Our Team
Our Roots
HomeGrown
At Heckers Garden Centre, we take pride in offering our customers high-quality plants at affordable prices. One of the ways we achieve this is by growing our own range of plants on-site, a tradition we’ve upheld for over 40 years. Our founders, Rika and Ronnie Hecker, started this tradition in 1981 out of their shared passion for plants.
Growing our own plants has allowed us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint. Additionally, our locally grown plants are acclimatized to the local environment, making them hardier and more likely to thrive in our customers’ gardens.
By choosing our range of plants, you’re not only supporting a local business but also contributing to a more sustainable future. We invite you to come and browse our selection of plants and experience the difference that locally grown makes.
Extending Our Roots
Horticultural Plastic Recycling
At Heckers Garden Centre, we’re dedicated to sustainability and lowering our environmental impact. We now recycle all horticultural plastics, pots, trays, and other garden containers.
Through our take one, leave one program, customers can drop off used plastics in our recycling bin and pick up reusable ones. It’s an easy way to cut waste and protect the planet.
We’re proud of this commitment and invite you to join us. Together, we can reduce plastic waste and create a more sustainable future.
Kids Planting Corner
Hey parents! Have your little ones explore the magic of gardening at our Kids Planting Corner!
Bring them along to plant their own seedling for FREE! It’s a hands-on opportunity for them to discover the joys of nurturing a plant and understand the importance of caring for nature.
While your kids get their green thumbs busy, enjoy a family day out at our beautiful garden centre soaking up the sun. It’s a chance for them to learn about the wonders of nature in a fun and educational way.
Observational Bee Hive
Since 2023, Heckers has hosted an Observational Beehive managed by the Eastern Highveld Beekeepers Association.
Come see the inner workings of a beehive up close; don’t worry, there are no bees flying around in store. Instead, they enter and exit through a pipe leading to the side of the garden centre, away from customers. If you’re lucky, you might spot the queen bee.
The Eastern Highveld Association also offers talks for schools or interest groups. For more information or bee removals please contact Pete: 063 689 3700
The Rika Hecker Garden Club
Founded in 1991 by Rika Hecker, co-founder of Heckers Garden Centre, the Rika Hecker Garden Club has been flourishing for over three decades. Although Rika has since passed, her legacy continues through a thriving community of more than 130 members and monthly visitors.
Each month features an exciting new guest speaker, and for those who can’t attend in person, we record the sessions and share them on YouTube.
Visitors are always welcome, the entry fee is R30 per person, this includes their tea or coffee along with a muffin, scone, cupcake, or similar treat.
There are many prizes to be won in the monthly raffle, for only R5 per ticket/entry.
To become a member, you’ll need to sign up in person at one of our meetings. Membership fee is R250 per year or R180 of you join after July. R380 for a couple for the full year payable by the end of March. Please note that the December meeting is for members only.
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month at 10:00 AM, and many guests arrive 30 minutes early to grab the best seats.
We’re Pet-Friendly, Because Pets Are Family!
We love seeing your furry companions! Feel free to bring them along when you visit.
To keep everyone safe and happy:
- Please keep pets on a leash at all times.
- If your pet isn’t well-socialized, consider visiting on a quiet day or leaving them at home.
Your pet’s comfort matters to us too. On some days you might even spot pet grass, catnip, dog grass, or seeds for sale, perfect little treats to take home.
Come on in together, we can’t wait to welcome you and your four-legged family members!
What Sets Heckers Apart?
Pet Friendly
Loyalty Program
Coffee Shop
Free Kids Planting Corner
Observational Bee Hive
Multiple Events throughout the year
Secure Parking
Wheelchair accessible with two wheelchairs available
Monthly Pesticide Recycling
Monthly Garden Club
Knowledgeable staff
Basket repotting service
Pensioner discount: Mon, Wed, Fri
Horticultural plastic recycling
Nationally Recognized, Locally Loved – The Heckers Legacy of Quality.
At Heckers Garden Centre, we take pride in being members of the South African Nursery Association and the Garden Centre Association, two leading organizations committed to upholding excellence in the nursery and garden industry. We’re also proud partners of Life is a Garden, a national initiative inspiring South Africans to discover the joy of gardening.Our affiliations reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering top-quality plants, products, and exceptional customer service to every client.
Over the years, Heckers has earned numerous prestigious industry awards, including being named a Garden Centre of Excellence by the South African Nursery Association and ranking in the top ten garden centres in the country multiple times. We are also six-time winners of the Best Garden Centre of Ekurhuleni award.
With over 44 years of excellence, Heckers continues to be recognized by the Garden Centre Association as one of South Africa’s leading independent garden centres, a testament to our passion, expertise, and dedication to the gardening community.
