Modderfontein
Modderfontein is an urban forest. Driving through from Edenvale into the mud fountain town, you travel along a road bordered with pine trees and giant oaks. However, once you reach the centre of town, the jacarandas take over the scenery. Covering the streets in purple confetti, these trees, which originate from Brazil, romantically hang over the Modderfontein surrounds. Take a trip down to the dam at the reserve to see them in full bloom, or take a hike up one of the trails for a better view.
Kensington
Kensington spans 52 streets, making it one of Joburg's largest suburbs. This is also jacaranda central. Take a slow drive up Highland Road, travelling through a blanket of fallen flowers. There are a number of historical sites to visit here, too, including the Scottish War Horse Memorial and Jeppe High School for Boys. From these viewpoints, you can see the vast covering of the jacarandas and take a few snapshots of the Joburg skyline.
Melville Koppies
With rolling views, you’ll be able to see the purple blanket that adorns Joburg in summer. Though it’s not the highest location, it definitely does the job. The Koppies also offer a lot more, with the indigenous flora currently in bloom. Stop in at sunrise for an unforgettable experience. If you wish, you can even bring your dogs for a walk as there are a number of pathways to explore.
Observatory Ridge
Observatory Ridge is the highest point in Joburg, which looks out over Houghton, Orange Grove and beyond. At 1,808 metres above sea level, Observatory Ridge offers a view of the sprawling expanse of our beautiful city. For those of you who didn’t know, there is also a commemorative British Indian Army monument that was erected over 100 years ago. So, go on and get yourself that perfect eagle's eye view of the jacarandas in bloom, while also taking in some history. If you visit on a Sunday, you can stop by Sylvia's Market before heading home. Sip on craft cocktails or tuck into a gourmet burger under one of the old clubhouse's jacarandas.
Northcliff Hill
This is the second highest point in Joburg, at just one metre lower than Observatory Ridge. Northcliff Hill overlooks the CBD to the right and the northern suburbs to the left. Northcliff Water Tower has long been known as one of the top romantic spots in the city. Take your sweetheart to see the spring blossoms in all their glory. Northcliff Hill is also one of the best places to see the pink, burnt orange and amber Joburg sunset, so be sure to take a picnic blanket and some champers along on your date. You can drive up to the top of the hill or take a mammoth hike. Either way the view is sure to be stunning.
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
If hiking isn’t your scene, then why not opt for the posh view from the Westcliff? High tea at Four Seasons Hotel is an unforgettable experience offering a decadent sweet and savoury smorgasbord, plus stunning views from the Westcliff ridge. You’ll be able to take in the jacarandas from a position of complete luxury, with a plate of Petit Fours in hand. To walk off the calories, take your car around to the top of the Westcliff steps and give them a jog up and down!
Carlton Centre
Joburg is one of the world's largest man-made forests. But, you don't need to be out in nature to experience it. The inner city offers fantastic views of concrete meets greenery. Once the tallest building in the Southern hemisphere, Carlton Centre offers a 360 degree panoramic view from the 50th storey. Just R15 will get you to The Top of Africa viewing deck, from where you will be able to view all things purple and jacaranda.
Rosebank
Lastly, we recommend Tyrwhitt avenue in Rosebank. Swap your car for a stroll down this jacaranda lined street. The incredible purple canopy makes it feel as though you are in a magical world whilst you crack the oyster-shaped pods beneath the soles of your shoes. These jacaranda trees are recognised as being part of the history and heritage of the Rosebank area, giving it its characteristic atmosphere. While you are here, stop by the Keyes Art Mile to experience an array of world class galleries, restaurants and boutiques.
Despite the fact that they’re now considered invasive and can no longer be planted, Jacarandas do generally have a 200-year lifespan, meaning that we’ll be able to view them for a long time yet. So get your camera ready and head out for some violet adventures.
Have you been to any of these viewing spots? Let us know what you think of them in the comments section below. Also, share this on social media and win the affection of a journalist.
What Is It?
Bringing you closer to your loved ones and just soaking in all the amazing experience. So, get your group of friends and family members to join you too. There will be amazing music playing in the background. There also will be food to indulge in, as they treat you with beef rolls, chicken rolls and salad rolls, and for those who want something to drink there also will be a bar nearby.
When Is It?
Sunday, 25 August 2019 at 12:00 - 16:00.
Where Is It?
Northcliff Country Club, 1 Fir Drive, Northcliff, Randburg, Johannesburg.
How Much Is It?
Not mentioned.
For More Information
Visit this Facebook page for more information on this event.
There's A Few Foodie Delights
Whether you're looking for a lovely spot to enjoy some afternoon tea or looking to start off your day with a hearty breakfast, Lifestyle Garden Centre has a few spot to choose from. In the mood for some Moroccan, then be sure to stop by the Moroccan Lifestyle Cafe (the quiches are wonderful, as well as the Lemon Meringue). Want to enjoy the greenery and sunshine? Head to the Silver Birch Restaurant, the perfect spot for breakfast and afternoon tea.
There's Something For The Kids
This is a great spot to hang out with the family. Not only will you and the kids enjoy a taking a stroll through the Lifestyle Garden Centre admiring the flowers and exploring, but there's also a kiddies play area for the little ones to enjoy. There's fun rides from hopping aboard a little train to rotating swings. And best of all, the play area is closed to the Silver Birch Restaurant, so you can keep an eye on the kids while they blow off some steam. There's also a Reader's Warehouse jam-packed with books for the kids to check out and page through.
Obviously, Plants for Africa!
Lifestyle Garden Centre offers absolutely everything you need to turn your garden into a blossoming haven! There are plants, absolutely everywhere, from trees and flowers to garden decor, accessories and tools. And if you head into the DIY section indoors, you can get your hands on hardware gadgets from Mica, garden furniture, fertilizer and bone meal, plant pots, pet goodies and much more. It's also a great spot to get some inspiration if you're thinking or redoing your garden.
Stunning Garden Shows For Inspiration
Speaking of garden inspiration, Lifestyle Garden Centre hosts a number of garden shows for your viewing pleasure throughout the year. At the moment, they have their 2019 Lifestyle Garden Design Show, which is a celebration of French garden influences and French spaces. Be transports to beautiful France while strolling through the various designs that includes 1400's Renaissance styles, modern expression, classical French formal vista, and rooftop apartment chic. This show is on from 16 February - 31 May 2019 and entry is FREE. Click here to find out more about this show.
Gardening Specials!
During the 2019 Lifestyle Garden Design Show, Lifestyle will also be offering some amazing gardening deals to get your garden spruced up without busting your budget. Take your pick from their Buy 3 Pay 2 items, add some Autumn Colour to your garden, stock up on a few edibles such as herb and vegetable plants, decorate your home with a some house plants or bring your grass back to life with bundles of landscape grasses. These specials are available until 07 May 2019 while stocks last, so hurry!
There's a Gourmet Market
Have a love for all things deli? Then make sure you pop in at the Gourmet Market to pick up a few delights to take home with you. This is a one-stop gourmet spot that offers visitors and foodies only the best in locally-produced items, such as oils and vinegar, breads, cheese, pestos, organic veggies, free-range eggs, olives, nuts, reductions, the works! There's also a few treats to nibble on along the way.
Two Words... West Pack!
On the other side of the indoor gardening and hardware tools and accessories is West Pack Lifestyle! This is the place to be if you are looking to stock up on tupperware, storage containers, lunch boxes, recycle bins and refuse bags, pet cushions and transporters, glassware, kids toys - the list goes on and on. Basically, you can get everything storage and plastic wise (reusable, of course) here, all under one roof. But a fair warning, you'll spend most of your afternoon strolling down the aisles, there's just so much to see!
There's An Art Gallery Too
After sorting out all your garden needs and enjoying an afternoon tea at the Silver Birch Restaurant, why not take a stroll through the Lifestyle Art Gallery and suss out some stunning pieces of art created by talented local artists? It's the perfect spot if you're looking to find that unique piece to bring life to your home or simply for a little creative inspiration. There's everything from landscapes and florals to portraits, abstract and still life artworks.
For More Information
For more information about Lifestyle Garden Centre, visit their website at lifestyle.co.za.
You can also contact them on [email protected] or 011 792 5616.
Don't forget to give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news, specials and events.
JOZI LIGHTS AND SINGS THE WAY TO CHRISTMAS
For the 3rd festive season in a row, Anglo American has initiated Jozi's downtown Christmas tree project in support of local artists and to celebrate the rejuvenation of the city centre.
The resounding success of the event has encouraged the company to undertake this project again, and this year the show of glimmering lights is sure to be spectacular.
The public is invited to visit and enjoy the switch on of the glittering lights with Christmas Carols, which will be held on Monday, 4th of December from 17h30 at 44 Main Street. Families are encouraged to bring picnic hampers. Children will also be able to have their faces painted, watch balloons being sculptured and the little ones will be able to go on train rides.
The Christmas Tree lights will be switched on and open for public viewing from Monday, 4th of December until the end of December 2006.
This project provides a great opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents as various companies, both within the Anglo American group and others located in Johannesburg city centre, commission trees from a selection of well and lesser known artists. These large trees, which stood around three metres tall last year, were made from an assortment of materials from stained glass, bottles and car parts to metal, wire, resin, fabric, perspex and glitter. Artists that will participate in this year's project include: Dave Rossouw, Gina Waldman, Johan Thom, Wilma Cruise & Gavin Young, John Molteno, Thomas Kubai and KEAG, a Cape Town-based organisation.
The trees this year will once again frame 44 Main Street, Anglo American's Johannesburg corporate office since the 1930's. Greater Main Street has been transformed into a pedestrian promenade where tarred streets have been replaced with trees, leafy ground covers and decorative paving as part of the inner city rejuvenation partnership programme.