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Eco-Psyc Journal 27 Sept 2024

Writer's picture: Adriaan van ZylAdriaan van Zyl

South Africa’s 2024 victory at the Chelsea Flower Show is more than just a celebration of horticultural excellence. It represents a deeper narrative of biodiversity, conservation, and the intersection of history and power in the botanical world. South Africa's return to the Chelsea Flower Show after a four-year absence was a spectacular success, marked by a gold medal win and recognition for Best Exhibit in the Pavilion and Best New Design—a first for the country.


The exhibit highlighted South Africa’s rich floral biodiversity, especially the fynbos biome, a crucial part of the Cape Floral Region, one of the world’s six floristic kingdoms. Over 22,000 rare flowers, including the iconic King Proteas, were meticulously sourced from across the country and transported to London. This achievement is significant because it underscores the global importance of South Africa's unique biodiversity and brings attention to conservation efforts for endangered species, such as the Blushing Bride Protea, which is nearing extinction in the wild. The Chelsea Flower Show, often referred to as the "Olympics" of horticulture, provided South Africa with a platform to not only display its botanical treasures but also raise awareness about the fragility of its ecosystems.


Examining the Chelsea Flower Show through a post-colonial lens reveals a more layered narrative. Historically, horticultural exhibitions like Chelsea have been deeply intertwined with imperialism. During the British colonial era, plants from colonized lands were often appropriated, cataloged, and displayed as part of the empire’s conquest over nature. Many of the plants exhibited at these events were collected from colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, reinforcing European control over natural resources and erasing indigenous botanical knowledge and expertise.



I was privileged enough to attend a recreation of the exhibit in Stanford, a village in South Africa’s fynbos region, which allowed local communities access to the incredible display. The exhibition was surrounded by species native to the area and was complemented by an exhibit of Grootbos’s recently commissioned Florilegia. This interchange between private and public ownership and conservation efforts was a delicate yet powerful dance on full display.



The florilegium tradition encapsulates this dynamic of power and knowledge. Historically, florilegia were detailed collections of botanical illustrations, popular during the Renaissance, that celebrated exotic plants as European “discoveries.” However, this often ignored the fact that indigenous communities had cultivated these species for centuries. Florilegia became symbols of wealth and status, often commissioned by royalty or the wealthy elite, further reinforcing colonial hierarchies. In this sense, both the Chelsea Flower Show and florilegia reflect broader patterns of botanical imperialism, where the beauty and diversity of plants were used to assert control over colonized lands and peoples. Yet today, florilegia have evolved into sources of inspiration, blending science and art while also acting as historical records.



In today’s digital world, the concept of ownership has shifted, especially with the rise of cell phone photography. Taking a photo allows individuals to symbolically “claim” a space or experience, transforming it into a personal memory. At events like the Chelsea Flower Show, visitors can admire the gardens but also capture and "own" them digitally, creating memories that extend beyond the physical experience. However, this practice also presents a paradox: digital photos are often quickly forgotten in the vast expanse of digital archives, reducing their emotional significance compared to physical photographs or tangible experiences.



The preservation of South Africa’s rich floral heritage requires collaboration across sectors—from conservationists to private citizens. The 2024 Chelsea Flower Show highlighted not only South Africa’s biodiversity but also the complex relationships between humans, plants, and the spaces they inhabit. Whether through the colonial legacy of florilegia or the symbolic ownership of digital photography, this event shines a spotlight on the need to protect and celebrate South Africa’s unique floral treasures. Through continued collaboration and increased awareness, South Africa’s floral heritage will hopefully thrive both in its natural habitat and on the global stage.

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