A little more than an hour's drive north of Johannesburg and even less from Pretoria on the gently sloping northern side of the Magaliesberg lies an oasis, the Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre. Some 30 years ago, the doyen of Herbs in the country, began transforming a typical and fairly barren piece of Bushveld land into what is now a restful and peaceful garden. Not that the Centre is complete; due in early 2014 will be a lavender garden complete with benches inviting the weary to "come aside and rest awhile".
The Centre incorporates a number of elements starting with the extensive and beautifully laid out gardens planted with every imaginable herb plant, bush and tree. Delicious refreshments, different, freshly made and naturally incorporating herbs, ranging from cakes and muffins to light lunches are available from the restaurant.
Children will enjoy the Fairy Gallery while expending energy as they rush around chasing butterflies and discovering the thoughtfully placed "fairy playground" and clay rabbits. Of course, a nursery offers a wide variety of reasonably priced plants and trees for those who want to start or extend a herb garden.
For those mementos and gifts, a well stocked shop provides a wide variety of soaps, jams, books and many other things with a herbal connection. For those who are interested in birdwatching, take a pair of binoculars because a combination of the lush gardens, large shady trees, water and the Bushveld environment attracts many of the more unusual specie.
Only open on Wednesdays and usually a monthly Saturday workshop, it is best to phone ahead to check. It is a very worthwhile and different days outing.
www.margaretroberts.co.za
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