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%Â 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 4x4 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.
Road to the Florilegium
In 1991, Michael Lutzeyer purchased the Grootbos farm (outlined on the map below). This purchase would set in motion a landscape wide domino effect in favour of conservation. Like-minded landowners committed to joining the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy in order to protect the biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom and later, led to the creation of the Walker Bay Protected Environment. The below map showcases the tapestry of conservation efforts across the landscape; this map shows the Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy, the Walker Bay Protected Environment and Private Nature Reserves.
Grootbos Foundation Conservation Research has a legacy of 27 years of scientific research on and surrounding Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. The team of botanists and scientists have collected a database of approximately 1 028 plant species on Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and pinned and processed over 60 000 insect specimens, comprising 209 insect morphospecies including 109 bee species. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve can boast that approximately 10% of all fynbos species are found on the reserve, a true testament to the diversity of this landscape. To find out more about their ongoing research click here.
Fynbos has an important heritage in this region. The inhabitants of the Cape have used fynbos for medicinal and nutritional purposes for generations. This landscape is capable of sustaining the health and livelihoods of the communities who live here. While the reliance on the fynbos for food and medicine may have decreased, work opportunities within eco-tourism, sustainable flower picking and invasive species clearing continue to support local communities. To find out more about the Green Futures College click here.
Sport has the power to change the world, and for Grootbos Foundation, youth development through sport supports our mission to uplift whole communities starting with children. Grootbos Foundation sports coaches play a vital role in the community as role models and positive influences. Sports offered include Hockey, Soccer, Netball, Athletics, Cross-country, Women's Rugby, Canoeing and Surfing. To find out more about these programmes click here.
The Ball is Rolling on the Artificial Turf Resurface at Gansbaai’s Spaces for Sport
The English Premier League and RhinoTurf have teamed up with the Grootbos Foundation and the Overstrand Municipality to bring Gansbaai a brand-new artificial sports turf to replace the old one that has been loved to within a thread of its life! This is the same "A-team" that introduced Gansbaai’s original "Spaces for Sport" facility in 2008 — a space that has hosted countless sports practices, tournaments, soccer and hockey matches, and sports fun for the past 16 years. This "Project Pitch Perfect" team combines the expertise and quality of a leading international sports organisation, a top-quality artificial turf business, who are committed to investing in world-class infrastructure for the children, teenagers and adults of Gansbaai, with the local Overstrand Municipality and Grootbos Foundation, a local partner dedicated to helping communities in Gansbaai, Masakhane, and Blompark thrive.
Since 2008, the original "Spaces for Sport" field has been a game-changer, providing a space where young people have learned resilience, practiced teamwork, gained lifeskills, developed personal talents and relied on positive mentorship through the thrill of sport. Thousands of children and teenagers in Gansbaai have benefited from access to world-class sports facilities and dedicated coaches. Generations of Gansbaai’s children have grown into strong, brave, and resilient young adults, thanks to the invaluable lessons learned on the sports field. For 16 years, Gansbaai’s Spaces for Sport facility has been the heart of the growing community. Now, it’s time for a turf upgrade—a fresh start that will provide the next generation with top-notch facilities to continue the legacy that has inspired and empowered so many.
Construction has already kicked off! Keep an eye out for news of the public launch of the new turf on 29 January 2025.
Would you like to be a part of Gansbaai's positive legacy for youth and community by joining the Pitch Perfect Team? Grootbos Foundation is looking for investors to support ongoing youth development through fun and sport at Spaces for Sport. Contact phil@grootbosfoundation.org for more information on how you can get involved.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a member of The Long Run, a membership community of nature-based tourism businesses committed to driving holistic sustainability. Grootbos Foundation and Grootbos Lodge work together to protect this landscape and to ensure that the commercial aspects of the tourism business support the communities who are directly affected by this landscape. Find out more about The Long Run click here
Side 1: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a member of The Long Run, a membership community of nature-based tourism businesses committed to driving holistic sustainability. Grootbos Foundation and Grootbos Lodge work together to protect this landscape and to ensure that the commercial aspects of the tourism business support the communities who are directly affected by this landscape.
Side 2: A 4cs framework. https://www.thelongrun.org/
Membership to The Long Run is based on the commitment of the tourism entity to the 4Cs framework: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. The 4Cs is a framework that integrates sustainable and regenerative practices into any travel business. Designed by practitioners and experts, both proven and flexible, it makes strategic and holistic sustainability more accessible, breaking it down into four chunks:
Grootbos Foundation's Enterprise Development programme works with youth between the ages of 14 and 35 to deliver career planning sessions to school-aged youth skills for employment sessions to unemployed school leavers, and mentorship for entrepreneurs with township businesses. This programme empowers entrepreneurs who may see profits and commercial success for the first time since opening their small businesses. To learn more click here.
Our keystone conservation and community programme is the Biodiversity Stewardship programme which combines elements of skills training, business mentorship and conservation education. Women are given training in invasive species identification, indigenous species identification, fire management, first aid, brushcutter and chainsaw operation along with training in business management. This complete training gives women the skills to work in the fynbos landscape and to manage teams as independent contractors. This empowers local women to find and keep employment in sustainable regions.Â
Masakhane is the vibrant township situated on the outskirts of Gansbaai. While our beneficiaries come from many communities, the majority of our beneficiaries come from Masakhane. The Hub Classroom is situated in Masakhane and is an afternoon homework space for school learners. The classroom is open in the afternoons and during school holidays for children to complete their school work, work on the computers or read. Grade 1 to Grade 12 learners make use of the classroom. Our classroom assistants help the students with their homework, manage the classroom and assist with the computers. Wifi, computers and a printer mean that learners are able to conduct research for school projects, write CVs for job applications, apply for universities and colleges, and practice their computer skills, an important skill for our modern age. Learners who make use of the classroom or take part in our Sports Development programme are given a nutritious meal or snack everyday. Bright young minds need healthy nourishment to run, play and learn.
Florilegium definition: The word Florilegium comes from the Latin word for flower, flos, and the Latin word legere which means to gather, and so the word quite literally means a gathering of flowers, such as a bouquet. A Florilegium refers to a collection of botanically accurate paintings of plants, done by botanical illustrators from life.
All profits from the Gallery go towards the community and conservation projects run by Grootbos Foundation. Thank you for visiting the gallery!Â
Click on this link to view the "Untold Story of the Grootbos Florilegium"