Chelsea designer to speak at Tuesday Rostrum lunch

Tuesday Rostrum members and guests are invited to take a peek behind the scenes at one of the world’s biggest annual floral events, the 2017 Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, at the October luncheon at Mbango on October 10 at noon.

A concerted effort is made each year at the Chelsea Flower Show to showcase the broad botanical and cultural diversity of South Africa, as well as the geographic range of the National Botanical Gardens.

However, the event is a celebration of spring, whereas, for us in the southern hemisphere, the season is late autumn. South Africa has solved this difficulty by using many flowers from the Cape Floral Kingdom such as fynbos flowers mainly during winter. Using these wonderful blooms, South Africa has managed to earn an amazing 35 gold medals.

David Davidson who, with landscaper Raymond Hudson and a team of horticulturists, has been responsible for designing and creating the Kirstenbosch-South Africa exhibit for 24 consecutive years, will be the guest speaker at the next Tuesday Rostrum lunch. Although he started his adult life with an 11-year career in psychology and social work, David was born with a passion for plants and a flair for design. He also grew up in the African bush in Zimbabwe and Zambia, which gave him an abiding love of nature.

After doing a diploma course in public relations, he was able to apply for a position at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where he headed the graphic services for 17 years. His role included the interpretation and publication programme for all the national botanical gardens, as well as the design of show exhibits, including the ones for Chelsea.

During the 24 years he has been involved in the Chelsea displays, the exhibit has garnered 20 gold medals, bringing the total to 35 since 1976. The Kirstenbosch Chelsea team also won the Anthony Huxley Trophy in 1995 and the Lawrence Medal for the best floral exhibit in 2006. The exhibit was also the first recipient of the RHS President’s Most Creative Award when it was introduced at Chelsea in 2008. This year the team received the President’s Award for his favourite choice at the show.

David has also designed South African floral exhibits in Germany, Thailand, Singapore and Japan.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033