72 SEPTEMBER 2019 | gardenandhome.co.za
than imaginable. The Braemar garden has myriad little
corners where something different is happening, and the
element of surprise is enchanting.
Ann’s parents established the garden and built many of the
structures, including the stone walls. “They planted most of
the trees and flowering shrubs, and over the years, we altered
a few beds, added perennials and removed or pruned some
of the trees, but the layout is essentially the same,” she says.
“We’ve learnt to plant only what the duiker won’t eat, but
we’re happy to live in harmony with them! We try to garden
with plants that are happy to live there.” The prolific birdlife
is proof of the symbiotic relationship fostered by the Hayhoes,
with plants often left to go to seed for that sole purpose.
As farmers, the Hayhoes’ empathy with the soil and the
seasons is a given, and the acidic soil and Nottingham Road
climate is perfect for the many azaleas that burst into flower in
spring: “The azalea season is short, but they’re simply gorgeous
when in bloom,” enthuses Ann. “The hydrangeas also do well,
and they’re a picture in summer.”
Ann plants flowers, especially large yellow verbascum, for
the bees. Gavin’s the beekeeper and his retirement freed him
up to become more involved with the garden. His four THISPAGE,FROMTOPTOBOTTOM: Much of the garden is
deliberately unstructured yet, created with intent, the result has
animmenselypleasingsymmetry,withasensethere’salways
somethingbeyond. Archways and paths, almost hidden by
multicoloured foliage and mixed flowers, lead from one sector
of the garden to another.