The First Lady of the Western Cape says it’s time to stop and smell the roses.
Premier Alan Winde and his wife Tracy Winde on Friday morning welcomed dignitaries and guests for the unveiling of a brand new rose garden at their official residence, Leeuwenhof.
It forms part of the Leeuwenhof Garden Regeneration Project, which also includes an indigenous garden.
Tracy Winde also surprised a famous guest, whose rose is now growing in the new garden, Thuli Madonsela.
Madonsela had a rose named after her in 2019, after it was cultivated by the famous Ludwig Roses several years prior.
Roses named after former President Nelson Mandela, the now departed beloved Arch, Desmond Tutu, and former Olympic swimmer Ryk Neethling are also featured in the garden.
Cosmafolia’s Anja Taschner, who is the daughter of well known ”rose whisperer” Ludwig Taschner, sponsored all the roses for the new garden, and helped train Leeuwenhof staff on more eco-friendly planting techniques, which will also ensure the soil is taken care of.
The indigenous garden is a partnership between the Botanical Society, SANBI and Kirstenbosch Gardens.
The local vegetable garden has been replanted with the help of the @WCGovAgri & the local grounds staff. Vegetables grown here are donated to charities, NGOS & also given to Leeuwenhof staff. pic.twitter.com/ZIFT2SPw1x
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) November 18, 2022
