Celebrating the Arts: Visit Leon Kluge’s ‘Windblown Garden’ this September

The village of McGregor in the Western Cape is proud to showcase a “Windblown Garden” that was designed and made by the internationally renowned landscape designer and botanist Leon Kluge, at the Celebrating the Arts in McGregor over the weekend of 24 to 26 September.

Leon Kluge’s Windblown Garden

Kluge`s showpieces characteristically include large sculptural elements amongst clever planting of seeds.

Unlike most show projects, this garden will rather endure as a visitor destination – its bright colours will be best enjoyed in August and September, though it includes year-round planting and different characteristics for seasonal viewing. 

The concept was created back in June 2020, when Leon kindly offered to support the first online garden event in South Africa – McGregor Magic. He was inspired by the elements influencing the forms and Flora of the semi-Karoo landscape. A sunny site was offered on the grounds of NG church, central to McGregor and the scaling of plan-to-reality for the Windblown Garden began.

Vine Sculpting

Formed from local Bokkeveldt shale, the sculptural wall arcs of the garden were built during early 2021, by local McGregor masons skilled in drystone building. During April this year, Leon worked with a team to sculpt vines that were bundled and worked around frames of cut alien-invading trees. Supporters in the village community have since prepared soil, donated both plants and funds so that by June, they helped Leon to plant 1000 seedlings, as well as sow seed chosen for its vivid colour. 

“It is very exciting to see a project arise from unforeseen circumstances and to come alive with the involvement of donors and volunteers,” says Leon. “It is unlike my other planned projects and International commissions. In such a pretty location, it appealed to me, not only for its beauty but for the very interesting flora that occurs in the McGregor area. This is where the fynbos meets the succulent Karoo and the plants that occur here are very special indeed.”

Official launch details

Leon is to officially launch his Windblown Garden creation at a picnic on the church lawn at 13:00 on Saturday 25 September.

• To book spots and for further queries contact McGregor Tourism on 023 625 1954 or email info@tourismmcgregor.co.za

Then, later, on the same afternoon, Kluge will expand on more of his work at a talk in the village (13:15 on 25 September 2021 at Ragazzi, Voortrekkerstreet.  Tickets for the talk can be booked at Quicket).

Leon Kluge is one of few experts on the continent who travel Internationally to promote indigenous Flora. South Africa’s award-winning Chelsea Flower Show gardens are designed by Leon and is commissioned by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.