There is no shortage of cool things happening in Johannesburg, and every once in a while, two South African institutions collaborate to bring something fun to the city. This September, Hyde Park Corner’s Centre Court transforms into a mini Cape Winelands farm as Babylonstoren takes over the shopping centre’s Made for the Season spring activation.
For 13 days this September, Babylonstoren has taken over the space for Babylonstoren in Bloom, the centrepiece of the centre’s Made for the Season campaign and the celebrated farm’s very first shopping centre activation of this kind.
Having attended the launch, I can confirm that the installation immediately captures that unmistakable, earthy elegance the farm is famous for. Inspired by Babylonstoren’s iconic, dome-shaped Puff Adder walkway, the pop-up brings a living slice of the garden to Jozi, complete with the rich scents of seasonal flora, beautifully curated pantry shelves, and plenty of visual inspiration.
Wandering through the space, I quickly found myself eyeing the chocolate garden map and lingering a little too long near the striking display of clivias. Running alongside the installation is a gorgeous showcase of these spring favourites, including the debut of South Africa’s first double clivia, “The Hyde Park Double,” bred by independent grower André Swart. Let’s just say I am seriously considering heading back before the 14th to claim a clivia of my own to take home.
Beyond the immersive greenery, there is plenty to sample, smell, and purchase. The collection draws directly from the farm, featuring beloved bath and body products, home fragrances, crisp linens, decor, honey, pantry staples, and wine.
Even better for local fans? During the opening speeches, I learned that Babylonstoren now has a fully operational distribution centre right here in Midrand, a massive score for Gauteng shoppers who want a more seamless way to get their farm favourites without waiting for long-distance deliveries.
“Babylonstoren has such a distinctive sense of place that people recognise immediately, whether through its gardens, its food or the beautiful products that come from the farm,” says Tevye Block, General Manager of Hyde Park Corner. “Bringing a taste of that experience to Johannesburg gives our customers something genuinely special to discover at Hyde Park Corner this spring.”
The original 70-metre Puff Adder walkway on the farm follows the banks of a stream beneath a lattice structure, evolving through the seasons, from winter aloes to spring clivias, followed by summer roses, berries, and bonsai. The Hyde Park Corner interpretation successfully captures that shifting seasonal magic on a smaller, beautifully executed scale.
More to discover at Hyde Park Corner
Babylonstoren in Bloom anchors a broader spring line-up at the centre. South African lifestyle brand Freedom of Movement opened its doors on 3 September with its signature leather goods and apparel, while RedLine Paris South Africa launched its first-ever African boutique on 1 September, bringing minimalist, fine-chain Parisian jewellery to the city.
Elsewhere in the mall, Moss is showcasing garden-inspired details with the Mii à Table collection, La Corset is welcoming new Pain de Sucre swimwear, and Avenue 2A, the exclusive local stockist of Brunello Cucinelli fragrance, is highlighting the Italian fashion house’s exquisite scents for the new season.
Babylonstoren in Bloom runs in Centre Court at Hyde Park Corner from 2 to 14 September 2026 during normal trading hours. For more details on the spring line-up, visit Hyde Park Corner.
