Surrounded by the city, the Durban Botanic Gardens connects people and plants in extraordinary ways
Words Tess Paterson Photographs Sean Calitz
The afternoon light cuts through the cloud, turning a white satin gown to gold as the bride and groom pose beneath a towering palm. It’s late on a Saturday, and this magical green lung in the heart of urban Berea is packed with upbeat visitors. The photographer is spoilt for backdrops – brightly coloured cannas line the pathway, a formal sunken garden is newly planted with annuals, and ‘golden oldies’ or heritage trees dot the space like gnarled old friends. Next to the dam there’s a kitchen tea on the go – complete with silver teapots and perfectly iced cupcakes.
Tess Paterson - Gardens Writing - Durban botanical gardens