Arderne Gardens — Attraction in Cape Town Ward 59

I can't imagine why I have never written a review for this lovely garden before but I am now. This well-managed, gift of a garden in suburbia, is one of the most delightful public gardens to visit in Cape Town and beyond. Established in 1845 by timber merchant and carpenter, Ralph Henry Arderne, when he acquired some land from the Stellenberg Farm. Arderne went about laying out and cultivating his garden in front of his home 'The Hill' (since demolished), and carefully acquiring special trees from every corner of the globe, which he knew would do well in his garden. His son, Henry Matthew Arderne, took over and cared for the garden later, but when he died, the garden was almost lost to us as the land was to be sold for development by the next owner. Fortunately the City's Director of Parks, Mr. A. W. van den Houten, recognised the value of the garden and persuaded the City to buy the most important parts of the garden before it was all subdivided and sold. Today we have 6 champion trees which are well-cared for and protected and a new and exciting developments all the time. Currently they ponds have been restored, with new fencing and waterplants, and the garden is well-tended and always a pleasure to visit. It is also a safe place to meditate, contemplate, or just sit in peace and admire the landscape. Weekends are sometimes very busy as it's a popular venue for wedding photographs and parties, but remember, no alcohol allowed on...

This is truly one of Cape Towns' most rarest gems that most people, locals and visitors alike, are totally unaware of.

I, myself, have heard of Arderne Gardens, even walk and drive past it at least twice weekly, but never went inside to have a look myself, presuming, incorrectly, that it would be a smaller version of Company Gardens in Cape Town City but how wrong was I.

This is the most unique, one of a kind, garden / park I have ever seen and I have traveled to most parts of Europe, the States and elsewhere.

The Ardene family gathered tree seedlings from various countries all over the world over 100 years ago and today walking in Arderne Gardens makes one feel like one is walking a Jurassic Park movie set or one may feel that one has been transported back into time.

Its stunning, surreal, majestic, mythical, and magical all in one. If you have never been you should make it a priority on your next trip out or if you have been in the past, the place has gone through major renovation, and looks amazing according to those locals who know the park well.

Well done to the local council and all those involved for fixing a priceless understated landmark for...

A lovely sunny, mid morning spent at Arderne Gardens. Located on Main Road Claremont, its been there for as long as I can remember. Always a pleasant retreat, whether for a quick break, a long leisure sit on one of the benches in the park or relaxing on the well kept, neat lawns with a good read, having a snack, taking a walk through the paths leading to different areas of the gardens and just admiring and contemplating the age of the fascinating trees with their huge tree trunks and colossal roots. With the mountain in the background, one can almost forget you're in the middle of a very busy area, with the nearby Cavendish Shopping Mall, an entire main road with a host of shops, eateries and so much more.

Arderne gardens have always been a favourite of many a bridal partie's photographic shoots. It was a while since I'd been there last but thoroughly enjoyed...