A Year in the Leeu Locally Grown Edible Gardens | Leeu Estates
A Year in the Leeu Locally Grown Edible Gardens
Looking back on 2025, we can’t help but be proud of all the growth that took place in the Leeu Locally Grown Gardens. Built from the ground up on Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, these gardens are our little green sanctuary, where fresh, seasonal produce is carefully nurtured under expert care.
The year was filled with fruitful seasons, dedicated hands in the soil, joyful collaborations with our chefs, and countless moments connecting with the produce, our team, and the guests who visited the gardens.
Let’s take a stroll through the year in the garden, one season at a time…
Autumn: Preparing and Transitioning
As we settled into autumn, the gardens were humming with activity. By late April and early May, the Leeu Collection restaurant partners were keeping the garden team happily busy, especially with orders for winter favourites. Lemons, limes, pak choi, celery, winter salad leaves and edible flowers were stealing the spotlight, travelling straight from the garden beds to the kitchens.
As the season shifted, we waved goodbye to aubergines and basil and started getting excited for what was next, with beans and peas lining up for their turn. Even with a few shorter workweeks, the team stayed hands-on and focused, planting, sowing and weeding to keep everything on track.
Winter: Consistency, Collaboration and Growth
The cooler months brought no shortage of activity in the gardens. By August, steady and growing orders were coming through, with salad leaves, carrots, spring onions, lemons and edible flowers leading the way.
This season was also all about connection. Productive catch-ups with the chefs from Protégé at Le Quartier Français, The Dining Room in The Manor House, and our other restaurants helped us align on upcoming crops and availability. Walking through the tunnels and gardens together brought a real sense of excitement and confidence for the months ahead. Behind the scenes, the team kept at it, planting, sowing, weeding and managing orders to ensure consistency, even as the temperatures dropped.
Spring: Momentum and New Energy
The gardens were buzzing as spring arrived. September brought colourful harvests and an uptick in orders, from radishes and carrots to spring onions, fennel, parsnips, chard and edible flowers. The team stayed busy keeping everything healthy and plentiful.
By November, the gardens were thriving. Orders flowed from all the restaurants and Leeu Spa, with courgette flowers, baby carrots, beetroot and radishes leading the way.
Garden tours also became a highlight, with guests asking questions, sharing in our excitement and taking the time to enjoy the space we love so much.
Summer: Abundance, Festive Energy and Looking Ahead
The last season of the year was full of movement and moments to celebrate. December saw orders fluctuate as chefs prepared for the festive season, but the gardens kept delivering, with carrots, herbs, salad leaves, strawberries, cherry tomatoes and edible flowers all in demand.
The Bokkie Garden continued to thrive thanks to careful weeding and care, and garden walks grew even more popular. Hosting guests from around the world, including families visiting for the first time, reminded us why these moments matter.
As the year closed and January began, strong orders, lively tours and visible improvements across the gardens left us feeling optimistic for 2026. With a dedicated team, supportive restaurant partners and curious guests, we’re stepping into the new year on solid ground!
Curious to experience the Leeu Locally Grown Gardens for yourself? Whether you’re interested in learning more or booking a garden walk during your stay, our team is happy to help you plan a visit.
FAQs
Where are the Leeu Locally Grown Gardens located?
The Leeu Locally Grown edible gardens are situated on Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, South Africa.
Can guests visit the gardens?
Yes, we would be delighted to welcome you! Garden tours are a wonderful way for resident hotel guests at Leeu Estates, Leeu House, and Le Quartier Français to explore the grounds, ask questions, and experience the gardens up close.
Can children join the garden experiences?
Certainly! Our Little Green Fingers programme is specially designed for children, giving them a fun and hands-on opportunity to learn about planting, nurturing, and caring for plants.
What should I wear or bring for a garden walk?
We recommend comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water. Our paths wind through natural walkways, sometimes near sunlit riverbanks and vineyards, so being prepared will make your walk more enjoyable.
Can I combine garden experiences with other activities?
Absolutely! Many guests enjoy pairing their garden walks with picnics, a visit to the Everard Read Gallery, or tastings at The Wine Studio, allowing them to make the most of the estate’s beautiful surroundings during their stay.
