Although Eckards has been around for close to 60 years, my journey started on this side of the bridge in 1993 and in 2023 we celebrated 30 years of memories and continue to do so.
I always take some time to reflect on our journey with gratitude. Eckards continues to grow and we look forward to a bright future. Life is a Garden, grow with us! Wayne Stewart.
A Local Garden Centre with History
In the 1960s and 70s, Bedfordview was a fertile valley filled with smallholdings, nurseries, and produce farms. When the highway arrived in 1969, the transformation into the vibrant Bedfordview we know today began. With its rich soil and passion for plants, the area soon became known as a garden village.
Eckards was part of that growth. From supplying plants to other nurseries in the early days, we evolved into a full garden centre serving generations of local gardeners. As roads and bridges changed the landscape - including the iconic cable bridge in 1996 - Eckards remained a constant in the neighbourhood.
Eckards in the late 60’s |
From Nursery Beginnings to Modern Garden Centre
Eckards was originally named by its founder, who planted the first seeds of what would become a cornerstone in South African horticulture. Under later ownership, Eckards became a place of learning and excellence. Garden legends like Keith Kirsten and Lynton Johnson trained here, helping build our reputation for quality and expertise.
Our connection with the South African Nursery Association (SANA) runs deep - both Wayne and Dawn have served as Presidents of SANA, continuing a long tradition of leadership in the industry.
In 1992, Dawn Collard bought Eckards and in 1993 Wayne Stewart joined her to modernise and revitalise the business. Wayne became a partner in 2008 and sole owner in 2017. 2023 marked not only our 30-year partnership milestone but also a celebration of the current ownership legacy.
Our famous circle garden with |
Eckards continues to evolve |
Our Place in the Gardening Community
As proud members of the Garden Pavilion (GP) group of garden centres, Eckards continues to contribute to the growth of the Garden Centre Association of South Africa (GCA) and the international garden community through the IGCA. Both Dawn and Wayne have chaired the GP Board and GCA, building friendships and connections that help keep South Africa’s garden industry thriving.
Eckards Legacy
We see ourselves as custodians of Eckards, ensuring it remains a place where gardening lives on through generations. We’ve watched children grow up visiting with their parents and now they return with families of their own. Eckards is - and always will be - your community garden centre.
Our travels with the IGCA have influenced our layout |
Awards and Recognition
For over 20 years, we’ve consistently featured in the GCA's top listings, representing independent garden centres at their best.
Recognition has always been part of our journey. In 2026, Eckards was named SANA Garden Centre of the Year, as well as achieving GCA Garden Centre of Excellence status. We have also been named Garden Centre of the Year for Southern Gauteng for a decade, while consistently featuring among the GCA Top Five Garden Centres in South Africa, with podium finishes since 2022.
We’re equally honoured to have been awarded Garden Pavilion of the Year seven times. Every award reflects the commitment and enthusiasm of our dedicated team - they're the heart of Eckards.
Behind every award is our team. Having won National Garden Centre Staff of the Year more than any other garden centre in the country, their passion has made Eckards much more than somewhere to shop.
Our View has changed as development moved into the neighbourhood |
The Future of Eckards
Who knows what the future holds? We believe Eckards will always be a community garden centre at heart. With the support of our customers and friends in the green industry, we hope to continue making a difference to the world around us.
We have left gaps in our story intentionally. No story is ever complete. There must always be blank pages for new memories, new generations and everyone who grow with us to add to our story.
The entrance view into Eckards |
Our back patio was upgraded and a new “Back Door” in 2025 |
Our shop is still our is close to 60 years old but we manage to keep it looking fresh |
Our Gift Shop department had a major facelift in 2026 |
FAQ - Eckards Garden Centre
Q: Where is Eckards Garden Centre located?
A: Eckards is in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, proudly serving our local community and neighbouring suburbs.
Q: Who owns Eckards Garden Centre?
A: Eckards is owned by Wayne Stewart, horticulturalist and past president of the South African Nursery Association (SANA).
Q: How long has Eckards been open?
A: The garden centre was established in the 1960s and has been under current ownership since 1993 - celebrating 30 years of continuous growth in 2023.
Q: What awards has Eckards won?
A: Eckards has earned multiple national honours, including Garden Centre of the Year 2027, Garden Centre of Excellence consistently and Garden Pavilion of the Year (seven times).