Stories

As winter retreats and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands slip into the gentle warmth of spring, our gardens stir to life in a breathtaking celebration of renewal. Mist lifts from the rolling hills, the soil softens, and every path, blossom, and birdcall whispers the promise of new beginnings.

A Valley of Blossom

Perhaps the most enchanting sight of spring is the cherry blossom valley. Over 500 cherry trees cascade down the slopes, their branches bursting into clouds of pink and white.Meandering grass paths invite guests to wander beneath drifting petals, pausingfor photographs or simply to breathe in the magic. It is a fleeting, almost other worldly spectacle that draws visitors from near and far.

A Buzzing Heartbeat

At the heart of the garden lies the Bee Kraal—a living art installation encircled by cherry trees.In spring it hums with energy as thousands of honeybees forage among foxgloves, lavender, rosemary, echinacea, and Mexican fleabane. The air vibrates withlife, reminding us that these tireless pollinators sustain not only our gardens but ecosystems far beyond. Their honey, golden and organic, finds its way into the kitchens, connecting nature’s rhythm to the dining table.

Fresh to the table

The kitchen gardens also awaken with the season. Raised beds, rich with compost, begin their shift from winter’s sturdy cabbages and leeks into a bounty of tender spring herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers. This farm-to-table approach means that the very same blooms and greens that delight the eyes in the garden are served fresh on the plate at our restaurants—an edible extension of the landscape.

The Story Behind the Magic

Our garden is more than seasonal beauty—it is the story of a dream turned into living artistry. When Iain and Carol Buchan bought the land, there was no grand vision—only a desire to create something better. In time, that vision crystallised into a garden. With the help of renowned landscaper Tim Steyn, the idea took form—but it was during the most unlikely of times, the Covid-19 lockdown, that the gardens truly came to life.

With weddings cancelled and no income, they made a bold choice. Instead of sending staff home, they offered half-salaries in exchange for helping to build the garden.Waiters became stonemasons, housekeepers laid irrigation, and chefs turned their hands to concrete and compost. Together, they sculpted 26 garden “rooms,”water features, stone walls, and meadows. From this collective effort, something extraordinary emerged: a garden that is recognised by the RoyalHorticultural Society as a Partner Garden of the Year 2023, placing BrahmanHills among the most celebrated gardens in the world.

Renewal in Every Corner

Spring is the perfect season to experience this triumph. Perennials and ornamental grasses surge into fresh growth, cherry blossoms cloak the valley, and the scent of lavender and rosemary floats through the air. Visitors wander from formal parterres into wilder meadows, from shady forests into open hills, with Giant’s Castle shimmering faintly on the horizon. Spring at Brahman Hills is more than a season—it is a sensory experience. It is the rustle of grasses in the breeze, the sweetness of blossom carried on cool mist, the hum of bees at work, and the taste of fresh-picked herbs on your plate.

Captured in a Book

Now, this remarkable journey is told in print. Brahman Hills: The Making of a World-ClassGarden by acclaimed author Michele Magwood captures the full story—from vision, through the challenges of lockdown, to the garden’s international recognition.With striking photography and behind-the-scenes insight, it is both a celebration of nature and a chronicle of human determination, creativity, and care.

Available this September 2025 at Exclusive Books, Takealot, Loot, Readers Warehouse, Wordsworth Books, and Bargain Books nationwide.‍

Something beautiful is blooming—on the hills, in the pages, and in the hearts of all who visit.

Follow our socials for release announcement dates!
https://www.instagram.com/brahmanhills
https://www.facebook.com/brahmanhills

watch the video cilp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cDrvwyLyOQ

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