After a four-year hiatus, South Africa’s floral splendour is set to make a comeback at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, taking place from 21 – 25 May 2024 in London. This return marks the continuation of South Africa’s distinguished participation in this globally celebrated event, a tradition that commenced in 1976 and has since garnered 37 gold medals over 43 years.
The absence of a three-decade-long sponsor in 2019 prompted a collective effort led by private sector champions to ensure South Africa’s presence at Chelsea. This group includes the esteemed horticulturist and landscape designer Leon Kluge, known for his international accolades, horticultural expert Keith Kirsten, conservation advocate Michael Lutzeyer, and business developer Marinda Nel. The Rupert Nature Foundation’s pivotal support has played a significant role in securing this project’s future.
Under the creative direction of Leon Kluge, who has previously secured two gold medals for South Africa, this year’s display draws inspiration from the Cape mountains’ rugged beauty. The exhibit will feature a profusion of Proteas and fynbos, artfully arranged against a modern interpretation of the Cape Fold mountains. Large sculptural panels, mimicking natural mountain contours, provide a dramatic backdrop to the vibrant native flora, encapsulating South Africa’s unique ecological zones and rich cultural heritage.
The design cleverly integrates negative space within rock-like structures, offering new perspectives and celebrating the diverse plant species from the high-altitude fynbos to the coastal strandveld, adorned with bulbs and geophytes. This exhibit not only highlights the aesthetic appeal of South Africa’s flora, but also its ecological significance, underscoring one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.
The project benefits from the contributions of Michael Lutzeyer and the Grootbos Nature Reserve, emphasizing conservation and community development. Keith Kirsten brings decades of international horticultural experience, while Marinda Nel plays a crucial role in managing the comeback of South Africa’s floral heritage to Chelsea. The display also features the Grootbos Florilegium, showcasing botanical illustrations of rare species from the Grootbos Nature Reserve.
Supporting this endeavour is Cape Flora SA, a non-profit organization dedicated to the sustainable cultivation and harvesting of fynbos since 2005. Their involvement underscores the growing international demand for high-quality fynbos products, providing vital support to the local industry and communities reliant on this unique South African botanical treasure.
