Rose show tested by winds

Herald Reporter

IT was definitely not all sunshine and roses at this year's Addo Rose and Garden Show as bad weather kept many away from the popular annual show.

Now in its 30th year, the show's main exhibition in Addo's Valentine Hall was themed along rock band Queen's It's a Kind of Magic.

But despite Saturday's strong wind, there were still those die-hards who trekked to the show.

Reneé Verson of Lovemore Heights in Port Elizabeth vowed to return next year.

"It just touches your heart. I think this is the centrepiece [of the show]," she said at the tent filled with roses.

"This was my second time coming and I absolutely love it. It is a fantasy world and I am definitely coming back next year." Natti Simmons, of Central, agreed. "I come every year but this year I think it was better [than previously]. I especially love how the flowers are designed. I am definitely coming back again."

The show offers something for everyone – from activities for children to plants for those with green fingers. Then, there are the dozens of food, clothing, furniture and art stalls.

Painter Kall Meyer of East London said this was his last show.

"I have been coming here for the past 30 years but I think this will be my last because South Africans do not know what a frame costs, that is the problem," he said.

"I dropped my prices by 60% for the show but still business is not good."

Furniture maker Leo Moyo of Central said while business was not bad this year, it was better last year. It was his second time at the show.

Another painter, Reuel Bosch from Jeffreys Bay said: "There is definitely a lot of interest. I think they appreciate me more than the paintings. If I take the name out, the painting will be worthless. It is all about me. I think I might come back again."

Magnetic Storm event organiser Loryn van Eck said they were "happy with how everything went".

"It was exceptionally busy with a lot of people rolling in, but unfortunately we cannot control the weather," she said.

"This is a very friendly environment with a country feel – there are no stiff necks here.

"A lot of work went into organising the event and the Sundays River Women's Institute designed and put up the displays."

Van Eck said they would start marketing the show early next year so that they would attract a bigger crowd.