Leon Kluge, the 'King Midas' of gardens, to speak at Stellenbosch Garden Week

Garden enthusiasts are in for a treat as Stellenbosch Garden Week opens with a talk from the internationally-known horticulturalist, Leon Kluge of Franschhoek, on Friday, October 31.

Mr Kluge, often dubbed the “King Midas” of gardens, has frequently won laurels at international horticultural events.

He led a South African team that won gold, Best on Show, and Best Lighting at the 2024 Singapore Garden Festival -  Asia's biggest floral event - with their fantasy garden, Between Two Worlds.

He achieved gold at the Horticultural World Cup in Japan in 2013, as well as the Best on Show prize. He is also well-known for his annual triumphs at the Chelsea Flower Show. 

“The next flower shows are in Oman, Japan, two in China, then Singapore, Philadelphia, and back to Chelsea. We usually do eight a year, with Chelsea being the smallest - just a quarter of the size of the others,” he said.

Beyond the shows, his long-term project is the creation of a private botanical garden at Hazendal.

“The focus is on the endangered renosterveld found there. I’m very passionate about it and see it as something I can leave behind as a legacy,” he said.

Mr Kluge will be speaking on Friday, October 31, at 10am in the Hofmeyr Hall in Church Street, Stellenbosch, at the start of the town’s Garden Week.

Bookings at R250 a person, can be made through Plankton.

The event has been arranged by the managing committee of Masandise Study Aid, a filial of the charity Stellumthombo Public Benefit Organisations (PBO), which supports the educational needs of disadvantaged young people.

The proceeds of this event will go towards funding the needs of the beneficiaries. For more information, contact 082 374 9909 or email Marida@stellumthombo.co.za, or visit Stellenbosch Garden Week website.