With the annual Rare Plant Fair boasting an array of rare plants and flowers, eager vendors and specialist nurseries, the indigenous fynbos plant reigned supreme with the local flora dominating majority of the stalls.
Nestled on the scenic curve of Helshoogte Road, the Simonsberg Mountain was the picturesque backdrop for the Rare Plant Fair, hosted at Tokara Wine Estate’s exceptional vineyards and gardens on 20 October.
“Although the plethora of rare plants is exciting, it is also important that we integrate our own indigenous plants into our everyday lives, and that’s what we aim to do with fynbos,” said Dominic Courtney, salesperson at Cape Town Fynbos Experience, one of the more popular stalls at the Fair.
The gardens, set against the Simonsberg Mountain, open with winding paths that gradually show the serene landscape that’s decorated with ornamental plantings and garden staples like roses and fynbos. PHOTO: Kadzamira Modjadji
Ingrid Nordengen, attendee of the event boasts about the complexities of fynbos. “It is not only about having the plants decorate your table but that it can be consumed as a tea, a seasoning salt, and infused oil; it’s this incredibly multi-functional plant”.
The fynbos plant that remains a protected indigenous flora of the Western Cape, was the star of the show with growers themselves presenting and sharing their knowledge about the plant, its growing conditions and its presence in local flora.
With the Rare plant Fair being an all-encompassing botanical experience, the indigenous fynbos proved dominant with these fynbos species being the most popular. INFOGRAPHIC: Kadzamira Modjadji
“What we do is sell succulents in order to fund our fynbos restoration project that we have on our reserve on the West Coast, in order to protect species that have yet to be under conservation in South Africa,” said Jodi Franco, owner of the Succulent Emporium stall.
With the presence of fynbos under threat given the recent drought and water crisis experienced in the Western Cape, conversations among growers turns to water conservation. “You have to be water wise and train your plants to become water wise, this means planting in the winter, utilising the right soil and irrigation systems that use winter rainfall,” said James Fisk, owner of the stall, The Pink Geranium.
Tucked away in the heart of the Cape Winelands, visitors are treated to panoramic views of Tokara’s well-manicured gardens that nestle a hidden dam, surrounded by a tree-lined backdrop. PHOTO: Kadzamira Modjadji
“As you wander through the Fair exploring all of the exotic and indigenous plants and take in the breath-taking gardens you realise that there is this untold story when it comes to fynbos and its dominance on South African soil,” marveled Chanté Powell, Stellenbosch University (SU) Masters Genetics student and attended of the Fair.
The popular spring event proved to be a popular indigenous offering with local plants including proteas, perennials, buchus and succulent, that appealed to all tastes, from avid green-thumbers to first time plant owners.
Besides showcasing indigenous favourites to more exotic flora, like the Madagascan succulent, visitors to the estate were invited to meander through the gardens that house spectacular views of both the vineyards and mountains.
“Sometimes you need to escape the busy town life and embrace the relaxing ambience and scenery of Stellenbosch and that’s what this Fair allowed us to do,” said Nordengen.
See more of the Plant Fair here: