THE GROOTBOS FLORILEGIUM IS A COLLECTION OF INTRICATE BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATIONS THAT TELL THE STORY OF THE CAPE FLORAL KINGDOM
The Grootbos Florilegium is a unique collection of botanical illustrations by a collaboration of local and international artists. The collection depicts the rare, endangered and charismatic plants found on the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and surrounding regions.
What makes the artworks even more distinctive is the inclusion of insects, pollinators and other creatures associated with the respective plants. The collection pays homage to the environment’s greater ecology, as art becomes an expression of the deep commitment to research and conservation that Grootbos has.
The Grootbos Florilegium and its use of botanical art to activate conservation is the cherry on top of our Foundation’s cultural programme. All profits from the sale of Florilegium prints, books and tours will go towards the Grootbos Foundation to be split equally between our Conservation and Cultural programmes.
It is only possible to see the Florilegium collection by making a booking.
ARTS & CULTURE FOR YOUTH
Our children’s art programme uses visual art, drama, games and music to engage children at the Grootbos Masakhane Hub and get them excited about conservation through the medium of art.
In our pilot of this project, we have partnered with Creative Skills Factory, a local NPO, that uses art to identify barriers to learning among five to seven-year-olds. Together we can identify talented youth and ensure that these children can continue to develop their artistic talents.
CONSERVATION PROJECTS
The Grootbos Foundation conservation programme started with Heiner Lutzeyer and Sean Privett through their shared passion for fynbos. Their pilot project was to survey the botanical species that grow within Grootbos, and 20 years later, this work continues. To date 933 plant species have been recorded, seven of which are new species to science!
Conservation science and research on botanical diversity and the BIODIVERSITY of the whole biome, its conservation and restoration is undertaken. This includes mapping the extent of Elim Ferricrete Fynbos, a rare type of fynbos of which only 5% remains in the world. Surveys of mammals, 26 species of which have been identified using camera traps, insects and other pollinators. We also map the alien vegetation across the expanding Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy and build relationships with external researchers and institutions whose research adds to the body of knowledge about the Cape Floral Kingdom.
SELECTION OF ARTWORK
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FLORILEGIUM
HALF DAY TOUR
The Grootbos Florilegium Half day tour includes a welcome drink at Bellavista Country Place, a one and a half hour 4×4 Botanical Tour through Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a visit to the Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery and a three-course Botanical Lunch at Bellavista Country Place.
GALLERY TOUR
This activity includes a guided tour through the Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery with a specialised guide and a refreshment after the tour.