Flower festival tribute for icon Rosemary Ladlau

Not only was she South Africa’s eminent flower arranger, Rosemary Ladlau herself was a household name in Ballito, often mentioned fondly over a discussion about flowers when not giving a presentation herself.

Rosemary was an international celebrity in the flower arranging universe, recognised and feted everywhere she competed, judged and demonstrated.

This included the palace of Versailles and the historic halls of Ghent (where Princess Fabiola offered to act as her assistant), the boulevards of Monaco, where at the 13th Concours International de Bouquets she received three gold medals and the Best on Show award, and a silver champagne server from Princess Grace.

Grandson Tim Johnson said they were not able to have a big tribute service because of Covid restrictions.

“The family has decided to instead host a festival of flowers for the community,” he said, noting all are welcome to join the special event.

“While we had a private family ceremony in her beautiful garden last year, we were inundated with people wanting to pay tribute to her by doing flower arrangements in her memory,” said Johnson.

To celebrate her life, the festival of flowers will be held on Saturday, May 7 at the All Souls Anglican Church in Sheffield from 9am to 4pm, and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

Teas and eats will be provided by the Umhlali Garden Club and entry is free.