Page 18 - Landscape SA 105

FEATURE

NEW GARDENING TALENT AT

VERGELEGEN WINE ESTATE

Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West boasts 18 magnificent gardens, ranging
from an indigenous agapanthus garden with 14000 plants, to the only International
Camellia Garden of Excellence in Africa.

ending to this magnificent estate, Courtney Abbott, 29, worked as a horse-
which includes numerous historic riding instructor and spent years in
Ttrees, requires hands on expertise television broadcasting before an interest
and to this end, the estate has brought in vegetable gardening led her to study
three junior horticulturists on board for a National Diploma in Horticulture at
- Scott Mapondo, Tristan Kruger and CPUT. “I am therefore quite new to the
Courtney Abbott. world of horticulture and all my practical
experience has been gained here at
Scott, 33, studied for his National Vergelegen over the last year, first as an
Diploma in Horticulture at the Cape in-service student in 2020, and in 2021 as
Peninsula University of Technology a junior horticulturalist,” she says.
(CPUT), and has built up experience
in retail, landscaping, and prior work New horticultural projects are constantly
at a wine estate. He is responsible for introduced at Vergelegen, and Courtney
daily garden checks and assisting with considers herself lucky to be involved
Vergelegen’s new 54-hectare arboretum. in these, as they provide interesting
This vast botanical garden devoted to challenges and opportunities to learn. Vergelegen junior horticulturists Tristan
trees is being developed in a phased Kruger and Courtney Abbott in the historic
approach over ten years. Some 7500 trees “My favourite thing about working at Octagonal Garden, with the restored
Vergelegen homestead in the background.
will be planted to create a peaceful green Vergelegen, however, is being able to
sanctuary. work at an estate of such grandeur that
boasts such botanical diversity. I have new members to the hard-working
Tristan, 22, also holds a National encountered and learnt about plants that horticultural team. “Vergelegen is a
Diploma in Horticulture from CPUT I'm not sure I would get the opportunity national treasure, and its gardens are a
and enjoys working with the various to work with in many other places, from key component of its attractions. We
traditional ornamental plants in the the unique Lourensford Alluvium Fynbos, want this beautiful 321-year-old estate to
historic Octagonal Garden, where he to old climbing peace roses that are no not only be a must-see destination for our
wants people to feel as if they have been longer sold. The sense of history is very guests, but also to be a place of learning
transported to an old-fashioned garden real when one steps through the gates.” for the next generation of gardeners.
in the middle of England. Additionally, his There’s no better place for budding
passion lies in working with and growing Wayne Coetzer, MD of Vergelegen, horticulturists to grow their skills than in
various Fynbos species and particularly says he is delighted to welcome the these magnificent surroundings.” LSA
members of the family Iridaceae. “My
aim is to bring the mountain and nature
reserve down to the people,” he explains.

Vergelegen junior horticulturist Scott Mpondo Vergelegen’s gardens offer a classroom for young horticulturists to learn their craft.
with a planting plan.

16 Landscape SA • Issue 105 2021