News

FLOWERS, FOOD AND FUN AT THE CAPE TOWN FLOWER SHOW 2007

OCTOBER 2007

With blue skies and sunshine heralding summer's arrival, spectacular Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West blossomed with the sights and smells of flowers and food as the Cape Town Flower and Garden Show opened its gates to the 20,000 green fingered enthusiasts and garden lovers who visited the show from 25 to 28 October.

Set on two fields and covering an expanse of more than 18,000 square meters, this year's flower show offered an exclusive mix of garden design, horticultural excellence, gardening opportunities and great shopping for all gardening fans. Visitors were able to browse and buy from the abundance of plants and gardening accessories on display, from seedlings and bulbs to pots and patio furniture. Forty two superb landscaped show gardens, bursting with inspirational ideas created by some of the country's leading garden designers, inspired visitors with ideas for any sized garden including the smaller courtyard, chic and city gardens. The coveted Aliverti Trophy for the most outstanding contribution to the show went to Pink Geranium Nursery and Landscapers for their garden titled The Embrace.

Traffic flowed steadily as the 45 000 square metre polo field filled to capacity and cars were directed onto the smaller field used as the primary parking area last year. With more than 9,000 cars passing through the gates of Lourensford Wine Estate over the four day period, organizers are confident that they have overcome the traffic congestion problem experienced during the previous two years of the show.

"We've received only positive and complimentary comments from visitors and exhibitors alike and I think we finally have the correct mix to provide something for everyone, from the expert gardener to the outright novice and from the very young to the very old. A visitor questionnaire last year provided us with valuable information and we have tried where possible to meet all expectations," said Suzanne Rawle, General Manager of the flower show.

The many tempting catering options ensured a glorious days outing for all and visitors took the opportunity to picnic in the shade of the giant oaks or relax at umbrella shaded tables with a cup of tea or glass of chilled wine or beer. The fun fair proved to be a great hit with both young and old 'kids' who with whoops of delight rode the Ferris Wheel or flew through the air on the variety of swing rides, while the more serious gardeners took advantage of the Radox lecture and demonstration series to learn about the best gardening practices, newest techniques and exciting new plants for the garden.

It wasn't only visitors who benefited from the event but so too did some of the Cape's worthy non-profit organisations such as Dementia SA who facilitate education and counseling training to Alzheimer and dementia families and carers. Rape Crisis Helderberg an NPO doing valuable work in helping survivors of rape and abuse overcome their traumas and the Melkbos Care Centre who provide care and educational opportunities to vulnerable and underprivileged children. Jeremy Killian of Nature's Blue Print Landscaping ran a raffle from his garden with 100% of the tickets sales going to the Red Cross Children's Hospital Trust while Writhlington School will be donating their
Orchid propagations laboratory to one of the local schools they visit before their return to the UK.

Plans for the Cape Town Flower & Garden Show 2008 are already underway, and the organizers will continue to innovate and realize new ideas and suggestions in order to ensure the success of the show.

The 2008 Cape Town Flower & Garden Show will take place at Lourensford Wine Estate from Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November. Contact (021) 422 0390.

Back »