Emmarentia - Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Beautiful Autumn Colours at Emmarentia Dam

Most people know the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens as ‘Emmarentia’ and think of it more as a Park than a Botanical Gardens. I certainly was not aware of the behind the scenes operations of this green space – there are greenhouses, a herbarium, administration offices, and a compost site all hidden from view to the average user.

Recreation

 Emmarentia is a beautiful, well loved park in the heart of Johannesburg. You will find people of every age and culture enjoying this green space  – runners, cyclists, families with kids riding bikes or feeding the ducks (actually Egyptian Geese but most people call them ducks), young adults picnicking, yoga on boards on the dam, people searching for Pokemon, bridal parties taking photos in the rose gardens, dog walkers, Frisbee or volleyball players, market goers (The Linden Market is held here once a quarter), and music lovers (the park is also a venue for several concerts including Joburg Day).

Egyptian Geese on Emmarentia Dam

Maintenance 

Lindelani Nwedo from Johannesburg City Parks, in charge of operations and maintenance at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, explained that the Park has 14 full time employees (I thought it would have been much more!) but makes use of co-operatives such as Jozi at Work together with EPWP for additional manpower to tackle the enormous task of maintaining the 81 hectare park. There are six shed houses that contain mother plants so that all plants in the Gardens can be replaced should they be lost due to fire, flood or drought. The nurserymen who grow the plants in the sheds have green fingers and although the plants are not for sale to the public they are often donated to schools or used for environmental education. Rare or special plants are also exhibited at certain show days such as the Succulent, Horticultural or Bonsai Societies Shows.

Alien invasive control is an important part of the Park’s maintenance programme although the task is often too great for the maintenance team. The Emmarentia Residents Association provides assistance where possible and on 20 October 2018 almost 100 people were involved in removing poisoned invasive alien plants, clearing a clogged dam and cleaning up litter.

Succulents housed in Greenhouses - viewing by prior arrangement with JHB City Parks

Orchids in Greenhouse

History

I was interested to learn more about the Park and its surrounding suburb’s history from a book written by Lucille Davie called “A Journey through Johannesburg’s Parks, Cemeteries and Zoo”, published by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo. Here are some insights from the book: “The botanical garden was originally part of the large farm, Braamfontein, named after the Spruit running through the area. The farm belonged to Gerrit Bezuidenhout, one of the first Boer farmers in the area, who received the title deeds in 1858. The farm was sub-divided several times and the Eastern part bought for £4500 by Lourens Geldenhuys in 1886, the year the main gold reef was discovered in Johannesburg. Lourens had three sons, namely Frans, Dirk and Louw. Frans and Louw divided the farm in two, the division running along the present day Orange Road. The each built themselves a farmhouse, both of which still exist, while Dirk went farming at Ermelo. Frans married Judith Grobbelaar and built what is now Marks Park Sports Clubhouse. She gives her name to Judith Road in Emmarentia, while Louw’s wife, Emmarentia Botha, gave her name to the suburb. Over the years Louw sold portions of his farm, which became the suburbs of Melville, Richmond, Braamfontein, Parkview, Forest Town, Westdene, Parkhurst and Parktown. Louw gave to the community in several ways: he founded the Langlaagte Kindertehuis for Boer War orphans in 1902 (now the Abraham Kriel Maria Kloppers Kinderhuis), founded the Braamfontein Government School (present day Louw Geldenhuys School) allowed Boers returning from the was to settle on his land paying some of their profits to him in exchange for land, and he was also actively involved in politics.

The Dabulamanzi Canoe Club is situated on the opposite side of Emmarentia Dam. The clubhouse was built in 2004 and has an active membership from recreational paddlers to world champions. The club has a development programme in the form of the Soweto Canoe Recreation Club which is beautifully captured in the film “Beyond the River”.

Sunset over Emmarentia Dam

 The Park consists of some 8000 trees, large lawn areas and a network of pathways that connect the various themed spaces. There is a Shakespeare Garden containing herbs referred to by Shakespeare in his plays; the Chapel Garden where bridal couples can take their vows; the Western Walk; the Herb Garden filled with traditional culinary  herbs as well as African medicinal herbs; the Succulent Garden that was established in 2006 and contains Aloes, Cactuses and Pelargoniums; and the firm favourite by hundreds of visitors every weekend - the Rose Garden - laid out in 1964 and planted with over 3000 roses in several terraces.

Large Lawn Areas at Emmarentia

Terraced Rose Garden

Certainly this Park has so much to offer and gives one a break from busy city life and is dearly loved by all those that frequent it. I know my daughters particularly love the soft serve that can be bought at the kiosk and enjoyed in the children’s play area.

More Information:

Davie, L. (2014) “A Journey through Johannesburg’s Parks, Cemeteries and Zoo”, published by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo

 JHB City Parks Link - http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/2015-04-29-12-30-27/find-a-park-contents-64?task=view&id=123

 Emmarentia Residents Association - http://era.org.za/

Dabulamanzi Canoe Club - http://dabulamanzi.co.za/

The Linden Market - https://thelindenmarket.com/

Joburg Day - http://www.947.co.za/joburgday/

Lowveld Botanical Gardens

Water Lilies on a Pond at the Lowveld Botanical Gardens

The Lowveld Botanical Gardens, located at the confluence of the Nel and Crocodile Rivers in Mbombela (previously Nelspruit) Mpumalanga, has a special place in my heart. I grew up in Nelspruit and the indigenous trees and shrubs of the bushveld evokes a comforting nostalgia. When I think of the Lowveld images of Paperbarks, Euphorbias, Aloes, Kiaat and Lowveld Chestnut trees (to name a few) come to mind. My love for nature and indigenous plants has grown as a direct result of the influence of growing up surrounded by the natural beauty the Lowveld. I guess this was one of the reasons I chose to have my wedding photographs taken in the Botanical Gardens and fondly remember walking along the draw bridge to the restaurant where the reception was held.

Nelspruit Waterfall / Cascades

The Lowveld Botanical Gardens boasts a beautiful display of inviting green spaces, impressive trees and amazing cycads. The Garden hosts concerts, wild flower shows, art shows, and plant sales while weddings, baby showers and other events can be celebrated at the Red Leaf Fig Tea Garden. A children’s playground provides opportunities for families to relax and the kids to have fun with an added educational element.

Playground at the Lowveld Botanical Gardens, near the Tea Garden

Red Leaf Fig Tea Garden

The Garden is home to the largest man-made African Rainforest in an area of approximately 5 hectares along the Crocodile River. It is said to have the largest collection of South African cycads (and fig trees), more than 700 tree species and more than 3000 plant species in cultivation.

Large areas of Lawn with Cycads and Trees

 “Genesis of a Garden, Lowveld Botanical Garden 1969-1981” is a book written by Elise Buitendag who was involved from the inception of the gardens and worked there during it’s first twelve years of establishment. The beautiful coffee table book includes historical information, photographs, personal memoirs and stunning botanical artworks by the author.

Elise Buitendag is a qualified botanist and acknowledged as one of South Africa’s professional botanical artists having authored and illustrated several publications. Her paintings are mainly inspired by the wonder of plants, as encountered daily in the Lowveld bush and in her garden.

“The area donated by both the town council and HL Hall & Sons had a dramatic beauty, with its roaring cascades and rugged landscape, but was considered by many as unsuitable, primarily because of the Y-shaped junction of the Crocodile and Nels River which would divide the garden into three distinct sections. To create a garden in such a diverse and fragmented terrain seemed a very ambitious undertaking.” (Page 9)

“Another tree, the huge fever-tree at the lapa has gained monumental stature and has become an icon in the garden. This tree was grown from seed sown in 1973. I remember how the lanky little seedling grew so rapidly that it couldn’t support itself and had to be tied to a pole to keep it upright. Today everyone who loves the Garden takes pleasure in this beautiful lemon-yellow to lime-green giant.” (Page 161)

Buitendag’s book is a wonderful depiction of the Garden’s history and looks at the Place, the Plants and the People. The beautiful artworks create a visual experience for the reader that strongly evokes the sense of place that this special garden holds.

Elise Buitendag Artwork in her Book “Genesis of a Garden”

For more information please visit: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/lowveld/

Bordeaux South Park

Entrances are highlighted by Arches and Aloes, welcoming you into the Park

Tucked away in the boomed off suburb of Bordeaux South (the suburb is roughly located between Hurlingham and Blairgowrie in Randburg) in Johannesburg, lies a beautiful community park. The Park is well maintained and cared for through the efforts of the active residents association (BSRA- http://www.bsra.co.za/) who have invested a fair amount of money into upgrading the Park and this has really made such a difference.

A quote from the Bordeaux South Residents Association website:

“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” George Bernard Shaw

Clear Pathways, Seating, Litter Bins all contribute to making this an enjoyable park

Bike Track with Traffic Lights for Kids

The Park is well used by families because of the extensive play equipment making this an amazing playground for kids of all ages. There are shady spots for picnics, several seating options, a volleyball court, a bike track with miniature traffic lights, and even a small free community library that residents donate books to.

Free Community Library

New jungle gyms for smaller tots have recently been installed with rubber matting surfaces.

Signage indicates the appropriate ages for the play equipment

Water Bowls for Dogs visiting the Park

The Bordeaux South Residents Association is making a difference at improving their suburb

Such a lovely park to visit if you have kids. Take Note that there are no ablution facilities at the Park.

Delta Park

Delta Park is one of my favourite outdoor spaces in Johannesburg and I regularly (almost weekly) go there to walk my dogs, picnic with friends, run or let my daughter play on the jungle gyms. It really is a wonderful, slightly wild space to visit to take a breather from city life. It is also a park that you can visit in every season and I always enjoy seeing the beautiful changes that take place throughout the year. The Autumn colours are particularly striking with a stunning display of golds, yellows, oranges and reds. This is preceded by an explosion of Cosmos flowers in the area where the veldgrass is left to grow tall. Even Winter can be striking with bare branches reflecting in the cool waters of the lakes. See images below taken on a cold and frosty Winter's morning:

Top Dam

Middle Dam

Dogs love running free in the wide open spaces

The park is situated between Craighall Park, Victory Park and Blairgowrie in Johannesburg. It is 104 hectares and consists of mostly grassland and woodland with abundant birdlife which can be viewed from two bird hides. The park includes the fenced off Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary as well as the Delta Environmental Centre which offers environmental programmes to children and also has an auditorium and function room for hire. For a detailed history of the park and how it evolved from a sewerage works to the green space it is today see Jane Carruthers article on the Delta Environmental Centre website.

The Park is very well used, especially on weekends, and is frequented by joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, families that picnic or have birthday parties and is also often used as a location for photo shoots.

Sensitivity Map by Launch Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning - www.launchlandarch.co.za

Poplar Walkway that borders the Delta Park School

This field is stunning when the Cosmos are in flower

Graffiti in a few selected areas, like this old reservoir, give character and make a great backdrop for photo shoots

Children's Play Area

A walk around the perimeter of the park will take roughly an hour and is about 5km. This is also the route used by Park Run every Saturday where often up to 2000 participants enjoy some exercise. When the serious runners have left you will find many dog walkers often with their dogs off their leads. A riding stable nearby offers lessons and rides through the park so it is not uncommon to see horses being taken on a slow trot through the park. There are also Girl and Boy Scouts bordering the park.

Party on the Grass next to the Top Dam

Pathway along Top Dam where houses have opened up views onto the Park

I have two parts of the park that I particularly love: the Top Dam where the adjacent lawn and big trees make it a very tranquil and inviting space and you will often see groups of people gathering here. The other area is the walk along the Braamfontein Spruit. The Spruit connects Emmarentia Park in the South and runs all the way through the suburbs to Rivonia in the North. This green belt has enormous potential as a circulation route for pedestrians and cyclists. It is already well used by cyclists but the paths are very informal (a single dirt track mostly used by mountain bikers) and certain areas are inhabited by vagrants which creates a feeling of unease. It would be wonderful to see what this park could become if the City of Joburg had the budget to apply interventions. It could become a world class inner city park that allows for sport and recreation, creates linkages, creates work opportunities, brings nature back, promotes tourism, encourages healthier lifestyles and gives Johannesburg a positive and connecting network of green open space.

Top Dam - view across to Dam Wall

Blue Bridge into Green Belt from Craighall Park

Walkway along Braamfontein Spruit in Green Belt underneath Pylons

The beautiful River often with Yellowbilled Ducks, Egyptian Geese, Swallows and Lapwings to be seen. Sometimes the dogs jump in the water and chase the ducks around :)

All images in this blog were taken using my phone so are unfortunately not the best quality. Even though it is advisable to leave your valuables at home when visiting any public place in South Africa, I often take my phone along and keep it hidden from view. 

Further Reading:

http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/list-of-parks-mainmenu-39/36-delta-park

https://deltaenviro.org.za/rand-water-water-wise-garden/

http://www.parkrun.co.za/delta/

https://www.lucilledavie.co.za/single-post/2011/09/09/Birds-flock-to-Delta-Park

https://www.lucilledavie.co.za/single-post/2002/05/02/Delta-Park-proves-that-exotics-can-be-useful

Durban Botanic Gardens

See contact information and opening times displayed

Entrance from Visitor's Complex and Information Centre

Lily Pond with Orchid House behind

It was a real treat to visit these lush and beautiful gardens where magnificent trees are around every corner. The gardens have free entry and are very well utilized. We ambled along the pathways and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere that only nature can provide. There are ample places to sit and relax and a variety of textures and interesting focal points to admire.

Tranquil Tea Garden 

Beautfiul Stonework 

Contemplation Space

Sunken Garden

According to their website (http://www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za) this is the oldest surviving botanic garden on the African continent and was established in 1849 for the trial of agricultural crops. Today the gardens focus on biodiversity, education, heritage, research, horticultural excellence and green innovation.

Living Beehive - Butterfly Garden

The Durban Botanic Gardens boasts the rarest collection in the world with Wood's Cycad (Encephalartos woodii) reputed to be the world's rarest plant. The Gardens cycad collection includes a variety of plants from South Africa, Central Africa, South America, Asia and Australia.

Cycad Garden

Palms - Princes of the Plant Kingdom

The Gardens has a collection of over 860 palms that belong to 130 species in 58 genera. These plants add to the tropical atmosphere that you experience while walking along the pathways.

Bromeliads

While the bromeliad, orchid, cycad and palm collection are intriguing I was really blown away by the beauty of the trees in the gardens. There are more than eighty heritage trees many exceeding one hundred years old.

Ficus benghalensis - Banyan Trees, native to the Indian subcontinent, are often considered sacred and a symbol of long life, with temples often built beneath them.

Kapok Tree -  This "Rocket Ship" was planted in 1934 and is the national tree of Puerto Rico

Couldn't resist including this Strelitzia - it really looks like a bird peeking out of the leaves!

Jardínes del Turia in Valencia, Spain

"The Turia Gardens is one of the largest urban parks in Spain. It runs through the city along nine kilometres of green space boasting foot paths, leisure and sports areas, and romantic spots where you can unwind. From Cabecera Park to the City of Arts and Sciences, the Turia Gardens are the perfect place for runners, cyclists, families and nature enthusiasts. Crossed by 18 bridges full of history, the former riverbed passes by the city's main museums and monuments on either bank. The vast gardens are built on the former riverbed of the Turia, whose course was altered to prevent constant flooding in the city.

After a devastating flood on 14 October 1957, the Turia's course was diverted south of the city, leaving a huge tract of land that crosses the city from West to East, bordering the historical centre. Several urban planners and landscapists designed different sections of the park, recreating the former river scenery. They created a unique itinerary of palm trees and orange trees, fountains and pine woods, aromatic plants and ponds, sports facilities and rose beds. The gardens were inaugurated in 1986. The Cabecera Park and Bioparc border the huge gardens to the west, and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences border it on the opposite side, near the mouth of the river. " (http://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what-to-visit-valencia/parks-gardens/turia-gardens)

I visited the Jardin del Turia a few years ago but wanted to post these pictures because I was so impressed with this park and it is a reminder how a successful green space can contribute positively to a city. The green belt is actually an old river bed that has dried up and been converted into a park and stretches over 9 kilometers. It is frequented all year by joggers, cyclists, families and tourists. It is a great connector for various parts of the city and a wonderful precedent of how a linear park can become the seam within a city - bringing things together to provide positive public space.

According to Project for Public Spaces (PPS) successful public spaces all generally have these four qualities in common: they are accessible; people are engaged in activities there; the space is comfortable and has a good image; and finally, it is a sociable place: one where people meet each other and take people when they come to visit. PPS developed The Place Diagram as a tool to help people in judging any place, good or bad: 

https://www.pps.org/reference/grplacefeat/

This park is certainly all those things, with emphasis on the access and linkages point, and you can see how successful it is by the number of people that make use of it. You can also see that there is an organisation managing the park with importance placed on safety and comfort as well as maintenance.  It may not be realistic to look at European parks as precedents for application in an African context because the challenges we face are so vastly different (crime, vandalism, homelessness, lack of funding etc.) but there are still lessons that can be learnt from them.

Some images of the Park follow below:

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

De Hoop Nature Reserve

Earlier this year I visited beautiful De Hoop Nature Reserve. An information booklet can be bought at reception which details the activities, history, geography and wildlife found in the reserve. The Interpretive Marine Walk is a guided tour during low tide to discover the life of sea creatures in the intertidal zone and is highly recommended (see images below). 

De Hoop Nature Reserve is home to more than 260 bird species as well as mammals such as the bontebok, Cape Zebra, smaller predators and various bat species. The De Hoop Vlei is a Ramsar site of international importance where aquatic birds and other organisms breed and feed without disturbance. The De Hoop Marine Reserve is also one of the world's most important calving grounds for the Southern Right Whale.

There is a wide range of eco-tourist activities available from bird-watching, game-viewing and hiking to photography and mountain-biking. 

 Interpretive Marine Walk - guide gives insights into the lives of star fish and sea urchins

Sea urchins sheltering from the sun by putting shells onto themselves

Low Tide reveals a whole new world

Muscle Power!

Fynbos - unique vegetation synonymous with the southern tip of Africa

There are several accommodation options - we stayed in Opstal Vlei Cottages which are self-catering.

Sunset over the Vlei

• March 2024
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• February 2024
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• December 2022
  • Dec 9, 2022 Storm's River Mouth Dec 9, 2022
• September 2022
  • Sep 9, 2022 J-Bay Shell Museum Sep 9, 2022
  • Sep 9, 2022 Babylonstoren - Garden celebrating South African Heritage Sep 9, 2022
  • Sep 3, 2022 Benvie Gardens, Midlands Sep 3, 2022
• August 2022
  • Aug 26, 2022 Kruger National Park (Southern) Overview Aug 26, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 7, 2022 Bosjes Jun 7, 2022
• May 2022
  • May 31, 2022 Adene's Flower Farm May 31, 2022
  • May 25, 2022 Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve May 25, 2022
• April 2022
  • Apr 23, 2022 Treeshop - Indigenous Tree Nursery Apr 23, 2022
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• March 2022
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• February 2022
  • Feb 4, 2022 Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden Feb 4, 2022
• November 2021
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• September 2021
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• June 2021
  • Jun 10, 2021 Dylan Lewis Sculpture Park Jun 10, 2021
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• April 2021
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• February 2021
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• October 2020
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• September 2020
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• August 2020
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• June 2020
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• May 2020
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• April 2020
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• March 2020
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• November 2019
  • Nov 27, 2019 BristleCone Wholesale Nursery Nov 27, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 22, 2019 Gardens of St Christopher Spring Open Day 2019 Oct 22, 2019
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• September 2019
  • Sep 25, 2019 What Would Your Garden Look Like Around The World? Sep 25, 2019
• June 2019
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• May 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Emmarentia - Johannesburg Botanical Gardens May 20, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 26, 2019 Lowveld Botanical Gardens Apr 26, 2019
• March 2019
  • Mar 31, 2019 Bordeaux South Park Mar 31, 2019
  • Mar 7, 2019 What is ILASA? Mar 7, 2019
• February 2019
  • Feb 15, 2019 5 Things to Consider when Upgrading your Office Garden: Feb 15, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 What is a Professional Landscape Architect and How do I become one? Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 25, 2019 Why you deserve a beautiful garden: Jan 25, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 5, 2018 Anton Smit Sculpture Park Dec 5, 2018
• November 2018
  • Nov 13, 2018 Working Around Services on Site Nov 13, 2018
• September 2018
  • Sep 18, 2018 House E Indigenous Planting Sep 18, 2018
  • Sep 10, 2018 The Herb Farm at Doonholm Nursery Sep 10, 2018
• April 2018
  • Apr 17, 2018 Design with FOLIAGE Apr 17, 2018
• June 2017
  • Jun 29, 2017 Delta Park Jun 29, 2017
  • Jun 21, 2017 Sunbird Aloes Open Day Jun 21, 2017
  • Jun 11, 2017 Durban Botanic Gardens Jun 11, 2017
  • Jun 10, 2017 Jardínes del Turia in Valencia, Spain Jun 10, 2017
• March 2017
  • Mar 16, 2017 Inspired by South African Indigenous Flora Mar 16, 2017
  • Mar 15, 2017 The Cavern - Nature Journaling Course Mar 15, 2017
• October 2016
  • Oct 21, 2016 De Hoop Nature Reserve Oct 21, 2016
  • Oct 10, 2016 ILASA Conference - Re-interpreting Landscape Oct 10, 2016
• September 2016
  • Sep 14, 2016 Max van der Stoel Park, Prague Sep 14, 2016
• August 2016
  • Aug 10, 2016 Garden Highlights of my Germany Trip Aug 10, 2016
• July 2016
  • Jul 22, 2016 Book Launch at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens Jul 22, 2016
  • Jul 11, 2016 Letná Gardens, Prague Jul 11, 2016
• June 2016
  • Jun 13, 2016 Harold Porter Botanical Garden Jun 13, 2016
• April 2016
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  • Apr 16, 2016 Tea Under the Trees, Paarl Apr 16, 2016
• March 2016
  • Mar 26, 2016 House Geyer Landscape Upgrade Mar 26, 2016
  • Mar 5, 2016 Vergelegen Wine Estate Mar 5, 2016
• February 2016
  • Feb 28, 2016 Karoo National Park Feb 28, 2016
• December 2015
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• November 2015
  • Nov 9, 2015 ILASA 2015 Year End Function Nov 9, 2015
• October 2015
  • Oct 12, 2015 IERM Convention: Olifantsvlei Cemetery Oct 12, 2015
  • Oct 10, 2015 IERM Convention: Leratong Park Site Visit Oct 10, 2015
• September 2015
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• June 2015
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  • Jun 4, 2015 Babylonstoren Jun 4, 2015
• April 2015
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  • Apr 20, 2015 Karoo National Botanical Gardens Apr 20, 2015
• February 2015
  • Feb 10, 2015 Bristlecone Nursery, Skeerpoort Feb 10, 2015
• October 2014
  • Oct 13, 2014 Jewish Cemetery Oct 13, 2014

Max van der Stoel Park, Prague

Lovely lake with large slabs of stone where people can sit on its edge

Lots of grass and trees

When we were planning to visit Prague we asked our host to recommend some outdoor spaces that we could take our daughter to and one of the ones she recommended was Max van der Stoel Park. Travelling with a toddler is not the easiest but it helps that I actually love spending time in parks and would rather be outdoors than inside a museum anyway.

Prague is in fact a city that begs to be explored on foot with so much to see and experience in the outdoor realm. I was amazed by the beautiful sidewalks and took several pictures of the cobbles and the patterns and details they were constructed in. 

Even the manholes are beautiful!

Variety of colours and textures in the sidewalk paving in Prague

So much attention to detail

Before I get carried away with describing the delightful vistas and beautiful buildings that are found in this magical city, let me get back to this gem of a park.

The central focal point is a long, linear water feature that is interactive and a real delight for little ones. You to get up close to the water that merrily winds its way to the bottom and it allows you to manipulate the stream in various ways.

Beautiful long linear interactive water feature

Start of the water feature - the source of the stream - follow it and have loads of fun!

The Park has comfortable seating and play equipment for children of various ages. The seating and most of the play equipment is made from timber so the park has a natural and warm feel to it. I liked the fine pebble crush that was used beneath the play equipment – a much nicer material than the rubber matting we mostly use in South Africa. It crossed my mind that a park like this would probably not be robust enough in a South African setting.

Play equipment has fine gravel surrounding - easy on children's feet. How does it not spread with no edging I wonder.

Pathways requiring some maintenance - gravel washed away by rain

Lots of trees have been planted and properly staked. Like every garden, maintenance is required and some of the gravel pathways have washed away. I am sure these will be quickly repaired. 

Very nice chairs. Likely to be stolen if used in South Africa

Love the curving paving and curving chair

Visit http://www.praha.eu/jnp/en/life_in_prague/environment/park_for_everybody.html for more information. You can also view videos of the water feature posted on YouTube

It is situated on the tram line at Hládkov station and on Google Maps it is called Park Maxe van der Stoela. 50°05'27.7"N 14°23'10.5"E

Garden Highlights of my Germany Trip

Siedl Park, Murnau

This rather rustic park is an area of natural beauty with several historical elements dotted through it that you happen to discover as you make your way along the gravel paths. There is a beautiful wooded area with tall leafy trees and meadow like embankments with grass. The park is named after Emmanuel von Seidl (1856-1919) who was an architect involved in the design and beautification of several areas in Murnau including the pedestrian zone in the old town centre. 

Map of Park with photos of Emanuel von Siedl's country villa (destroyed 1972)

Linderhof Palace, Linderhof (Near Ettal)

You are not allowed to take pictures inside the palace, but it is something to behold: extravagance and opulence I have not seen before. The mad King Ludwig II certainly knew how to live in luxury.

The gardens are lovely to walk through and consist of gravel pathways with large beautiful trees and a few dams. I enjoyed the wild flowers. The gardens are the setting for the King’s numerous ‘pavilions’ that he placed in this picturesque alpine valley.

A highlight of the garden was the Neptune water feature at the back of the palace showing a dramatic and mighty herd of horses galloping with jets of water spraying from their nostrils.

See http://www.schlosslinderhof.de/englisch/park/history.htm for more information.

Formal Gardens in front of the Palace

Stunning displays using annual colour

You can walk for quite a few kilometers in this park, through meadows and forests

Plan of the Palace Gardens

Pavilion with the Peacocks

Neptune Sculpture Linderhof Palace

English Gardens, Munich

This extensive green lung in the centre of Munich is an extremely popular spot for locals and tourists alike on a hot summer’s day. We were amazed at the thousands of people sunbathing and swimming in the water and it really felt more like a beach resort than a public park with everyone walking around in their costumes. This experience was a real highlight - especially watching so many people jump into the river and float away with heads bobbing :)

Sunbathers in English Gardens

Going with the flow

Letná Gardens, Prague

Wonderful ceramic horse sculptures that children were playing on!

Blue horse

I was so impressed with this large leafy green space situated North of the Old Town (The entrance is a 10 minute walk from Letenské náměstí). Not only is it loved by locals, but you will see many tourists enjoying the scenic views over the Vltava River as well as a beer from Letná Beer Garden.

Beer Garden with Views over the Old City and Vltava River

Broad walkways with tall leafy trees make this a lovely park to explore

This park caters for every age: we saw elderly ladies reading; moms with babies and toddlers at the children’s playgrounds; a youth group attending a class under a tree; teens learning to roller blade; hip young men skating and filming stunts; couples picnicking; people walking their dogs or sunbathing or cycling or jogging. A multi-functional space providing recreation opportunities in a safe and well maintained environment. I also saw a fenced off section that was specifically designated for dog training with obstacles where you teach your dog to do tricks.

Skateboarders are entertaining to watch

People admiring the view from Letná Terasa

Giant Metronome sculpture ticking away

Like most public spaces there is an element of vandalism which is particularly present at the uppermost viewing point where most of the skate-boarding takes place. This is also the platform with the best view point of the city which is dominated by a giant moving Metronome – one of the many quirky artworks dotted around the city)

I always orientate myself when I arrive somewhere by looking at the map they provide

Even through the graffiti it's interesting to read the Park's history

If you need a breather form the tourist filled streets of Malá Strana, this is the perfect place to go!