Leon Kluge, Plantsman and International Garden Designer, South Africa 8 March 2023

“Designing and Nurturing the Gardens of Sterrekopje Farm in Franschhoek, South Africa.”
Leon Kluge grew up on the National Lowveld Botanical Gardens near Nelspruit in South Africa. From an early age he has nurtured a great affinity for plants - his grandfather was the curator of Betty’s Bay Botanical Garden and the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, while his mother owns and runs a renowned wholesale nursery in Nelspruit. He studied Horticulture and Landscape design in Israel and is now an award-winning landscape designer who has worked for Disney, The United Nations, various Hollywood celebrities and national governments worldwide. He was part of the successful South African team at Chelsea in both 2010 and 2012, and the Gardening World Cup in Japan in 2011, winning a gold medal in 2013. Leon is known for his modern, contemporary landscapes and sustainable community projects. His company Leon Kluge Landscape Design is based in South Africa.
For three years, Leon has been creating 10 hectares of wild and free-spirited gardens at Sterrekopje Farm. The gardens are designed to nurture wellbeing and spiritual healing in the clients visiting the farm - an exclusive retreat set in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley in the winelands of the Cape in South Africa. He will share this garden’s journey with us, discussing the site, climate, soil, design, plant choices, installation, and maintenance.