Garden Finder > South Africa > Western Cape > Soekershof Walkabout Mazes and Botanical Gardens

Last updated on 19 May 08
Do you run this garden?

Soekershof Walkabout Mazes and Botanical Gardens

  • Flowers at Soekershof Walkabout Mazes and Botanical Gardens

    Photograph © Soekershof

  • Misty Morning, Soekershof Walkabout Mazes and Botanical Gardens

    Photograph © Soekershof

  • Flowering Ariocarpus, Soekershof Walkabout Mazes and Botanical Gardens

    Photograph © Soekershof

  • Soekershof walkabout garden

    Photograph © Soekershof

  • Soekershof Walkabout Mazes and Botanical Gardens, Robertson

    Photograph © Soekershof

  • Soekershof Mazes and Botanical Gardens, Robertson

    Photograph © Soekershof

Gardenvisit Editorial

Original garden, behind the thatched cottage (built in 1798) dates back to 1910 when Marthinus Malherbe (1885-1978) started to exchange seeds of South African succulents with those from the Americas. Except for the prickly pear, virtually every cactus species was introduced in South Africa by Malherbe. This old garden includes the oldest cactus (anno 1910) of South Africa. The Succulent Gardens include 2400 succulent species from all parts of the world under the open sky (not under cover of roof or shade net as in some nurseries and botanical gardens). In the past seven years the main garden underwent some extensions and new gardens (including the Philosophers Garden) were created. A Japanese Garden is 'under construction' (i.e. plants are growing). The idea for the maze (net surface: 13870 sqm) originates from the name Soekershof (= Seekers Garden). This name was given to the farm by Malherbe because his wife Molly was always looking for things she had seemingly lost or forgotten where she put them. Together with the rich story telling culture of South Africans the concept of a truly unusual maze was born. This 'Klaas Voogds Maze' is regarded as one of the largest hedge-mazes in the world.

Head Gardener's Comment

Uncovering the mystery of Soekershof is a true experience.

Soekershof, Private Mazes & Botanical Gardens in South Africa, is simply described as “the world’s largest hedge maze” and/or “a succulent garden with more than 2400 different succulent plants (registered!) under the open sky”.

But Soekershof is more.

The original concept goes beyond prejudice perceptions and is merely based on local history and folklore, the name Soekershof (= Seekers Court) and the original succulent garden of Marthinus Malherbe (buried in his garden) including the oldest cactus of South Africa (Anno 1910).

Soekershof is all about the challenge of uncovering its mystery, with the people of Soekershof on board to provide an enjoyable and inspirational experience in the mazes and gardens. It is creativity-come-to-life.

Soekershof; Private Mazes & Botanical Gardens in South Africa, offers an unique mix of calmness, tranquility, inspiration and relaxation coupled with fun and exploration. It is an outdoor adventure for the whole family.

Owners and their staff not only entertain their guests but have also a proven record of guiding horticulturists and botanists of fame through the gardens with a scientifically accountable explanation of the different plants.

There is a surprise around every corner for everyone who dares to open his or her heart and mind. You leave Soekershof with a smile in your heart and a memento in your pocket.

‘Our Little Nursery’ and ‘The Shop’ offer naturally grown succulent plants and, "exclusivily Soekershof", locally made garden accessories for your own garden.

Soekershof is one of the 31 tourism related businesses in South Africa with a certificate of Fair Trade in Tourism in South Africa and therefor invests in local communities and staff training.

“The soul cannot thrive in the absence of a garden”

(Thomas Moore)

Mission Statement: Soekershof is a sacred enterprise, based on the appreciation of nature, humor, play, creation, expression and respect for the land and the growth and development of the people and plants that participate.

History

After 24 years of neglect the present (Dutch) owners (since April 2000) have restored the original Malherbe gardens and extended these with rockeries. The total surface of the succulent gardens (excluding nursery part) is more than 11,000 square metres. The cultivation of the plants in the garden and in 'Our Little Nursery' is fully organic.

Plants of Note

A.o. Pachycereus weberii (anno 1910) ca 11 metres high. Diverse Moringe species and virtually all cyphostemma species. Brachychiton Australis and B. Ruprestis next to bottle shaped Delonix species from Madagascar and diverse (young) Adansonia species (baobabs).

Address Klaas Voogds West, P.O. Box 291, Robertson, Western Cape, South Africa, 6705
Opening times Daily tours at 11am.
Admission Adult R60.00, Child under 12 years R40.00.
Website Visit the Soekershof Walkabout Mazes and Botanical Gardens website