Between the tons of Paarl and Franschoek in the Western Cape Wine region is the beautifully restored historic farm of Babylonstoren ( Towers of Babylon). What better place to recreate historic gardens than on a farm with this name ( referring to the biblical ‘Hanging gardens of Babylon.)

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Gardens was introduced here a few years ago to recreate the Companjie Gardens of Cape Town that provided fresh food and water to ships that sailed around the Cape of Storms in the 17th and 18 hundreds on their way between Europe and the East. Extra value was added for modern visitors in the form of a boutique hotel, spa and a restaurant that serves food mainly produced in  the gardens.

The garden recreate gardens where fruit, vegetables , herbs are grown in old style vegetable beds. In the shop wine, fresh bread, honey and preserves can be bought.

Ponds with waterlilies and ‘waterblommetjies’ (a local delicatessen) softens the aromatic gardens with lavender and other heavenly smelling herbs and plants.

   

Vegitable patches provide fresh vegies for the restaurants and hotel

   

Stone fruit and other soft fruit orchards is laid out in interesting historic combinations to maximize fruit production and the use of space available.

 

The farm effect is enhanced by chicken roaming , doves and animals , like  porcupine, bee hives and the latest addission of a baby donkey, with the name Trompie.

 

Extra gardening elements makes one want to go home and redo your own garden.

 

A day spent at Babylonstoren is a day to remember.