FLOWER SHOW A BLOOMING SUCCESS

The South African Airways (SAA) Cape Town Flower Show attracted 25 475 visitors over four days from Thursday October 26 to Sunday October 29 and has been hailed a “blooming success” by the organisers, exhibitors and visitors.

With clear skies heralding the arrival of summer, visitors arrived to view more than 50 mini-gardens designed by landscapers, garden clubs and nurserymen; purchase a wealth of garden-related items at the botanical market place; try out the Checkers food hall and the Pilsner beer tent, enjoy Italian-style ice cream; watch the Radox polo match and enjoy a day’s outing at the magnificent Lourensford Wine Estate in vendors Somerset West.

“Feedback from visitors has been very positive with both local and international guests complimenting on the raised standard of exhibitors and the improved parking facilities,” said Kerry Seymour, director of the Cape Town Flower Show.

“We ran a competition to encourage people to give us their thoughts about the show and the exercise has been invaluable. We have a sample of more than 4000 people with a lot of compliments but also some really constructive criticism which will help us to focus our improvements for 2007.”

With the experience gleaned from their second year at the stunning venue, the organisers have promised visitors to next year’s show that they will address the problem of a single access road into the estate to resolve the traffic congestion during peak times over the weekend of the show. They will also be introducing more varied catering facilities and providing better protection against the hot sunshine experienced this year.

Improved ablution facilities, even more activities for children and improvements to the layout of the show will all feature of the blueprint for 2007.

The Kirstenbosch-South African Chelsea Exhibit drew massive crowds to the indoor garden marquee, and sponsors, First National Bank, announced that they will once again sponsor the 2007 exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show and at the SAA Cape Town Flower Show.

“The attendance figures at this year’s SAA Cape Town Flower Show bear testimony to people’s love of flowers and gardening and for me it has been a tremendously fulfilling experience to watch the show develop and grow during the four years since its inception. The Western Cape finally has a floral event that we can all be proud of and one which offers a further incentive for tourists to visit the Cape during our spring months,” said Pamela Bowling, director of the Cape Town Flower Show.

The 2007 SAA Cape Town Flower Show took place at Lourensford Wine Estate from Thursday October 25 to Sunday October 28. Contact (021) 422 0390 or visit www.capetownflower.com

POLO PLAYED AMONGST THE ROSES

The Radox Polo Match took place on Saturday October 28, at Lourensford Wine Estate. The event formed part of the entertainment programme of the South African Airways (SAA) Cape Town Flower Show. The afternoon featured all the traditional glamour, excitement and pageantry that makes polo the sport of kings. Designated picnic areas overlooking the field were open to the public with umbrellas providing shade for those wishing to enjoy the game.

VIP’s, dignitaries and invited guests watched the game in style from the raised deck of the Radox Polo Lounge. The guests, including Patrice Motsepe and Dr Precious Moloi, Sheila Camerer and Keith Kirsten, enjoyed Lourensford wine, gourmet food and great entertainment by Coda, the Cape Town Opera and marimba drummers. South African Airways Johannesburg beat Radox Cape Town by 10 goals to 6.

Radox was very proud to announce their headline sponsorship of the polo at the SAA Cape Town Flower Show. A prestigious and elegant sporting event which combines sporting action with mental agility, Radox is committed to aiding physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing all of which is required by polo players.

“In today’s busy lifestyle, the search for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing is guiding everyone’s actions as we strive to balance our work and home commitments in an effort to improve our quality of life. As the new sponsors of the Radox Polo Match 2006, Radox recognises and supports all men and women who actively seek ways to relax or revive their body and mind,” said Raedene Reardon, Radox, Senior Brand Manager.