The beautiful town of Barrydale at the edge of the Overberg and the Klein Karoo comes together put on a blooming good show again this year with Barrydale in Bloom! Taking place over 10 days from 7 – 16 October 2016, this annual event will be hosted at Moreson Estate in Barrydale.
Image courtesy of Barrydale in Bloom Facebook Group
The fun-filled event serves as a great way to discover Route 62 and offers something for everyone to enjoy. The popular Open Gardens Safari will take you through the charming towns of Barrydale and Smitsville and showcases 20 stunning gardens from various veggie patches to impressive farm gardens. The local farm stalls will also be pulling out all the stops with freshly baked goodies and locally sourced produce from the area. The nearby wine farms will be offering great wine tasting and food pairings while those with a softer palette can enjoy the treats that the tea room has.
The jam-packed event also includes an assortment of homemade goods for the whole family to enjoy as well as art exhibitions, craft displays, and great competitions and raffles - keep an eye out!
The 10 day program will be as follows:
Friday, 7 October
Friday evening will be the official opening of the Event.
Saturday, 8 October
Saturday kicks off the open gardens safaris, craft markets, flower displays and sales, tea garden and more. At midday there will also be a special dog trials demonstration.
Sunday, 9 October
The entertainment continues with open gardens, tea garden, flower sales and displays and lots more.
Monday, 10 October
The fun continues with a guided walk by Flora Cameron to identify and discuss the indigenous fauna and flora of the area.
Tuesday, 11 October
Well on its way, Barrydale in Bloom hosts a photography workshop and lectures by Graham Abbott on the Tuesday.
Wednesday, 12 October
The midweek fun includes a mountain bike cycle tour in the morning with Dave Simpson around Barrydale. In the afternoon the Barrydale Recreation Club will be hosting a full afternoon of bowls, tennis, jukskei and darts for the avid sportsmen and -women.
Thursday, 13 October
The event really heats up with a cookery demonstration by Beate Joubert and wine pairing by Meyer Joubert at the Joubert Tradouw Wine Estate. Delicious lunch and more wines will be served after the demonstration.
Friday, 14 October
Friday fun includes an art workshop at Nigel Hewett’s eL House and Joan Peter’s art studio. In the evening there will be snacks and drinks at Sorgvry in Steyn Street. Well-known author Leslie Howard will also be giving a talk on the history of Barrydale.
Saturday, 15 October
Saturday continues with the normal frivolity of the open gardens, craft market, tea garden, flower sales and exhibitions, art exhibitions and more. There will also be another dog trial.
Sunday, 16 October
The last day of the event offers late-comers a chance to still view the open gardens, art exhibitions, craft markets and visit the tea garden and enjoy the flower sales and exhibitions.
Book your tickets today for a bloomin’ good time and discover all that Route 62 has to offer! Remember to also book your accommodation to avoid disappointment and stop by the local places to eat to experience karoo country hospitality!
