Oakfield Farm Gardens

This man is David Stubbs, our chief gardener and, I am proud to say, my Dad. He will tell you that he “helps a bit in the gardens” but he has in fact developed the beautiful gardens from a framework that was laid by Mrs Harrison, the previous owner of Oakfield. Ever humble, Dad announced last year that, after fifteen years, he felt that the gardens were now where he wanted them to be. Although he has no formal horticultural training, Dad does have a natural vision and talent for gardening, but he is far better known in the equestrian world. He captained the South African Show Jumping team and has been involved in the development of almost every equestrian discipline in South Africa and was chairman of the SA National Equestrian Federation for several years. His story is beautifully told in his book, “In Tom’s Footsteps”.

The Oakfield garden represents a difficult challenge. Many show gardens look amazing, as they are carefully and professionally prepared for a particular season. This is a luxury that a wedding venue does not have. The Oakfield gardens are every photographers dream, and it is fitting that the gardens perform such an integral part of the amazing photographs displayed in this edition of the magazine. It is our hope that these gardens will endure and in the years to come, the families of couples married at Oakfield Farm will be able to remember their marriage in the very place that they once stood to exchange their vows.

Thank you Dad for all you have given to us, your hard work, your enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to a vision you have for the Oakfield gardens. They are a tribute to you and the men and women who have worked with you over the last 19 years.

MATTHEW STUBBS