The Rustenberg Estate has two spectacular garden experiences – the public Schoongezicht Garden, and the private Rustenberg Garden. The Schoongezicht Garden is open to the public during the week. Visitors to the garden are also welcome to wander up to our tasting centre to enjoy our wines.
The garden is situated next to the Cape Dutch homestead Schoongezicht, which dates back to 1814. In 2001, Rozanne Barlow, wife of the current owner of the Rustenberg Estate, undertook to regenerate and restore the garden. Walls were constructed, and the site where the old tennis court stood has been transformed into an eleven circuit Chartres-style labrynth, laid out in half brick and river stone. The twenty-five meter long swimming pool was converted into a lily pond and is now home to many Koi fish. The charming pergola, originally built by John X Merriman, supports climbing roses, clematis and other fragrant climbers.
The garden is essentially laid out in a formal style with four distinct areas accessed by pathways, the hard landscaping has pulled the sizeable site of one hectare comfortably together.
The planting can be described as English, with roses, foxgloves, salvias, agapanthus, sedum, anemones, day lilies and much more - really a plants lover's dream. The changing of the seasons bring interesting and beautiful changes - there is always something to catch the eye.
The 'borrowed' surrounding landscape of vineyards, green pastures and the majestic Simonsberg mountain backdrop make this garden a magical place.
In 2006, a young and talented head gardener, Pietman Diener, was appointed to further the on-going development of the garden.
The garden is open to the public during the week. Visitors are welcome to wonder up to our tasting centre to enjoy our wines.