Leon Kluge, the multi-award-winning landscaper and internationally acclaimed horticulturist, will present a talk at the Franschhoek Theatre on Wednesday 30 October.
Fresh from his Gold Medal win at the Chelsea Flower Show and victory at the Singapore Garden Festival, he will delve into the captivating world of South Africa’s wildflowers and their essential pollinators. Kluge will also explore the intricate relationships between indigenous wildflowers and the insects, birds, even small mammals, that pollinate them, ensuring the survival of these remarkable plants.
While insects and birds are well-known pollinators, mammals also play a significant role. For instance, in the Western Cape the Cape rock elephant shrew is a surprising pollinator of certain protea species, using its long snout to feed on nectar and inadvertently transferring pollen between flowers.
Kluge grew up surrounded by local fauna. His father was the curator of the Lowveld Botanical Gardens and his mother ran a nursery. His grandfather was the curator of the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay.
The talk is part of the ongoing SmallTalX series, which aims to connect the public with leading experts in an informal and engaging environment. Recent speakers have included Dr Jacqueline Bishop from the Urban Caracal Project, Sarah Buchner from the MeerKAT radio telescope, and geologist and author Nick Norman, who spoke about continental drift.
Nature enthusiasts, garden lovers and those curious about the hidden world of pollination will find Kluge’s talk both informative and inspiring. After the talk those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions while enjoying snacks and a glass of wine.
The starts at 18:30 at the Franschhoek Theatre. Tickets cost R250 per person and includes wine, snacks and a question-and-answer session with the speaker. Seats are limited, so early booking is essential.
- Tickets can be booked at www.franschhoektheatre.co.za, or by sending an email to smalltalx.info@gmail.com.
