Barrydale In Bloom, an Open Garden Safari now in its 10th successful year, was initiated by Barrydale resident, Barbara in 2013.
Barrydale was the first town to hold such an event, followed by Durban in KZN in 2017. It is the ONLY one in South Africa to include their informal settlement, Smitsville, in the Open Garden walks.
Each year a new charity or beneficiary is appointed who receive funds raised by the various activities of Bloom. This year the recipient is K.A.P.S, the Karoo Animal Protection Society.
Some of the charities that have previously benefitted from the event includes:
* The Barrydale High School Kitchen Garden Project.
* The Swellendam Library, Barrydale branch.
* The Overberg Fire Service.
* Barrydale Health Clinic Gardens.
* The Barrydale Hospice.
* 3 main events make up Bloom each year –
* An Open Gardens Safari.
* A Craft Fair and
* A Raffle. These mentioned events contribute towards the charity which Bloom supports.
* This year’s raffle has a Grand prize of a 2 night stay for 2 adults at either Gondwana Family Lodge or Tilney Manor at San Bona Wildlife Reserve, just outside Barrydale. Included are 2 daily nature drives, guided wilderness walks, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, on-drive beverages, VAT, conservation and tourism levies. A great prize! Tickets will be available at various Barrydale outlets and online on barrydaleinbloom.com
* Social Media outreach. The established Bloom Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites will be uploading and posting news content. This year we are adding Tik Tok to the group. Specifically to entice a younger audience with the aim of peaking their interest in gardening and encouraging a visit to Barrydale for the weekend’s planned festivities.
* Garden participating key rings. Upcycled keepsakes designed from discarded bottle tops will allow visitors to traverse the various gardens and indicate they have purchased a Garden Map from various Barrydale outlets. The key chains will be designed and manufactured by Barrydale artist Sean Daniel.
* Established upcycled painted flower numbers will indicate which gardens are open and will be visible outside of each property.
ALSO READ: Blooming Veggies in Barrydale
BARRYDALE IN BLOOM 2022 OBJECTIVES
* To boost tourism for Barrydale – the visitors attending the Barrydale In Bloom weekend will generate income for many businesses. Restaurants, Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfast Accommodations,
Self Catering Houses and Karoo Art Hotel will all enjoy an increase in revenue. Along with other businesses such as the Caltex Fuel Stop, OK Foods, Bookshops, Antique and Gift Shops, Grocery Stores.
* Importantly, the environment is a large concern and the negative effect we are impacting upon it. Barrydale In Bloom is ostensibly a gardening, horticultural, botanical and nature event. We hope this event will spark an interest in gardening and self sufficiency.
* To show Visitors coming to our region how wonderful Barrydale and Smitsville residents are. Gardening crosses all divides and brings people together with a common cause and interest, it unites a community. It has a history of showcasing many diverse gardens in Smitsville, displaying their finest blooms and foliages. Barrydale In Bloom will show how beautiful our town is. We are proud to have 33 participating gardens this year!
* Lastly, to be able to contribute to this year’s beneficiary – K.A.P.S (the Karoo Animal Protection Society). A very important organisation in our region. The dedicated staff rescue and rehabilitate abused and neglected animals. Donkeys, various bird species, cats and dogs all receive vital care and attention.
WEEKEND EVENTS
* FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER
Barrydale In Bloom launch. Karoo Art Hotel. A fun Halloween Party is scheduled in the Hotel Garden and grounds.
MORE INFO HERE —> Click here
* SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER. 08:00 – 09:30
Sniff The Flowers – Walk and Talk.
Presented by Flora Cameron & Meyer Joubert.
* SATURDAY and SUNDAY 29/30 OCTOBER
KAROO DAISY CRAFT FAIR. All Day.
Various Stalls selling Garden-themed Homebaked Goods and Crafts.
* 10:00 – 10:30
AWARD WINNING ORCHID TALK. Presented by Doug Fitzgerald.
Map room – Karoo Art Hotel.
* 11:00
YAMU TEA GARDENS @ KAROOLKIE.
Guided walk tour – Medicinal Herbs and Teas. Presented by Yvette Anderson.
* 16:00. TERRY DE VRIES.
KAMALA HOUSE KAROO RETREAT. Labyrinth Guided Walk. CNR Bain/Hellier.
* SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER
10:00 – 12:00. Garden High Tea with Hats. Hosted by Karoo Art Hotel.
Also Read: Blommetoer Begin by Lentelus
Contact: RICHARD PANAINO/ TERRY DE VRIES.
barrydaleinbloom@gmail.com
barrydaleinbloom.com
*Pictures by Herbert Dark
