A fruit bearing tree is known by its flowers

Well known Ballito resident, artist, author, activist and internationally respected judge, demonstrator and teacher, Rosemary Ladlau has for decades spread the message of flowers throughout South Africa and abroad.

Rosemary recently celebrated her 90th birthday with a beautiful high tea surrounded by 90 family and friends at Simbithi Country Club where delicious eats, tea, coffee, soft drinks and pink champagne was served.

“Plus my great grandchildren who ran around which just added to the festive atmosphere,” said Rosemary. “It was lovely to share my birthday with the old families of the area.”

I met a regal Rosemary and her charming companion, an Airdale called Fionula, for tea at the original homestead of the Ladlau farm, now Simbithi Eco Estate, nestled between giant old trees and overlooking her luscious, colourful and exquisite garden. Fionula has saved her from close encounters with snakes about five times.

Raised on a sugar cane farm in Groutville, Rosemary was no stranger to farm life.

“I attended St John’s Diocesan School for Girls in Pietermaritzburg as a boarder from the age of eight because the neighbouring farm girls went there and lifts could be shared.

“I loved school. Because I was the youngest child everyone made a fuss over me. I went on to study a BA at the University of Natal Pietermaritburg campus in 1942. It was during the war and the students were mostly women.

“But this mostly sedate campus life ended suddenly when the soldiers returned and the social scene became very hectic then,” said Rosemary.

“It was decided then that parties be held for the returning boys to meet the local girls and I met my husband, Winston (Mannie) Ludlow. I must say the boys were still wearing their uniforms and looked very attractive.”

She married Mannie, had three lovely daughters and has lived on the Salt Rock farm ever since.

The garden was wild and Rosemary took its transformation head-on and with focus and determination she created a breathtaking sub-tropical oasis under a canopy of indigenous trees, attracting visits from garden enthusiasts from all over the world.

She entered the Umhlali flower show and her unique, natural style of arranging stood out. Rosemary helped establish the Durban Floral Art Club in 1959, became its third president and has reportedly been one of its most active and inspiring members ever since.

By 1969 she had become one of the province’s leading arrangers and was a founder member of the Natal Panel of Floral Art Judges, a body of which she was three times President.

She was President of the South African Flower Union from 1994-1997 and as founder President of the Natal Association of Flower Arrangers, she travelled extensively to encourage membership.

By 1996 she had become President of the World Association of Flower Arrangers and in 1999 headed the organisation of the hugely successful 6th World Flower Show, held in Durban.

She gave classes, lectures and demonstrations all over the world, won the top awards locally and internationally, wrote the book: Flowers for the South African Home, judged competitions and represented South Africa at prestigious flower events abroad.

“About 11 or 12 years ago we were approached by developers who wanted to buy the farm. As Mannie was not well and we had no sons, selling made sense. We kept some land and sold on condition the forests would be preserved.

“The developers were sympathetic toward the environment and planted even more indigenous trees and I am very happy the land has not been spoilt and that people can enjoy the lovely walks and cycle tracks.”

No visit to the Ladlau homestead is complete without a tour of the garden of course so with the enthusiastic Fionula in tow, we wandered around Rosemary’s ‘Eden’ where shades of green complemented a palette of vibrant rainbow-coloured flowers, shrubs and creepers.

“I am a great believer that the garden is the greatest form of therapy you can have. And if you show respect for the plants and resonate on their wavelength, they reward you. I am very lucky to have this space.”

It was hard to tear myself away from this time where old school values, a deep appreciation for nature that comes from living on (and off) the land and elegance still prevails. A place where a full-petalled rose of deep mauve hue, radiating a strong and rare perfume, is named after you. A place where the the very walls exude memories and where the residents welcome you with warmth from the heart.

Rosemary attributes her health and longevity to the healthy farm life and organic produce and twice daily walks in the huge garden, and keeps up to date with the news and trends and knows her way around a computer.

And when she quoted her favourite Chinese proverb, “If you want to be happy all your life, plant a garden”, it just all made sense.

>>> For more events this holiday check out our Events calender.

>>> Need some ideas for things to do? Check out Holiday Vibes.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.