If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.
Vincent Van Gogh
It was in 2014 that we stumbled upon Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden with a group of friends visiting Cape Town. We had just completed a Habitat for Humanity house in Lesotho and wanted to see a bit of South Africa. Kirstenbosch wasn’t on our original agenda. And we had no idea that we would ever be touring a garden with so much other notable spots to see.
But Kirstenbosch was recommended by a tour guide — and we now know why. Even though this wasn’t a planned photo shoot for us, the few pictures we have of this spectacular place are now treasures, highlighting a very special place in South Africa.
The history of Kirstenbosch is brief, but interesting. In 1903, Harold Pearson came to Cape Town and had the idea of creating a botanical garden in that city. But it wasn’t until 1913 that funding and permission came along to finance and develop these stellar gardens, partially with ideas from the Botanical Society and funding from the Kristen family.
It wasn’t easy. There was much land to clear and landscaping of wild areas to initiate. But the whole of this venture can’t be matched: Kirstenbosch is now known — and justifiably so — as one of the world’s most beautiful, idyllic gardens.
Throughout the gardens, African art adds another dimension. Much of it is simple, massive, and impressive, and you come upon the sculptures unexpectedly in, around, and through various parts of Kirstenbosch.
With lakes, trees, and native plants, Kirstenbosch is a grand place, one that bears repeat visits in various seasons of the year.
Elegant, commanding, and all-engulfing, Kirstenbosch is one of our all-time favorite gardens. And to think, it wasn’t even on our radar for a visit. How lucky for us that someone said, “Let’s go there”!
If you would like to see more Gardens in this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, head to Amy’s Gardens and take a look at the other entries in the challenge.
And if you’re ever in Cape Town, don’t miss this magical place: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Travel under the trees,
Rusha & Bert
restlessjo
It was always on my list of places I would love, if I ever made it to South Africa. 🙂 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
It’s a memorable place. I wish I could return now that I’ve learned a bit more about taking photos. All kinds of opportunities there.
Rupali
Such an inviting place for a relaxing walk..
Oh, the Places We See
I’d love a stroll right now!!
JohnRH
Beautiful! Those camphor trees are amazing.
Oh, the Places We See
I agree, John. It was a joy being dwarfed by them.
Amy
The first image is so beautiful, Rusha. Thank you for the tour of this special garden. You’re right the sculpture adds another demension, very special.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for your comments.
Tina Schell
We too visited the garden when we were in S.A. and it was a magical place. Some of my favorite images of the trip are from the gardens (although I must admit they don’t compete with the wild animals) It’s an amazing place, thanks for the reminder of such a fond memory.
Oh, the Places We See
Wasn’t it a most wonderful place?! I still remember walking the path under the trees and feeling as if I were in a movie set or a fairyland. It would make for a wonderful revisit!
WanderingCanadians
I love the integration of plants and art. Those mature trees look beautiful.
Oh, the Places We See
The trees were the most spectacular feature of these gardens, and I can remember them to this day. So beautiful!
Sue
It looks a captivating place, Rusha…what marvellous trees!
Oh, the Places We See
I agree, Sue. Marvelous trees that truly engulf the visitors and make it a fairyland.
kzmcb
What a beautiful garden. Thank you for sharing the patha, plants and artwork.
Oh, the Places We See
And thanks for saying something about this post — the whole place is marvelous!
Amy
That is a special garden,Rusha! Beautiful African artwork. Thank you for introducing your favorite garden.
thehungrytravellers.blog
Lovely gardens, love the African art installations
Oh, the Places We See
The art was fascinating, and I don’t often see that caliber of art in a public garden. Quite the place! Thanks so much for taking a look.
Toonsarah
This looks a wonderful garden! The trees are such interesting shapes and I love that sculpture 🙂 We’ve similar experiences where someone has suggested visiting a sight we weren’t even aware of and it’s turned out to be a real highlight of a trip!
Oh, the Places We See
This one is special for those trees and the fact that it wasn’t “on our radar,” and we found that it has brought back many memories. Thanks for taking a look!