With the Simonsberg, Du Toitskloof and Franschhoek mountains as a backdrop, Babylonstoren's Garden is majestic. With origins dating back to 1692, the farm boasts a majestic garden at its heart, inspired by the hanging gardens of Babylon (hence the name) and also looking to the Company’s Gardens in Cape Town, which supplied passing ships to the Cape with food in the 1600s.
Set within 8 acres, the garden comprises of 15 clusters including vegetable areas, pome fruits, nuts, olives, berries, herbs, ducks, chickens, you name it. There's over 300 different types of plant grown there, all in a biologically sustainable manner (might we add), and all have edible or medicinal value. And one of the best things about it? They have a pick-and-eat policy on everything (yep).
There’s also a bakery and scent room where you can create your very own natural products.
Take a guided food walk through the gardens with an experienced local foodie and product developer who will expose you to the over 300 varieties of plants in the garden which are edible or have medicinal value. The variety on offer ranges from blood oranges to asparagus, mushrooms and persimmons, herbs, spices, as well as exotic flowers. Produce from the farm is supplied to the farm’s two restaurants: Babel and the Greenhouse.
As such the garden’s ever-changing tapestry has a rich bounty of produce and fruit is different every season. Springs hosts a vibrant showing of 7 000 clivias bloom down by the stream, where a secluded path runs in the shade of wild olives and oaks.
Enjoy a light lunch in these magnificent grounds surrounded by the pure magic of this Cape Town gem.
