The Gold Award is one of the few ways in which our Association can truly say thank you to those who have dedicated years of service to advancing our industry and ensuring that our association continues to stand for excellence.
A SANA Honouree Member for over four decades, he trained in KZN where he began his journey as a young horticulturist with a deep passion for gardening. Early in his career he moved into the retail environment in Pretoria where, true to his pioneering nature, he looked at what was being done and believed it could be done differently. In the mid-1980s and early 1990s he helped redefine garden centre retailing in South Africa, establishing one of the first garden centre groups in the country. Beginning in Pretoria and expanding into Johannesburg, he set a standard for professional garden retailing that continues to influence the industry today. His flagship garden centre from that era in Parktown North remains one of the most successful garden centres in Gauteng.
At a time when television broadcasting in South Africa was still relatively young, he became the country’s first true gardening media personality. Through the 1980s he was one of the most recognisable faces on television and off as a celebrity, earning the affectionate title of “Mr Gardening”. His influence extended further through the many books he authored, several of which have been reissued over the years and remain valued reference works for novice gardeners, experienced horticulturists and students alike.
In 1985, recognising the need to support young horticulturists entering the profession, he worked alongside respected garden centre owner Tom Arnold to establish the Tom Arnold Bursary Fund. He became one of the founding trustees and continues to serve in that role today. Over the past forty years the fund has supported countless horticulture students, created opportunities and strengthened the future of our industry.
His passion for plants has also seen him play a role in introducing new plant varieties to South Africa through international breeding programmes and close relationships with growers around the world. His influence in horticulture has therefore extended well beyond retail and into the very plants that enrich our gardens today.
During the 1990s he organised horticultural tours to the United Kingdom, including visits to the Chelsea Flower Show. These tours exposed an entire generation of South African horticulturists to global standards of excellence and played an important role in broadening the horizons of our industry. He was also instrumental in supporting the
South African presence at Chelsea, helping to facilitate fundraising initiatives and creating opportunities for young horticulturists to gain invaluable international experience.
His collaboration with renowned landscape designer Raymond Hudson further elevated the profile of horticulture in South Africa. Together they worked on a number of significant landscape projects in Africa and on wine estates in the Western Cape they helped to establish a culture of world class garden design that continues to influence the industry today.
His commitment to our Association has been equally remarkable. He served as President from 1982-1984 and again from 1992-1994, demonstrating an extraordinary willingness to step forward when leadership was needed. In 1990 he received the SANA Gold Medal Award in recognition of his contributions.
That did not stop his involvement. In 1995 he used his influence and international connections to bring the 1996 International Garden Centre Association congress to South Africa for the first time. Hosting such an event in a newly democratic country was a bold and visionary undertaking. The success of that congress and the financial surplus it generated, helped create a strong foundation for the Association and ultimately made it possible for us to acquire our home for the years that followed at Knoppieslaagte.
For decades he has been a mentor, role model and trusted voice within our industry. His willingness to share his knowledge, offer guidance and support those entering the profession has touched countless lives.
The 2026 SANA Gold Award recognises the achievements of an extraordinary individual who has devoted a lifetime to the advancement of horticulture and the green industry. It recognises not a single achievement, but a body of work that has elevated the professionalism of our Association and strengthened its reputation both nationally and internationally.
- The youngest President in SANA’s History
- The first two term SANA President
- And the first double Gold Award recipient
For his leadership, his vision and his lifelong dedication to horticulture and SANA. We are proud to honour the remarkable legacy of Keith Kirsten.