GEORGE NEWS - Plant lovers will have the chance to discover hundreds of indigenous plant species, learn from specialist growers and enjoy a weekend of family activities when the fourth annual Garden Route Indigenous Plant Fair this coming weekend.
The plant fair takes place at the Garden Route Botanical Garden from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November.
Among the highlights are indigenous Disa orchids and hybrids, some in bloom. Orchid expert Hildegard Crous will present a free talk, Growing Disa Orchids in George, on Friday at 12:00.
Other plants on offer include Nerine sarniensis, Veltheimia capensis, Dierama and Chasmanthe species, pink and red George lilies, red and blue forms of Freesia laxa, as well as Oxalis, Cyrtanthus, Crinum, Haemanthus, Babiana, Nerine species and indigenous arums.
Specialist talks
Six talks over the three days will focus on indigenous plants, biodiversity and ways to attract wildlife to gardens.
Friday's programme includes Gardening for Birds by Christiaan Viljoen. On Saturday, Ludwig Müller will present Gardening for Butterflies, followed by Geoff Nichols's Wildlife Gardening. Müller will also discuss Learning about Fynbos on Sunday.
Crous will share advice on growing disas, alongside a presentation by a representative of the Botanical Society of South Africa (BotSoc).
Art workshops and activities
Activities organised with SEA (Science, Ecosystem, Art) will combine creativity, scientific observation and sensory exploration.
A mixed-media art workshop will take place on Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 at R250 per person. Bookings for Saturday's workshops open at 12:00 at the SEA stall at the white gazebo.
Two family-friendly workshops combining microscopes, sensory exploration and art are scheduled for Saturday from 11:00 to 13:00 and 13:30 to 15:30. Both cost R50 per person, and bookings are essential.
A free treasure hunt will run throughout Saturday. Participants can collect a card and digital map at the SEA stall to explore the garden. Completed cards will be entered into a lucky draw.
On Sunday, authors will read their stories at the garden gazebo from 09:00 to 12:00. This free activity will include microscopes, sensory experiences and art. Books and other items will also be available for purchase.
For workshop information and bookings, contact Gail on 083 643 5538.
Family fun and fundraising
More than 30 food and craft stalls, a children's zone, face painting and restaurant specials will add to the weekend's attractions.
The fair is the Botanical Garden's most important annual fundraiser, helping to cover operating costs, maintain plant collections and support conservation and improvement projects.
A magnificent range of Disa orchids will be for sale. This is the Disa x dinalis, a striking hybrid. Photo: Supplied
Müller, the garden manager, encourages the community to attend, regardless of the weather.
“The event is critical for fund-raising to help sustain our conservation work, operations and facilities,” said Müller.
More than 6 000 plants representing between 500 and 600 species will be on sale. Admission is free.
The fair will be open from 09:00 to 16:00 on Friday and Saturday, and from 09:00 to 14:00 on Sunday.
Programme updates, are available here.
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