Bedford
Bedford, South Africa.
Where Country Charm Meets Vibrant Living
Tucked against the breathtaking Kaggaberg mountain, Bedford is a gem of the Eastern Cape, a place where life is lived with heart, humour, and a deep love for the land. Famous for our Bedford Country Gardens (held every October/November), we’re known for fun-loving farmers, fabulous hospitality, and landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Here, historic charm meets wide-open spaces. Rolling grasslands and dramatic valleys - Mankazana, Cowie, and Baviaans River - are home to Angoras, Merinos, beef cattle, goats, and game.
Twenty Three Years of Springs Worth Celebrating in 2026
Now in its twenty-third year, the Bedford Country Gardens event has quietly become one of South Africa’s most beloved rural gatherings – and the 2026 edition promises to be the finest yet. Every spring, this historic Eastern Cape village trades its usual stillness for something altogether more colourful, as private gardens fling open their gates and Bedford does what it does best: welcome strangers like old friends.
This year’s event unfolds over two long weekends – 30 October to 1 Nov and 6 to 8 November 2026 – with approximately 16 private gardens open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Four distinct routes wind through the area, each with its own character: the Town Route, Mountain Route, Cowie Valley Route and Heading West Route. If you’re weaving through heritage rose gardens on a village street or standing in a farm garden with the mountains at your back, each route offers a completely different version of Bedford’s remarkable landscape.
Entry is R30 per garden per person, payable in cash at the garden you’re visiting. For inquiries or tickets, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw directly on 083 874 7816.
Accommodation in Bedford can be booked in advance at www.bedford.co.za or hello@bedford.co.za and given how popular the festival has become, booking early is strongly advised.
The event has always been more than a garden tour, and 2026 is no exception. Highlights include Ernst Pringle’s Butterfly Talks, flower shopping at Floradella Flower Farm, and guided visits to the South African Heritage Rosarium and local Mill. Hope Street invites a leisurely browse through boutique shops, while Bedford’s restaurants and cafés offer the kind of unhurried, flavourful meals that make you forget you had anywhere else to be.
For gardeners and garden club members, the event is a living reference book – planting combinations, heritage varieties, design ideas and the generous knowledge of passionate garden owners around every corner. For photographers, artists, nature lovers and anyone in need of a proper slow-travel escape, Bedford in spring is difficult to improve upon.
Full programme to be released in the beginning of October 2026.
What's happening in Bedford?
Bedford – The Heartbeat of the Countryside.
Stay in Bedford
Where Comfort Meets Country Charm
Stay a Night, Love it for Life.
Cavers Country Guest House 
Would love to be part of the action?
We are on Instagram
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆
𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿. 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲.
In the Eastern Cape, late August and September is when you reach for the fertiliser. Soil temperatures are rising. Days are lengthening. Your plants are waking up and they need fuel.
This is not about overfeeding. It is about timing.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱.
Wait until soil temperatures reach roughly 13 degrees Celsius - roughly mid to late August in the Eastern Cape. Below this, plants cannot absorb nutrients anyway. You are wasting the feed. Above it, plants are ready to use what you give them.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲.
A balanced, slow-release fertiliser works beautifully — something like 3:1:5 or 2:3:2, applied according to label instructions. This feeds the plant steadily over weeks rather than a quick spike that washes away with the first rain.
For roses, apply a rose-specific fertiliser once. For vegetables and annuals, a lighter application every 3-4 weeks through spring works best.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆.
Work fertiliser into the soil around the base of plants, keeping it at least 10cm away from stems. Water in gently. In the Eastern Cape’s spring wind, a quick watering ensures the granules do not blow away and the nutrients reach where they are needed.
Feed now, and by October your garden will be ready to show off.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #fertilizer #opengardenssa
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆
𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿. 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲.
In the Eastern Cape, late August and September is when you reach for the fertiliser. Soil temperatures are rising. Days are lengthening. Your plants are waking up and they need fuel.
This is not about overfeeding. It is about timing.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱.
Wait until soil temperatures reach roughly 13 degrees Celsius - roughly mid to late August in the Eastern Cape. Below this, plants cannot absorb nutrients anyway. You are wasting the feed. Above it, plants are ready to use what you give them.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲.
A balanced, slow-release fertiliser works beautifully — something like 3:1:5 or 2:3:2, applied according to label instructions. This feeds the plant steadily over weeks rather than a quick spike that washes away with the first rain.
For roses, apply a rose-specific fertiliser once. For vegetables and annuals, a lighter application every 3-4 weeks through spring works best.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆.
Work fertiliser into the soil around the base of plants, keeping it at least 10cm away from stems. Water in gently. In the Eastern Cape’s spring wind, a quick watering ensures the granules do not blow away and the nutrients reach where they are needed.
Feed now, and by October your garden will be ready to show off.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #fertilizer #opengardenssa
𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲! 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆.
The wait to see fifteen gardens in full bloom…
The 2026 Bedford Country Gardens opens 30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November.
Four distinct routes. Mountains, heritage varieties, colour you cannot find anywhere else.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za.
Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲! 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆.
The wait to see fifteen gardens in full bloom…
The 2026 Bedford Country Gardens opens 30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November.
Four distinct routes. Mountains, heritage varieties, colour you cannot find anywhere else.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za.
Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆𝗯𝘂𝗴𝘀
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽.
A ladybird in your garden is worth more than gold. Ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps are natural predators of aphids. A single ladybird consumes up to 100 insects in one day - aphids, mealybugs, scale insects and other soft-bodied garden pests. No chemicals required. No toxins released. Just nature doing what nature does.
The spots on their shell are a warning to predators: do not eat me, I taste terrible. But to gardeners, they are a promise: I am here to work.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺:
Attract these beneficial insects to your garden by providing a diverse range of flowers and foliage plants, as well as access to water. Plant yarrow, clover, buckwheat, sunflowers and common daisies. Leave some wild areas unmulched. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides - they kill the ladybirds along with the pests.
Most importantly: let them work. 𝗔 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗮𝗱𝘆𝗯𝘂𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. If you see them, you are seeing evidence that something is working right beneath the surface.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #ladybug #opengardenssa
𝗟𝗮𝗱𝘆𝗯𝘂𝗴𝘀
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽.
A ladybird in your garden is worth more than gold. Ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps are natural predators of aphids. A single ladybird consumes up to 100 insects in one day - aphids, mealybugs, scale insects and other soft-bodied garden pests. No chemicals required. No toxins released. Just nature doing what nature does.
The spots on their shell are a warning to predators: do not eat me, I taste terrible. But to gardeners, they are a promise: I am here to work.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺:
Attract these beneficial insects to your garden by providing a diverse range of flowers and foliage plants, as well as access to water. Plant yarrow, clover, buckwheat, sunflowers and common daisies. Leave some wild areas unmulched. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides - they kill the ladybirds along with the pests.
Most importantly: let them work. 𝗔 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗮𝗱𝘆𝗯𝘂𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. If you see them, you are seeing evidence that something is working right beneath the surface.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #ladybug #opengardenssa
𝗔 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Few things announce spring quite as beautifully as a wisteria in full bloom. With its cascading clusters of delicate flowers, it brings romance, colour and a touch of old-world charm to the garden.
At 𝗕𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀, you’ll discover beautiful garden moments like these around every corner. Come wander, explore and find your own favourite bloom.
Featured Garden: Mandalay
𝗕𝗘𝗗𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November. R30 per garden, paid at the gate.
For event information, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #wisteria
𝗔 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Few things announce spring quite as beautifully as a wisteria in full bloom. With its cascading clusters of delicate flowers, it brings romance, colour and a touch of old-world charm to the garden.
At 𝗕𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀, you’ll discover beautiful garden moments like these around every corner. Come wander, explore and find your own favourite bloom.
Featured Garden: Mandalay
𝗕𝗘𝗗𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November. R30 per garden, paid at the gate.
For event information, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #wisteria
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀!
There’s something magical about wandering through a garden in full bloom - and at this year’s 𝗕𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀, you’ll have the chance to discover some beautiful garden spaces.
Our featured garden in this image is 𝗚𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗻, where roses and other garden treasures create the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. Come see, smell and be inspired by the beauty of Bedford’s gardens.
𝗕𝗘𝗗𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November. R30 per garden, paid at the gate.
For event information, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za.
Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀!
There’s something magical about wandering through a garden in full bloom - and at this year’s 𝗕𝗲𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀, you’ll have the chance to discover some beautiful garden spaces.
Our featured garden in this image is 𝗚𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗻, where roses and other garden treasures create the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. Come see, smell and be inspired by the beauty of Bedford’s gardens.
𝗕𝗘𝗗𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November. R30 per garden, paid at the gate.
For event information, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za.
Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.
Ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps are natural predators of aphids. Attract these beneficial insects to your garden by providing a diverse range of flowers and foliage plants, as well as access to water. This is the foundation of natural pest control - not killing the pests, but welcoming the creatures that do.
Here are the simple, eco-friendly methods that work in the Eastern Cape.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱. The simplest and safest way to control aphids is to spray them off your plants with a strong stream of water. This can be done using a garden hose or a spray bottle with a tight nozzle. Focus on the infested areas, making sure to target the undersides of leaves. Repeat this process every few days until the aphids are gone.
𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗮𝗽. Mix a few teaspoons of mild liquid dish soap with 1 quart of water to create a homemade insecticidal soap. Spray or wipe this solution onto the leaves, stems and buds of the plant, ensuring thorough coverage, especially on the undersides of leaves. Reapply the solution every 2-3 days for 2 weeks or until the aphids are gone.
𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗺 𝗼𝗶𝗹. Neem oil is an organic, natural substance that can be used to control aphids. Follow the application instructions on the product packaging and make sure to thoroughly coat the entire plant, focusing on the infested areas.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. Planting nasturtiums near cucumbers attracts aphids away from main crops and repels cucumber beetles. Chives with carrots deters carrot flies while improving soil health.
Stop using chemicals. Start using nature. Your garden - and the creatures in it - will thank you.
For event information, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.c
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.
Ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps are natural predators of aphids. Attract these beneficial insects to your garden by providing a diverse range of flowers and foliage plants, as well as access to water. This is the foundation of natural pest control - not killing the pests, but welcoming the creatures that do.
Here are the simple, eco-friendly methods that work in the Eastern Cape.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱. The simplest and safest way to control aphids is to spray them off your plants with a strong stream of water. This can be done using a garden hose or a spray bottle with a tight nozzle. Focus on the infested areas, making sure to target the undersides of leaves. Repeat this process every few days until the aphids are gone.
𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗮𝗽. Mix a few teaspoons of mild liquid dish soap with 1 quart of water to create a homemade insecticidal soap. Spray or wipe this solution onto the leaves, stems and buds of the plant, ensuring thorough coverage, especially on the undersides of leaves. Reapply the solution every 2-3 days for 2 weeks or until the aphids are gone.
𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗺 𝗼𝗶𝗹. Neem oil is an organic, natural substance that can be used to control aphids. Follow the application instructions on the product packaging and make sure to thoroughly coat the entire plant, focusing on the infested areas.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴. Planting nasturtiums near cucumbers attracts aphids away from main crops and repels cucumber beetles. Chives with carrots deters carrot flies while improving soil health.
Stop using chemicals. Start using nature. Your garden - and the creatures in it - will thank you.
For event information, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.c
𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 - 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗸
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴.
Donkerhoek is waking up. After the cold snap, the garden is responding. The beds are greening. The weeds - yes, there are always weeds - are showing their enthusiasm. Barbara, Mbhuti and Phumla are getting ready.
By October, this Cowie Valley garden will be one of the first stops visitors make. The scones will be out. The jam will be fresh. The vegetable beds will be overflowing. But for now, in late August, there is the quiet work. The preparation. The trust that spring will arrive.
Visit Donkerhoek at the 2026 event — 30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November. R30 per garden.
For information, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 - 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗸
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴.
Donkerhoek is waking up. After the cold snap, the garden is responding. The beds are greening. The weeds - yes, there are always weeds - are showing their enthusiasm. Barbara, Mbhuti and Phumla are getting ready.
By October, this Cowie Valley garden will be one of the first stops visitors make. The scones will be out. The jam will be fresh. The vegetable beds will be overflowing. But for now, in late August, there is the quiet work. The preparation. The trust that spring will arrive.
Visit Donkerhoek at the 2026 event — 30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November. R30 per garden.
For information, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
After the cold snap, The Orchards comes alive with sound and movement. The river runs clear and full, carving through the landscape, reminding you that life keeps flowing even in the coldest season.
Visit The Orchards at the 2026 event. Bring your ears as well as your eyes.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #river
𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
After the cold snap, The Orchards comes alive with sound and movement. The river runs clear and full, carving through the landscape, reminding you that life keeps flowing even in the coldest season.
Visit The Orchards at the 2026 event. Bring your ears as well as your eyes.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #river
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 — 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀. 𝟯𝟱𝟬 𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀. 𝟵𝟱 𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
Liesl shows up. Bongo welcomes you at the gate. Roses fill every corner. Honey bees do the rest.
𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 at the 2026 event - 30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November. R30 per garden.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 — 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀. 𝟯𝟱𝟬 𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀. 𝟵𝟱 𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.
Liesl shows up. Bongo welcomes you at the gate. Roses fill every corner. Honey bees do the rest.
𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 at the 2026 event - 30 October to 1 November, and 6 to 8 November. R30 per garden.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzu #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #opengardenssa
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘂𝗽.
Every old tree in a garden tells a story. The roots that grip the earth, gnarled and grey with age. The trunk that has weathered storms and seasons. The bark mapped with decades of growth. The branches that offer shelter and shade.
We rush past them. We build gardens around them. We sometimes forget that the trees are what holds it all together - literally and figuratively.
𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻. Photograph them. Sit beneath them. Remember that they were here long before your roses and long after they fade.
This October and November, when you visit Bedford, notice the old trees. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #trees #nature
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀
𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘂𝗽.
Every old tree in a garden tells a story. The roots that grip the earth, gnarled and grey with age. The trunk that has weathered storms and seasons. The bark mapped with decades of growth. The branches that offer shelter and shade.
We rush past them. We build gardens around them. We sometimes forget that the trees are what holds it all together - literally and figuratively.
𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻. Photograph them. Sit beneath them. Remember that they were here long before your roses and long after they fade.
This October and November, when you visit Bedford, notice the old trees. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #trees #nature
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲.
Indigenous plants have evolved naturally in South Africa’s conditions, making them uniquely suited to our landscapes. In the Eastern Cape, choosing native species is not a trend - it is an investment in a garden that works.
Here is why they matter.
Key benefits include water-wise gardening - many indigenous plants are drought-tolerant and perfect for water-restricted areas, support biodiversity by attracting birds, bees, butterflies and beneficial insects, and are eco-friendly, requiring less fertiliser and fewer pesticides.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, consider agapanthus, wild iris, candelabrum lily, pelargonium species, and aloes. All are locally adapted. All thrive in our climate. All feed the birds and bees that keep your garden balanced.
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, often requiring less water and being more resistant to local pests, while providing better support for local wildlife such as birds and pollinators.
Stop fighting your climate. Work with it. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀. 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #aloes
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲.
Indigenous plants have evolved naturally in South Africa’s conditions, making them uniquely suited to our landscapes. In the Eastern Cape, choosing native species is not a trend - it is an investment in a garden that works.
Here is why they matter.
Key benefits include water-wise gardening - many indigenous plants are drought-tolerant and perfect for water-restricted areas, support biodiversity by attracting birds, bees, butterflies and beneficial insects, and are eco-friendly, requiring less fertiliser and fewer pesticides.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, consider agapanthus, wild iris, candelabrum lily, pelargonium species, and aloes. All are locally adapted. All thrive in our climate. All feed the birds and bees that keep your garden balanced.
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹-𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, often requiring less water and being more resistant to local pests, while providing better support for local wildlife such as birds and pollinators.
Stop fighting your climate. Work with it. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀. 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za. Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape #aloes
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 - 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀
𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲. 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱.
Winter is lopper season. This is when you reach for them most, when roses need cutting back, when deciduous trees show their bones, when every branch worth pruning becomes visible.
Loppers are long-handled pruning tools specifically designed for cutting branches that are too thick for standard hand pruners. They are designed to cut branches up to around 50mm thick. If your secateurs are straining, loppers are what you need.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.
Bypass loppers feature two curved, thick blades that glide past each other when making a cut, providing the cleanest cut. Anvil loppers have a single sharp blade that cuts against a flat surface — better for deadwood.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺.
Late autumn or the end of winter when most plants are gearing up for a healthy growth spurt and blooming in the upcoming spring or summer. Most plants respond well to winter pruning because they are dormant and suffer less stress.
𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀.
▪ Keep blades sharp and clean. Dull blades crush stems instead of cutting them.
▪ Cut at a downwards angle so water runs off the wound.
▪ Open loppers wide and place the branch deep between the blades before cutting.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za.
Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape opengardenssa
𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 - 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀
𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲. 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱.
Winter is lopper season. This is when you reach for them most, when roses need cutting back, when deciduous trees show their bones, when every branch worth pruning becomes visible.
Loppers are long-handled pruning tools specifically designed for cutting branches that are too thick for standard hand pruners. They are designed to cut branches up to around 50mm thick. If your secateurs are straining, loppers are what you need.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.
Bypass loppers feature two curved, thick blades that glide past each other when making a cut, providing the cleanest cut. Anvil loppers have a single sharp blade that cuts against a flat surface — better for deadwood.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺.
Late autumn or the end of winter when most plants are gearing up for a healthy growth spurt and blooming in the upcoming spring or summer. Most plants respond well to winter pruning because they are dormant and suffer less stress.
𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀.
▪ Keep blades sharp and clean. Dull blades crush stems instead of cutting them.
▪ Cut at a downwards angle so water runs off the wound.
▪ Open loppers wide and place the branch deep between the blades before cutting.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, contact Stacey Leigh Shaw on 083 874 7816 or hello@bedford.co.za.
Visit www.bedford.co.za.
Social Media Sponsored by @isuzusa
#bedfordcountrygardens #isuzusa #bedford #bedfordeasterncape opengardenssa