Vergelegen is in a beautiful setting, with views over the surrounding mountains. Willem Adriaan van der Stel, then Governor of the Cape, started the garden in 1700 and developed vineyards on the Vergelegen estate. He laid out the Octagonal Garden with alabaster urns, giant trees and herbaceous borders. The White Garden has ponds, bulbs, herbs and a lavender walk. The garden also includes a Wetland Garden, Rose Garden and Yellowood Walk. Willem Adriaan was the author of the 'The African Gardeners' and Agriculturists' Calendar'. Vergelegen means "situated far away".