■ The Elgin Open Gardens in the Elgin and Bot River districts take place over two weekends, on Saturday October 29 and Sunday October 30; and again on Saturday November 5 and Sunday November 6. Twenty gardens will be open this year. These range from large established country gardens to small town gardens. Many gardens will have plants for sale, and some will also offer teas and light meals. Other events in the district include art exhibitions, greenhouse tours and wine tastings, some in the gardens themselves. Full details with a map are in a free leaflet in all major Western Cape nurseries and can also be downloaded from www.elginopengardens.co.za