Traveling along Clarence Drive - the most scenic coastal drive from Gordons Bay to Betty's Bay (R44 Route) you will come across The Harold Porter Botanical Garden, situated in the heart of the unique floral biome known as the "fynbos". In this beautiful and pristine section of the South Western Cape coastline. The number of plant species per square kilometer is greater than anywhere else in the whole of Southern Africa.
The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden is one of eight National Botanical Gardens grouped under the National Botanical Institute. Here plants of the coastal faynbos and strandveld are grown and can be seen by a wide audience. In its position, nestled between the sea and the mountain side, where streams and reflection pools feed the soul, the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden hosts 1600 different plant species including a spectacular variety of sugar bushes (Proteas), heaths (Ericas), conebushes (or Pincushions)(Leucadendrons), and cape reeds (Restios).
.
This peaceful garden incorporates the four important vegetation types found in the Overberg and the most interesting messagesare conveyed to the public about the amazing plant and animal life by means of informative storyboards. The afro montane forests, wetlands, coastal dunes and fynbos plants are well represented and can be experienced by means of self-guided wheelchair-friendly paths or in the form of an organised tour where a guide will point out numerous features of plants and animals found in the region.
Nature trails lead the visitor up the popular Disa Kloof (named after the unique orchid found in the Cape) and Leopard's Kloof, both boasting spectacular waterfalls and enchanted forests. The Khoi-San indigenous garden features a selection of well known local useful and medicinal plants.
This garden highlights the important roles that plants play in the cultures and traditions of South African people. The Khoi-San garden is an important educational feature in the garden and school groups from the neighbouring towns make intensive use of the garden when they visit on organised environmental educational programs. These 'edu-tours' must be arranged in advance as they are offered by trained environmental educational officers.
The garden also offers a range of books, gifts and other interesting objects in the Honeybush Souvenir Shop as well as a restaurant and conference room. There is also an indigenous plants nursery, picnic areas and sunset concerts are hosted during the summer.
The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden is a must see for everyone that loves this beautiful country.
