Just outside the town of Worcester in the Western Cape, a small flower farm is finding its footing in South Africa's floriculture landscape. This is where Lisa and Dries Swart are cultivating their dream. As the founders of FourEight Flowers, the couple is breathing new life into an often overlooked bloom: the carnations, known affectionately in South Africa as "angeliere."
For Lisa, flower farming has always been a dream of hers. "I always wanted my own cut flower garden. I've loved flowers my whole life and the thought of walking outside to pick fresh blooms for our home, rather than buying them from the store, was a vision I couldn't let go of." Inspired by the beauty and resilience of carnations, Lisa and Dries began to explore the possibilities. "We fell in love with carnations. It's such a beautiful flower, and it lasts so long. "Carnations have a reputation for being old-fashioned," Lisa says. "You'll still spot them at weddings now and then, but you won't find a bunch in your average Western Cape flower shop or supermarket, and that's something we'd love to change."
© FourEight Flowers
Where it all started! Dries plowing the flower field for the first time.
Choosing a bloom with character
Carnations have quietly endured in bouquets for decades. With their delicate petals and rose-like appearance, these blooms offer longevity and elegance, qualities Lisa and Dries both admire.
The couple made the conscious decision to specialize in these long-lasting flowers and partnered with Ball Straathof and Selecta where they get their cuttings from. Dries explains that they buy the plants and grow them for around two and a half years, going through multiple picks, before taking them out again and starting with fresh cuttings.
FourEight Flowers isn't only focused on reviving the classic, age-old carnation. Lisa and Dries are especially excited about a new variety currently being bred by Selecta: Carnation Dianthus Barbatus. Visually reminiscent of the familiar Sweet William, this variety features vibrant, patterned blooms and a distinctive green base, earning it the local nickname "kiwi" for its resemblance to the fruit.
They've already started growing this variety on the farm, and the results have been promising. Not only is the "kiwi" visually striking and incredibly long-lasting in a vase, with new blooms continuing to open over time, but it also has shorter life cycles between harvests compared to traditional carnations, making it a smart and sustainable choice for their growing operation.
© FourEight Flowers
Their new Carnation Dianthus Barbatus variety from Selecta
From YouTube to the tunnels: Learning on the go
FourEight Flowers is located on the du Plessis commercial fruit farm, which forms the basis for their farming knowledge. Since flowers are not part of the history of the farm, it meant diving in headfirst. Much of their early learning came from YouTube videos, trial and error, and the generous advice of other farmers.
"Everything had to be figured out from scratch," Dries admits. "There were no fancy consultants in the beginning, just us, the plants, and a lot of learning."
Initially, the Swarts planted their crops outdoors, facing the intense Worcester summers head-on. However, extreme heat soon forced a pivot to greenhouse growing.
"We built tunnels to protect the plants from the harsh sun," he explains. "When it's too hot, the plants just stop producing flowers. That was one of the first big challenges. And temperature control inside the tunnels is the next one." The greenhouse tunnels also provide shelter against the extreme cold winters, where frost damage is prevalent.
Getting into the market was another challenge that the couple is steadily navigating. "It's not easy," Lisa admits. "Marketing your flowers can be tough when you're small in South Africa. However, we've taken it one step at a time, placing our trust in the process and our faith. From the beginning, we've believed that doors would open when the time was right, and that's exactly what's happened."
© FourEight Flowers
Construction of their tunnels to protect the flowers from the harsh seasons
A community of support
Fortunately, FourEight Flowers didn't have to grow in isolation. Industry partners like Oak Valley, BergFlora, and other local players have played an important role in their journey. Lisa speaks warmly of the guidance they've received.
"The people we've met, like at Oak Valley, have been invaluable with practical tips and guidance. At the same time, BergFlora played a key role in connecting us with the right people in the industry, which made a big difference. We're really grateful for the support and knowledge shared by both."
FourEight Flowers is currently in the early stages of partnering with Oak Valley to get their carnation stems into the local market. "We're hoping the next two months will bring some exciting developments."
© FourEight Flowers
The visible, distinctive green "kiwi" base of the Carnation Dianthus Barbatus variety
From blooms to bouquets: The daily grind
Day-to-day work entails being hands-on. Ranging from preparing the soil, pruning, or training stems to grow straight using innovative steel flower mesh, everything is done with care.
© FourEight Flowers
Carnations in the new harvest cycle are getting ready to be picked
As they continue to find their rhythm as growers, Lisa and Dries have also begun early conversations with key players in the industry about exporting their flowers to markets in Asia, including places like Dubai. They are exploring how their blooms might fit into broader distribution networks, aiming to expand their reach beyond the local market.
For more information:
FourEight Flowers
Lisa Swart
+27 79 781 0449
www.instagram.com/foureight_flowers
