Bedford Country Gardens Returns for 23rd Year, Opening 14 Private Gardens Over Two Weekends in October–November 2026

Two weekends of private gardens, heritage, horticulture, talks, food and country hospitality in the Eastern Cape

BEDFORD, EASTERN CAPE: Now in its twenty-third year, Bedford Country Gardens returns to the historic Eastern Cape village this spring, opening 14 private gardens to visitors over two long weekends: 30 October to 1 November and 6 to 8 November 2026.

From 08:00 to 17:00 each day, visitors can explore four distinct garden routes - the Town, Mountain, Cowie Valley and Heading West Routes - showcasing the remarkable diversity of Bedford's landscape. Gardens range from heritage rose gardens within the village to expansive farm gardens with views towards the surrounding mountains.

Entry is R30 per garden per person, payable in cash at each garden.

The 2026 programme offers considerably more than garden visits. Two celebrity breakfasts at the Duke of Bedford will feature food and garden personalities Karen McEwan and James Barry Slabbert.

Born and raised on a Karoo farm outside Beaufort West, McEwan's career has been shaped by food, farming and sustainable living. She established an organic garden producing vegetables and seeds before opening a farm-style restaurant in Middelburg in 2025, where garden produce, free-range eggs and farm meat feature in Karoo-inspired dishes.

Slabbert is a multidisciplinary artist and garden designer with more than 20 years' experience creating gardens across South Africa. A trained garden designer, dedicated plantsman and lifelong rose enthusiast, he is Chairman of the Midlands Rose Society and serves on the committee of the Heritage Rose Society of South Africa. His work combines painting, sculpture and plantsmanship.

Other programme highlights include Ernst Pringle's Butterfly Talk and a palaeontology talk by Dr Viktor Radermacher, who specialises in dinosaur biology and evolution.

History enthusiasts can join Sylvia Gaiser for the Bedford Town History Walk & Talk, beginning at the Bedford Club, visiting historic churches and concluding at the Bedford Cemetery.

Visitors can also shop for flowers at Floradella Flower Farm, visit the South African Heritage Rosarium and the local Mill at Glen Avon, and browse the boutique shops along Hope Street.

Family-friendly stops include The Old Vicarage, where children can enjoy a petting zoo and play area while visitors explore the garden, browse plants and fresh vegetables for sale, and enjoy a light bite.

At Bedford DR Church, visitors can enjoy food, refreshments, colourful stalls, the Shack Bar and live music.

For gardeners and garden clubs, the open gardens offer an opportunity to see planting combinations, heritage varieties and garden design in practice, while garden owners share their knowledge and experience. The event also provides an opportunity for photographers, artists, nature lovers and visitors simply looking for a slower rural getaway to experience Bedford at one of the most beautiful times of year.

Accommodation can be booked in advance through www.bedford.co.za or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Early booking is recommended.

The full programme and garden route maps will be available at the end of September. Visitors are encouraged to follow Bedford Country Gardens on Facebook and Instagram for programme announcements, garden features and further information in the lead-up to the event.

EVENT INFORMATION

Bedford Country Gardens

Dates: 30 October–1 November & 6 -8 November 2026

Garden hours: 08:00 -17:00 daily

Accommodation: www.bedford.co.za | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedford_country_gardens/