What’s on in September

Throw open the windows and let in the light! We’re looking forward to clivias in the colours of the sun and sipping rosé to celebrate spring.

In the garden, we’re picking the first flush of spring peas and from the farm dam we’re harvesting waterblommetjies. Along with artichokes and fava beans, these will make for scrumptious spring feasting in Babel Restaurant for the next few weeks.

Look out for the whimsical blooms of our pear and quince trees that are coming into flower as the days grow warmer. As a precaution against the coming sun, the Tango citrus trees by the Old Bullfrog also received a new layer of ‘sunscreen’ in the form of reflective white paint.

Gardener’s Tip: Painting tree trunks with white water-based paint can protect young trees from sunburn. It prevents cracking and split­ting of the tender new bark, which can make trees more susceptible to disease, insects and fungi.

On the farm, farmer Ian and his winning team have started pruning the vines, pomegra­nates and fruit trees in the lead-up to sunnier days. Our chests are bursting with pride this month as ten Babylonstoren employees have been honoured for their expertise at this year’s prestigious Western Cape Agri Prestige Awards held in Franschhoelk.

The diligent Cape honeybees of Babylonstoren – another honoured workforce on the farm – have also taken up their posts in the orchards to start pollinating the summer crops. The warmer weather offers a steady source of pollen and nectar to sustain their zeal.

Three things to taste and see on your next visit:

GREEN

Our gardeners are out early every morning to harvest asparagus. They’ve been eagerly anticipated by our chefs and are available for a few short weeks only. Swing by the Moestuin, aka the Kitchen Garden, to see the quirky spears protruding from the soil.

ORANGE

Hold your breath for a sea of gold and amber as the clivias come into full bloom around mid-September. Every year, they adorn the shaded footpath beneath the wild olive trees along the garden’s natural stream. We’re also decking the Puff Adder walkway with our exquisite potted clivia collection.

RED

Ruby red strawberries are coming into season! Look out for the wild ones flowering in the garden or pick a few ripe garden straw­berries from the berry block. You’ll also see them flourishing in the balmy Greenhouse Restaurant when you settle down for a cup of tea.

Nama-stay with us

In need of a spring awakening? Guests in our Farm Hotel can drink in the full splendour of balmy spring mornings and after­noons with a balance experience brought to you by our very own yogi, Charét Nel. Balance classes kick off at 8h00 and 16h30 daily in the White Studio overlooking the farmyard.

Splash into the farm dam afterwards or check in at the hot spa for a complete spring clean. Hotel guests have the full spa facilities at their disposal for the duration of their stay.

Rosé is …

… savouring a sip of wine in the garden. If this sounds like your idea of spring, swing by in September. It’s rosé month on the farm and we’re sharing our spring drink of choice from a pop-up tasting stand.

Our darling 2023 Mourvèdre Rosé is a firm favourite for all the right reasons. It’s good for a glass after work or for sipping by the braai this coming Heritage Day on 24 September.

Dig into Spring

Visiting Babylonstoren soon? Book one of our garden-inspired workshops for a behind-the-scenes look at farm life. These are a few of our workshops happening in September:

13 September: Grow your own seasonal vegetables

19 September: Chef’s inspiration with spring asparagus and artichokes

27 September: Encounter the colourful world of clivias and other indigenous bulbs