Bernard Mentoor , uncle Bernard as we all call him, and Richard Williams are synonymous with the Chrysanthemum flowers in Pniël. Their names are mentioned in one breath as Uncle Bernard , father-in-law to Richard are both passionate about the flowers , their growth and their home nurseries. Uncle Bernard, already a grandpa and 84 is very young at heart and speak fondly of his flowers , with a contagious smile, that stretches from ear to ear.
Richard is very excited about the growth in members as well – 3 new members joined up in 2023. Dwarsrivier tourism is managed by Visit Stellenbosch tourism body and funding were made available via Pniël Heritage Trust for hands-on workshops at Pniël Congregational church Tea Garden grounds that attracted quite a few new and familiar faces to the sessions. Two of the new recruits are enjoying their first exhibition on Saturday and we wish them well. All these growing and nurturing happens after or before their day jobs start or ends – pure passion and seeing the smile on their faces after nine months of tender love and care, is priceless.
Uncle Bernard has started his love affair with Chrysanthemums at the tender age of 23 years old and today at age 84 he has mastered the art of their growth, the seasons and a champion bloom can be spotted a mile away. I visited him yesterday as he started setting up for the show on 4th May 2024 in Pniël Congregational Church Hall. Each bloom was masterfully cut and measured with precision with a tape pasted to the wall in his working area. I watched him as he carefully snips away on leaves and a stem to secure a Intermediate pink bloom into the bottle. Each bloom is put into a recycled green glass bottle and carefully packed into black plastic crates that assists with keeping them steady and perfect whilst being transported to the hall.
The National Chrysanthemum Society of South Africa is celebrating their 21st Anniversary this year.
come and support them as the exhibitors as well as boosting the local economy by buying food and crafts from the local stalls in the hall.