Green thumbs enjoy the succulent festival
Against the backdrop of the botanical garden, the succulent festival brought out all kinds of plant lovers.
Plant parents from near and far made their way to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on October 9 and 10 for the JSS Succulent Fest. The Johannesburg Succulent Society showcased an array of succulents and water-wise plants.
The two-day event brought together experts, amateurs, growers and enthusiasts who enjoyed the variety of plants on show and for sale.
Keith Witelson, member of the JSS committee said the festival was about giving the public an experience they might otherwise not have had. “It’s about access to some rare plants from around South Africa. Very few people realise that we have this incredible density of species in our country.”
Vendors from around the city also attended the show, which included a display of rare plants grown by individual members of the JSS. Junaid Dawood, a vendor from Pretoria said she first got into the industry by selling fertilizer, and then branched out. “I started with plants in November last year and I never looked back. You have to have a passion for this, and I do.”
Julie Durham, who bought a load of succulents and other products said, “There wasn’t a show last year and we missed the last two festivals, so we have been checking the website for updates regularly. We came all the way from Alberton.”
“We really hope to spread awareness and enjoyment of this wonderful thing that is a great part of nature in our country,” Keith concluded.
