First Published by SANBI
Throughout 2021 the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden will celebrate their 100 years of existence. Various events are planned including wine pairing, show & shine event as well as art and landscaping competitions for kids.
The Garden started in 1921 at Whitehill near Matjiesfontein and moved to the current location in 1945 due to a lack of water and the rerouting of the N1. The Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden is the second oldest national botanical garden after Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
It was established to conserve, research and display plants of the arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa. The main focus is so display the incredible diversity of succulent flora. The Succulent Karoo biome has the richest diversity of succulent in the world.
It is a conservation oriented garden, where 11 hectares are under cultivation with the remaining 143 hectares is a natural estate that is managed as a reserve. The Garden is known for its spring flower display and large succulent collections. In more recent years the garden focussed more on education and making the garden accessible for everyone.
The Karoo Garden is also involved with the establishment of Richtersveld Desert Botanical Garden at Sendelingsdrift within the Richtersveld National Park. The garden assists their nursery staff and creating interpretive signage.
Future plans include the new braille trail, expanding the children’s play area and Richtersveld section.
Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram pages more information about the events.
