AGRI-PULSE – VRYBURG - What started as a love of gardening in her childhood has now developed into a growing flower and vegetable business on Kameel outside Vryburg. For Elandri de Klerk, founder of El de Fleur, the inspiration began early in her life with her grandmother, Bettie Odendaal, who lived with their family for a time. She remembers how her grandmother’s love of gardening, flowers and nature made a lasting impression on her. “It was during long walks in the garden that my love of flowers and gardening began to develop,” says de Klerk. “My grandmother always shared her wisdom calmly and sincerely.”
After her school career in Vryburg, she studied Microbiology and Botany at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (PUK). According to her, the study of plants and natural processes further deepened her appreciation for creation. She later also completed her PGCE and entered the teaching profession. De Klerk currently serves as a full-time Physical Science teacher at Stella High School, while also running her flower business and being a mother of two sons. In 2018, she moved to Kameel after getting married.
Four years ago, she started planting dahlias, after which her interest in floriculture expanded further. In December 2025, the family erected tunnels for the production of organic vegetables and flowers. According to de Klerk, the first season’s harvest exceeded her expectations. “We sold out all our flowers in our first season,” she says. She describes the support from the community as particularly meaningful. The name El de Fleur is derived from the first letters of her first and last name, Elandri de Klerk. The word “Fleur” refers to a blooming or flourishing state. Although she admits that balancing her roles as a mother, teacher and entrepreneur is challenging, she focuses on achieving small goals daily to gradually expand her business.
De Klerk also encourages others interested in taking up tunnel growing to start simply and learn through experience. According to her, flowers such as zinnias, dahlias and cosmos are suitable for beginners, while anemone and ranunculus are good winter choices. She believes the biggest lesson she has learned is that people should not limit their dreams. “If you believe in yourself and are willing to work hard, incredible things can happen,” she says.
