About us

At Ferndale Nurseries, our dedication to gardening transcends mere commerce; it embodies a heartfelt passion for nurturing green spaces and helping our community cultivate their own little pieces of paradise.

Situated in the vibrant heart of Constantia, Cape Town, our nursery is a verdant sanctuary where gardening enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels come to find inspiration, resources, and support.

From the moment you step into Ferndale Nurseries, you’re greeted by an enchanting array of plants. Our collection is carefully curated to include everything from vivid, eye-catching flowers to lush, sophisticated greenery. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality plants that are suited to our local climate, ensuring that each one has the potential to thrive and enhance your garden. Whether you’re looking for bold bursts of colour or subtle textures, we have something to suit every garden’s aesthetic and practical needs.

Knowledgeable nursery staff

But our commitment to your gardening journey goes beyond just plants. We understand that a successful garden requires more than just selecting the right species—it demands the right knowledge and tools. That’s why our team of experts is always on hand to provide personalised advice tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re grappling with soil conditions, pest control, or selecting the ideal plant varieties, our knowledgeable staff is here to offer guidance and solutions, leveraging our extensive experience and irrigation expertise.

At Ferndale Nurseries, we also cater to a range of gardening needs with our diverse selection of supplies. From durable pots for both indoor and outdoor use to a variety of high-quality fertilisers and soil conditioners, we ensure you have all the essentials to create a thriving garden. We also proudly offer a range of citrus fruit trees, providing options for every gardener interested in growing their own fresh, zesty produce right at home.

Our nursery is not just a place to shop; it’s a destination for the whole family. We’ve created a welcoming environment with a delightful children’s play area, where little ones can explore and enjoy while you shop. Additionally, our charming ducks and geese are always a hit, providing a fun and interactive experience for visitors. Kids and adults alike can feed these friendly fowl, making for a memorable and engaging outing.

At Ferndale Nurseries, we are driven by a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping you achieve your gardening goals. Whether you’re an experienced gardener looking to expand your horizons or someone just beginning their green journey, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to foster not only beautiful gardens but also a sense of community and connection with nature.

Come visit us at Ferndale Nurseries, where your gardening aspirations are nurtured with care, expertise, and a touch of joy. Let us be your partner in creating a garden that is as vibrant and unique as you are.

Ferndale Nursery’s journey began with a humble postman, Eric Tichart.

Whilst working at the Cape Town Post he would observe people selling fresh flowers on the Grand Parade, the seed was sown and the adventure begun. With the assistance of his wife Barbra, they began growing plants in jam tins to sell on the Parade.

In 1941 with their plant-selling venture gaining momentum, Eric chose to leave his post office job to pursue the business full-time. “Ferndale” was the name of the house on the parcel of land they had bought in Plumstead to establish the nursery.

About Ferndale Nurseries

By the 1950’s they had outgrown this property and in 1953 they purchased the 3 hectare site in Brommersvlei Rd, still today the site of the nursery. The original Ferndale house is only 1600m from today’s site as the crow flies.

After a year spent establishing the nursery, Ferndale as its known today opened its doors to the public in 1954.

Satellite outlets were opened as far afield as Belville and Fish Hoek and a Florist shop in Wynberg Main Road. Trading on the parade continued every Wednesday and Saturday morning, with that responsibility passing down through each of the three sons, until 2003 when after 64 years the stall was packed up for the last time.

The nursery flourished through the 60’s and 70’s with the help of the 2nd generation and expanded into Mature tree growing and Indoor Plantscaping, whilst continuing to develop the offering of plants, gardening tools, and supplies.

As the nursery developed so did its connection with the families of the Valley, becoming a much loved community hub where children come to play in the maze, feed the ducks and enjoy the playground providing a tranquil experience for the whole family.

We are a proud third generation family run business, gratefully servicing a multigenerational client base.

Ferndale Nurseries stands as a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and a deep love for nature.

Barbara Tichart trades on Grand parade whilst Eric continues as a postman

Eric quits the post office to joins his wife full time on the Grand Parade. “Ferndale” was the house name of the Windsor Rd property where plants are grown
Ferndale Florist opens Main Rd Wynberg
1950’s
Satellite stores in Fish Hoek, Wynberg, OK and Stuttaford’s in Cape town CBD, Woodstock, Belville market and Goodwood showgrounds. Windsor Rd property expands as surrounding properties are bought.
Eric purchases the 3-hectare Brommersvlei Road property in Constantia, still the current site of the nursery.
First of the 2nd generation Errol joins his parents on completion of his studies
Further land purchased in Wynberg for growing dahlias, the site later became Natures Garden Nursery
Trevor Tichart joins his brother and parents in the business after completing his national service
Anita Gordon’s first role is at the Ferndale Florist now in Church Street, Wynberg, later moving into administration.
Ferndale Indoor Plants division services Shell and BP house buildings in the CBD
Ian Tichart takes over the running of the Grand Parade stand
Ferndale celebrates 50 years of trading
Trading on the Grand Parade ends after 64 uninterrupted years
3rd Generation Paul Gordon joins the business
75th Birthday Event and Evening market