Cut and dried: fynbos in your lounge
Floraland is a family business in Bredasdorp in the Overberg – the heart of fynbos country – that has been producing, processing and exporting natural decor products for more than three decades. The company has made a name for itself internationally, exporting its dried South African flowers to five continents. And now, these are available for sale to the public on home soil for the first time.
“For a while now, we’ve realised that we have a responsibility to our community not only to supply overseas markets but also local flower enthusiasts. We’ve received many enquiries over the years but the prices of our products have always been a challenge,” says project administrator Bea-Marie Visser. “The local market has reached a point where it recognises the value of high-quality flowers, so it makes sense for us now.”
Bea-Marie’s father, Rudy, established the company 33 years ago and her mother, Marietjie, joined along the way. “The second generation of Vissers is now becoming involved in the company, and with more people on board, there’s greater capacity for expansion.”
Floraland, which also planted a new range of Dutch dried flowers in 2020, was previously involved in the flower exhibitions of Nampo Cape, held in Bredasdorp. “This year, we decided to convert a part of our factory into a temporary flower market to expose people to many more of our products.”
The first market in September went very smoothly. “We were pleasantly surprised by the outcome. We attracted both small and large customers and are grateful for the exposure,” says Bea-Marie. “For the December market, we want to showcase a few examples of what can be done with the products, such as arrangements, flower wreaths, or table decorations. We are also planning a number of demonstrations.”
Tips for your bouquet
The processing of the flowers is a fine art. With decades of experience, the team knows exactly how to handle everything from proteas to bluegum leaves so that they do not shrivel or turn grey.
“I personally love the natural and bleached products. Our bleached artichokes are very beautiful and have made quite an impression,” Bea-Marie says. “They’re definitely in fashion, judging by the orders we receive from florists and event planners.”
Many of the flowers, leaves and cones are also dyed, especially those destined for the European market. “We have a wide variety of shades. When we look at what international clients order, it seems a pop of bright colour is definitely in style.”
Bea-Marie advises visitors to use an idea or a sample photo as a starting point, or to even bring the vase in which the flowers will be placed with them when they come to buy. Pre-made bouquets and arrangements are available but buyers can also fill a box with loose flowers that suit their preference.
“Everything you can do with fresh flowers, you can do with dried flowers,” she explains. “It’s almost like cooking, where you combine different textures, mix large and small, or coarse and soft.” Contact martie@floralandpty.co.za
bea-marie@floralandpty.co.za
Visit the Floraland decor markets on 13-16 and 18-22 December. The factory is located on the corner of First and Second Avenues in Bredasdorp.
Coffee and buttercake
Bea-Marie also has natural flair in the kitchen and will be presenting traditional Dutch pastries at the market. Visitors can take a break from shopping to enjoy a cup of coffee and freshly baked butter cake on the couch.
“My father’s parents were born in the Netherlands – my grandmother in Amsterdam, and my grandfather in Sneek. So we are of Dutch descent, but still proud South Africans and proud residents of Bredasdorp,” says Bea-Marie.