Lion’s Ear, Red Hot Poker and Dwarf Coral Trees – you don’t need to know their names, but they are pretty to look at.

Known as the City of Roses, and translated as “fountain of flowers”, it’s little wonder that Bloemfontein has a spectacular botanical garden. In 25 minutes you can drive your hired car from the Bloemfontein Airport to this 70-hectare garden, which is nestled between dolerite koppies and dominated by magnificent Wild Olive and Karee Trees.

There are about 400 different species of plant, mainly from the Free State, Northern Cape and Lesotho. Special emphasis has been placed on local flora such as Crinum, Klipdagga and Witgousblom. The carefully landscaped and beautiful garden also has a fascinating array of wildlife, including 124 species of birds, 54 species of reptiles and almost 50 species of mammals.

If you’re feeling particularly active you can climb the koppies for a spectacular view, or, if you just want to relax, you can throw a chop on the braai at the designated sites. There is also a spacious lapa for group functions. Bring your ouma to the garden, as the winding path is ideal for the elderly and the physically disabled.

The best time to visit is in spring, when the gardens are splashed with colour, but a visit between March and June is just as rewarding as the red, yellow and orange shades of autumn set the garden ablaze. Moonlight walks are organized and during summer, there are glorious sunset concerts. There is a well-stocked nursery for those who are feeling inspired, where you can buy surplus trees, shrubs, bulbs and succulents. There is also a visitors’ centre and a gift shop. Other points of interest are an Orange Blossom arbour and a petrified tree, thought to be over 150 million years old. There is a herbarium where 5 000 species are kept, as well as pottery dating back to the Iron Age.

One of Bloemies’ treasures - a day in the Botanical Garden is a welcome escape from city life, and will leave you feeling rejuvenated.