One of the most peaceful places along the Garden Route is to be found in Herold’s Bay where a beautiful garden filled with birdsong, flowers, milkwood trees and the aromatic scent of coastal fynbos boasts a new labyrinth. Labyrinths have been around for many centuries and afford the walker an opportunity to meditate, pray or merely relax and enjoy the outdoor experience.
Follow Rooidraai Road, up the hill from the Herold’s Bay beach to the circle and the Rus-n-Bietjie Hilltop Garden. This garden sprouted its roots 20 years ago. It is a community-run project aimed at conserving the indigenous flora of the area and creating job opportunities. The development of the garden is sponsored by donations from residents, commerce and industry of George, the Herold’s Bay Ratepayers Association, Dutton’s Cove Village and the George Municipality. A small team of waterwise garden enthusiasts known as “Friends of the Herold’s Bay Gardens” keep Rus-n-Bietjie and the Bride’s Garden at the beach, opposite the tidal pool, blooming beautifully.
A family of owls guards the quaint book exchange in a wendy hut at Rus-n-Bietjie. Follow the meandering path through the clivias, past the lilypond to the labyrinth – a dream-child of project co-ordinators, Barbara and Pieter Nouwens – that is set to enthral young and old with its artistic mosaic centrepiece.
A sponsor bench was erected and inscribed with the name of every donor or his company – another work of art to be admired.
