Upcoming Open Garden: Sat 17 & Sun 18 October.
Riversfield Far m in Balgowan, owned by David Schaefer, is a beautifully composed formal ga rden set within a tranquil Midlands landscape. An avenue of mature plane tr ees lines the driveway, drawing visitors toward the main house and garden b eyond.
The design, attributed to David Hicks, reflects a strong archi
tectural sensibility, where structure and symmetry guide the visitor throug
h a series of carefully composed outdoor rooms. Formal clipped hedges defin
e the space around a classic knot garden and swimming pool area, creating a
sense of order and timeless elegance.
The garden opens into a more ex
pansive landscape, leading toward an arboretum and productive potager. Thes
e areas blend ornamental and edible planting, adding depth and variety to t
he overall experience while maintaining a cohesive design language througho
ut.
One of the defining features of Riversfield Farm is its integrati on with the surrounding environment. Carefully curated views extend across a dam and into indigenous forest beyond, reinforcing the sense of connectio n between designed garden and natural landscape.
Additional features include a tennis pavilion, a dovecote and thoughtfully placed water element s that enhance both atmosphere and movement through the garden. The result is a refined and immersive garden experience that balances structure, produ ctivity and the beauty of the surrounding Midlands countryside.
Dates
: Sat 17 & Sun 18 October
Times: 9am to 4pm
Address: Riversfi
eld Farm, D182, Balgowan
Directions: From the R102 between Granny Mou se and Michaelhouse, turn off at the D182. Cross a bridge, keep left at the fork and Riversfield Farm is on your left hand side. Turn into the main ga te after the service/office entrance.
Entrance Fee: R20p/p
Upcoming Open Garden: Sat 17 & Sun 18 October.
Riversfield Far m in Balgowan, owned by David Schaefer, is a beautifully composed formal ga rden set within a tranquil Midlands landscape. An avenue of mature plane tr ees lines the driveway, drawing visitors toward the main house and garden b eyond.
The design, attributed to David Hicks, reflects a strong archi
tectural sensibility, where structure and symmetry guide the visitor throug
h a series of carefully composed outdoor rooms. Formal clipped hedges defin
e the space around a classic knot garden and swimming pool area, creating a
sense of order and timeless elegance.
The garden opens into a more ex
pansive landscape, leading toward an arboretum and productive potager. Thes
e areas blend ornamental and edible planting, adding depth and variety to t
he overall experience while maintaining a cohesive design language througho
ut.
One of the defining features of Riversfield Farm is its integrati on with the surrounding environment. Carefully curated views extend across a dam and into indigenous forest beyond, reinforcing the sense of connectio n between designed garden and natural landscape.
Additional features include a tennis pavilion, a dovecote and thoughtfully placed water element s that enhance both atmosphere and movement through the garden. The result is a refined and immersive garden experience that balances structure, produ ctivity and the beauty of the surrounding Midlands countryside.
Dates
: Sat 17 & Sun 18 October
Times: 9am to 4pm
Address: Riversfi
eld Farm, D182, Balgowan
Directions: From the R102 between Granny Mou se and Michaelhouse, turn off at the D182. Cross a bridge, keep left at the fork and Riversfield Farm is on your left hand side. Turn into the main ga te after the service/office entrance.
Entrance Fee: R20p/p
