Neville & Sharon’s Plant Collection in Dargle, Kwazulu-Natal South Africa

Neville Trickett and his wife Sharon are people who, upon discovering, I became instantly fascinated with.  I first read about them on one of my favorite blogs, sfgirlbybay (more than 15 years ago).  It helps that they have traveled widely, that they live in Dargle, Kwazulu-Natal South Africa, Neville works in fashion and writes a super interesting blog (the Saint Verde Digest) and together they have owned multiple botanically inspired boutiques – including one that was bought and moved in its entirely (fixtures and all) to Liberty London (my most favorite shopping place in the whole world, ever).

The Trickett’s succulent garden appears to have evolved since these shots were originally taken – but I am actually drawn to the lack of pretense and honesty in these shots.

A greenhouse in Dargle with large windows displays Neville & Sharon's Plant Collection, showcasing a variety of potted succulents and cacti. Inside, shelves brim with diverse plants, while the back wall features an arrangement of metal lockers. Despite some rusted window bars, the setting remains bright and inviting.
A rustic greenhouse in Dargle, Kwazulu-Natal with a high, partially open roof and white wooden beams. It is filled with an impressive plant collection, both on tables and the ground. An eclectic chandelier hangs from a beam and old metal lockers line the back wall. Natural light filters through the open windows.

As I was resurfacing this post (that was originally from 2009) I just took a very enjoyable trip through Neville’s Flickr feed. (also not updated since 2009). But interestingly, the age just doesn’t matter – I found about a hundred pictures of timeless objects, fabrics, and general ephemera that instantly made me feel a kinship to another designer – even though we have never met. I’m always a sucker for seeing the fabulous inspirational images of a designer.

Neville & Sharon's Plant Collection in Dargle, Kwazulu-Natal features a greenhouse filled with various potted plants, including succulents and cacti, arranged on wooden tables and shelves. The roof and walls are made of transparent material, letting in natural light. Gardening tools and supplies are visible on the tables.

Sharon’s plant collection and their photos of it are also utterly fascinating to me.  This garden is so charming in its complete imperfectness.  It is messy and a little wild, filled with an overwhelming collection of succulents, cacti, and desert plants.  It oozes style and taste but is as un-ostentatious and relaxed as you can get.

What is your favorite thing about it? 

I like the chandelier in the greenhouse and the locker storage for pots.

A lush garden in Dargle, KwaZulu-Natal, showcases Neville & Sharon's Plant Collection, featuring a variety of cacti, succulents, and large agave plants. A stone wall curves through the garden, providing structure and design against a backdrop of dense greenery and trees under a cloudy sky.
A vibrant garden in Dargle, Kwazulu-Natal showcases an array of large cacti and succulent plants, including tall agave, barrel cacti, and aloe plants. In the background, a greenhouse with a corrugated roof stands among larger trees and plants, enhancing this diverse plant collection.
A cozy patio in the heart of Kwazulu-Natal featuring a transparent corrugated roof, suspended ornate lanterns, and a tile floor with black and white patterns. The space boasts an impressive plant collection and has a table with metal chairs. A black cat stands near the center.
A lush garden featuring various types of cacti and succulents in Dargle, Kwazulu-Natal. Tall cacti and a large, spiky aloe tree stand prominently in the foreground. A red-roofed building and more greenery are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
The Trickett’s Farm is located in Dargle, South Africa. Dargle is a picturesque village nestled in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Known for its stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere, Dargle is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the lush landscapes, charming farms, and scenic hiking trails that make Dargle a hidden gem in South Africa.

Neville and Sharon Trickett’s home and garden were featured in Architectural Digest—it is worth a click.

You can rent it through Perfect Hideaways.

Also, here is a fun interview with Neville.

And lastly – Follow Neville on Instagram.

More Inspiring Gardens in South Africa:



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