Audrey Moriarty’s Botanical Masterpiece A Flourishing Legacy

The Garden Route Botanical Garden flourishes today thanks to the huge contribution of Audrey Moriarty

Audrey Moriarty’s botanical legacy is celebrated at the Garden Route Botanical Garden’s 25th anniversary

Born in post-WW2 Turkey, her journey led to South Africa, where her passion for wildflowers blossomed. Self-taught as a botanical artist, she published a book in Malawi, then settled in George, contributing 2,000 illustrations to “Outeniqua, Tsitsikamma and Eastern Little Karoo.”

Joining BotSoc, Audrey’s impact grew, culminating in the Audrey Moriarty Environmental Centre. This center, housing the Southern Cape Herbarium, became integral to the Garden Route Botanical Garden, incorporating offices, a nursery, and a restaurant.

After Audrey’s passing, a Moriarty Trust fund ensured the garden’s survival, with a restaurant becoming a vital income source. Audrey Moriarty’s foresight and artistry continue to flourish, ensuring the Garden Route Botanical Garden thrives as a vibrant testament to the seamless blend of nature and sustainability.

The garden offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle and offers a spectacular display of our indigenous vegetation

Her connection to the Botanical Society of South Africa (BotSoc) reached its peak with the release of her masterpiece, “Outeniqua, Tsitsikamma and Eastern Little Karoo,” showcasing an impressive collection of 2,000 illustrations. Even in the face of personal loss, Audrey remained devoted to botanical art, leading to the creation of the Audrey Moriarty Environmental Centre at Bergville Retirement Village.

The Botanical Garden earns rental income from the restaurant

This center seamlessly merged with the Garden Route Botanical Garden, becoming the new home for the Southern Cape Herbarium. Audrey’s vision went beyond preservation, embracing sustainability. The Moriarty Centre housed offices, a nursery, and a charming restaurant, funded by the Moriarty Trust, serving as a crucial income source.

Audrey’s passing triggered a substantial allocation of R2 million from the Moriarty Trust, securing the Garden’s future.

Despite economic challenges, the Moriarty Centre thrived. In 2014, a restaurant, crafted by trustee Ken Gie and supported by the trust, emerged as a culinary oasis adorned with Audrey’s wildflower prints and a poignant portrait.

Audrey Moriarty’s lasting legacy goes beyond art; it’s the life force of a flourishing botanical sanctuary. Her foresight ensured the Garden Route Botanical Garden not only endured but prospered—a tribute to the harmonious blend of nature, art, and sustainability.

Garden Route News