…Waterfall City’s very own Chelsea Flower Show runs from 30 October to 3 November 2019…
31 October 2019: The Johannesburg International Flower Show is the continent’s premier horticultural event; bringing together Africa’s top landscape and garden designers, florists and horticulturists in a five-day celebration of flora, horticultural excellence and family fun. Nestled in the heart of Waterfall City, Gauteng fastest-growing business and lifestyle node, the inaugural show provides a platform for local talent to showcase their work in front of internationally renowned judges and gardening enthusiasts.
“South Africa has an abundance of expertise in the landscaping and florist industries, with several gold medal placements at the Chelsea Flower Show as proof of our horticultural prowess. What’s more, an average of around 15 000 South Africans travel to the Chelsea Flower Show each year to take in the magnificent horticultural display. This year, with the launch of the Johannesburg International Flower Show, South Africans from all walks of life will get the opportunity to experience fruits of SA’s horticultural talents, as well as see Africa’s spin on a British classic,” says Mike Sham of The Johannesburg International Flower Show.
At the show, the Netflorist Grand Pavilion will feature extravagant floral displays, elaborately designed flower walls and chandeliers, fantasy gardens and an eye-catching Japanese “Ikebana” showcase. However, many of the displays at the flower show are about more than just flowers and plants. They are a showcase of the art behind the latest design and innovation in floral arrangements and landscaping. Visitors to the show will get to meet the country’s leading florists and landscape artists as they share their passion for plants, reveal tips-of-the-trade and showcase their latest creations.
Melt Hamman, CEO of Attacq, comments, “Waterfall City continues to cement its place as the go-to destination for premier lifestyle and entertainment events such as the South African Fashion Week; GQ Best-Dressed Awards; the Julie Miller Investment Art Institute and the National Antiques & Decorative Arts Faire (NAADA). As a community-centric property developer, we understand the role of quality experiences in helping people define their view of the world – and where better to shape this than at the Johannesburg International Flower Show! This premier event promises to deliver a joyful, once-in-a-lifetime event that enhances Gauteng’s experience economy and brings to life the beauty of South Africa’s horticultural heritage.”
For regular weekend Waterfall marketgoers, the flower show is the perfect event for a ‘Funday with friends’, offering everything from live musical entertainment to artisanal food, a beer garden, premium champagne and wine bars, as well as a botanical gin garden. Visitors will also be able to watch the Rugby World Cup Final on the big screen!
In fact, the event is designed to provide fun for the whole family, with a designated children’s area offering hands-on gardening and flower arranging workshops and entertainment for children of all ages. The aim is to educate kids by providing them with the chance to engage all sorts of senses from feeling the texture of the soil, seeds, flowers and petals, to learning new gardening skills and expanding their plant knowledge in an exciting and enjoyable environment.
However, it’s not just about having fun, the Johannesburg International Flower Show is shining a spotlight on sustainability by implementing water-wise and energy efficiency measures throughout the 5-day event. And after the event, pre-commissioned local wastepreneurs will be onsite to ensure that all wastage, including displays and stands, are recycled or reused.
In 2019 the Attacq Foundation sponsored 70 learners for the Horticulture learnership programme NQF level 4, of which a further 30 learners were supported to complete the National Certificate Environmental learnership programme NQF Level 5. These learners have since been selected to participate in this year flower show, ensuring that they not only get an opportunity to showcase their acquired skills on an international stage but also get exposure to South Africa’s horticulture sector.
Sham concludes, “In South Africa, the concept of Ubuntu is something with which we are all familiar. As custodians of the Johannesburg International Flower Show, we have chosen to honour this philosophy by harnessing, in our own small way, the power of horticulture to drive economic growth, employment and quality of life. This year, we plan to do this through three platforms:
- Showcasing the AGRICOLLEGES International e-Learning Platform, which encourages the development of South Africa’s young, future-farmers.
- Participating landscapers and floral designers will be mentoring 70 budding landscapers during the event, further echoing our pledge to pay it forward through skills transfer and capacity building.
- Flowers and plants from the show will be donated to local underprivileged communities, schools and nursing homes.”
Tickets to the show can be purchased at https://johannesburgflowershow.com/tickets-purchase/. A pensioner’s discount will apply to visitors over the age of 60 and children under 8 years may enter free of charge.