Newcastle Clivia Interest Group signals the dawn of spring with Clivia Show

With a flourish of colour and blossoming life, the Newcastle Clivia Interest Group held its annual Clivia Show at Newcastle Mall on August 31.

An event which saw 10 exhibitors enter a staggering 119 Clivia exhibits into the show. Each of the participants beaming with pride, showcasing their plants.

Alfred Everson, chairman of the Newcastle Clivia Interest Group, explains the annual show is usually held at the end of August, beginning of September. “This is usually the time when the Clivia Miniata usually flowers. Out of the different species of Clivia, the Clivia Miniata is truly one of the most spectacular.”

With the Clivia Miniata put on display, alongside different species of Clivias, the show proved to be a delight for passing shoppers. The beautiful displays giving them a breath of fresh air, as spring comes into bloom.

During the Clivia show, participants and Newcastillians were also able to learn more about the popular plant, with the Newcastle Clivia Interest Group holding talks on germinating clivia seeds, pollinating Clivias and dividing Clivia offsets.

Furthermore, with an array of plants put on display, participants entries were also judged by a panel of judges.

Henry Howard was announced as the winner for the best foliage exhibit, with Wilmarie Lötter taking the win for the best novice exhibit and Alfred Everson winning the title for the best junior exhibit.

Piet and Riana van Wyk took first place in the best flowering Clivia on show, while Louis Lötter took the titles of first and second runner up.

Holding the title for the best flowering Clivia on show was a proud moment for Piet van Wyk, who has been involved with growing the plant for the past 26 years.

“I got involved with Clivias in 1996 when I was introduced to the plant through a friend of mine. At the stage, I was very involved in growing an array of different plants. However, as I was the principal of a school at the time, I did not always have the time to give the plants the necessary attention.”

When his friend suggested that Piet should try his hand at Clivias, he gave it a shot and fell madly in love with the plant.

“Through learning more about the plants, I started looking for more and more species, while looking for differences within the respective species of Clivia.”

As an avid enthusiast of all that is Clivia, Piet says there are different facets of dealing with the plant species that he enjoys.

“Firstly, it is my exercise and a form of relaxation. Secondly, I see it as a form of work for God. God created it and we are the gardeners.”

Then there is the social aspect, he explains, where he is able to forge lifelong friendships with people who enjoy the outdoors and plant life just as much as he does.

However, as an avid gardener who loves the outdoors, Piet says he doesn’t merely just take from nature for his own benefit.

“Two years ago, I went to the Ngomi forest and threw 2000 Clivia seeds into the forest. It was my way of giving back to nature and I am hoping to do it again in the foreseeable future,” he says.

With the Newcastle Clivia Interest Group giving the community the opportunity to grow, nurture and learn more about these beautiful plants, anyone who would like to become a member can contact Alfred Everson on 083 304 0826.