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Stellenbosch gem: Aspidistra Nursery

Stellenbosch gem: Aspidistra Nursery

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Ages ago one of my friends told me about Aspidistra Nursery, just outside of Stellenbosch, and told me that I would absolutely love it. I finally managed to visit a few weekends ago and was blown away by the sheer creativity and its lovely, rustic farm-like setting. The nursery is owned by Willie Schmidt and his wife and they have really created a unique and wonderful haven… this is no mainstream garden centre.

Everywhere you look you’ll see plants already potted in various vessels from pretty china teacups to rusty tins, wheelbarrows, birdcages and more. Wrought iron benches with overgrown ferns, chickens strutting along winding paths, it feels more like a wild garden than a nursery and this is what really appeals to me. Willie’s wife runs the small coffee shop which is equally creative with mismatched eclectic decor and chandeliers made out of bicycle rims and old keys. Do yourself a favour and go and visit.

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Coffee Shop

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Stellenbosch

Aspidistra Nursery, Cnr Vlaeberg Road & R310, Tel: 021 881 3494

All photography: Lana Kenney ©


  1. Jenny

    6 March

    I’d forgotten about this gem- went years ago, but think I need to return!

    • Lana

      8 March

      Hi Jenny
      It’s so lovely! I have a thing for nurseries that are off the beaten track and unique. There’s also a great one outside of Hermanus. Blog post coming soon 🙂

  2. Amanda

    9 March

    What a beautiful place Lana, thank you for sharing. It’s a pity I’m over 8000 miles away but I look forward to visiting one day. I too love unique things and I love your blog!!, I had forgotten about it so looking forward to catching up on all the articles I’ve missed.

    • Lana

      9 March

      So glad you enjoyed it Amanda and thanks for dropping by again! I’m sure there must be some stunning garden centres in the UK too 🙂

  3. Joeline Huysamen

    4 August

    Is daar hekel klasse?

  4. Zelda

    22 February

    Hi Willie, het altyd jou deelname aan Pasella geniet! Geinspireerd lyk my stoepie se een hoekie nou so. O kriek ek kannie foto aanheg nie.

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