Stanford in Bloom, tentatively launched three years ago, has become a major drawcard for the Overstrand – bigger and better each year.
With the recreation of South Africa’s multi-award-winning Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea flower exhibit as its centre point, it has had the full support of the people and businesses of Stanford. This annual celebration of our fynbos heritage has become an all-hands-on-deck community project, with a huge economic spin-off for the town.
Despite dire warnings of inclement weather on the opening day on Saturday, the streets and exhibit hall were thronged with literally thousands of visitors. They came prepared and didn’t let the periodic showers – not nearly as widespread or disruptive as predicted – dampen the spirit of excitement and joy.
The Grootbos-sponsored, meticulously reconstructed 2026 Chelsea exhibit, Life after Fire, designed again by Leon Kluge, won a Gold Medal and Best Exhibit in the Great Pavilion award in May.
The spectacular portrayal of the unique, fire-driven landscape of the Cape Floristic Region included some 20 000 stems of protea cut flowers and thousands of burnt protea branches, arranged to create a post-fire landscape. Bulbs and orchids from various parts of South Africa were also on display.
Now, in real time, the Cape Floristic Region is blooming again. Fire-stimulated ephemerals – plants that only flower the season after a fire – are bursting from the soil in masses. Some have not been seen for decades. It is a ‘superbloom’ of rare, endemic flowers, visually demonstrating that there is abundant life after fire.
The good news is that Leon has already designed South Africa’s exhibit for the 2027 Chelsea Flower Show. He says not enough funding has been pledged as yet, but he is confident it will be forthcoming. Given our prestigious profile at the world’s top horticultural show, it would be a travesty if it were not.
Stanford in Bloom continues until 27 September, with a full programme of events every day. For schedule and booking details, visit www.stanfordinbloom.co.za
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