Experience Tokara in all its spring splendour on a self-guided tour of the farm’s private garden open exclusively over the two weekends of Garden Town Stellenbosch from 27 October to 5 November 2023.
A dedicated oasis of indigenous plants, the extraordinary Adamastor Moss Garden, and the textural cork oak forest are just some of the treasures to be explored while meandering through tranquil walks dotted with sculptures by local artists.
Other enchanting secrets worth discovering while taking in the fresh scents of spring wafting from the terraces of the picking garden, are the wetlands, the eco-friendly vegetable garden, and the babbling mountain stream flowing into soothing lily ponds.
The Adamastor Moss Garden, the most recent addition to the farm’s collection of natural marvels, has evolved over the past two years into a magical space of plush, muted tones and quietude.
Created by moss artist Gert van Tonder with local sandstone, granite and mosses from the surrounding terrain, it shares the beauty, humility and harmony of the Zen gardens of Japan, yet remains quintessentially Tokara. The remarkable integration of stone and indigenous mosses and fynbos has matured into a magnificent, enchanted refuge.
Lovingly nurtured by GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira who founded Tokara over two decades ago, their private farm garden is a place of serenity where awe-inspiring landscapes are accentuated by life-size sculptures from the family’s extensive art collection.
An avid supporter of emerging local artists, Anne-Marie quietly steers her cultural pursuit throughout the property where art and winemaking are inextricably connected.
Visitors are greeted by imposing sculptures upon arrival and on walks through the gardens, vineyards and olive groves. Glorious art pieces adorn the walls of the tasting lounge and restaurant, while engaging outdoor exhibitions are ever present in the sculpture garden at the Deli.
The Tokara farm garden is open for self-guided tours between 09h00 and 16h00 on the weekends of 27-28 October and 3-4 November. The entry fee of R50 per car is payable at the farm gate.
Garden Town Stellenbosch, an initiative of Visit Stellenbosch, is a 10-day festival in and around this famous winelands town, offering a host of activities from open gardens, horticultural tours and flower art to wine tastings, dining and hiking.
For more information, visit Garden Town – Garden Town Stellenbosch (visitstellenbosch.org)