Last Updated: Sep 03, 2025

As the Helderberg sun warms the soils and the air fills with birdsong, Cavalli’s gardens burst back into life. Spring here is not just a season — it’s a spectacle. From the first flush of green on our iconic plane tree avenue to the dazzling carpets of vygies along the entrance road, every corner tells a story of growth, renewal, and care.

Behind this living canvas stand two passionate stewards of Cavalli’s landscapes: Garden Manager, Bronwill Adonis, and Landscape Consultant, Vikki Crawley. Together, they ensure that the estate’s gardens reflect both the untamed beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom and Cavalli’s signature of elegance and excellence.

For Vikki, the arrival of spring is heralded by the fragrance and colour of indigenous fynbos:

“The array of buchus are always the first to tell me spring has arrived — each species fragrant in its own way, from citrusy freshness to aromatic spice. I also love the fresh green leaf on the commanding avenue of plane trees that line the approach to the restaurant — a clear signal that winter’s retreating.”

Bronwill shares a similar excitement for the awakening trees and shrubs:

“The London Plane trees are a personal favourite — week by week their bare branches turn into a vibrant, green pathway. And then there’s the Confetti Bush with its mass of soft pink flowers — the sight and scent never fail to make me pause and smile.”

While guests admire the show, the garden team’s work begins long before spring. Bronwill and his crew spend the winter months planting ahead of time, ensuring that by September the grounds are ready to explode with colour.

“Spring prep means planning, clearing out winter weeds, and giving the soil a boost with compost. It’s about setting the stage so nature can perform at her best,” he explains.

Vikki notes that at Cavalli, success lies in vigilance:

“People often think indigenous gardens need little maintenance, but to keep them thriving at this scale, constant care is essential. Thanks to thoughtful design, there’s always something in bloom — every day of the year.”

Guests visiting the estate this spring will be greeted by a sensory tapestry. Pink-toned fynbos blooms mingle with carpets of vivid purple vygies. In the Banquet Gardens, graceful Dierama pendulum — delicate, fairy-like bells — flower for the first time since planting.

Fragrance lingers in the air too: the lemon-scented buchu, the refreshing minty tones of confetti bush, and the earthy freshness of irrigated soil at dawn. Together, they weave a seasonal signature unique to Cavalli.

This abundance is not just for show — the gardens hum with life. From sugarbirds feasting on proteas to chameleons camouflaged in the fynbos, Cavalli’s sustainable, chemical-free approach creates a sanctuary for biodiversity.

For both Bronwill and Vikki, their careers are shaped by a lifelong connection to nature.

Bronwill recalls childhood memories of hiking through wild landscapes in the Eastern Cape, the scent of confetti bush forever etched in memory.

Vikki remembers her grandmother naming plants in her garden, sparking a fascination that grew into a career in landscape architecture:

“For me, a garden is like a living painting — it matures, evolves, and changes with the seasons, much like a fine wine.”

As guests stroll past the dam or down to the veggie garden, they are invited to experience more than just scenery. These gardens are living stories — of the land, of sustainability, and of the people who care for them.

This spring, take a slower walk. Breathe in the fragrance, listen to the birdsong, and notice the detail in every bloom. Behind it all, Bronwill and Vikki’s shared passion ensures that Cavalli’s gardens are not just maintained, but celebrated — living proof of Cavalli’s commitment to beauty, sustainability, and excellence.

Come see spring in full bloom at Cavalli Estate.