Fay Bentley's Garden [Franschhoek Open Garden 2011]

Hello. I'm one of the seven Persians whose function it is to add beauty and grace to Fay's garden.

This altogether delightful, small garden of complimentary mixed plantings, has been featured in several magazines. That Fay is truly passionate about her garden is evident in every step one takes.

This is the view that you encounter upon taking your first steps into Fay's lovely  garden. 

It is awe inspiring to discover the wealth of lovely plants she has successfully managed to provide a home for, in much the same way that it was a surprise to learn she provides a home to no fewer than seven Persian cats, most of whom have been given to her as rescues.

We met a couple quietly resting in this beautiful sanctuary.

Although Fay's was the smallest of the gardens on show, it demanded the same level of attention and appreciation as did the largest! 

To say that this garden has been created with love is, I believe, an apt testimony to what Fay has achieved so superbly on a plot that was little more than a barren wasteland when she bought her older, Franschhoek home 8 years ago.   

Fay has a gardener to help her once a week, otherwise she does it all herself. For anyone out there who has assumed Fay must be a young woman, she is well over 50 and probably in her 60s, although she wears as well as her garden. A tiny person, she resembled one of her glorious flowers in her pretty bright outfit and large floral hat.

We took a couple of wide-angled shots to give a wider perspective of this incredibly lovely garden.

Fay has the healthiest roses growing everywhere and the colours were unbelievable.

Every plant in this small garden is in peak health and there was barely a dead flower head to be found anywhere!

To say that this garden is tenderly cared for almost seems to be an understatement!

Fay has incorporated herbs and veggies in amongst the flowers and pavers in this section of her garden. Once again, everything is a picture of health and vitality

There is magic everywhere in this exquisite garden! 

Thank you, Fay Bentley, for inviting us to view your gracious garden!