Orchid lovers host major fair

LOCAL gardeners shouldn’t miss one of the biggest plant fairs ever to be held on the South Coast.

Growers from all over South Africa have been invited to take part in the Alfred County Orchid Society Orchid and Exotic Plant Fair. It takes place at Stephward Estate in Uvongo on Friday and Saturday, December 6 and 7.

The orchid society will stage a wonderful display of orchids and will have an exciting range of these intriguing, diverse plants for sale. Members of the society will be on hand to offer plenty of advice to buyers on how to keep their purchases happily growing. Renowned orchid growers Dr Rudi van Niekerk and Geoff Gibson will also take part in the fair.

While the wide variety of colourful orchids might steal much of the limelight, many other fascinating plants will grab the attention of visiting plant lovers. The Cape Town-based company, Pam’s Carnivores, is taking a stall and will show off all sorts of rather spooky but eye-catching carnivorous plants. Rob and Zoe Cronje will bring along a selection of their stunning stag horn ferns.

An interesting stand to visit will be the one set up by Alexandre Viosat, displaying a range of unusual plants from Madagascar. Ian Millar’s stand is another one that visitors shouldn’t miss. A renowned local bonsai expert, Ian will show off a wonderful selection of his living art. His display of perfect miniature trees is sure to be a show-stopper.

Other strange, beautiful and exotic plant families that will beguile and amaze visitors include heliconias, adeniums, cycads and a wide range of colourful bromeliads.

The fair will be open from 8am to 4pm on both days. Entrance will be R10 per person. For more information contact 039 3155926.