.za for further information. www.mk.org.za

We loved our time spent at Melville Koppies and will definitely be back again! Thank you to all those involved in the upkeep and running of this historical and ecological gem.

4 Inspiring Spaces and Places in Johannesburg

When you think of Johannesburg there are many pictures that may come to mind - highways with fast cars (or very slow ones with the terrible traffic!), tall flashy buildings housing the headquarters of the top companies in the country or materials such as concrete, glass and asphalt along with the accompanying noise and pollution. A fast paced city with people on the move and money to be made.

While I agree that there are negative sides to Johannesburg, like all cities, I have made a point of exploring some of the lesser known hideouts, especially those that have a strong nature and beauty component, to discover the hidden gems and softer side of the city that we don’t always see.

View over Johannesburg (Image credit pixabay.com)

Here are a few spaces that I’ve discovered and are well worth visiting:

1. Monument to 6 Million Jewish Martyrs in Europe

An impressive sculpture designed by Herman Wald can be visited at the Jewish quarter of the Westpark Cemetery. It consists of six bronze fists each 1.5m high holding shofars which stand a further 6m tall. A twisting ‘Eternal flame’ sits in the centre of the three arches that the sculpture creates. It was unveiled on the the 10th of May 1959 by Rabbi M. Neurock, member of the Israeli parliament who specially travelled to S.A for that purpose. The inscription on the plaque at the foot of the memorial reads “In everlasting memory of the six million Jews. Victims of man’s inhumanity to man who perished in the death camps of Europe 1939-1945. ‘Thou Shalt Not Forget’ “

See a previous Blog post on this Sculpture here.

For further information and historical references see Herman Wald’s website.

2. RMB Think Precinct

This urban square, located on the corner of Fredman Drive & Gwen Lane in Sandton Central also functions as an outdoor art gallery. It is situated at the entrance to the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) headquarters and houses several of RMB’s artworks by famous South African artists including Eduardo Villa, Pieter Greyvensteyn, Angus Taylor, Guy Pierre Du Toit and Marieke Prinsloo-Rowe. The Think Bench by Louis Olivier which is on display here can also be seen at the University of Pretoria and the University of Stellenbosch.

“Art captures the spirit of the time, transform lives and bind together, not only hearts and souls, but entire societies and nations. Having a Corporate Art Collection on-site helps to reflect the culture of the company in an unspoken way. For example, Africa’s 'Fearless Girl' expresses how diversity and gender equality are valued and embraced. Our people and clients have always had easy access to the palpable energy that original creativity exudes. Artworks are generously displayed across workspaces and our newly refurbished Think Precinct hosts our most extraordinary sculptures in one central, outdoor area, for all to engage,” says RMB CEO, James Formby (www.rmb.co.za/page/rmb-welcomes-africas-fearless-girl)

If you are visiting Sandton be sure to also see the iconic statue of Nelson Mandela at the Sandton City Shopping Centre. The only statue that you will see of this hero that is larger can be found in front of the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

3. Nirox Sculpture Park

A most inspiring expanse of beautiful trees, lakes and waterways located in the Cradle of Humankind about 45 minutes from Johannesburg. You can discover something new every time you visit this park . The Park is open to the public on weekends and public holidays 10:00-16:00, or by special arrangements during the week.

Their aim to support the arts in all its forms can be clearly seen expressed in the numerous exhibitions and functions they have hosted there. Since NIROX’ beginnings in 2006, we continue to create and share an atmosphere that empowers, inspires and becalms artists; where visitors continue to be nourished with art in nature. (www.niroxarts.com/copy-of-sculpture-park)

The Sculpture Park regularly hosts independently curated exhibitions, functions, concerts and performances. They have hosted more than 300 resident artists and their aim is to encourage engagement and promotion of the arts in all forms. The restaurant on site is called ‘And then there was Fire’ and serves woodfire grill “We want to share with you the atmosphere of this place, the food that the earth provides and the beauty that surrounds us.” (www.andthentherewasfire.com)

4. Victoria Yards

The redevelopment of this sprawling light industrial site (30,000m2) is the brainchild of the developer behind 44 Stanley. A once derelict and mostly abandoned complex of buildings has been redeveloped and transformed into a haven for artists and creatives with a strong emphasis on skill sharing and community empowerment. The buildings are interconnected with spaces that are filled with vegetables and fruit trees making these areas both beautiful and functional. Urban agriculture is one of the many elements of this hub of creativity where community is encouraged to engage.

The project has won several awards: “The Urban Land Institute’s inaugural ULI Europe Awards for Excellence, which recognise outstanding urban development projects in the EMEA region. Developer and owner: Mr Brian Green – lead developer and consultant/planner. Architect: Boom Architects: Victoria Yards is a unique regeneration project that has risen from the ashes of a derelict industrial site to become an entrepreneurial incubation centre providing space at cost to social and artistic enterprises from the neighbourhood and beyond. It is an outstanding example of how creative thinking, community engagement and strong leadership can deliver immediate and evolving commercial, social and environmentally sustainable developments. Victoria Yards has created a thriving community that is as much about social cohesion and learning as it is a commercial enterprise. (www.victoriayards.co.za)

The project is a precedent for urban regeneration and gentrification while at the same time the developers have clearly been sensitive to the heritage of the site. The buildings have a raw beauty and several sculptures are dotted throughout the landscape. Some of the sculptures are by James Delaney who has his studio there and is known for his involvement in The Wilds. (Click here to read a previous post about The Wilds)

Visitors are welcome everyday. See Facebook for updates on their markets and upcoming events.

There are many beautiful and inspiring spaces in Johannesburg. Tell me about your favourite?

Modderfontein Bird and Sculpture Park

One benefit of the slower start to the year was a exploring a few outdoor spaces I wouldn’t normally have visited. One such place is the Modderfontein Bird and Sculpture Park. If you don’t live nearby it is a bit of a drive but the name was intriguing and I wanted to discover it for myself.

The Modderfontein Bird and Sculpture Park is a family picnic park in the heart of Modderfontein, opposite the Flamingo Shopping Centre on the banks of the Flamingo Dam.

This wetland park is maintained and serviced by Nevada Group, ensuring that the park is clean, secure and monitored at all times. The local community and visitors from all over Johannesburg enjoy visiting the park to connect with friends and family in a safe environment.

Resident flocks of flamingos, ducks, geese and more provide both a picturesque and educational environment.

DOGGY PARK

A new additional Doggy Park section has been added to the greater Bird & Sculpture Park where your pups can enjoy off-leash fun, obstacle courses and more.

(https://theflamingo.co.za/modderfontein-bird-sculpture-park/)

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I was impressed by the private partnership of the neighbouring shopping centre. As well as the community engagement that is evident through small plaques indicating the name of the person who sponsored that tree. There is also a Farmer’s Market held in the park and opportunities for community participation.

The Park has a strong identity that is reinforced through the Flamingo logo used throughout as well as the sculpture of the Flamingo in the centre of the lawn.

 There is a spacious parking lot opposite the church and at the entrance you pay a small fee which goes towards maintenance of the park. The venue, I can imagine during non-covid days must be a wonderful space when filled with people for functions, markets and celebrations. The facilities include new bathrooms in a container, seating spaces, small jungle gyms for children and some sculptures dotting the landscape.

I was however disappointed that you couldn’t walk all the way around the dam and for such a large green space only a small part of it is accessible. But certainly worth a visit if you are in the area and looking for a lovely spot to picnic.

Location:

Cnr Queens St & Valley Rd,

Modderfontein, 1609.

Some More Pics of the Park:

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If you know of any beautiful green spaces in and around Johannesburg please let me know! I would love to visit them and write a post about them.