Flower power How four floriculturists overcame the challenges of lockdown
The extraordinary challenges of the past 18 months motivated these Boland entrepreneurs to explore new business opportunities.
THE OWNERS Francois du Toit of Fanna and Flora, Louise Steenkamp and Conrad Conradie of The Wild Bunch, and Anneke Huyzers of Terra Nova Flowers
WHAT The Flower Cartel, a seed supplier WHERE Online
Executing a plan is better than just thinking about it – this was the conclusion these four floriculturists came to during last year’s lockdown.
“There was so much uncertainty when the Covid-19 restrictions hit us,” says Louise Steenkamp of The Wild Bunch. “Our customers were forced to close shop which meant that they could no longer place orders. We were calling each other every day to mull over new ideas and came to the realisation that we’d all had the same vision for years but had never gotten around to making it a reality.”
The Flower Cartel was born at the
Durbanville home of Anneke Huyzer, owner of Terra Nova Flowers, over a cake baked by Francois du Toit of Fanna and Flora.
“As flower farmers, we’d always wanted to share our expertise with other gardeners,” Louise explains. “We realised that this would also enable us to generate an alternative source of income. Professional growers have access to seeds that ordinary gardeners cannot get their hands on and our plan would allow us to make imported seeds available to the general public.”
And that’s what The Flower Cartel is all about. “Other than the usual seed packs which offer a variety of flower seeds, gardeners can also opt for several mixed boxes containing seeds of flowers that complement each other according to a theme, such as those for a pastel or white palette for a cottage garden or an informal meadow garden,” explains Francois.
“Our DIY boxes are perfect for beginner gardeners. They contain a soil grow-block, vermiculite, seed tray and seeds with detailed instructions explaining how, where and when the seeds should be sown.
“And with so many people having started vegetable gardens during lockdown, we decided to add DIY veggie and micro herb boxes to our range too.
“Other than seeds, we also sell bulbs – all online, with delivery nationwide.”
Francois says it was important to them that gardeners have a positive experience with the seeds that they buy from the company.
“Other than clear instructions on the packaging itself, there is also loads of information on our website, as well as videos offering practical advice.”
These floriculturists have lots of plans up their sleeves. In September, they are launching a series of workshops that will cover topics such as seed sowing techniques, how to make your own compost and how to grow and take care of a flower garden. Their seed range is now also available at various garden centres and lifestyle stores, while Anneke’s range of bleached and coloured dried flowers is available at retailers and on the website. >>