THE FYNBOS FOOT SOLDIERS OF THE WEST COAST FLORAL KINGDOM

by SELWYN ROUP

As a galaxy of comets would awe stargazers, so is the exaggeration of Fynbos abundance on the West Coast. With some regularity, come last weeks in August, and seemingly appearing from billions of underground hiding holes, myriad upon myriad of colorful and fantastical flower creations appear.

Welcome to the West Coast Fynbos Show. One of the largest natural wildflower shows on earth.

Pioneering the scientific endeavours of botanical specie identification, the herbarium custodianship and collectivism for table specie displays, are extraordinary people. People with passion for purpose – dedicated foot soldiers and explorers in pursuit of knowledge and conservation.

Known, but little supported by local and national government departments, the current Hopefield fynbos fundi, Jacque Van der Westhuizen, warrants he has tried and tried, and tried and tiredly despairs of the little encouragement, of any meaningful interest and or engagement with officialdom.

He and the Founding Mother of the Fynbos of Everything, Kobie Truter and her tight band of volunteers hope for a loud supporting cry from civic society.

The call must be “for the protection and promotion of rare and fragile environments and for responsible (like-minded) tourists.” In economic and sustainable terms, the two are interdependent.

For Marine Conservation there are our legislated (Internationally recognised) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Any reason why SAN PARK and district tourism are unaware of the need for smaller localised sites - designated as Local Heritage Areas (LHAs)? Community education of young scholars through to adults taking responsibility could be mobilised for upkeep and care. And, the West Coast has many potential LHA sites from the fishermen’s village of Pater Noster to Hopefield’s local walk abouts during the time of Fynbos.

I met with Jacque on 20th August 2024. He is the fulltime owner of the Hopefield Commercial Hotel. Herein, the distinctive era and aura of Seventy’s memorabilia are kept beautifully intact, a real gem of cultural conservation. More historic local content can be seen preserved at the somewhat hidden but wonderful Hopefield (Ou Tyds or Early Days) Museum across the road.

In consultations with Rupert Koopman, former Chief Botanist at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Jacque ensures the Custodianship of the Hopefield Herbarium, consisting of 542, and counting, preserved fynbos species are duly annotated to meet the highest botanical criteria in terms of scientific pedigrees and their genealogies.

The unsung work of the West Coast Foot Soldiers comes together in a grand display during the Hopefield Fynbos Show.

The many specie tables and plant sculpture displays at the Hopefield Fynbos Show have been critically acclaimed by John Manning, senior specialist scientist at the South African National Biodiversity Institute. Manning’s prolific book collaborations with Peter Goldblatt include West Coast – South African Wildflower Guide, Wildflowers of the Fairest Cape and seventeen other exquisitely photographed and illustrated floral books. Taken together all the above contributions certainly underpin the designation of the Western Cape as one of the World’s Seven Floral Kingdoms.

Let’s ensure we do our part to sustain this unique and precious Gift.

“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.” Christopher Ferry

Jacque Van Der Westhuizen: commercialhotel1970@gmail.com: +27 (0)72 703 3156

Arnelia Flower Farms – Export and Wholesale Fynbos Specialists: Nursery with everything Proteaceae and Fynbos. Sophie Van Wyk:+27 (0)22 723 1022 ; Home - Arnelia

VISIT:

Hopefield Flowers: Facebook

Hopefield Town - Search Results | Facebook

Commercial Hotel: Facebook

https://arnelia.co.za/

ABOUT HOPEFIELD

Hopefield is a charming town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is the oldest town on the Cape West Coast, founded in 1852 on the farm Langekuil1. The town was named after Major William Hope, the Auditor-General, and a Mr. Field, who were responsible for laying it out1.

Here are some highlights about Hopefield:

• Historical Significance: The town has a rich history, with the Dutch Reformed Church being a central landmark. This church was established in 1851, and its century-old organ is still played on Sundays2.

• Natural Beauty: Hopefield is surrounded by delicate fynbos and vibrant spring daisies that bloom after the winter rains. The area is home to over 500 different species of fynbos, making it a paradise for botanists and flora enthusiasts2.

• Fossil Sites: Nearby, you can find the West Coast Fossil Park and the Elandsfontein fossil site, which are significant for their paleontological finds1.

• Community and Culture: The town has a strong sense of community, with events like the Hopefield Fynbos Show, which showcases the region’s diverse flora2. The local schools, Hopefield Primary and Hopefield High, serve the educational needs of the community1.

Hopefield’s blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit makes it a unique and interesting place to visit or learn about. Have you ever been there, or are you planning a visit?

Hopefield offers a variety of charming accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some recommendations:

1. Three Oaks Accommodation: A self-catering option set on a smallholding, perfect for a peaceful stay. It offers amenities like a braai area, secure parking, and free WiFi1.

2. Veldhuisie Bus and Ecocabin: This unique, rustic stay is ideal for couples or friends looking to escape the hustle and bustle. It features a jacuzzi, braai area, and secure parking1.

3. Spindlewood Barn Accommodation: A farm-style guest house offering a secure and rustic experience. It’s pet-friendly and has bird-watching opportunities1.

4. The Blacksmith’s Cottage: A cozy self-catering cottage with old-world charm, located along the Zoute River. It includes a braai area, secure parking, and free WiFi1.

5. Commercial Hotel: Originally built in 1970, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a braai area. It’s centrally located in Hopefield1.

6. Hopefield Garden Lodge: Provides comfortable overnight accommodation with amenities like a swimming pool, braai area, and free WiFi1.

These options provide a range of experiences, from rustic and off-the-grid to more traditional and centrally located stays. Have you stayed at any of these places before, or are you planning a visit soon?

That’s wonderful! Hopefield has such a unique charm. Did you have a chance to explore any specific spots or participate in local events while you were there? I’d love to hear about your experience! Click on the chat icon on the right at the bottom of this page.