A NEW garden inspired by the South African Veld is capturing the attention of Eden Project visitors this summer.

The latest addition to Eden’s 30-acre outdoor garden is being planted with many of the trees, shrubs and flowers which define the beauty and diversity of the country’s landscapes.

Ready to burst into bloom are pink and white proteas, a signature plant in South Africa, summer-flowering watsonias, spiralling aloes, and striking red-hot pokers in red and yellow hues.

The planting is being led by Florence Mansbridge, specialist horticulturist with the outdoor team, who travelled to the Veld a year ago on a study visit funded by the Royal Horticultural Society and Cornwall Garden Society.

Florence said: ’It was amazing to see these plants in their natural habitats and get a feel for the richness of the landscapes.  South Africa is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with almost 20,000 different plant species. 

’We are creating a vibrant exhibit that celebrates the beauty and diversity of its flora.

’We are also drawing attention to the fact that there are many species that are under threat.  Nearly a quarter of South African flora is considered either threatened with extinction or is of conservation concern.  We aim to show people how they can help and inspire them with stories about the plants and their visitors.’

Among the special plants being grown are Protea and Leucadendron from seed collected by Robbie Blackhall-Miles and his partner Ben Ram, who are based in North Wales and are carrying out conservation work in the Western Cape.

Another eye-catching plant is Watsonia pillansii, distinguished by its bright orange summer flowers with elongated narrow tubes which are visited by nectar-feeding birds such as sunbirds.

Meanwhile the architectural Aloe polyphylla is usually found growing in a perfect spiral in the high Maluti Mountains of Lesotho. Visitors are often surprised to find out that this aloe is hardy down to -15C as long as it has good drainage.

The garden complements the existing South Africa area in Eden’s Mediterranean Biome, a long-established favourite with visitors.

Florence said: ’There is some overlap with the plants but we wanted to show what we can grow outside in mild, temperate Cornwall.’

The new garden is on a south-east facing slope high above the base of the former clay quarry, and is part of what Eden calls the Wild Edge.

Florence said: ’We are having wonderful feedback from visitors about the planting.  In the past many had headed straight for the covered Biomes.  Now they are discovering the beauty and diversity of our outdoor gardens as they wander around and down the paths.’