A glut of major events in Durban this weekend saw organisers of the July scrambling for every protea they could lay their hands on.
In the end supplies of the national flower were found overseas.
July planners almost missed out after the International Olympic Committee wiped out Durban's stocks ahead of its 123rd plenary meeting, which starts tomorrow.
Restaurateur Andrew Druiper, who catered seven functions at the July, said proteas were finally sourced from overseas.
The third big event of the week takes place on Thursday when former Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock celebrates her marriage to Prince Albert of Monaco with a party for friends at the swanky Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga.