Charles and Dorothy Johnman were conservationists at heart (www.johnman.co.za). They wished that their house in Herte street to be a home for music and that future generations will also enjoy the garden. When Dorothy died in 1995, she left her house and beautiful garden in the middle of historic Stellenbosch for use by future generations. The Johnman house and garden is the only property in the historic Herte street neighbourhood that is open to the public. It is well worth a visit.

Pietman Diener, the landscaper behind the restoration of the garden, maintained the garden’s original layout and old trees. He removed only self-sown trees to reveal the old layout and to allow more sunlight in the garden. This garden still has access to leiwater, which helps Paula Raubenheimer, who lives on the property, and two workers to take care of the garden from day-to-day and season-to-season.

This heritage garden is open every first Thursday of the month. Book before visiting at gardens@johnman.co.za.

Charles and Dorothy Johnman. Photograph by Francois Oberholster and Kosie Jansen van Rensburg

Irrigation furrows divide the garden into different sections. Photograph by Francois Oberholster and Kosie Jansen van Rensburg

Virginia creeper turns a deep crimson in autumn. Photograph by Francois Oberholster and Kosie Jansen van Rensburg

Shade garden. Photograph by Francois Oberholster and Kosie Jansen van Rensburg

Magnolias bloom in winter. Photograph by Francois Oberholster and Kosie Jansen van Rensburg

Scented lawn. Photograph by Francois Oberholster and Kosie Jansen van Rensburg

Woudtuin. Photograph by Francois Oberholster and Kosie Jansen van Rensburg