Kirstenbosch is a name that resonates around the world as the home of a uniquely rich flora in a setting of unsurpassed beauty.
Brian Huntley’s beautifully illustrated book tells the story of its establishment, its setbacks and triumphs, its benefactors and heroes. It outlines the Garden’s scientific eminence – as the repository of knowledge on our prized flora – and details the many attractions that make it a favourite destination.
Emeritus Professor Brian J. Huntley is a conservationist with decades of field research and management experience in Africa and beyond – do ask him about his Angola years – and way beyond.
He has led major inter-disciplinary co-operative research and has visited over 50 countries as an invited speaker and reviewer of conservation activities.
Following his retirement as CEO of National Botanical Institute (now SANBI) he is now an independent consultant to several UN agencies on conservation projects in Africa and around the world.
You might like to know that Brian’s ancestors came to South Africa in the 1850’s and established the first nurseryman’s and seedman’s business in Pietermaritzburg.
His great-great grandfather was the first person to introduce trees to the Gold Diggings of the Transvaal, sending ox-wagon loads northwards from Pietermaritzburg.
Brian and a group of like-minded individuals created “Trees for Africa”, a programme which continues to promote the greening of the sprawling townships of the Witwatersrand. Brian’s conservation roots run deep.
With finely crafted text and lavishly illustrated with photographs and artworks that tell the history and reflect the beauty of the Garden, this book is to have and to hold. It is instant Africana. It is treasurable.
Why not join our garden tour this springtime and see for yourself?
Acknowledgment GorryBowes Taylor