Cherry blossoms, bright red peonies and exotic orchids line the Western Cape roads every spring. This year, you can choose from three flower festivals to view the most magnificent blooms. All the festivals are within driving distance from the Cape Town CBD, which makes for a great road trip.
1. Hermanus Flower Festival
In light of the water crisis, the theme of this year’s Hermanus Flower Festival, is ‘Watching Water’. The exhibition includes water-saving methods such as water-wise gardening and learning about grey-water systems.
In addition to group discussions and demonstrations, there will also be fynbos displays and workshops on how to grow your own herbs and make Tussie Mussie’s (small bouquets).
The Hermanus Photographic Society will display their striking flower images.
Click here for the full programme.
Date: 21 – 24 September 2018
Location: Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Hermanus
Cost: R25 for adults, R10 for seniors on Friday
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnUKW2UnmSn/?hl=en&tagged=hermanus
2. Namaqualand Flower Festival
This event is a paradise for all flower enthusiasts and celebrates their 11th birthday this year. Tourists from all over the globe make a point of visiting during this time to catch the festival.
The weekend promises three days of camping, (glamping is also an option) dancing, stargazing, bushman painting viewing and prize givings. If you enjoy running, this year’s trail offers three different routes – a challenging 21km, a scenic 9km trail and a 4km family fun run.
Buy your tickets now on Quicket.
Date: 7-9 September 2018
Location: Gifberg Holiday Farm, Vanrhynsdorp
Picture: Facebook/Namaqualand Flower Festival
3. Darling Wildflower Show
Steeped in a 100-year-old history, the Darling Wildflower Society hosted an annual show every September for over a century. This year’s theme is conservation and the next generation. The society celebrates the Cape Fynbos Kingdom where over 1200 species of flowers are found.
In addition to a hundred food and craft stalls, there will be a wine tour and a beer tent. There is a play-park area for kids to enjoy and an entertainment tent with live music from famous local acts for adults.
The money brought in from the entrance fees will help to preserve our endangered floral kingdom for the future.
For all the festival details, click here.
Date: 14 – 16 September 2018
Location: Darling Golf Club, Darling
Cost: R60 for adults, R40 for pensioners on Friday, R40 for children over the age of 2
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZDVoS1lBkV/?tagged=darlingwildflowershow
Picture: Unsplash