With a Master's degree in Plant Science, Andy de Wet owns and operates three companies that are redefining how indigenous plants are cultivated, sold, and improved upon in the country. These enterprises include CND Nursery in Johannesburg, The Aloe Farm in Hartbeespoort which will host the Agapanthus Festival (October 26 to November 10, 2024), and De Wet Plant Breeders.
Andy de Wet on the right with his
Award-winning Agapanthus BLACKJACK
Cultivating plants scientifically
Andy believes in the power of science to enhance plant cultivation. "We cultivate plants scientifically," he emphasizes, highlighting their focus on research-based practices.
The two nurseries he operates not only cater to the general public but also provide important resources for landscapers. According to Andy, it's essential that "prices remain accessible so landscapers can also earn a profit." This understanding of the industry's economic dynamics is important for maintaining long-term relationships with their partners.
The Aloe Farm, located in the iconic Hartebeespoort area, is a stunning destination for visitors. The extensive gardens showcase a variety of unique plants, with a particular focus on aloes that thrive during the winter months. "Our gardens offer a visually attractive destination, and serve as an educational platform for those interested in South Africa's rich plant diversity," Andy explains.
Breeding for resilience
Andy's third venture, De Wet Plant Breeders, is dedicated to the breeding and improvement of heat and drought-resistant indigenous plants with partner Quinton Bean. "South Africa boasts an impressive variety of indigenous flora, which can be utilized more effectively," he notes. He explains that in the past, "these plants were sent overseas for breeding and improvement. We would make selections and then charge royalties for our own plants when they were imported back. Now, we do it locally, which is much more cost-effective."
The company works with 27 different plant genera, continually enhancing their selections. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed; De Wet Plant Breeders has received multiple international awards for their innovative plant species. An important aspect of their business model is maintaining intellectual property rights on the plants. "We export tissue culture plantlets to nurseries worldwide, allowing them to propagate and multiply our plants while we receive royalties in return," Andy explains.
Andy de Wet and Quinton Bean from De Wet Plant Breeders
A global network
In South Africa, Andy collaborates with big nursery groups such as Cape Garden Centre, Malanseuns, and Sweet Valley in Natal, all of which grow and sell their flowers to the public. Beyond local partnerships, they have representatives across several countries, including France, Holland, Spain, the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. Their international reach is facilitated by partnerships with prominent distributors like Thompson & Morgan in England, where their innovations gain recognition.
Andy's breeding practices utilize traditional cross-pollination methods. "My first aloe selection was made 51 years ago," he recalls with pride. Their most recent achievement was winning the Best New Plant award at the international Chelsea Flower Show in England for their Agapanthus Blackjack, a significant milestone for Andy and his breeding company.
Chelsea International Flower Show: Award-winning Agapanthus FIREWORKS(3rd-2018) on the left and Agapanthus BLACKJACK(1st-2023) on the right; bred by De Wet Plant Breeders
Expanding horizons
The potential for their agapanthus improvements extends into the cut flower industry. De Wet Plant Breeders collaborates with nurseries in Ethiopia and Kenya, supplying them with test and evaluation materials to assess the adaptability and growth of their flowers in those regions. "If successful, these nurseries receive tissue culture material for mass propagation," Andy explains, where they get distributed to Europe from there.
The climate in the Magaliesberg region, where The Aloe Farm is situated, is particularly favorable for cultivation. "We enjoy warm temperatures without frost damage in spring or winter," Andy adds, which allows for optimal growth conditions, facilitating the flourishing of various plants.
Upcoming events and innovations
Exciting times lie ahead for Andy and his team, with the Agapanthus Festival starting this weekend and running for two weeks. "The festival will feature the industry's first pink agapanthus, available for purchase in February," he shares. "In England, these flowers are already available through Thompson & Morgan." The festival not only celebrates their floral innovations but also creates a platform for consumers to engage with these remarkable plants.
Photo on the right shows Andy with his pink BLUSH agapanthus
Meanwhile, the Cape Garden Centre has recently opened a new facility in George, expanding the reach of Andy's flowers further across South Africa.
Daily discoveries
For Andy, the journey in plant breeding and cultivation is one of constant discovery. "Every day feels like opening a lucky packet," he exclaims. "We learn and see at least one new thing every day from our flowers. They hold new secrets waiting to be uncovered!" Andy believes that South Africa's rich botanical heritage needs to be celebrated and preserved for generations to come. "South Africa really has a unique floral diversity which is special to our country!"
For more information:
The Aloe Farm
thealoefarm.co.za
www.facebook.com/@thealoefarm