South Africa's Fynbos wins gold at UK flower competition as Kirstenbosch maintains strategic absence
The beautiful display of Fynbos that won gold.
Image: Supplied
For the sixth consecutive year, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden did not exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), which manages the iconic garden, confirmed that its decision to step away from the world-renowned event was made in 2019 and remains in place.
According to Nontsikelelo Mpulo, Director of Marketing, Communication and Commercialisation at SANBI, the decision was based on a combination of practical and strategic considerations.
'The Chelsea Flower Show was a costly exercise for the organisation with no clear return on investment,' said Mpulo. 'Our displays featured indigenous flowers and materials that were often confiscated at the UK border and not permitted for use. Additionally, our sponsors withdrew their support.'
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further affected SANBI's financial stability, and revenue has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. While a return to Chelsea has not been ruled out, Mpulo said the organisation is exploring local alternatives, including plans to establish a Biodiversity Expo in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
'It has been some time since Kirstenbosch participated in the show. The questions you pose have periodically come to the organisation, and our position remains the same,' she added.
Despite its absence from Chelsea, Kirstenbosch continues to be celebrated internationally. It has been named one of the top ten gardens in the world by The New York Times, received the 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award, and was voted Best Botanical Garden in Africa by the World Luxury Travel Awards in 2023.
South Africa won big
Image: Supplied
Kirstenbosch also became the first South African botanical garden to receive Level IV accreditation from the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Programme and The Morton Arboretum in the USA — an honour currently shared by just 46 gardens worldwide.
While Kirstenbosch was not at Chelsea, South Africa was proudly represented by designer Leon Kluge and horticulturist Tristan Woudberg, whose spectacular fynbos exhibit won a gold medal at the 2025 show. The display captured the beauty and diversity of the Cape Floristic Region through two towering mountain slopes divided by a ravine, designed to evoke a secret Cape waterfall in springtime and constructed with over 25,000 stems of fynbos blooms.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve was one of several sponsors supporting Kluge's display, alongside Hazendal Wine Estate, the Rupert Nature Foundation and Southern Sun. Michael Lutzeyer, owner of Grootbos, expressed his pride in the team's achievement.
Chelsea Flowers in Stanford will be open to the public in spring from 10-24 September 2025
Image: Supplied
'I am delighted and proud of Leon Kluge's fynbos display which received international recognition and a gold-award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, confirming what we at Grootbos have always known — the Cape Floristic Region is one of the most beautiful and unique regions of the world and fynbos itself is the star of the show.
"Grootbos was one of the proud sponsors of the exhibit which celebrates the beauty of fynbos — thank you and well done to the whole team who worked so hard. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and the Grootbos Foundation have protected and conserved this landscape for 25 years and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has confirmed that the world (and even the fox) believes this biodiversity hotspot is worth protecting.'
To ensure South Africans can also experience the magic of Chelsea, Grootbos and the Grootbos Foundation will sponsor a full-scale replica of the winning display in the village of Stanford. Titled Chelsea Flowers in Stanford, the exhibition will run from 10 to 24 September 2025 and coincide with the region's spring bloom.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
The merger of KZN's Gold Circle and Cape Racing has birthed Race Coast.
The merger of Gold Circle's operations in KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Racing from the Western Cape has given rise to an exciting new entity known as Race Coast. Founded under the auspices of the uMhlanga-based South African sports betting company Hollywoodbets, this collaboration has been met with resounding support from the nation's leading horse trainers, who believe it represents a bright future for the sport. Prominent South African champion trainer Justin Snaith, along with the globally-renowned horse racing ambassador Mike de Kock and accomplished trainer Dean Kannemeyer, have publicly endorsed Race Coast. Their collective enthusiasm highlights a refreshing wave of optimism within the racing community. The Cape Town-based Snaith emphasised that this initiative promises not only to elevate the standards of racing but also to foster a deeper connection between the sport and its fans. He reflected on the initial success in his province of a similar initiative, RaceCape, initiated by Cape Racing and Hollywoodbets. Snaith is celebrating a half-century of KZN winter season assaults for the famous family operation. His father Chris, still a key member of their team, first raided with a string from the Cape in 1975. 'That structure has proven a tremendous success! It has not only boosted ownership and field sizes in the Western Cape but has also provided trainers with additional funding to enhance their operations. "Now we mark the historic beginnings of Race Coast, which is another generous initiative by Hollywoodbets, aimed at promoting ownership in KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape while boosting the horse population,' said at the launch of Race Coast. Snaith reminded us of the past, recalling that many feared that horse racing in South Africa might not survive after the COVID-19 pandemic. 'However, the dedicated efforts of a few individuals have not only saved the sport but have also paved the way for an exciting future. It is a future that we can shape and reinvent, making it better for all stakeholders involved. "Race Coast marks the beginning of something special for the province and the future of horse racing in South Africa. On behalf of all our owners, staff, and horses, we want to express our sincere gratitude,' he concluded. Mike de Kock, hailed as one of the great trainers of his generation, echoed this sentiment. He expressed confidence that Race Coast would invigorate South African racing and attract a new generation of enthusiasts, emphasising the intrinsic value of promoting racing as both an entertainment platform and a cultural cornerstone. De Kock, who recently joined forces with his son Mathew in a training partnership, said: 'De Kock Racing has been around for a long time, but as a new training partnership, Mathew and I are excited to be involved with the innovators behind Race Coast. "We have already seen the evidence of their vision and commitment, and we have positioned ourselves to grow with them. We look forward to what the future holds.' Three-time Hollywoodbets Durban July winning trainer Kannemeyer said a refreshing wave of enthusiasm and hope have been felt tangibly in the horse racing fraternity. 'The improvement and upliftment have been in bricks and mortar, communication, and incentives and stakes across the spectrum in the Cape, and looking at the rejuvenated Hollywoodbets Greyville landscape. It is a revelation and a passion-driven work-in-progress, in simple terms," he said. "The Hollywoodbets Team have made a difference in a short time, and one gets a very warm feeling that the sport is in good hands. We are all united under the flag of future prosperity, and, on behalf of our owners and the DKR team, I extend sincere onward and upward best wishes to Race Coast.'
Eyewitness News
6 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Treasury stands firm on unaffordability of continued extension of SRD grant
CAPE TOWN - Treasury is standing firm on the unaffordability of the continued extension of the social relief of distress (SRD) grant introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has budgeted R35.2 billion to pay the grant in this financial year, while also appealing a high court ruling that it relaxes its criteria for eligibility to include thousands more people. Delivering the second version of the budget in March, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the grant would be extended for yet another year. That is unchanged in the current version of the budget. ALSO READ: • SARS expects to see impact of increase in tax collection efforts from Q2 • Expanding list of tax-free food items won't benefit poorer households: Treasury • Treasury defends fuel levy increase However, responding to public submissions on the budget in Parliament on Friday, Treasury's head of public finance, Rendani Randela, said that Treasury has no choice but to appeal January's high court ruling that it include thousands more to receive the monthly R370 stipend. "That judgment is a fiscal risk on its own. And again, we are looking at the bigger picture here. Social assistance is not the only programme that we have, we also have other social assistance programmes outside the Department of Social Development." With 61% of the national budget going towards the social wage, Randela said Treasury believes that the existing social support net covers many of those also eligible for the SRD grant and double-dipping has to be avoided. Government is yet to take a decision on persistent calls from civil society for the SRD grant to become a basic income grant. "There's no way that we can't have a mechanism to filter out undeserving recipients of these social assistance programmes. That's why we are appealing that judgment because the way it is, if we don't challenge it, it is unaffordable."
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Birdhaven's best-kept secret: a foodie's French-inspired paradise
Arbour Cafe & Courtyard offers a French dining experience through its Parisian-inspired decor, ambience and cuisine. Image: Supplied Every city has that hidden culinary gem in the suburbs. In Birdhaven, Joburg, Arbour Cafe & Courtyard is one such spot. Nestled within a charming yet lively shopping complex, it is well-known among foodies, worth their weight in salt, or anyone who enjoys delicious French-inspired dishes. This is a wonderful breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, with an extensive menu. Despite Arbour Cafe being open for almost a decade, I only recently visited. I am a procrastinator of note. Having heard positive feedback about Chef Precious Ntsalaze's culinary journey, where she worked her way from the scullery to the top, I took up the offer to try her dishes and see what the fuss was about. I was completely blown away, and I'll explain why shortly. First, a quick history of this place, which Larry Hodes owns. His years of experience in the food industry, helming franchises, drew him to the potential of this eatery. In October 2016, he purchased it from Robyn Timson. Despite the financial devastation wrought by Covid-19 restrictions that forced many businesses to shut down, Hodes attributes the restaurant's continued success to its unwavering consistency. When it comes to menus, Hodes knows the palate of his diners. His menu caters for every palate, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, too. And if you decide to take your furry friend along, there are a few options for them as well. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading I would recommend dining in the courtyard, which has a soothing water feature. The creamy white decor, metal details, and fresh flowers on each table create a welcoming ambience. In the evening, it is transformed into a picturesque venue for special events. It has also become the go-to spot for several prominent politicians and celebrities wanting an intimate setting for everything from birthday parties to baby and bridal showers. After two weeks of being cooped up at home with the flu, it was delightful to soak up the sun and be out and about. Depending on your preference, there's a wide selection of wines, beers, cocktails, hot beverages, cool drinks, iced coffees, smoothies, freshly pressed health juices and fresh shots. I opted for the latter but as a hot toddy option, with fresh ginger, turmeric and honey. I wanted to get all that healthy goodness in before tucking into the tempting dishes on the menu. When deciding on what to try out, my mother's words about my "eyes being bigger than my stomach" echoed in my head. I am a foodie. I can't resist tantalising dishes, whether I'm dining out or cooking at home. With such temptation before me, exercising self-control was not easy. The Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage & Orange soup was simply divine. Image: Debashine Thangevelo Interestingly, two guys at the table next to me were so blown away by my choices that they, despite ordering breakfast, reluctantly agreed to try some of my dishes as they didn't want to intrude on my meal. But coming from a family structure, I'm always of the opinion that the more the merrier. Also, it was great having unplanned company. In winter, soups are usually a winner. It's comforting, delicious and oh-so-satisfying. As such, I found myself in a dilemma choosing between the two options on the menu: Our Famous Roast Chicken & Veg (R87) and the Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage & Orange (R77). So I just had them both. When I first took a sip of that hearty shredded chicken soup, the rich, savoury broth was simply delicious. I didn't think my second choice could outshine it. I was wrong. The winner was the creamy butternut squash, sprinkled with pumpkin seeds. It was so rich, flavourful and decadent that I couldn't put my spoon down. The toast that accompanied the soups went untouched, though. I felt it was such a delicious treat without the carbs. The flavour profile of this Pan Seared Chicken will blow your tastebuds away. Image: Debashine Thangevelo For my mains, I opted to try the Pan-Seared Chicken. Now, before chastising me about not going for a duck option, of which there were a few - after all, this is a French-inspired menu, I can be a creature of habit, sometimes. Also, this dish was begging for me to try it. At R157, it was a substantial portion, which I asked to be halved. The succulent fillets were drenched in a creamy white wine sauce, with the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and feta enhancing the flavour profile. As a side, I opted for the highly recommended roasted sweet potatoes with ginger and honey, which cost R37. The roasted soft potatoes were so scrumptious, I just couldn't stop eating them. They lived up to the hype, for sure. The Hand Pressed Beef Brioche Burger was a mouthful of goodness. However, you can choose different sides. Image: Debashine Thangevelo I also tried the Hand Pressed Beef Brioche Burger with an avocado add-on. Unfortunately, the usual fresh brioche roll was not in yet, but it didn't take away from the Wagyu-infused beef patty, which was topped by caramelised onion, melted Swiss emmental cheese, wild rocket, crisp butter lettuce, sliced tomato and red onion. Talk about a chunky bite, it was that and then some. I ordered it with deep-fried potato wedges (R32), which were okay, nothing really to rave about, and some green salad with precorina shavings (R37). The Salmon & Dill galette is a light, fresh bite that's a crowd pleaser. Image: Debashine Thangevelo Something I've not come across often was the Galettes, which are their signature French buckwheat pancakes. Another plus, they are gluten-free. Curious, I got a bit bougie and tried the Salmon & Dill (152). I also had it with avocado because everything is great with avocado. It was wrapped with a dollop of crème fraîche, a medium poached egg and red onion. This dish is light, fresh and divine. At this stage, even with the help of my new friends, I was stuffed. But given my sweet tooth, I soldiered on with the pièce de résistance - an Orange, Caramel Brandy Flambéed Crepe. I couldn't think of a better way to end my tasting. The crepe was buried in this delicious warm caramel sauce, topped with seared orange slices. It was citrusy goodness that needed more than one person to polish it off. If you have a sweet tooth, the Orange, Caramel Brandy Flambéed Crepe is a must-try. Image: Supplied
