What’s on in May?

Natural nurturing 

We’re at the peak of autumn and the farm and garden are steeped in hues of rooibos and honeybush tea. From deep golden ginger harvested alongside earthy turmeric, and the rich reds and browns of the turning vineyards, to the intense pink flesh of our Fan Retief guavas and the bright orange peels of Nules clementines slowly coming into season, the amber tones of autumn bolster us with its comfort. 

After months of abundant sunshine, the pair of giant pecans in front of the Farm Shop will soon start showing off their beautifully bronzed leaves. Dotted along their branches, the green husks surrounding the precious nuts are starting to split open and gradually brown as they dry and the nuts mature, allowing the ripe kernels to fall out. Soon farmer Ian and his team will begin harvesting this year’s crop from our orchards, transforming them into buttery bites available from the Lekker Room. 

As the mornings become crisper and we dust off our umbrellas in anticipation of the big soak, we take our cue to slow down and drink deeply from this restorative cup. We’re also partial to a bolstering brew… 

Healing herbs  

Our Healing Garden is flourishing this time of year. The medicinal garden includes a range of beautiful species, as well as trees that are considered some of the “giants” in African healing traditions. Herbs along the outer wall follow the seasons, summer to winter, and have been specially selected to heal, soothe and balance the body through the time-honoured ritual of tea.

See if you can spot some of gardening guru Constance Stuurman’s favourite immune-boosters, including African wormwood (Artemisia afra), wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus), buchu (Agathosma betulina), everlasting (Helichrysum petiolare) and rue (Ruta graveolens), or join us for a herb collection tour led by master gardener Gundula Deutschländer Tuesdays at 11:30. You’ll not only get to sip her own special herbal tea, but learn some valuable tips for brewing your own herbal infusion to help you stay strong and radiant during the sluggish winter months.  

Babylonstoren in the City of Gold 

We’re bringing a taste of the farm to Gauteng when we attend KAMERS/Makers in Sandton this May. Visit our stand to meet the team and make your own fragrant body scrub. We’ll be serving Vonkeltee in the morning and Viognier in the afternoon, do join us for a glass!  

Where: St David’s Marist College, Rivonia Road, Inanda, Sandton   

When: In the week of 1–5 May 2024, 09h00–17h00.   

La vie en rosé  

As the first cold of the season down south comes knocking, our beloved Mourvèdre Rosé is whisked off the UK to announce the arrival of summer at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. As one of only two African partner gardens of the RHS, we’re proud to represent South Africa at the event – our team is heading to London from 21 to 25 May to pour the new 2024 vintage as the official rosé of the show for the fourth consecutive year. Enjoy it there, or on home soil on an exclusive cellar tour to our underground tasting room.   

A rose by any other name 

Inspired by our unconditional love for gardening and in honour of the natural nurturers we call ‘Mom’, Babylonstoren has created a selection of spoils to celebrate all mother figures this Mother’s Day.

From a fragrant tussie-mussie studded with roses, rosemary and rose geranium and a unique selection of herbal teas for infusing and sipping together, to beautifully curated, gift-ready hampers and handcrafted butter biscuits inspired by our garden, there are armfuls of gifts to show your appreciation. 

“Brewing a pot of tea is an act of self-care squeezed into your day. It can set your intention. Part of the healing power is this ritual of holding warmth in your hand, grounding you in the present. It’s a beautiful bonding moment that draws us close to sip and share.” – Gundula Deutschländer, master gardener and herbal tea queen 

 Farm workshops in May 

3 May 2024 – Everything’s better with butter: make butter & bake buttermilk rusks  

8 May 2024 – Bank on it! Seed saving and swopping in the garden  

10 May 2024 – Introduction to Leathercraft: cleaning, cutting and braiding

15 May 2024 – Broaden your gardening horizons with indigenous trees  

16 May 2024 – Pasta from scratch with olive pesto  

17 May 2024 – Bake your own: vegetable galette, quiche & fruit tarts  

22 May 2024 – Combat garden pests, naturally  

23 May 2024 – Molten Madness! Making garden inspired chocolate.  

24 May 2024 – Distillation: make your own mampoer!  

24 May 2024 – International Bee Day (20 May)  

29 May 2024 – Spice it up! Harness the golden glow of turmeric and root spices  

30 May 2024 – Get funky with fermentation  

31 May 2024 – Bake your own: savoury breads for a festive table