Although her grandparents were subsistence farmers in rural Zimbabwe and her mother is a small-scale vegetable farmer, lawyer Nzwi Dyirakumunda didn't expect to develop green fingers. That changed in 2018 when she decided she wanted to start growing artichokes. It was the lockdown in 2020 that confirmed her decision to grow flowers instead. This decision stemmed from a journey to find healing for herself, bring joy to others, and nurture her son, who has cognitive impairments and developmental delays.

Akanaka Blooms took root in 2021 in Meyerton, in the south of Joburg. It's a rustic micro-farm where you’ll find a selection of seasonal flowers, in particular dahlias, ranunculus, sunflowers, and anemones.

You can pick some of these dahlias and other blooms on Sat mornings in season (Oct – end Apr) at Pick Your Own Flowers events (usually R350 p.p. but it depends on the event). You are encouraged to bring your own bucket and sheers to partake (they are also available at an extra cost). As of Sat, Feb 17, 2024, a picnic space to relax after picking will be available, allowing you to take in all that nature has to offer. And if you don’t want to get your hands too dirty, there are mixed flower buckets available for floral arrangement enthusiasts.  Dyirakumunda also supplies wholesale flowers to florists and event planners, weekend markets, and artisanal grocery stores.

Akanaka Blooms has been a personal journey for Dyirakumunda and her son but it has also become a safe space for you to go on your own floral adventures. We love the concept.