South Africa’s showcase of proteas and fynbos at the Chelsea Flower Show in London secured major accolades for its design and presentation.
The international flower show, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society, draws thousands of visitors from across the globe each year.
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As reported by the Western Cape Government (WCG), South African fynbos displays have won 37 gold medals since 1976. This year’s South African display at the Chelsea Flower Show was made possible thanks to a collaboration between Cape Flora SA (CFSA) and the WCG.
‘Our participation in the event will showcase the unique fynbos of the Western Cape, and with the potential increase in the export of fynbos cut flowers, more jobs will be created and both commercial and new farmers will benefit,’ says Dr Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape minister of agriculture.
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Leon Kluge, international garden designer, artist, presenter and plantsman, received the gold medals for ‘Best in Show’ and ‘Best New Design’ at the event.
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‘South African products stand out so nicely. It is an honour to represent South Africa,’ says Jacky Goliath, CFSA board member and managing director of De Fynne Nursery near Paarl.
‘The South African team and our products have been well received. Being part of the team and working with our national plants is just so exciting. Everyone is excited to see South Africa back at the show.’
Cape flora, including fynbos, accounts for 90% of South Africa’s cut flower exports. In 2023, fresh-cut flowers performed better than dried flowers on the export market at a value of R932 million, compared to R98 million for dried flowers.
Cape Flora manager Karien Bezuidenhout says the growth of the export market triggered modernisation and innovation within the industry. ‘This has led to higher product quality which has benefitted sales in domestic and international markets.
‘The growing demand for high-quality fynbos products in international markets is welcomed, providing livelihoods for stakeholders and communities within the South African fynbos industry.’
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