CELEBRATE the first Garden Day with the rest of South Africa on Sunday, 9 October.
“South Africans of all stripes are joined by their common love of gardens. Patio potters, veggie farmers, dahlia aces, guerilla gardeners, mink and manure dames and green-fingered folk in general are all invited to enjoy their private heaven,” said Constance Stuurman, one of the top gardeners involved in the creation of Garden Day.
Garden Day is intended to knit the community closer together and to appreciate one of life’s simplest but most profound pleasures. “You can enjoy this day in your own back yard, at your neighbour’s urban farm, or even on a balcony with geraniums, overlooking the city. It doesn’t really matter what size your garden is. What’s important is to appreciate your very own version of a planted paradise and share it with friends and neighbours,” said Constance.
“Most of the year we plant, water, weed and mulch and this is a day where we can reap the rewards of all labour. Toss down that spade, invite family and friends around, kick back and appreciate the varied reasons why making a garden is so worthwhile,” she said.
Besides the pleasure of smelling the roses, science is proving that gardening has distinct health benefits. According to various studies, gardening lowers blood pressure and increases brain activity. It combats stress and anxiety more effectively than any other kind of leisure activity and also alleviates angst and depression. “For older folk it lowers the risk of dementia, stroke and heart attack,” said Constance.
In the lead-up to Garden Day, get connected to a library of gardening information, suggestions and direct access to gardening experts by downloading the free app, Gardening with Bablyonstoren, on your mobile phone.
For other ways in which to celebrate South Africa’s first ever Garden Day, visit www.gardenday.co.za or send an email to info@gardenday.co.za.
