With a Master ’s degree in Plant Science , Andy de Wet owns and operates three companies that are redefine how autochthonous plants are crop , sold , and improved upon in the country . These enterprises include CND Nursery in Johannesburg , The Aloe Farm in Hartbeespoort which will host the Agapanthus Festival ( October 26 to November 10 , 2024 ) , and De Wet Plant Breeders .
Andy de Wet on the right wing with hisAward - winning Agapanthus BLACKJACK
Cultivating plants scientificallyAndy believe in the power of scientific discipline to raise flora cultivation . " We train plants scientifically , " he emphasizes , highlighting their focus on research - based practice .
The two nurseries he function not only cater to the world-wide populace but also leave important resources for landscapers . According to Andy , it ’s all-important that " prices remain accessible so landscapers can also earn a profit . " This discernment of the manufacture ’s economical dynamic is important for maintain long - full term relationships with their cooperator .
The Aloe Farm , located in the iconic Hartebeespoort area , is a stunning destination for visitors . The extensive garden showcase a variety of unique plant , with a particular focus on aloes that thrive during the winter months . " Our gardens offer a visually attractive destination , and serve well as an educational platform for those concerned in South Africa ’s fertile industrial plant variety , " Andy explain .
Breeding for resilienceAndy ’s third speculation , De Wet Plant Breeders , is dedicated to the upbringing and improvement of warmth and drouth - resistant indigenous plants with partner Quinton Bean . " South Africa gasconade an impressive variety of autochthonal flora , which can be employ more effectively , " he mark . He explains that in the past , " these plant life were place overseas for breeding and improvement . We would make selection and then saddle royalties for our own plants when they were import back . Now , we do it locally , which is much more price - effective . "
The company work with 27 different plant genera , continually enhancing their selections . Their efforts have not gone unnoticed ; De Wet Plant Breeders has received multiple external awards for their innovational works coinage . An important expression of their business model is maintaining intellectual holding rights on the plant . " We export tissue paper culture plantlet to nurseries worldwide , allowing them to disseminate and multiply our plants while we receive royal family in return , " Andy explicate .
Andy de Wet and Quinton Bean from De Wet Plant Breeders
A global networkIn South Africa , Andy collaborate with big glasshouse group such as Cape Garden Centre , Malanseuns , and Sweet Valley in Natal , all of which grow and sell their flowers to the public . Beyond local partnerships , they have representatives across several countries , include France , Holland , Spain , the USA , Australia , Canada , Japan , and South Korea . Their international reach is facilitated by partnership with striking distributer like Thompson & Morgan in England , where their design gain recognition .
Andy ’s breeding practices utilize traditional cross - pollination method acting . " My first aloe selection was made 51 yr ago , " he recalls with pridefulness . Their most recent accomplishment was winning the Best New Plant prize at the external Chelsea Flower Show in England for their Agapanthus Blackjack , a significant milestone for Andy and his bringing up company .
Chelsea International Flower Show : Award - gain ground Agapanthus FIREWORKS(3rd-2018 ) on the remaining and Agapanthus BLACKJACK(1st-2023 ) on the right ; spawn by De Wet Plant Breeders
flesh out horizonsThe potential for their agapanthus betterment extend into the swing flower industry . De Wet Plant Breeders collaborates with nurseries in Ethiopia and Kenya , supplying them with psychometric test and evaluation textile to assess the adaptability and emergence of their flowers in those part . " If successful , these nurseries receive tissue culture material for mass multiplication , " Andy explains , where they get distributed to Europe from there .
The climate in the Magaliesberg neighborhood , where The Aloe Farm is posit , is particularly favorable for cultivation . " We enjoy warm temperature without frost harm in springiness or wintertime , " Andy add , which allows for optimum growth condition , ease the flourishing of various works .
Upcoming events and innovationsExciting time lie ahead for Andy and his team , with the Agapanthus Festival starting this weekend and extend for two hebdomad . " The fete will have the industry ’s first pink agapanthus , available for purchase in February , " he shares . " In England , these prime are already available through Thompson & Morgan . " The fete not only celebrate their flowered creation but also creates a platform for consumers to hire with these remarkable plants .
Photo on the right field shows Andy with his pink rosiness agapanthus
Meanwhile , the Cape Garden Centre has late opened a new adeptness in George , expanding the range of Andy ’s flowers further across South Africa .
Daily discoveriesFor Andy , the journey in flora fosterage and cultivation is one of changeless find . " Every day feel like opening a favorable packet , " he outcry . " We con and see at least one new thing every day from our flowers . They bear new secret waiting to be uncovered ! " Andy believes that South Africa ’s ample botanical heritage needs to be lionize and preserved for generation to descend . " South Africa really has a alone flowered diversity which is special to our country ! "
For more information : The Aloe Farmthealoefarm.co.zawww.facebook.com/@thealoefarm
© FloralDaily.com/Tinneke Hattingh
