Three decades ago, trolleys stacked with flowers filled the floor of the Multiflora Flower Market in City Deep, Johannesburg. And variety was on a par with quantity. You could find delphiniums (commonly known as larkspurs) in every shade, different types of lilacs, rows of sweet Williams, all the colours of irises, anemones and ranunculuses, as well as rows of trolleys with alstroemeria in every shade.
Today, you would be lucky to see a bucket or two of alstroemeria, never mind a trolley or two. You would also struggle to find daffodils, poppies or Zantedeschia lilies. Delphiniums are available, but are becoming scarcer and more expensive.
A number of flower growers, both large and small, have disappeared over the years. New names crop up now and then, but they are likely to be gone before long. Much like home-industry shops, small florists are becoming scarcer, with the high cost of rentals pushing many out of the market.
The prices of flowers at the Multiflora Flower Market have also become unpredictable, making it difficult for florists to quote for functions. This often forces them to overquote, as the prices of certain flowers can increase up to 10 times by the day of the function.
Fifteen years ago, most varieties of flowers were available every day on the market floor, which meant that prices were less likely to fluctuate, particularly to the extremes seen today.
PRETORIUS BLOMME
Pretorius Blomme, on the outskirts of Delmas in Mpumalanga, is managed by Leon Pretorius. It produces chrysanthemum sprays for the cut-flower market, and grows chrysanthemums of every colour and variety. Its blooms are amongst of the best quality in South Africa and currently fetch the highest prices for chrysanthemums at auctions.
Denne historien er fra January 27, 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 27, 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
