As with all things South African, diversity is the name of the game when it comes to gardens. They might be situated in the glorious majesty of the Cape Floral Kingdom or among the velvety magic of vineyards. There are gardens planted in the Great Karoo desert where succulents thrive, gardens shadowed by the towering, dramatic Drakensberg mountains standing guard over the misty Midlands. And from the crisp dry as a bone chill of a wintry Johannesburg to the historic Magaliesberg mountains north-east of the City of Gold there are gardens to distract and beguile, gardens that shimmer with the hazy heat and sizzling electricity of Gauteng’s summer thunderstorms.

In short private gardens of entirely different genres are situated across the country, many of which usually remain hidden from view. In Remarkable Gardens of South Africa their beauty is revealed by Craig Fraser and Nini Bairnsfather Cloete. Featuring 20 gardens, this book of sumptuous photographs and engaging text combines history and horticulture to take its reader on a fascinating journey through some of the most magical gardens in South Africa.

Conversation with the gardens owners illuminate their histories, with the trials and tribulations, as well as the triumphs, of personal journeys shedding light on the creation of each garden. Some are carefully designed and landscaped, minutely detailed, structured and manicured, other gardens are free spirited and natural. Some are formal, some informal, and the exotic, the indigenous, water gardens, sculpture gardens, specialist gardens, parterres, herb and vegetable gardens, farm gardens and some that have simply evolved with time are all featured here.

In Remarkable Gardens of South Africa, stunning scenery, rich history and intriguing diversity of both land and culture come together with romantic, inspiring results.