Brahman Hills, Midlands – The Making of a World-Class Garden, a richly layered, visually striking coffee table book, is now available in bookstores or can be purchased online. It tells the story of one of South Africa’s most remarkable gardens. From a forgotten Midlands motel to a Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden, the transformation is captured through the words of Iain Buchan, Michele Magwood, and Tim Steyn, with photography by Connall Oosterbroek.
This isn’t a garden that was commissioned or outsourced. It was planted in a pandemic, designed with intent, and built by hand, not by contractors, but by the Brahman Hills team, from the kitchen staff to housekeeping. Guided by the quiet vision of the late Carol Buchan and shaped by Tim Steyn’s landscaping expertise, the garden has grown into five hectares of indigenous planting, sculpture, water, and wonder. In 2023, it was selected by the Royal Horticultural Society as an Overseas Regional Winner, a rare honour, and one that placed a Midlands garden onto the world stage.
Two events have been planned to mark the launch of the book.
The first is a small, invitation-only event in Johannesburg hosted by the Johannesburg Garden Club, where Michele Magwood will be in conversation with landscape designer Tim Steyn. The event takes place on Saturday, 4 October 2025, at Glenshiel Estate in Westcliff, and books will be available for purchase on the day from Need a Read (Karen Lane), with proceeds donated to Masibambisane, a day care centre for children in need.
The official launch will take place at Brahman Hills on Friday, 1 November 2025. Guests will be invited to walk the garden, meet the team behind it, and celebrate this outdoor sanctuary and the people who brought it to life.
“This book is about more than the story of creating a magnificent garden, though,” says Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills. “It’s a reflection of what’s possible when you believe in people and give them space to create something lasting. This haven was born in a time of pause and uncertainty. It gave our team purpose and hope when everything else seemed suspended in time. And now, we have the privilege of sharing that narrative with the world.”
Brahman Hills: The Making of a World-Class Garden is available now at Exclusive Books, Wordsworth, Bargain Books, Readers Warehouse, Takealot and Loot.
RRP: R750