Cape Horticultural Society

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🌿 Grow your gardening knowledge with the Cape Horticultural Society! 🌿

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just discovering your love for plants, CHS offers a welcoming community where you can learn, connect, and be inspired.

As a member, you'll enjoy:
🌱 Monthly talks from expert speakers
🌸 Access to beautiful private garden visits
🌿 Opportunities to discover new plants and gardening ideas
🤝 A community of fellow plant lovers who share your passion

For over 120 years, the Cape Horticultural Society has been bringing gardeners together to learn, explore, and celebrate the joy of gardening.

Ready to grow with us?

Visit the link in our bio to learn more and become a member today. On simply reach out to us with a message.

For years we have driven past this old power station near Mossel Bay..watching as it was slowly engulfed in a wild ficus tree.
This year we stopped to take a photo...amazing how the building has withstood the wind and weight of the tree.

🌍 World Environment Day | 5 June

Did you know that even the smallest garden can make a positive impact on the environment?

From planting indigenous species and supporting pollinators to composting garden waste and creating habitat for birds, the choices we make in our gardens can help build healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities.

This World Environment Day, we're sharing 5 simple ways gardeners can make a difference, one plant at a time.

Every indigenous plant added, every bee welcomed, and every patch of healthy soil nurtured contributes to a greener future for us all.

Which of these actions are you already doing in your garden? Let us know in the comments below. 🌿

🌿 June Garden Talk: Erica, the Hidden Wonders of the Cape Floristic Region 🌿

Join us on Monday, 1 June as Cape Town botanist Dr Ren Hoekstra takes us into the fascinating world of the genus Erica, one of the most diverse and unique plant groups in the Cape Floristic Region.

Through his work with the Custodians for Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW), Dr Hoekstra has spent years exploring remote Cape mountains in search of rare, threatened, and even previously unknown plant species. His talk will share stories of discovery, conservation, and the incredible diversity hidden within our local flora.

Whether you're passionate about indigenous plants, conservation, botany, or simply love learning more about the natural world around us, this promises to be a fascinating evening.

📅 Monday, 1 June 2026
🕢 19:30
📍 The Athenaeum, 1 Mariendahl Lane, Newlands (Entrance through Boundary Terraces)
R40 entry fee for non-members

Send us a message for more information.

Our meeting in May started with the AGM, which gave us the opportunity to reflect on the society, celebrate our community, and officially welcome three new Honorary Members whose dedication and passion for horticulture have contributed so much over the years. 🌿

We ended the evening on a fun note with a plant-themed quiz hosted by Kathy and Jill, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of plant knowledge.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to make the CHS such a special community for plant lovers.

Don’t miss the next meeting. June 1st 🪴 keep an eye out for more details.

Become a member and be part of the community, talks, outings, and events throughout the year. 🌱

At our recent AGM, the Cape Horticultural Society had the privilege of awarding Honorary Membership to three remarkable women whose passion, knowledge, and dedication have greatly enriched our society and inspired generations of gardeners.

🌿 Jenny Scarr (right)
Trained at Kew Gardens, Jenny came to South Africa after marrying fellow horticulturist Errol Scarr and lectured in Durban for 10 years. Over the years, she has generously shared her knowledge of orchids, plants, and indigenous bulbs with members and gardening enthusiasts alike. A past Chairlady of the CHS, Jenny’s passion for horticulture and willingness to teach have left a lasting impact on our society.

🌿 Glenda Thorpe (middle)
Glenda’s dedication to the CHS has gone far beyond her role as secretary. For many years she has worked tirelessly behind the scenes with efficiency, warmth, and good humour. From writing newsletters and sharing horticultural updates to helping keep members connected during Covid, Glenda has played an invaluable role in keeping the CHS thriving and welcoming.

🌿 Pam Hart (left)
Growing up in the nursery trade, Pam developed a lifelong passion and deep knowledge of gardening from an early age. As the face of Hart Nursery, established in 1993, Pam has dedicated herself to environmentally friendly and water-wise gardening practices. Together with her husband Gary, she has inspired generations of gardeners through her nursery, talks, and commitment to gardening in harmony with nature.

We thank Jenny, Glenda, and Pam for their extraordinary contributions to horticulture and to the CHS community. Their passion and generosity continue to enrich us all.

What a beautiful day at the Cape Horticultural Society Plant Sale 🌿

After a rainy day of setup, Sunday greeted us with sunshine, refreshed plants, and the magical garden of our generous host, Bernice, whose trees and garden have been lovingly cultivated over the past 50 years.

The morning was filled with everything that makes the CHS special:
🌱 Members pulling together with such warmth and willingness
🌱 Friends reconnecting over coffee and treats in the tea garden
🌱 Fresh vegetables lining the driveway with their incredible scent
🌱 Young families and children exploring the sale together
🌱 Plant lovers chatting, laughing, and sharing knowledge throughout the garden
🌱 10 wonderful new members joining the society

A special thank you to everyone who helped make the day possible, from the hardworking volunteers to Anne and the tea garden team who kept up with a constant stream of coffee orders all morning ☕️

While this year’s sale may not have been our biggest financially, the atmosphere, community spirit, and shared love of plants reminded us what the CHS is truly about: connection, gardening, learning, and enjoying beautiful spaces together.

Thank you to everyone who came and supported the day. We hope to see you at the next one 🌸

GardeningSouthAfrica CapeTownPlants

Looking for a relaxed, feel-good evening with fellow plant lovers? 🌿

Join us for our Annual General Meeting followed by a fun plant quiz night. No pressure, no stress, just a chance to connect, learn, and enjoy a bit of lighthearted competition together.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you’ll be part of a welcoming community that shares your love for plants.

✨ Come as you are
✨ Meet like-minded people
✨ Enjoy a fun, social evening

🕐 Monday, 4 May 2026 @ 19:30
📍 The Athenaeum, 1 Mariendahl Lane, Newlands (entrance through Boundary Terraces).
🎫 R40 entry fee for non-member (no need to book)
Plenty of parking

Message us to find out more or how to join as a member. We’d love to have you there.

🌿 Cape Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale 🌿

Join us for a beautiful morning in the garden and discover some truly special plants for your home.

Find something special, from unusual plants and bulbs to shrubs and succulents, and get planting now for a vibrant spring garden. 🌸

☕ Enjoy tea, coffee, and treats while browsing
🌱 Get expert gardening advice
🌿 Find unique plants at great prices

📍 22 Ladies Mile, Constantia
🗓 Sunday 3 May
⏰ 09:00 – 13:00

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there’s something here for you. Bring a friend and come explore 🌿

For enquiries, contact Chris 060 402 2089 / [email protected]

Let us know if you’d like more info or how to get involved with the society.