Families from the Perdeskoen community at Babylonstoren wine estate joined in on the Garden Day fun by celebrating their green spaces with neighbours, family and friends on Sunday, October 20.

One of the events marking the annual event is the Perdeskoen Garden Day Competition, a highlight on the Babylonstoren calendar as Perdeskoen residents get to enter their beautiful gardens to compete for the top spot.

Residents Jan and Gerda Kanfer took first prize for the third successive year for their beautiful pecan tree-centred garden.

Jan says: “My grandfather was a very good gardener. I spent a lot of time with him and learning from him. Many people say I have his ‘green fingers’. I have many different flowers, fruit trees, and herbs in my garden, which has become an extension of my home - a space for myself and my family to be together.”

The Babylonstoren’s farm worker’s cottages are built in the shape of a horseshoe around the perimeter of the estate’s green fields, which gave rise to the name of this annual competition started in 2013 and open to all resident employees.

Entrants are adjudicated according to five simple categories: neatness, colour, design (for example, a path, sitting area, wood stacking area, use of the garden for relaxation or socialising), use for food and or medicine, and trees.

All entrants are given a tree for their garden and, over the years, its growth along with all the others they have planted are appraised and appreciated.

Every year Jan dedicates Garden Day to relaxing and celebrating his award-winning garden but also spends a lot of time in his garden in evenings when he gets home from work. “Often my wife is already in the garden when I arrive home and our young son, Jayden brings his friends over to play, so it really is a space that we all enjoy together,” he says.

For second place winners, Ronel and Jumat Lewies, their garden is their life and they have worked hard to create something special and unique.

“In my garden, you’ll find a delightful variety of plants, from fruits to vegetables. Personally, I take great joy in growing plums; they are my absolute favourite! There’s something special about nurturing these fruits and watching them thrive alongside other vegetables,” says Jumat.

The togetherness with loved ones in his garden is a special time for him. He says: “But what I truly cherish about my garden is the love it brings. It’s a comfortable space where my family and I can gather and enjoy each other’s company. Among my favourite plants are succulent plants; they are incredibly resilient and symbolize strength in my garden.”

Kallie Siegelaar took third place.

Next year’s Garden Day will take place on Sunday October 12. For more information or gardening tips on how to get started in preparing your garden for the special occasion, visit www.gardenday.co.za

In second place were Jumat and Ronel Lewies, also residents of the Perdeskoen Cottages community at the Babylonstoren wine estate.

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