Hermanus Flower Festival

Hermanus Flower Festival

Spring in the Cape Floristic Region is a time to celebrate the very special beauty and diversity of our natural heritage. The Hermanus Flower Festival has been showcasing the wonders of Spring in the fynbos for over 60 years!  This year is no exception. This special event will take place in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve from Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th September.

Following the Fires in Fernkloof Nature Reserve in December, our theme for this year will be “Fynbos & Fire”. It will be demonstrated through labelled fynbos specimens, environmental exhibits in the marquee and magnificent photographic records from the bleak ash-covered landscapes of December to the fresh green and colourful sites they have become. The wonderful floral display in Fernkloof Hall, the signature exhibit of our Flower Festivals, will be interspersed with information on the consequences and value of fire in the fynbos. You could also witness the changes for yourself by following an annotated self- directed walk or sign up for a guided experience  of the flora and fauna in the areas that burnt.  While you’re about it, why not register for one of Photowalkers workshops, learn how to capture the richness of the fynbos environment through the lens of your camera.

Flower Festival 2016

There will be something to amuse, entertain and inform everyone at the Festival this year. Opportunities to make those purchases before Christmas will still be possible from our Botanical Society stand in the marquee which will have an interesting selection of things-environmental for sale.

You don’t want to miss Francois and his Slithering Fynbos snakes, returning this year with an interesting angle on fire ecology and how snakes react to the threat of fire.  There will be something for the little ones too, paint your face to look like your favourite flower and take part in a Treasure Hunt around the gardens of the amphitheater.  Meantime, Mum and Dad can buy a ticket in the raffle with the chance to win a terrific prize.

Sunday brings a special new Flower Power event – a Fun 5km walk, jog or run for the family depending how energetic you are, all for the cause of caring for our magnificent natural heritage.  There will be a R50 fee that will also cover your entry to the Flower Festival, all children under 12 are free.  Then take the opportunity to relax with family and friends at the Fynbos Café, enjoy tea and coffee with home-made goodies or sit down for a light lunch and a glass of local wine.  And don’t forget to stock up your garden for Spring with some of Jack’s lovingly nurtured plants from the Indigenous Nursery!

A visit to the Hermanus Flower Festival is an affordable family outing.  We are keeping our entrance fees to R20 for adults, children under 12 or in school uniform are free and R10 for pensioners on Pensioner’s day, Thursday 22nd September. That will leave you with a bit to add in for workshops, experiences or Fun runs to make this a memorable way of celebrating Heritage Day weekend.