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Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West, renowned for its magnificent gardens and commitment to sustainability, welcomed 21 members of the renowned American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) on 11 September.

ASBA is the principal United States society for those who practice and appreciate contemporary botanical art. Since its founding in 1994, ASBA has grown to nearly 2000 individual members in 39 countries and more than 40 institutional members, reflecting the global reach and appeal of botanical illustration.

The ASBA visitors to Vergelegen hail from the United States, Australia, Canda, the Netherlands and Great Britain. The visit formed part of a botanical safari in the Cape floral region from 6-17 September, led by Marion Ellis of Cape Insights special interest tours.

Vergelegen horticultural managers Richard Arm and Chris Randlehoff, and student intern Aimée Nickless, started the tour in the Sundial Garden, where spring-flowering star jasmine, sweetpeas, citrus blossoms and lavender scented the air.

More highlights included the historic Octagonal Garden, Reflections Garden, East Garden, giant camphor trees in front of the homestead – declared national monuments in 1942 – and the only International Camellia Garden of Excellence in Africa.

"It was such a pleasure to share Vergelegen’s gardens with the ASBA members,” said Arm. “Their eye for detail and passion for plants made the visit especially rewarding for us, too. We’d be delighted to welcome more botanical artists to Vergelegen.”