History

Hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Natal and sponsored by the Sunday Tribune, a member of the national Independent Newspapers Group, the Garden & Leisure Show has become a spectacular event – not only on the regional and national calendar – but since 2005 internationally.

1976 saw the first Garden Show in the picturesque city of Pietermaritzburg, born through the commitment of the local Horticultural Society and backed by residents.  It proved so successful that it is today - 35 years on - an annual event of consequence.

Garden and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country attend what is referred to as South Africa’s ‘Chelsea’ to enjoy the latest landscaping techniques, new plants and of course, the magnificent feature gardens, many of which are sponsored by corporate role players.  These range from the practical to the surreal but without exception all elicit inspiration and the ‘wow’ factor in every instance.

The Show also affords garden clubs and schools with an opportunity to display – by way of mini gardens – the extraordinary talent and technique of the enthused amateur eye, with the Chelsea mentored judges frequently expressing their amazement at the sheer brilliance of youngsters.

The Show also incorporates a significant retail component, ranging from the sale of specialized plant material (including a substantial indigenous nursery) through to garden equipment and accessories.

It is not uncommon for the event to concurrently host horticultural conventions, which frequently incorporate their own special display component.  2004 saw the hosting of the National Orchid Conference, 2006 the National Rose Convention, and in 2007 both the South African Floral Union Congress and the Institute of Environment and Recreation Management Conference.

The leisure component, introduced in 1997 has become an exciting component and covers the complementary areas of tourism, recreation and outdoor interests.

South Africa’s premier Garden & Leisure Show attracts in excess of 24 000 visitors during a 3-day period.  There are relatively few South African exhibitions – irrespective of the theme – that can rival these numbers and this alone is indicative of the Show’s deemed importance.