Jozi Journeys

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia: Joburg’s Green Escape

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4 months ago

May 15, 2025

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If you’re looking for a serene escape in the heart of Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. With 81 hectares of lush, landscaped space, a diverse array of plant collections, and scenic views of Emmarentia Dam, it’s a destination that blends relaxation, recreation, and rich history – all in one place.

A Garden Grown from Vision

Johannesburg wasn’t always home to a botanical garden. For decades, it was one of the few major cities without one. That changed in 1969, when city officials transformed what was then a sports field into what is now a flourishing urban oasis.

Today, the garden is a patchwork of South African and global flora. More than 56,000 trees have been planted since its inception, many grown from rare or endangered seeds exchanged with international botanical institutions.

Themed Gardens to Explore

The Botanical Gardens offer a variety of distinct sections, each with its own charm:

The Rose Garden
Laid out in Renaissance-Baroque style, this garden features over 4,500 hybrid roses across seven terraces, framed by Japanese flowering cherries. It’s a favourite for wedding photos in spring.

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Image 1: Holidays + Kids

The Herb Garden
Explore herbs used for cooking, medicine, cosmetics, and dye-making – including a section devoted to African traditional medicinal plants.

The Shakespeare Garden
This unique space features herbs mentioned in Shakespeare’s works, complete with plant labels and quotes. It’s also the site of an annual Shakespeare Festival, held in a tranquil amphitheatre.

The Succulent Garden
Designed to mimic a desert landscape, this garden is home to over 85 succulent species from across the globe, including South Africa’s only indigenous cactus. Viewing is by appointment through City Parks.

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Image 2: Botanical Interests

The Arboretum
Featuring everything from Californian Redwoods to English oaks and cork trees from Portugal, the arboretum is ideal for a shaded stroll under mature trees.

The Chapel Garden
Designed for weddings of all faiths and cultures, this intimate garden sees dozens of bridal parties every weekend and is paired with the Sima Eliovson Floreum for receptions.

The Hedge Garden
Home to 58 different hedge species, this garden demonstrates both sculpted and free-form hedge varieties for educational and design inspiration.

Emmarentia Dam: A Historic Centrepiece

At the southern edge of the gardens lies the 7.5-hectare Emmarentia Dam, built in the early 1900s by local workers returning from conflict. The dam is fed by the Westdene Spruit and supports a thriving bird population. Canoeists, paddleboarders, and families often gather here on weekends to enjoy the water and surrounding lawns.

A Space for Everyone

The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens aren’t just for plant lovers. The entire space is designed for public enjoyment, with open lawns, shaded benches, paved walking trails, and secure entrances. Runners, dog walkers, picnickers, and birdwatchers all share the space peacefully.

For event-goers, the Floreum serves as a venue for flower shows, exhibitions, and community events. Maps of the trails and gardens are available on-site, with routes ranging from short loops to full garden circuits.

A Commitment to Conservation

More than just a leisure spot, the garden is a key player in plant conservation and education. Through seed exchanges with international gardens, it helps protect rare and endangered species, contributing to global biodiversity efforts.

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Image 3: Heckers Garden Centre

Plan Your Visit

Location: Thomas Bowler Street, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Admission: Free, open daily
Parking: Three parking lots (main lot is hidden for minimal visual impact)
Safety: Fenced with staffed gates and visible security
Contact: For succulent garden tours or venue bookings, call (011) 782-0517

Whether you’re exploring the themed gardens, watching birds at the dam, or just seeking quiet under the trees, the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia offers a peaceful retreat with purpose. It’s not only a beautiful place to visit, but also a vital green space contributing to conservation and community well-being in the heart of Joburg.

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Source: Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Featured Image: SA-Venues.com