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, also internationally.
2010 SUNDAY TRIBUNE GARDEN & LEISURE SHOW - 24 TO 26 SEPTEMBER.
VIEW THE FULL GARDEN SHOW WEBSITE HERE
1976 saw the first Garden Show in the beautiful city of Pietermaritzburg, born through the commitment of the local Horticultural Society and backed by residents. It proved so successful that it is today 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 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. In 2004 this took the form of the National Orchid Conference and in 2006 the National Rose Convention. In 2007 the Sunday Tribune Garden & Leisure Show was privileged to host the South African Floral Union Congress and this event saw significant international participation.
The leisure component, introduced in 1997, has proved to be an exciting addition to the Show 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.
The Sunday Tribune Garden & Leisure Show offers something for everyone
- approximately 4000 square metres under cover and 12 000 square metres of open exhibition space;
- the competitive Floral Art division affords displays of the highest order and includes talks and demonstrations for visitors;
- the 2 100 sqm Parks Hall is a dedicated ‘green' display portraying unbelievable talent. Amongst others, Parks Departments from major cities as well as a good number of corporate participants exhibit their genius in this hall;
- the Bonsai Society produces a superb oriental display;
- the Show also hosts the annual Illovo Floral Cake of the Year Competition - South Africa's largest and most prestigious display of icing at its best;
- the Orchid Hall is a breathtaking experience and also offers retail sales;
- the garden club and school gardens are an inspiration in their own right;
- a substantial number of nurseries - certain with highly specialized plant material - afford the public an educational experience, whilst simultaneously encouraging sales;
- national garden centres provide a comprehensive range of garden products, plants and ‘green' accessories;
- both indoor and outdoor leisure displays concentrate on tourism, the home, travel and recreation.
‘Undoubtedly the top landscaping and horticultural show in the country' - Garden & Home
‘A very special show - often called South Africa's Chelsea and rightly so' - The Gardener