Living Landscapes: The Timeless, Ever‑Changing Gardens of La Cotte Farm in the Heart of the Franschhoek Valley
Our gardens are designed to be waterwise, preserving the original farm trees and structures while blending indigenous species with Mediterranean and ornamental planting. Layered, colour-themed spaces flow through the estate - from the oak-lined driveway and calm, grey-toned parking area to the romantic hotel pool garden, bold Double Borders, productive fruit and vegetable garden, and the intimate Orchard cottage gardens.
Repeated hedging in Eugenia, Tarchonanthus, Searsia crenata, Viburnum and Coleonema, together with signature trees such as oaks, figs and cypresses, creates a strong sense of continuity. Throughout, wildlife-friendly planting attracts birds, pollinators and other beneficial insects, tying the gardens closely to the surrounding landscape.
OUR FARM GARDENS
PLANT COLLECTION
A mix of characterful shade, fruit and signature trees shaping the estate, from grand oaks and planes to productive orchard species.Includes: English oak (Quercus robur), cork oak (Q. suber), oaks (Q. cerris, Q. nigra), Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), figs (Ficus natalensis, rubiginosa, nitida and fruiting types), olives (including wild olive), citrus (various), almond, pear, plum, quince, lemon, jacaranda, camphor, Vachellia karroo, waterberry and yellowwood.
Flowering and foliage shrubs that soften the structure, add scent and support wildlife.Includes: Carissa macrocarpa, Plumbago, Abelia, Murraya exotica, Cistus, Clivia, Dietes, Artemisia afra, Helichrysum (petiolare, teretifolium), Crassula multicava, Eriocephalus (wild rosemary), Gomphostigma, Lamb’s ear (Stachys), Monstera deliciosa, Myrtle, Plectranthus zuluensis and Anaestrabe.
Evergreen framework, clipped structure and architectural foliage that define paths, rooms and vistas.Includes: Buxus, Eugenia, Searsia (Rhus) crenata (clipped hedges), Viburnum (sinensis, lucidum), Coleonema, Tarchonanthus, Westringia, Santolina, Rhagodia, Metaplasia (blombos), Stoebe (slangbos), Aspidistra and Ruscus.
Seasonal colour and texture woven through borders and under trees, with many waterwise and wildlife‑friendly species.Includes: Agapanthus (white, deep blue), Salvia (incl. leucantha and dark forms), Gaura (white, pink), Pennisetum ‘Red Fountain’, Daylilies (orange), Kniphofia (orange), Osteospermum, Leonotis, Melianthus, Tulbaghia, Pelargonium (peppermint), Catmint (Nepeta), Erigeron, Gazania, Strelitzia, Camellias, Hydrangeas, Hellebores, Iris, Plectranthus, Proteas, Renosterbos and ribbon bush.
Strong, sculptural, waterwise planting that links the gardens to the surrounding Cape landscape and supports winter‑flowering nectar sources.Includes: Aloes (various, including Kumara plicatilis / Franschhoek aloe) and Crassulas (from low groundcovers to small shrubs)
Romantic, fragrant accents softening walls, pergolas and structures, and threading vertical interest through the gardens.Includes: Iceberg roses, pale pink roses, Rosa mutabilis, bougainvillea (coral, white) and star jasmine.
Seasonal Moments from the Landscapes ON THE FARM
