“It is not only our privilege, but our obligation to share the richness of our flora with the wide world.”
These were the words of Marinda Nel, Project Manager of Grootbos, after this institution announced its involvement in South Africa’s floral exhibition at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024.
The exhibition is inspired by the Cape Floristic Region and will showcase the biodiversity of our unique region in the Cape. “The region, at the southern tip of Africa, spanning the Cederberg mountains in the west to Gqeberha in the east, is one of the most diverse botanical regions of the world,” a press release from Grootbos stated. “An area of just 90 000 square kilometres is home to more than 10 000 indigenous plant species, 70% of which are found nowhere else on earth.”
According to Grootbos the Cape is home to many localised and rare species and has also contributed many horticultural favourites that are found in gardens throughout the world. “The region is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot,” they said.
The return of the South African floral exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show was only made possible by the generous sponsors and dedicated people who believe that this unique flora should be shown to the world.
“This project is generously supported by Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, the Rupert Nature Foundation and Cape Flora SA, while well known South African horticulturist, Keith Kirsten, and past Botsoc chair, Marinda Nel, spearheaded the initiative,” they stated.
The team stated this project has been endorsed by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the Kirstenbosch branch of the South African Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
Chris Lochner, resident artist at Grootbos and manager of the Grootbos Florilegium collection and gallery, will attend this prestigious event, representing the Grootbos Foundation’s ongoing conservation work in the landscape and through botanical art.
He said: “It is exciting to be able to return to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year to showcase the wild beauty of this unique Western Cape landscape at the most significant and respected flower show in the world. This show has the potential to attract visitors to South Africa from all over the world through a shared joy and passion for plants.”
