@ Harold Porter National Botanical Garden

Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop at the Harold Porter Botanical Garden in Betty’s Bay is an initiative of the Kogelberg branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa. With a wide selection of new books in most categories, you can find everything from plant identification books and cookery books by Jan Braai to entertaining kiddies publications for the little ones! Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop also sells used books and welcomes book donations. Making this a shopping destination like no other, Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop has something for the whole family, and you will find unique gift ideas amongst gardening goodies, handmade jewellery, clothing, home decor, stationery and pantry treats. Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop is close to The Garden Restaurant where you can enjoy an aromatic cup of coffee, a light snack, lunch or a delicious takeaway. One of the key efforts supported by the Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop is the clearing of alien invasive plants from the region’s natural habitats, and those interested are invited to join its hacking group.

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About
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About

The Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop is one of only two shops of its kind, in South Africa, dedicated to supporting the conservation of the unique fynbos in the Kogelberg region. 

Every cent generated in the shop goes directly toward preserving this precious ecosystem, funding essential equipment for the conservation team, and ensuring that the indigenous flora remains true to the area.

In addition to conservation efforts, the shop is committed to raising awareness and educating visitors about the importance of protecting the fynbos. 

While CapeNature handles hiking trails, Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop is your go-to destination for those passionate about supporting local conservation.

New Books

New Books

Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop has a range of new books in various categories.

Fauna & Flora
  • General Fauna & Flora: Overview of local wildlife and plant life
  • Fynbos and Wild Flowers: Focused on the unique plant species in the fynbos biome
Hiking Trails
  • Hiking Trails: Guides and descriptions of various local hiking paths and trails
Geology
  • Geology: Books that cover the geological features and formations in the area
Local Authors (Non-Fiction)
  • Local Non-Fiction Authors: Works by local authors covering a range of non-fiction topics
Herbal & Medicinal Books
  • Herbal Medicine: Focused on the uses of herbs for health benefits and remedies
  • Medicinal Plants: Books detailing specific plants and their medicinal properties
Cookery
  • General Cookery: Includes various celebrity chefs (including Jan Braai)
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Children’s Section

Children’s Section

Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop has a children’s section with books and educational toys.

Children’s Categories
  • Poetry (includes works by Antjie Krog) 
  • Cooking for Kids
  • Introduction to Nature
  • Geology
  • Hiking
  • Puzzles
  • Second-hand Storybooks
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Second-Hand Books

Second-Hand Books

Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop has a range of new books in various categories and book donations are greatly appreciated.

Categories
  • Fiction
  • Non-fiction
  • Cookery
  • Fauna & Flora
  • Kids
Crafts & Gifts

Crafts & Gifts

Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop has a wide selection of crafts and gifts for the whole family.

Gardening & Nature
  • Bonsai Starter Kits
  • 6-packs of Plant Packets (starter kits)
  • Indigenous Bulbs & Seeds
Jewellery
  • Handmade
  • Fynbos
  • Keychains
Fashion Accessories
  • T-Shirts
  • Ponchos
  • Silk Scarves
  • Hats
  • Straw Hats
  • Socks
  • Tote Bags
Home Decor
  • Crockery
  • Silvan Products (tea towels, runners, napkins)
  • Botanical Art
  • Posters
  • Scatter Cushion Covers
Mugs & Tumblers
  • Insulated Travel Mugs
  • Tumblers (fynbos themed)
  • Coffee Mugs
Candles
  • Handmade
Toiletries
  • Soap
  • Selah Soap & Soap Dish
  • Cosmetics (basic range)
Stationery
  • Pencil Bags (shweshwe)
  • Gift Bags
  • Gift Wrap
  • Cards
Publications
  • Maps
  • Natural History Magazines
Pantry
  • Olive Oils
  • Fynbos Spices
  • Fynbos Herbs
  • Fynbos Teas
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Restaurant

Restaurant

  • Opening Hours: same as Harold Porter Botanical Garden

The Garden Restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating, giving guests a lovely view of the formal garden and the water feature, with the mountains in the background. 

Visitors can enjoy tasty teatime treats, light meals, and lunch in a friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It's a place where everyone is welcome!

Read more about The Garden Restaurant here.

Harold Porter National Botanical Garden

Harold Porter National Botanical Garden

Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop is inside the grounds of The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden.

The garden spans almost 200 hectares of land within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Besides providing a monitored conservation project, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Enjoy magnificent views of the Kogelberg Mountains and experience its stunning gorges, waterfalls, and diverse indigenous plant and animal life. The garden’s hiking trails are designed to accommodate all fitness levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Among these trails is a wheelchair-friendly option, making it accessible for all visitors to experience the garden's stunning landscapes. 

Harold Porter National Botanical Garden has amenities that include a restaurant, bookshop, plant nursery and venue hire facilities. 

Please note: only guide and service dogs are permitted at the Parkrun event and within Harold Porter National Botanical Garden. Thank you for your understanding and support!

Read more about The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden here.

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Hacking Groups

Hacking Groups

The Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop is the heartbeat of the Kogelberg branch of the Botanical Society of South Africa. 

The group plays a vital role in conserving the Kogelberg Biosphere. 

One of the shop's key initiatives is 'hacking,' which focuses on clearing invasive alien plants from the region's natural habitats.

Alien invasive plants, which do not naturally occur in South Africa, spread rapidly and threaten the delicate fynbos ecosystem. These plants displace indigenous species and pose a significant fire risk. After fires, invasive seedlings quickly take root, outcompeting the native fynbos and compromising the recovery of the region’s biodiversity.

Local volunteers, known as "Hardcore Hackers," regularly meet to hand-pull seedlings and cut down larger alien trees. Priority areas include public open spaces, road verges, natural corridors, and wetlands, ensuring fynbos can flourish in its natural environment.

Problematic Invasive Plant Species
  • Rooikrans
  • Port Jackson
  • Black Wattle
  • Long-leaved Wattle
  • Australian Myrtle
  • New Zealand Christmas Tree
  • Pine Species
  • Spider Gum

Contact Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop for more information about alien vegetation! 

Reviews

Reviews

“Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop has a a great selection of books.”  Alex Krentsel
“The flower display at Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop is one of the most beautiful you ever will see. The staff is also friendly.”  Du-Aine Dunston
“The Harold Porter Book and Craft Shop is a delightful getaway.”  Rudy Neuhoff

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