I so looked forward to Friday, because my best friend was coming over and we were going to take a trip to The Cape Garden Centre in Joostenburgvlakte (just past Kraaifontein) for the day. It was another sweltering hot day, but we had aircon in the car (thank goodness!) and the drive was pleasant because we never have enough to talk about. I have been there before, but it was Christine’s first visit. It is quite a distance out of town, so it definitely needs to be a day outing. It was very quite when we were there but I would imagine that the weekends are packed with families and garden lovers. They have a huge parking area and enough staff members to show you where you need to go.
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I enjoyed the fact that nearly the whole nursery area is under shadecloth and the misters kept us and the plants cool. It was a terribly hot day, but I never felt uncomfortable while browsing and walking around. Some of the plants, though, did show signs of the heat!
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The entrance was clearly marked and it welcomes all garden lovers to a Utopia of everything garden-y. Everything was neatly set out and easily identified – they had the price tags clearly visible and the specials were in specific areas with huge signs. The plants were plentiful and in very good condition. It was a pity that I was not there to shop for plants that day! I was looking for structural garden stuff – a trellis, ½ barrels for potplants and an obelisk for my tomatoes. Unfortunately, I left there with none of them.
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We did have a chance to look at the landscaped areas to get some good ideas for my garden – Christine’s garden already has a beautiful structure. Mine needs a lot of work, so any inspiration helps!
The Cape Garden Centre also caters for the kids with a huge Bugz playpark and the Bamboo restaurant also has a play area so the parents can take a breather. The service there was a bit slow, but the food was tasty. The restrooms were large and clean and I always take notice of them where ever I go.
I had my eye on a specific tree, while I was there, because of its soft branches and hunted for it in the Tree section. I had very little difficulty in finding it. All the trees were in good condition and the heights varied from 1m to 3m. I must say that all the plants were easily identifiable and the boards also assisted the shoppers with all the information you need to know about the plant – if they like full sun or sandy soil.
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At the Cape Garden Centre, they have a large selection of pots, but none of them that suited the two of us. There was also a quaint alley with gift shops, an art gallery and a pet store for those who were not there for the plants!
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The indoor section was large with all the knick-knacks you can buy for your indoor plants – it even had a koi fish area. Pots, plants, sprays, fertilizers – they had most everything available – even the worm farm paraphernalia. I still only left with two plants! I did buy mulch though and Christine found bulbs and enough to fill a boot, so it was a successful outing.
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The staff were friendly and helpful and I know that I will definitely take a road trip there again. The distance, however, will prevent me from making it a habit.
Thank you Cape Garden Centre.
Contact details:
Cape Garden Centre
Tel: +27 (0)21 988 4137
Website: http://www.capegardencentre.co.za
Email: info@capegardencentre.co.za
