The Gardens at Zomerlust
More than a backdrop at Zomerlust, the gardens are an integral part of any stay at our luxury boutique hotel. Wander shaded paths beneath heritage trees, pause at restored stone features, and find pockets of stillness guaranteed to make time slow down.
The gardens are an ever-changing canvas, underpinned by some beautiful specimens such as the Magnolia grandiflora (certainly one of the biggest in Paarl), a Cape chestnut, a coral tree known for its brilliant winter blooms, and the liquidambar trees along the terracing.
A popular location for events, weddings and special occasions, Paarl has many residents who have photographs of themselves posing with family and friends under the trees here, and who may remember playing in the gardens as children.
The garden’s restoration was led by Jann Kirkby, a Paarl-based landscape designer with vast experience working on heritage properties in the region. Her approach was to work with what existed rather than start from scratch. Before any planting began, a tree surgeon was brought in to assess the significant trees on the property, with a view to preservation.
The approach throughout the process was to repurpose rather than replace. During the clearing process, several original garden features were uncovered – granite benches, a stone bird bath, original sleepers and slabs – and these have been restored and repositioned throughout the garden. The main archway is an original structure (and a familiar one to many visitors over the decades). It was rebuilt along its existing line and, in summer, will once again be draped with grapevines, as it always was.
The planting palette draws on species well-suited to Paarl’s climate – heat-tolerant, wind-resistant, and largely established before the restoration began. Camellias, azaleas, wisteria, salvias, ribbon bush, and plectranthus form the core of the garden. The prettiest purple Viola odorata, as well as fragrant rosemary and pelargoniums, feature in the more sheltered areas, serving as a delightful nod to the past. The garden is designed to change across seasons, with spring and autumn both offering distinct flowering periods.
Work began in August 2024, and the garden is an ongoing work in progress with some newer plants still establishing themselves. The design will continue to develop over the coming years. The intention at Zomerlust is to ensure our garden is part of every guest's experience, so that visitors will make new memories. We warmly invite you to wander its corners and enjoy the calm and pockets of peace it brings.
