Join GardenDaySA and celebrate National Garden Day on Sunday.
Gardens in every shape, form and size have the potential to bring people together, which is why industrial engineer, now turned floral designer, and Heidelberg resident Corli Leonard is calling on all plant people to put on a flower crown and join the Garden Day movement by hosting a party in their gardens or green spaces on October 20 for this year’s Garden Day.
Anything (and everything) goes, from a lavish lunch on the lawn to platters on the patio with pot plants or tea for two under favourite trees.
“Garden Day is a celebration for garden enthusiasts and plant lovers. It is perfect for those who enjoy inviting others into their gardens and green spaces, as well as for anyone who loves entertaining and spending time with family and friends,” says Leonard.
“Gardening has a calming effect on people. It grows patience and encourages us to observe each time one plants something. It feels like a pronouncement of faith in the future.
“Gardens connect us to the natural world and inspire us to care for the ground and the lives that grow from it.”
Leonard, also known as Veldmeisie, was an industrial engineer who now turned floral designer. Nature had been a constant source of inspiration for Leonard. Growing up on a farm, she felt at home with life in tune with the rhythms of the landscape. For Leonard, Garden Day is about gratitude and allowing oneself time to enjoy the garden and being outdoors. She is celebrating with close friends.
“We are making floral crowns with different plants, fruits, flowers, and vegetables. A reminder to use what we have around us,” Leonard said.
Garden gatherings could be anything from a sumptuous lunch or garden tea party to a picnic – or relaxing, feet up, under the favourite garden tree. Most importantly, wear a flower crown!
GardenDaySA encourages anyone who loves gardening to share their celebrations by sending pictures to GardenDaySA on social media or via WhatsApp to 0742881487.
10 ways to celebrate on Garden Day:
1. Invite the neighbours for a garden picnic party.
2. Have tea under a tree.
3. Convert your garden into an open-air cinema – set up a projector and a screen against a blank wall or a white sheet.
4. Eat lunch in the veggie garden.
5. Throw a tea party with your besties.
6. Serve cake at your closest community garden.
7. Braai on the lawn.
8. Share platters on the patio.
9. Party with your house plants.
10. Host the Garden Day Olympics. Turn your garden into a playful arena for a day of friendly competition and outdoor fun with the children.
