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Experience The Camelia Celebration

Horticulturist Richard Arm admires the Japanese camellia japonica, Tama Electra at Camelia Celebration 2018

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By Amy Saunders | July 24, 2018 | Gardens

Vergelegen wine estate’s International Camellia Garden of Excellence in Somerset West is preparing for the annual camellia celebration weekend, which will take place on the 28th and 29th of July 2018.

 

Besides their beauty, the Camelia flower holds significant meaning in many cultures. In Japan, the camellia flower is called “Tsubaki” and symbolises the divine and in Korea, the camellia flower is a symbol of faithfulness and longevity.

 

The Vergelegen wine estate’s remarkable collection of camellias comprises about 550 cultivars, developed locally and as far afield as France, Japan and America. The celebration’s weekend of garden tours hold in store are about 1000 specimens surrounded by glossy foliage and a glorious array of red, white and pink-coloured blooms.

 

 

The camellia gardens have been planted in three main areas around the estate which include the bottom of the Great Lawn, near the Camphors signature restaurant, and below an expanse of yellowwoods accessed by a swing bridge over the Lourens River, the only South African river that is officially a Protected Natural Environment.

 

The Vergelegen wine estate extends over 3000 hectares between the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland mountains in Somerset West and has 18 diverse gardens planted on 10 hectares of the cultural heritage area.

 

With July being the prime time to view the camellias, you are guaranteed a stunning show until early spring, as the different varieties come into bloom. To find out about International Camellia Gardens of Excellence and the upcoming Camelia Celebration, visit:  http://www.vergelegen.co.za/Events_242_Camellia_Celebration_Weekend_2018

 

Images:  Supplied

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