South African flora’s triumphant return to Chelsea flower show

After a four-year hiatus, South Africa has returned to the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London this year. Their exhibition, which showcased the Cape Mountains and South Africa’s biodiversity, featuring proteas and fynbos, won a Gold Medal, ‘Best Exhibit in the Pavilion,’ and ‘Best New Design’ awards. South Africa has participated in the show since 1976, earning 37 gold awards over the years. However, the country’s florists were absent for the past four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a decision by the South African National Biodiversity Institute to withdraw from the show. Keith Kirsten, a renowned horticulturist, spoke to BizNews from Chelsea about how head designer Leon Kluge and artist Tristan Woudberg led a group of volunteers to create this year’s spectacular display using 22,000 proteas and fynbos. The project came together with the crucial support of major donors, including the Rupert Nature Foundation and the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, leading to South Africa’s most significant success ever at the show.