If you thought that the regal, sandstone interior of St Andrews Retreat was the main attraction, well, you’re only half right because the gardens are just as spectacular. The foothills of Giant’s Castle and surrounding emerald farmlands provide a painterly backdrop for the relatively new garden. Two century-old oaks and deodars sit regally amongst the relatively new plantings of dogwoods, crab apples and other valued trees rescued from the basin of the nearby Spring Grove Dam. Clipped hedges encompass the lush space and extend into the herb-vegetable garden offering visual delight even in the dormant winter months.
Paul and Jen Hindle- the new custodians of this picturesque landmark – enlisted the help of landscaper Gary Cox to design the garden itself. The theme? A trimmed, charming and blooming garden to match the appeal of the quaint stone chapel which rose out of the almost barren landscape more than a century ago. Jen wanted to allow guests the opportunity to “pick” their own for the pot when staying at the retreat and took great delight in designing the potage’s garden – espaliered plum trees – a growing windbreak and clipped hedge framework which offers the herbs and perennial vegetables some protection during the cold winter month.
Another prominent feature of the church grounds is the Labyrinth. Modelled after the arrangement found in Chartres Cathedral in France, Mondo grass outlines the concentric circular pattern with four quadrants that lead to the centre. The labyrinth structure can be likened to the Christian pilgrimage to the Holy City of Jerusalem and symbolizes becoming whole through God at the geometrically perfect circle in the midpoint.
On Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of October, St Andrews is one of the featured gardens in the Harcourts Open Midlands Garden initiative. Now look, not everyone has the same passion for gardening as our Jen, but the garden show is the perfect opportunity to get the whole family out of the house for a day. Pack a picnic, lay out your blanket and appreciate the space.
If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, Saturday begs the attention of Music Voyage which is the charity chosen by St Andrew’s for the receipt of funds raised by the open garden. “Sowing seeds of music” – Music Voyage focuses on teaching musical instruments to children living on farms and in informal settlements in the KZN Midlands.
Come and recline in your garden chair and sip on your G&T whilst listening to the smooth sound of the saxophone, the upbeat drum of the marimba and brass bands and, even the choir may make an appearance. Pop in, support the community by enjoying some tea and scones at the very least – and if you are curious about how an interior of a church can be fashioned into a warm, embracing retreat, this is your chance.
Hannah George, 2018