South Africa’s Fynbos plant species won the gold medal at the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show, earning the country its 37th top award for fynbos displays since 1976. The fynbos species are a significant source of revenue through exports, generating around R85 million in revenue. The success at Chelsea and the thriving fynbos industry narrate a deeply inspiring story of South Africa where the beauty of nature intertwines with the lives of the communities that cultivate it, culminating in a harmonious blend of growth, diversity, and prosperity that transcends national boundaries.
South Africa’s Fynbos plant species won the gold medal at the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show, earning the country its 37th top award for fynbos displays since 1976. Cape Flora SA, the leading advocate for South Africa’s indigenous flora, and De Fynne Nursery’s Managing Director, Jacky Goliath, were responsible for this triumph. The fynbos species are one of the region’s significant sources of revenue through exports, generating around R85 million in revenue.
In the lush, green centre of Chelsea, London, the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show burst into life. The event was a vibrant celebration of international flora, tantalising visitors with a spectrum of colours and a bouquet of scents from around the world. The star of this year’s show was the South African Fynbos, a unique plant species that swept the event and earned South Africa the highly coveted gold medal. The victory was celebrated by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), who recognised this as South Africa’s 37th top award for their fynbos displays since 1976.
The honour of this achievement lies with Cape Flora SA, the leading advocate for South Africa’s indigenous flora, and the driving force behind this triumphant display. Much of the credit for this accomplishment is due to the careful planning and execution by De Fynne Nursery’s Managing Director, Jacky Goliath, located near Paarl in South Africa, who masterfully arranged the award-winning display.
Goliath, beaming with pride from the event’s epicentre, shared his joy and excitement of the victory. His exhilaration was palpable as he spoke of the warm reception the South African team had received and the excitement of working with their national plants. He said, “There is so much enthusiasm about South Africa’s return to the show. It’s a privilege to represent our country and to highlight the diversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom.”
South Africa’s win is not just a recognition of its botanical beauty, but also a spotlight on the vast economic significance of its flora. The fynbos species, native to the Western Cape, are one of the region’s most significant sources of revenue through exports. Cape Flora SA alone controls a staggering 90% of South Africa’s cut-flower exports, a market that’s worth around R85 million. This robust industry is a lifeline for many rural communities, offering them a sustainable income source.
However, the captivating beauty of the fynbos and their success in the international market didn’t occur randomly. Their popularity is the result of careful cultivation, innovative practices, and modernisation within the industry. Karien Bezuidenhout, from Cape Flora SA, highlighted how the rise in cut-flower exports spurred this transformative process, leading to a notable improvement in the quality of the product.
Bezuidenhout noted, “The modernisation and innovation in the industry have led to a noticeable improvement in product quality, boosting sales both domestically and internationally. The demand for fynbos products in international markets is substantial.” This growth is closely linked to the communities who nurture the fynbos, providing livelihoods for stakeholders throughout the country.
The triumphant performance at the Chelsea Flower Show symbolises more than just a win; it is a vivid testament to the unique fynbos of the Western Cape. Dr. Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, summed it up perfectly: “Our victory showcases the unique fynbos of the Western Cape. With the ever-increasing export of fynbos-cut flowers, there will only be more commercial benefits for all.”
The success at Chelsea and the thriving fynbos industry narrate a deeply inspiring story of South Africa. It tells a tale where the beauty of nature intertwines with the lives of the communities that cultivate it, culminating in a harmonious blend of growth, diversity, and prosperity that transcends national boundaries. The gold medal is a symbol of this remarkable narrative, a narrative that continues to unravel in the lush landscapes of South Africa and in the vibrant fabric of global horticulture.
The Chelsea Flower Show is an annual flower show held in Chelsea, London, showcasing international flora.
South Africa’s Fynbos plant species won the gold medal at the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show.
South Africa has won 37 top awards for fynbos displays since 1976.
South Africa’s flora, particularly the fynbos species, is a significant source of revenue through exports, generating around R85 million in revenue. The industry is a lifeline for many rural communities, offering them a sustainable income source.
South Africa’s win at the Chelsea Flower Show is significant because it showcases the unique fynbos of the Western Cape and highlights the thriving fynbos industry. It is a testament to the harmonious blend of growth, diversity, and prosperity that transcends national boundaries.
Cape Flora SA, the leading advocate for South Africa’s indigenous flora, and De Fynne Nursery’s Managing Director, Jacky Goliath, were responsible for South Africa’s win at the Chelsea Flower Show.
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