Growing up with five brothers on a 1,200-hectare farm in Mooi River, KZN meant that
plant lover, Robyn Simmons, spent her youth outdoors in the veld amongst the flowers that she says, were her friends. When not in KZN many happy holidays were spent with her grandparents, who lived in Constantia. Robyn’s eyes always radiate love when she mentions her late grandmother, who was her soul mother.
Robyn has won female farmer of the year in KZN, runner-up for the National Female Farmer of the Year and Best Mentor Award bestowed on her by the Department of Agriculture. The highlight of her inspirational career was undoubtedly being featured on BBC Gardeners World.
Nowadays, Robyn lives in the riverside town of Stanford where she has a sprawling home which is embraced by a garden that can only be described as a Monet painting come to life. Her home and garden are a direct reflection of her life’s philosophy and she generously shares her magical space alongside the Kleinrivier with guests. Tranquility Cottage is a self-catering accommodation option that awaits those guests who desire peace, tranquility and a time spent without technology. A privately set workshop area on her property is also available for classes, courses and seminars by prior arrangement.
Furthermore, other than her holistic landscaping company, The Barefoot Connection, Robyn offers A Cure for Fynbos Blindness. This unique experience comes in the form of guided adventures throughout the Cape Floral Kingdom that promise to open explorer’s eyes to the joy and beauty of endemic fynbos.
The Barefoot Connection is a landscaping company that specializes in creating indigenous gardens with a difference. After a personalised consultation, your journey of botanical expression begins. With over 18 years of experience, this dynamic lady knows how to design a garden that is not only a visual pleasure but one that will tickle all your senses. Her hands-on attitude to gardening means that Robyn Simmons encourages her clients to learn the secrets of a successful garden by getting their gardening gloves on. Existing gardeners will be trained to maintain the garden so that it reaches its full potential.
Outdoor living gardens
Create an extension to your living area with clever planning. Enjoy a garden or courtyard that can be a direct part of your daily living.
Water-wise gardens
Enjoy a garden that grows with cost-saving efficiency and respect for natural resources.
Indigenous gardens
Delight in the pleasure of surrounding yourself with plants and trees indigenous to the area you live in.
Decorative gardens
Visual eye candy in the form of a decorative garden that includes colour, pattern and scent, synchronized to turn your garden into a living watercolour.
Foodie gardens
Provide food on the table by growing organic fruit, vegetables and herbs without using pesticides. Learn how to create your own healthy compost heap that will nourish your garden without you having to spend a cent.
