Joburg's garden enthusiasts Gardens of the Golden City are lovers of all things horticultural and pre-Covid used to organise regular open garden days that presented a chance to take a glimpse inside some of the city's most beautiful private gardens. As the pandemic finally recedes Gardens of the Golden City's open days are making a popular return.

The first open garden of the winter season is at Aloe Ridge in North Riding on Joburg's West Rand. Aloe Ridge is an indigenous garden planted with 600 aloes and 300 South African indigenous tree species including ancient African olives, mountain karee, Bushman’s poison and Common Hook thorn. Of course with winter on the way, the aloes are expected to be looking particularly spectacular!

Find the Aloe Ridge garden at 303c Olievenhout Ave, Northriding. The garden is open 10:00 to 16:00 on Saturday and Sunday and there is a tea garden serving refreshments. Entrance costs R40, kids under 12 free.