specialist-gardens

Ernst is respected worldwide for his extensive research, profound knowledge and many publications of Southern Africa’s indigenous plants.

After a stellar career with Kirstenbosch as über horticulturalist and curator of the conservatory, he transferred his unique collection of plants to Babylonstoren.

He’s now pioneering ground breaking projects at Babylonstoren Estate with undiminished verve, in a garden that fuses elements of the historical and horticultural to create a cultural and botanical legacy.

Ernst’s first task here was to establish a succulent garden. The ability of succulents to adapt to a hostile environment in order to survive was the subject of his PhD thesis.

For ten years he researched and ventured high and low to collect a total of 220 succulents and bulbous plants that grow exclusively on rocks.

Ernst is revered globally for how he translates his scientific knowledge into advice on plants and guidelines on gardening.