Adderley Street Flower Market
I happened, one gorgeous summer’s Cape Town evening, upon the Adderley Street Flower Market.
I’d never thought to pop over to Adderley Street for flowers – let alone at 10 pm on a Saturday night!
The market was going like a boeing, and lush with fresh, fragrant blooms.
Upon further investigation, I discovered that said market is quite a notable piece of old Cape Town heritage. Many of these flower sellers families have been in this trade for generations.
I just love that!
This explains the rich, buzzy traditional Cape Town feel that the gathering exudes. The flower sellers know how to throw their words around, in order to get their clientele buying. Their witty sarcasm and cheekiness is delightful! …in that beloved and characteristic “jou ma se…” kind of way. Pretty Priceless!
Here’s an interesting bit on our Adderley Street’s history:
“Adderley Street was formerly known as Heerengracht, after a canal that ran the length of the road. In days gone by the homes of many of Cape Town’s forefathers lined Heerengracht, where oak trees provided shade to those who strolled along its pavements. When Adderley became Cape Town’s main street in the mid-19th Century, the oaks were felled and the canal was covered. In 1908 wooden blocks were used to pave Adderley Street in an effort to dampen the noise caused by horses, wagons and carts.” ( from capetown.travel – see here for their article. )
A beautiful Indigenous bouquet was arranged for me in super snappy time.
My pretty Pincushions
- Flowers bought here are both fresh and inexpensive – famously so.
I chatted to one of the charming local stall holders – and she said that the flower market is open ALL night on a Saturday. She would be manning this stand until 3pm the next day! I cant seem to ascertain whether this is just for the Christmas season? – I cannot find any information that confirms the exact opening and closing times of the market either.
- How VERY Cape Town.
- The Adderley Street Flower Market seems to be open from 7am – 8pm on weekdays.
- At this stage – Saturday’s seem to be open all night.
- You can find it in its original spot – between Standard Bank and Golden Acre Mall, at the very top of Adderley Street, close to the Company Gardens.
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