Twenty-seven mature Plane trees have found a new home at Brahman Hills, where they now form part of what is set to become one of South Africa’s most ambitious garden developments.
At over 20 hectares, The Serenity Garden development in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is being designed on a scale rarely seen in private garden projects. The record-breaking labyrinth will include expansive garden rooms, water features, an underground orchid house, olive garden, and an African Art Museum, all designed by landscape artist Tim Steyn and developed intentionally as part of a long-term landscape legacy project.
But while the scale of the development is significant, one of the meaningful stories within it is not only about what is being built, but also about what has been saved.
In June 2025, as the team began sourcing established trees for the gardens, they identified 27 Plane trees at Gowrie Farm, an estate in the Midlands. Originally marked for removal to make way for development, the trees were instead carefully lifted, with their root systems preserved, and placed into protective growing bags. They were maintained there for several months ahead of relocation. The process required specialist horticultural expertise to ensure their survival and successful re-establishment.
Then, in February 2026, they were transplanted into The Serenity Garden, where they now stand as some of the first major structural elements within the gardens. Known for their generous shade, textured bark, impressive height, and ability to thrive over decades, Plane trees bring both presence and quiet character to the landscape. And their retention and relocation to The Serenity Garden, again highlights Brahman Hills’ commitment to long-term care of the environment.
Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills, says relocating mature trees forms part of a broader approach on the property, one that focuses on working with the land and protecting what already exists wherever possible. “Planting new trees is important, but preserving mature trees, particularly those that might have been felled otherwise, is just as important,” she adds. “These trees will long outlive us. They will cast shade for future generations, witness seasons of change, and help root The Serenity Garden in legacy.”
As The Serenity Garden continues to take shape, the Plane trees now stand as a quiet reminder that environmental stewardship is not just about planting something new, but about preserving what already carries strength and story.
“This International Arbor Day, they offer a living example of what it means to protect legacy, not just create it,” Gonyora concludes.
To follow The Serenity Garden journey, visit https://www.brahmanhills.co.za/serenity-garden
