This year, the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) annual Chelsea Flower Show in London – the world’s most prestigious showcase in horticultural excellence – celebrated South African flora, a powerful reminder that the natural wonders we live alongside are admired globally.
At the heart of this tribute was the representation of the Cape Floral Kingdom led by landscape designer Leon Kluge and artist Tristan Woudberg. The exhibit – which included more than 25 000 stems – was a vivid expression of how sustainability and cultural heritage intersect in the South African landscape.
Winning Gold for Best Exhibit and Best New Design, the Cape Floral Kingdom exhibit was inspired by the convergence of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, and the effect they have on the South Africa’s surrounding flora. Fragrant fynbos, proteas, and pincushions, including the Ground Protea varietal, which is pollinated by field mice who spread the seed by covering their faces in the fragrant yeast-like pollen, brought life and whimsy to the scene. An amber Cape River water feature was naturally made on site using a rooibos tea mix.
Back on South African soil, Leon Kluge recently recreated the gold-winning display in Stanford in the Western Cape for local viewers. Proceeds from the event supported the Grootbos Foundation, an NGO for the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom and community upliftment.
Succulents and Sustainability
Another intriguing display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year was the Karoo Succulent Garden, a collaboration between South African farm Babylonstoren and its sister hotel, the Newt in Somerset in the UK and the main sponsor of the show.
The exhibit, designed by Babylonstoren’s Ernst van Jaarsveld, presented the arid beauty of succulents in their natural setting of rock and red sand. Viewing paths flowed through sculptural installations on a dry riverbed, which not only highlighted waterless gardening as climate change, but South Africa’s Succulent Karoo region..
A Global Affair with Local Blooms
Our indigenous flora – particularly bulbs – have long influenced European gardens. Historically, aristocrats across Europe competed for rare and unusual plants, relying on collectors who sailed the world seeking new species.
When the first South African bulbs arrived in Europe in the 1600s, they caused a sensation, sparking a ‘Blood Lily’ craze, which introduced the continent to what is still considered the richest collection of bulbs on Earth. More than 2 500 South African species are now grown in gardens and conservatories across the world.
The Price of Popularity
But this popularity comes with a price. The ongoing global demand for ornamental succulents – driven by social media aesthetics and a desire for low-maintenance house plants – has fuelled a rise in illegal plant poaching and smuggling across southern Africa.
While 99 percent of the indigenous plants sold in nurseries are legally sourced, it’s better to purchase the cheaper varieties as the pricier they are, the more likely they’re endangered.
Indigenous Gardening Insights
“While all gardens provide opportunities for wildlife, none more than those featuring indigenous plants,” says Dr Elsa Pooley, renowned South African botanist, landscaper and co- author of this year’s encyclopedic publication, South African Indigenous Garden Plants: The Gardener’s Guide (Struik NATURE).
“It’s not just the pleasure of watching birds, insects and other regional wildlife. If one follows organic gardening principles – no poisons, natural fertiliser, mulch – we soon create a haven for plant and bird life.
“By composting home kitchen waste, we can attract pollinators, butterflies, birds and mammals. Wildlife wastes no time in establishing itself in a welcoming environment; we can do this within months in our African gardens,” she adds.
Indigenous Plant Guide
Looking to create an indigenous garden? Here are Dr Pooley’s safe bets that are water-wise, look good, and protect our unique biodiversity.
- Agapanthus (all species)
- Aloe marlothii
- Aloe ferox
- Aloe arborescens
- Aloe cooperi
- Aloe maculata
- Buddleja (all species)
- Clivia miniata
- Clivia gardenii
- Clivia nobilis
- Dietes (all species)
- Kniphofia (all species)
- Leonotis (all species)
- Strelitzia (all species)
- Tulbaghia (all species)
Local is Lekker
Keith Kirsten, South Africa’s OG ‘Original Gardener’ built a sustainable gardening franchise in the 1970s. He has contributed enormously to indigenous gardening and continues to do so. A recent prestigious project includes the restoration of a wetland habitat for a local frog species on the Norval Estate in Steenberg, Cape Town.
“As South Africans, we don’t completely comprehend how lucky we are,” says Keith. We go to the Kruger and are in awe of Fever Trees in Pongolapoort, but we don’t realise we can do the same in our own gardens. It’s not just the right thing to do – it’s a no brainer. And once you get into it, you’ll see how quickly and how many birds arrive.”
He adds, “I support invasive plant removal; embrace what we have – our indigenous plants are water wise, low maintenance, and beautiful.”
In South African writer Adam Welz’s international bestseller, The End of Eden: Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown (Jonathan Ball), he explores the impact of climate change on natural ecosystems.
“It’s important to plant plants that are locally indigenous. South Africa contains many different climatic regions, each with their own plants. Just because a plant is indigenous to South Africa does not mean it’ll do well in your area or that it belongs there,” he says.
“Once established, locally indigenous plants should do well without needing much extra water, because they are adapted to your climate. Planting locally indigenous species creates a place for indigenous birds and animals to live. They have adapted to eat indigenous plants and use them for nesting,”
Natural healing
Celebrated entrepreneur, global speaker and author Amanda Dambuza is also a passionate gardener. She emphasises the role of gardens as sanctuaries of spiritual and psychological healing. “The healing comes not just from consuming the plants, but from interacting with them” she says.
Grounding and Connection (Earthing): Gardening is a deeply grounding activity. Putting your hands in the soil, feeling the sun on your back, and listening to the birds and insects connects you to the natural world and its rhythms.
Mindfulness and Presence: A garden forces you to pay attention. You notice the first sprout, the unfurling of a leaf, the busy bee on a flower.
The Cycle of Life and Acceptance: A garden teaches profound lessons about life, death, patience, and renewal.You learn that some plants thrive, and others fail, that there are seasons of growth and seasons of rest.
Agency and Nurturing: Tending to living things and helping them flourish provides a deep sense of purpose and agency.
Sacred Space: A garden is a sacred sanctuary – a place for contemplation, prayer, or simply being away from the noise and demands of modern life.
