This month, we speak to some of Bloem’s greatest gardeners about their expertise, passion, and what makes their green thumbs thrive.
From seed to sanctuary, Risna Opperman has turned her lifelong love for plants into Urth – a flourishing Bloemfontein space rooted in patience, passion, and purpose.
What inspired you to start gardening, and what keeps your passion for it alive today?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve been intrigued by plants. The magic of seeing a seed sprout, new leaves unfurl, or flowers bloom – and the way colours shift with the seasons – still amazes me every day. That sense of renewal keeps my passion alive.
What’s your top tip for Bloemfontein gardeners looking to grow healthy, thriving plants – whether indoors, in a garden, or even in small spaces?
Talk to them! (I always joke about that.) But truly, the best advice is to plant what suits your environment – which makes success far easier.
If you want to choose something exotic, be prepared to give it extra care and attention.
If you could only grow one plant for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Fruit trees – I’m enthralled by them. I have a special affinity for pomegranates and olives, both for their beauty and the nourishment they give. And of course roses – I adore them.
How do you involve family, friends, or the community in your gardening projects?
My husband is my “water genie” – he grumbles a little but ensures every plant gets the right amount of water. My daughters love flowers and enjoy sharing this love by giving fresh bunches as gifts. My eldest has just started her own garden and proudly harvested her first tomatoes.
We are always in the process of building Urth’s gardens. We began with grassland and planted every tree, shrub, and flower ourselves. The rocky soil has been a challenge, but it’s rewarding to see what thrives – and we love when the community shares their photos taken in our garden.
What’s been harder to grow – the plants or the business?
They’re very alike. Gardening has seasons, just like business. Both need nurturing, attention, and focus to establish. You must adapt to changes – whether it’s customer tastes or seasonal shifts. And both remind you to stay humble, because you can’t control everything, but you can shape and nurture growth.
How do you use your platform to educate or inspire others, especially women?
I love seeing female businesses thrive. I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors, and I love paying that forward. Over the years I’ve formally mentored several small business owners, and today I continue mentoring informally. I freely share my journey – mistakes included – so perhaps another woman’s path can be smoother. Most importantly, I’ve built friendships with strong women, and we inspire each other.
What plant do you secretly relate to on tough days? And why?
The pomegranate – tough on the outside, yet inside it holds hundreds of vibrant seeds. It reminds me that even on hard days, hidden richness and resilience are waiting to be shared.
Text and photograph: Gypseenia Lion
