Horticulturist Keith Kirsten gave his behind-the-scenes take, last week, on South Africa’s gold-medal-winning entry at the Chelsea Flower Show.
He was the guest speaker at an Adele Searll 100 Club fund-raiser which drew more than 100 people to the Norval Foundation on Wednesday June 5.
Last month, horticulturist and floral artist Leon Kluge and artist Tristan Woudberg, along with a group of volunteers, earned South Africa’s 38th gold medal at the world-renowned flower show hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Mr Kluge worked closely with Keith Kirsten, conservationist Michael Lutzeyer and Marinda Nel to realise South Africa’s return to the flower show after a four-year hiatus.
Contributions from the Rupert Nature Foundation and the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, along with numerous contributions from the private sector, provided the financial support needed to create the display in London.
In addition to clinching a gold medal, the display won both Best New Design and Best in the Great Pavillion.
With a selection of slides and videos, Mr Kirsten described how South Africa’s stand in the Chelsea Pavilion was built and how the team ensured that the proteas were at their freshest and most beautiful. The floral artwork used 22 000 stems of fynbos cut flowers framed by earthy clay sculptures.
Adele Searll 100 Club chairperson Rebecca Harvie said it had been a privilege for the club to support South Africa’s display, and she thanked club members Ina Paarman, Dominque Lambert and Caroline Simkins for their contributions.
The club, which was founded in 1979, raises funds for its various philanthropic projects.
