Go for a wonderful, cool, shady walk in the forest to the sound of bird song. This area consists of a series of pathways through a forest of white stinkwoods and river bushwillows.

The understorey has been planted with many interesting South African forest dwelling trees, shrubs and groundcovers including Cape primroses (Streptocarpus) and colourful spurflowers (Plectranthus). Bush lilies (Clivia miniata) also thrive in this shady spot.

This is also an ideal place to see elusive bird species such as the cuckoos.

Along the margins of the forest you may see the grass aloe, Aloe cooperi flowering.

The expansive lawns above the forest are the venue of the Sappi Sunday Picnic Concerts which are held from May to September each year. Carols by Candlelight are also held here each December. See the What's On page for details of Garden events

Geological garden

At the far end of the lawn, a Geological Garden is being developed which will consist of a collection of large boulders of different rock types. The focus will be on rock types occurring in the Witwatersrand region and will be arranged according to their age. The Geological Garden will have enormous educational value for both school and university groups as well as those naturalists interested in the great outdoors. This project is being undertaken in collaboration with the Geological Society of South Africa.

Next