On Friday, our guest and friend, Nicoline, took The Earl and me, to the quaint village of Stanford, the proud host a full-scale recreation of South Africa’s Gold Award-winning exhibit from the 2025 Royal Horticultural Society, Chelsea Flower Show, in London. Since the original display couldn’t be transported home, it was lovingly rebuilt for the Stanford “In Bloom Festival”, showcasing the Cape Floral Kingdom.

It was designed by Leon Kluge and Tristan Woudberg, and the exhibit featured over 25,000 stems of fynbos, a canyon of amber water, and a sculptural tribute to South Africa’s cultural heritage.

At the Chelsea Show in London, a sleeping wild fox was spotted curled up among the fynbos. The display’s water, tinted with rooibos tea, famous for its herbal virtues, might have tempted him to take a sip. If so, he might wonder if that is why his coat became so glossy.

There were also botanical artworks from the Grootbos Florilegium on display and one could purchase prints in various sizes. They were absolutely stunning, and the Florilegium was a delight to page through. While I was admiring it a man approached me and said he’d get one of the artists to sign me a copy.
“Thank you, but I’m not buying,” I replied.
“Why not?” he asked, “It’s only R 2000 for the full-sized book and R 800 for the smaller one.”
“Sorry, I’m just too poor,” I smiled.
He laughed. “I feel so sorry for you!”
He was, of course, teasing.
Nicoline has been coveting one, and it was with great effort that she stopped herself from indulging her wish.

The town was alive with scarecrow-like effigies as part Stanford’s annual ‘In Bloom Spring Festival’. They were displayed in front of shops, in gardens, and in public spaces, each handcrafted by local residents, including schoolchildren, families, businesses, and artists. A prize will be awarded to the best contributors at the end of the festival.

On our journey back to Struisbaai, we made a delightful stop in Gansbaai to visit my friend, Belinda, who is curating a captivating art exhibition. Titled Dancing with the Universe, the show features an array of beautiful works—and I was especially taken with Belinda’s own contribution. It’s truly a piece that speaks to the soul. With her permission, I am publishing the video of the opening function.

As we headed home with a new protea tucked safely in the boot and a radiant yellow clivia gifted to us by Nicoline, our hearts felt just as full as our garden will soon be. The Stanford In Bloom Flower Show was a visual feast which left Nicoline, who is passionate about flowers, uplifted with joy and her enthusiasm certainly affected us profoundly.